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Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland
Looking to establish your business in one of the UAE’s fastest-growing emirates? Business setup in Sharjah offers compelling advantages that smart entrepreneurs can’t ignore. With costs starting from AED 13,000, 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, and access to the entire UAE market, Sharjah mainland company formation delivers incredible value without compromising on opportunity.
Sharjah is the UAE’s third-largest emirate but often the UAE’s best-kept business secret. While Dubai gets the headlines, Sharjah quietly processes thousands of new business licenses annually at costs 30-40% lower than its neighbor. You get the same market access, the same regulatory benefits, and the same business infrastructure at a fraction of Dubai’s premium pricing.
Whether you’re a consultant, trader, manufacturer, or service provider, company registration in Sharjah gives you a legitimate UAE presence with the flexibility to operate anywhere in the country. Incorpyfy covers everything you need for successful mainland company formation in Sharjah, from choosing your license type to opening your corporate bank account.
Understanding Sharjah Mainland vs Free Zone
Mainland Company Benefits
Mainland companies operate under SEDD jurisdiction with licenses allowing business throughout the UAE. You can trade with local customers, open retail outlets, bid on government projects, and establish offices anywhere in the country. You’re not restricted to a specific free zone or limited in customer reach.
The tradeoff: slightly higher costs than free zones and more regulatory compliance. But for businesses targeting UAE consumers or needing operational flexibility, mainland is the only realistic choice.
When to Choose Sharjah Free Zone
Sharjah free zone company setup works when your business is export-oriented, serves international markets, needs minimal physical presence, or wants maximum tax benefits. Free zones offer 100% tax exemptions and lower setup costs (starting AED 10,000-15,000).
The restriction: free zone companies can’t trade directly with mainland UAE. If your customers are primarily outside UAE or you’re doing B2B international business, free zones make sense. If you need local market access, go to the mainland.
Making the Right Choice
Ask yourself: Where will my revenue come from? If 70%+ comes from UAE local customers, choose the mainland. If 70%+ is international or B2B with other companies, consider free zones. Most consultants, local service providers, retailers, and trading companies focused on the UAE market need mainland licenses.
Types of Business Licenses in Sharjah
Commercial License
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Used for trading activities such as import, export, and selling goods. Costs usually range from AED 15,000 to AED 20,000, depending on your activities and office space.
Professional License
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Best for service-oriented businesses like consulting, marketing, engineering, or healthcare. These licenses often cost less since they do not require warehouses or storage.
Industrial License
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Required for manufacturing and production activities. These businesses need industrial facilities and additional approvals from relevant authorities.
Business Setup Cost Sharjah Breakdown
Initial Setup Investment
Government fees: AED 10,000-15,000 (license, registration, approvals) Office lease: AED 12,000-30,000 annually Legal documentation: AED 2,000-4,000 (MOA, notary, attestation) Visa costs: AED 3,000-5,000 per visa Bank account: AED 5,000-25,000 minimum deposit Business setup services: AED 3,000-8,000 (consultancy, PRO, processing)
Total first-year cost: AED 35,000-60,000 for most businesses
Ongoing Annual Expenses
License renewal: AED 10,000-15,000 annually Office rent: AED 12,000-30,000 annually Visa renewals: AED 3,000-5,000 per visa every 2-3 years Accounting services Sharjah UAE: AED 6,000-18,000 annually PRO services: AED 5,000-12,000 annually Audit & assurance services UAE: AED 8,000-20,000 annually (if required)
Compare this to Dubai mainland where similar setups cost AED 50,000-80,000 first year and AED 35,000-55,000 annually. Sharjah delivers 30-40% cost savings while offering identical market access.
Step-by-Step Company Registration in Sharjah
Step 1: Define Your Business Activities
List every commercial activity you plan to undertake. Choose up to 10 activities that align with your business model. Be comprehensive but realistic. Your activities determine license type, approvals needed, and operational scope.
Common mistake: listing too few activities and needing expensive amendments later. Think through what you might do in the next 2-3 years.
Timeline: 1-2 days Cost: Free consultation with business setup consultants in Sharjah
Step 2: Choose Your Legal Structure
Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most popular structure. Allows 2-50 shareholders with limited liability. Each shareholder’s risk is limited to their capital contribution. Perfect for partnerships and businesses with multiple investors.
Sole Proprietorship (LSA Company): For single-owner businesses. Requires appointing a Local Service Agent (LSA) if you’re not a UAE or GCC national. The LSA has no ownership stake, just facilitates government interactions. Best for consultants and professional service providers.
Branch Office: If you already operate internationally, register a branch of your existing company. Simpler structure for established businesses expanding into the UAE.
Timeline: 1-day decision. Cost: Consultation included
Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name
Submit three name options to SEDD. Names must be unique, appropriate (no offensive terms), not conflict with trademarks, not contain religious references inappropriately, and include a legal structure suffix (LLC, FZE, etc.).
SEDD’s AI system now processes name approvals in minutes for standard applications. You’ll get confirmation the same day in most cases.
Timeline: Same day to 2 days Cost: AED 210-600
Step 4: Obtain Initial Approvals
Submit your application to SEDD with your chosen activities, legal structure, and shareholder details. Depending on your business, you may need additional approvals: the Ministry of Finance and Industry for manufacturing, the Ministry of Health for healthcare activities, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority for aviation services, and the Central Bank for financial activities.
Business setup consultants in Sharjah handle these approvals efficiently since they process them regularly and know exactly what each authority requires.
Timeline: 3-7 days for standard approvals. Cost: Included in service fees
Step 5: Secure Office Space
Mainland companies need physical offices in Sharjah. You can’t use virtual offices or P.O. boxes. Options include serviced offices (AED 12,000-20,000/year), small offices (AED 15,000-30,000/year), or commercial spaces (AED 25,000-60,000/year), depending on location and size.
Your office lease must be notarized by a public notary. The lease agreement becomes part of your license documentation. Your visa quota often depends on office size, so plan for growth.
Timeline: 2-5 days to secure and notarize. Cost: Based on the space selected
Step 6: Prepare Legal Documentation
Draft and notarize your Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlining shareholders, capital, activities, and governance. Get the lease agreement notarized. If required for your structure, finalize the LSA agreement.
Required documents include passport copies of all shareholders (valid 6+ months), passport photos, current UAE visa or entry stamp, proof of address, business plan (for certain activities), and shareholder agreements.
Timeline: 3-5 days Cost: Notary fees AED 1,000-2,000
Step 7: Submit License Application and Pay Fees
Compile all documents and submit them to SEDD with license fees. The department reviews for completeness and compliance. Standard applications with all proper documentation process quickly thanks to Sharjah’s streamlined systems.
Government fees range from AED 10,000 to 15,000, depending on activities and legal structure. Total costs, including office, documentation, and services, run AED 13,000-25,000 for most businesses.
Timeline: 5-10 days for license issuance. Cost: Government fees AED 10,000-15,000, total package AED 13,000-25,000
Step 8: Open Corporate Bank Account
With a license in hand, apply to banks for your corporate account. Banks in Sharjah and nearby Dubai offer accounts to mainland companies. You’ll need comprehensive business plans, proof of business activity, source of funds documentation, and company formation documents.
Apply to 2-3 banks simultaneously. Commercial banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq) often process faster than international banks. Having established PRO services, Sharjah business setup consultants help significantly with banking introductions.
Timeline: 2-6 weeks Cost: Minimum deposit AED 5,000-25,000
Step 9: Visa Processing Sharjah
Apply for an establishment card linking your company to immigration. Process investor visa for yourself, then employee visas for staff. Each visa needs a medical fitness test (AED 300-500), an Emirates ID application (AED 370), and visa stamping (AED 2,000-3,000).
Your visa quota depends on office size and business activity. Most mainland setups qualify for 2-5 initial visas, expandable as you grow.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks Cost: AED 3,000-5,000 per visa
Total realistic timeline: 6-10 weeks from start to full operation.
Why Choose Incorpyfy for Business Setup in Sharjah
Local Expertise That Delivers
We’ve completed 300+ Sharjah mainland company formations across trading, consulting, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our team knows SEDD procedures intimately, maintains relationships with key departments, and navigates the process efficiently.
When you work with Incorpyfy, you’re getting consultants who process Sharjah setups weekly, not occasionally. We know what works, what delays applications, and how to structure your business optimally.
Transparent All-Inclusive Packages
Our Sharjah packages show every cost upfront: government fees, office solutions, visa processing, PRO services, and consultancy: no hidden charges, no surprise fees mid-process. You know your total investment before starting.
Starter Package: AED 13,900 (Single professional license, small office, one visa, basic PRO) Business Package: AED 19,900 (Commercial license, standard office, two visas, full PRO, banking support) Enterprise Package: AED 29,900+ (Multiple activities, premium office, 5+ visas, complete support)
End-to-End Support
We don’t disappear after license issuance. Our support continues through bank account opening, visa processing, office setup, and first-year compliance. You get a dedicated consultant managing everything while keeping you informed.
Our services include complete documentation preparation, SEDD liaison and approvals, office space sourcing and lease negotiation, legal documentation and notarization, establishment card and immigration setup, visa processing for investors and employees, bank account opening support, and ongoing PRO and compliance services.
Fast-Track Processing
Standard timeline: 6-8 weeks from engagement to fully operational with license, visas, and bank account. We leverage our SEDD relationships and systematic processes to minimize delays.
For urgent setups, we offer fast-track services, completing licenses in 7-10 days (subject to document readiness and approvals).
Start Your Sharjah Mainland Company Today
Free Consultation with Sharjah Specialists
Discuss your business with our Sharjah experts. We’ll evaluate your requirements, recommend optimal structures, provide accurate cost estimates, and outline realistic timelines: no sales pressure, just professional guidance from consultants who complete Sharjah setups weekly.
Get Your Custom Quote in 24 Hours
Tell us your industry, activities, visa needs, and budget. We’ll provide detailed pricing comparing different approaches with complete cost breakdowns. You’ll know exactly what to expect before making any commitments.
Why Wait?
Sharjah mainland company formation offers the best value proposition in the UAE business setup. Lower costs than Dubai, full market access, 100% ownership, and streamlined processes make it the smart choice for entrepreneurs who prioritize substance over flash.
Business setup simplified, Sharjah style. Let’s launch your UAE company with expert support, transparent pricing, and proven processes.
Start your company formation in Sharjah, UAE, today and access the entire UAE market at costs that make sense for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum capital for a Sharjah mainland company?
No minimum capital requirement for most business activities. You can start with AED 1,000 share capital. Some activities, like money exchange or financial services, have specific capital requirements set by regulators.
Do I need a local sponsor for business setup in Sharjah?
Not for LLCs in most sectors. Since June 2021, foreign investors have owned 100% of over 1,000 activities. Sole proprietorships need a Local Service Agent (LSA) who facilitates but doesn’t own shares. Only restricted sectors require local partners.
Can I sponsor my family with a Sharjah business visa?
Yes. Investor visas allow you to sponsor spouse, children, and parents if you meet minimum income requirements (typically AED 10,000-15,000 monthly shown in financial statements) and have adequate accommodation.
How long does company registration in Sharjah take?
License issuance: 7-14 days with complete documentation. Add 2-3 weeks for visa processing and 3-6 weeks for banking. Total realistic timeline: 6-10 weeks, fully operational.
Can my Sharjah company operate in Dubai?
Absolutely. Mainland Sharjah companies can operate anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all other emirates. You can open offices, serve customers, and conduct business throughout the country without restrictions.
What documents do I need for business setup in Sharjah?
Passport copies (valid 6+ months), passport photos, current visa/entry stamp, proof of address, business plan (certain activities), shareholders’ documents, MOA and lease agreement (notarized), and initial approval certificates from SEDD.
Is an audit mandatory for Sharjah mainland companies?
Depends on revenue and activities. Generally required for companies with annual revenue above AED 3 million or engaged in specific regulated activities. Even when not mandatory, banks often require audited statements for account maintenance.
Can I convert a free zone company to the Sharjah mainland?
Not through direct conversion. You must cancel the free zone license and apply for a fresh mainland license, essentially starting over with new costs and a timeline. Only convert if you absolutely need mainland market access.
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