How to Start a Business in Sharjah Mainland: Benefits & Requirements

Starting a business setup in Sharjah mainland is a good option. This is because Sharjah is one of the foremost business hubs of the UAE. Favorable about costs, tax benefits, and business registration, it is indeed a joy to have Sharjah as a place to expand your business.

Formidable markets, along with good trade connections, have attracted people toward business setup in Sharjah. Moreover, the steps, benefits, and requirements needed to start your business in Sharjah will be discussed in this guide.

Why Choose Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland?

Strategic Location

Sharjah has a convenient vicinity to Dubai with formal openings that allow global business opportunities and good trade relations with many different countries of the world.

Cost Effective

One of the best advantages is the low-cost sharjah business setup. This is because it allows you to start a business without spending a lot of money. Moreover, it supports the growth of small-scale businesses.

100% Business Ownership

Investors enjoy complete 100% ownership of businesses they set up in the Sharjah mainland, which is one big advantage. Additionally, foreign investors can run their companies without having a local sponsor.

Business Growth

Sharjah is witnessing rapid growth in several industries. The real estate, logistics, healthcare, and technology sectors are all expanding. Consequently, this incites business opportunities for all.

Simple registration

New company registration in Sharjah might be fast and simple. Furthermore, the whole process is quick, hassle-free, and can be done in a matter of a few easy steps.

Government rewards

The government of Sharjah offers a range of benefits and incentives in tax and start-up assistance for entrepreneurs. Additionally, these measures encourage and boost their economic viability.

No Limitations on Currency

The process of moving money in and out of this country remains free of obstacles. Consequently, it means an easy flow of international business transactions for investors.

Access to Free Zones

You can still set up your business setup in Sharjah free zone if you like. The free zone grants wonderful tax benefits along with 100% foreign ownership.

Steps for Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland

1. Choose a Business Activity

Before starting, you need to determine the kind of trading the business will focus on. Some options are:

• Trading
• Manufacturing
• Services
• Consulting

2. Decide on a Legal Structure

Some structure for legality will depend on the kind of business that you operate. A few are:

• Sole Proprietorship: Owned by one individual.
• Limited Liability Company: A company owned by two or more partners.
• Branch of a Foreign Company: A foreign company branch office that operates from Sharjah.

3. Register the Trade Name

You need to give your business an exclusive name. The name should also conform to the UAE rules.

4. Get Initial Approval

Before licensing, you need approval from the Sharjah Department of Economic Development.

5. Obtain Your Business License

To commence business, you also require a license. Below are the common types of licenses:

• Commercial License
• Industrial License
• Professional License

6. Rent Office Space

To complete your business setup in Sharjah LLC, you need office space. Additionally, you can get an office in the business center, or you might want to rent your own space.

7. External Approvals

Some businesses will require approval by other authorities; for example:

• Health clinics need approval from the Health Ministry.
• Restaurants need approval from the Food Safety Department.

8. Registering at the Chamber of Commerce

The registration process at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce is obligatory for all businesses. It is a necessary step in the transaction of business on a legal basis. Subsequently, after your approval, you can move on with business operations.

9. Visa Application

You can apply for visas for yourself, for employees, and family members. First get fifty-fifty company approval. Then, you can prepare the documents and things to be done before submitting for the visa, after which you pay fees for its processing.

10. Open a Business Bank Account

A new business setup in Sharjah needs to get a business bank account. So, choose a bank that represents your profile well; get your papers ready and go through the process. Once you get your banking approval, managing your finances becomes easy.

Free Zone vs. Mainland Business Setup in Sharjah

Individuals often raise the question of whether to go for a free zone business setup in Sharjah or the mainland. Here is an elaborate comparison:

• The Mainland of Sharjah: You can conduct business anywhere in the UAE. It gives more opportunity. Moreover, it can also include government projects. Therefore, several businesses usually prefer the mainland for expansion.
• Sharjah Free Zone Business Setup: Businesses set up within free zones only operate inside free zones with several advantages. It offers tax exemption as well as full foreign ownership. However, trading outside the free zone requires special approvals.
• Mainland Business setup in Sharjah: Some businesses require locals to serve as sponsors for the sake of any vis-a-vis legal matters. The free mainland also serves to connect with local and international markets. This allows the owners the chance to grow their businesses with great flexibility.

Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland

Here are some vital benefits:

100% Repatriation of Profits

Repatriation of profits is up to 100 percent. There are no restrictions here. This, thus, eases doing business for international investors.

Sharjah Free Zone Offers the Lowest Setup Costs in the UAE

Establishing a base in Sharjah is less expensive than in other UAE cities. Startups benefit enormously, as the savings can be compared to future development.

Discounted Taxes for New Businesses

In Sharjah, businesses enjoy zero corporate tax. This reduction in expenditure results in healthy profits.

Supporting the Nature of Laws

The laws are advantageous for the investor. This is because they give easy access to the establishment and running of a financial management scheme. Furthermore, it instills confidence among business proponents that every reward is predictable.

Recruitment with Ease

Sharjah provides a good array of labor to cater to different skill levels in the labor market. Therefore, it gives comfort to the employing company in onboarding a professional. What also works great in favor of placing Sharjah on top is the cheap labor costs than other cities.

Documents Required for Company Registration in Sharjah

• Copies of the owners’ passports: Passport copies must be attached for registration. So, this helps in easy identification.
• Details of memorable business activity: This specifies the type of business licenses required. Consequently, this allows the license to be chosen according to the appropriate rules and regulations.
• Office lease: You will have to take an office on rent and submit the rent agreement, which is considered as proof of one business address. Additionally, it will be asked at the time of final approval.
• No objection certificate, if any: This may be necessary for some businesses in the organization. It would eliminate a smooth registration process as well as future legal issues.
• Get SEDD’s Initial Approval: Get the initial approval from the Sharjah Economic Development Department. This is the preliminary step, and consequently, it makes the entire process quick.

Cost of Business Setup in Sharjah

The cost of business setup in Sharjah depends on your business type and license. Cutting costs is largely around keeping an office small and applying for fewer visas. Moreover, Sharjah offers cost-friendly ways for all startups, with government support. With good planning, you can start a business without breaking the bank.

Role of Business Setup Consultants in Dubai

So many companies hire business setup consultants in Dubai. They do document work, get approvals, and cover other legal aspects of a business.

PRO services in Dubai are equally important. This is because these services help with government document paperwork, applying for visas, and licensing.

FAQs

How do I start a business in Sharjah?

Choose a business type, register a name, get approvals, rent an office, and finally, apply for a license. Simple!

What are the advantages of setting up a business in Sharjah?

The benefits include low costs, full ownership, tax benefits, and a vast market. Moreover, all come with a perfect trade position.

What is the cost of starting a business in Sharjah?

Costs will depend on the license type, office space, and visa needs. However, Sharjah has plenty of cost-friendly options for new businesses.

Do foreign nationals have 100% ownership in a Sharjah Mainland business?

Yes! Nowadays, foreigners can have 100% ownership of their business in the Sharjah mainland. However, certain businesses may require some local approvals.

Is it possible to start a low-cost business setup in Sharjah?

Yes, Sharjah is cheap. Free zones, shared offices, and a limited number of employees cut down on costs when setting up a business.

Conclusion

Starting a business setup in Sharjah is one smart decision. There are many advantages associated with such a decision, such as low cost, full ownership, and a high degree of government support. Catch the requirements for the process and go step-by-step, and you will not have any major issues. Furthermore, if you are an entrepreneur, investor, or freelancer, Sharjah is a good option to proliferate your business.

You can also employ consultants of business setup in Dubai and PRO services in Dubai to ease the processes for you. Sharjah is the land of opportunities, and now is the best time to venture into starting a business.