How to Get Instant License in Sharjah 2025
Starting a business in the UAE requires a legal trade license. Usually, this process takes several working days — sometimes even weeks. But Sharjah has changed that. The city now offers an easy way for investors to begin their business journey in just one day.
Investors can get their business license in 24 hours with the Sharjah Instant Business License. There’s no paperwork hassle and no long waiting times. For entrepreneurs planning to start a business setup with instant license Sharjah, this is a great opportunity to begin faster and easier than ever before.
This instant business license has been introduced by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). It allows entrepreneurs to open their businesses without needing a Memorandum of Association (MoA) or a signed office lease during the first year. This is great for small businesses, freelancers, and new startups, because it makes setting up a business really easy and saves money.
With Sharjah’s new same day business license UAE, you can set up your company, start trading, and begin operations in a single day — all legally and officially.
Here we have a complete process breakdown of how to get instant license in Sharjah.
Rising Business Economy of Sharjah
In the last few years, Sharjah has become one of the UAE’s fastest-growing business hubs. Because of the improvements made to the city’s ports, airports, and free zones, the city is now a hub for trade, logistics services, and import and export activities. Improvements made to the city’s infrastructure and services prompted an increase in the number of market-starting businesses. To meet increasing demand, the same-day business license initiative was introduced. This program allowed investors to set up businesses quickly and legally.
This initiative has given business owners in the city a lot more secure business opportunities. Also, it has improved Sharjah’s critical position as a connector between Dubai and the markets of the northern emirates. Recently, investors have gained access to the GCC markets during peak business hours, essentially opening a new market to them and increasing their profitability.
Introduction to the Sharjah Instant Business License?
The Sharjah Instant Business License now has quicker approval times. For most businesses that don’t require extra permits from other authorities, eligible applicants can submit documents electronically via the SEDD online portal and get their same day business license UAE.
Things that make this Sharjah Department of Economic Development license unique:
- It is given in one day, even for activities given in the business plan.
- The first year requires no MoA or signed office lease.
- It helps with professional, commercial, and office–based activities.
More clearance is still needed in the health, food, and education sectors. But for all other general commercial activities, this same day business license UAE will be a great help for business owners for quick company formation Sharjah.
The Importance of the Sharjah Startup License in 2025
Most of the businesses running in Sharjah form key components of the UAE economy, and nearly 9% of the UAE’s total GDP is attributable to business activities in Sharjah. This is largely because of the manufacturing, trading, and services within the economy.
The Sharjah Department of Economic Development license has simplified processes for new entrepreneurs as a fast-tracked component to the processing of business permits. The Sharjah Economic Development Department optimized the business license process to enhance profitability and reduce business startup costs.
Here are some updated UAE business statistics to show the rising trend:
- Over 700,000 active business licenses were registered across the UAE in 2024 (UAE Ministry of Economy).
- 25% growth in new business licenses in Sharjah compared to 2023.
- 60% of new startups in the UAE now choose Sharjah because of its affordable costs and location.
- It also has the fastest approval rate among the northern emirates.
Sharjah’s location between Dubai and the northern emirates gives it unmatched logistics advantages — helping investors reach both the UAE and GCC trade zones easily. Business setup with instant license Sharjah is the smartest move to make.
Goals Behind the Instant License Program
The Instant License was created to help investors, entrepreneurs, and the local economy. It aids certain short-term business advancements and long-term core national objectives. The following explains how:
- Speed up pleasing prospective investors:
We want prospective business owners to quickly convert their interests to start operations immediately to avoid losing business momentum or to keep competitors from moving to other emirates.
- Assist small firms and start-ups:
Removing bureaucracy activates small business owners to enter the market freely, easing the transition.
- Increase employment and local trade:
Each new business established comes with a demand for new workers and new office space, creating a need for office space and new logistical services, all of which amplify the local economy.
- Promote the use of technology:
The one day Sharjah Department of Economic Development license acquisition process is Sharjah’s prophecy of technology, used for more efficient and faster government services.
Overall, the initiative upholds the Vision 2031 of the UAE, which aims to diversify the economy, increase foreign investors, and enhance the SME sector.
Main Sharjah Startup Instant License Advantages
- Most efficient business opening in the UAE: Your business will be legally registered in one day, the fastest in the entire region.
- Lower Costs: No need for a memorandum of association during the first year, which effectively lowers initial costs.
- Online Setup: The license application and all the paperwork can be done through the SEDD Portal. So not going to the office is a plus point.
- Banking and Visa Support: Acquire a bank account through an instant license.
- Flexibility to Grow: It’s simple to scale up or change what you’re doing on the SEDD platform.
Key Considerations on Logistics
While the instant license approval is quick, don’t forget that processes such as opening a bank account, registering a customs code, stamping a visa, and so on take a few days.
Expert note: Keep all the documents prepared beforehand to speed up the process. It will help you with post-license issuance and visa applications.
Sharjah Instant License Requirements Breakdown 2025
There are some specific requirements for how to get instant license in Sharjah. The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) has clearly defined what an applicant must submit for the instant business license. Since this is a one-day license, all documents need to be complete and correct to prevent any possible delay from happening.
Basic Requirements:
The Instant Sharjah License requirements are:
- Passport Copy: of all shareholders and managers.
- Residence Visa or Entry Permit: For Non-UAE nationals.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): is required if the applicant is working within the UAE.
- Trade Name Approval: The name needs to be registered and approved by SEDD.
- Business Activity Selection: Pick one that doesn’t need external approval.
- Payment of Fees: All charges must be paid online during the application.
Optional (Depending on Case):
- UAE National Service Agent Agreement (for foreign investors).
- Emirates ID and contact details.
- Preliminary lease contract (if you already have an office).
You can upload everything to the SEDD portal, and the system automatically verifies everything. As soon as everything is verified, you will get your Instant Sharjah Department of Economic Development license certificate sent to you digitally.
Cost of Sharjah instant license 2025
The cost of Sharjah instant license varies depending on the business activity and the number of partners involved. That being said, here is an approximate cost breakdown for 2025, according to SEDD and updates from local consultants:
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Trade Name Reservation | Register your company name with SEDD | 620 – 720 |
| Initial Approval Fees | Application review and approval | 250 – 350 |
| License Issuance | Main cost for instant license | 2,500 – 3,500 |
| Commercial Registration | Record of company details in the registry | 500 – 800 |
| Admin/Service Fees | Digital services & government portal fees | 150 – 200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | (Approx. for 1-year license) | 3,900 – 5,500 AED |
Tip: The cost of Sharjah instant license can go up to AED 6,000–7,000 if you hire PRO services or add more business activities.
The instant license is one of the cheapest options in the Emirates since traditional setups in the UAE cost AED 10,000–15,000.
Step-by-Step Process to Get an Instant License
To get the Sharjah Instant Business License, just follow the right steps to keep the procedure fast and easy. Here’s how the whole thing works.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
- Decide what type of business you want to start: commercial, service, or professional.
- Look up the SEDD activity list to see if your chosen activity is eligible for the instant license.
Step 2: Reserve Your Trade Name
- Go online to submit three different names for the company.
- SEDD will choose one that follows the naming rules (no names that are religious, political, or trademarked).
Step 3: Apply instant license Sharjah online
- Go to the SEDD official website and make an account.
- You will need to upload all the documents (passport, visa, NOC, etc.), select your trade name, and choose your business activity.
Step 4: Pay the License Fees
- The total cost will appear in the system.
- You can pay it over the internet with a debit or credit card or an eDirham.
Step 5: Get Your License
- Once you pay the fee, you will instantly receive your Instant License Certificate.
- It will arrive in your email, and you can also get it from your account dashboard whenever you want.
Great job! Now you can run your business legally in Sharjah.
Business Activities Allowed Under Instant License
Some industries can’t get instant approval.
These are the main business activities allowed for instant licensing in Sharjah:
- General trading
- Consultancy services
- IT and tech services
- Marketing and advertising
- Ecommerce and online retail
- Import and export
- Business management
- Accounting and tax consultancy
- Cleaning services (office-based)
- Project management.
For activities in the health, food, construction, and education sectors, you may need additional permits from the relevant ministries or local authorities.
Types of Business Ownership in Sharjah
Investors can choose from different ownership models when applying for the UAE instant business license.
| Ownership Type | Description | Eligibility |
| Sole Proprietorship | 100% owned by one person | Open to UAE and GCC nationals |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Shared ownership between partners | Locals and foreigners |
| Civil Company | For professionals offering services | Consultants, engineers, lawyers |
| Partnership | Two or more partners under shared control | UAE nationals only |
| Branch Office | For existing foreign or local companies | Corporate extension |
That is why the LLC structure is the best for international investors because it provides complete business flexibility and revenue retention, and repatriation.
Timeframe and Validity
- Approval Time: Within 1 day
- License Validity: 1 year, can be renewed online
- Renewal Time: 15-30 minutes via SEDD portal
- Renewal Cost: Around 2000-3000 AED per year
This is perfect for investors who wish to begin a quick company formation Sharjah without waiting for weeks to get the approval.
Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Sharjah
Starting a business in Sharjah is one of the most economical options in the UAE.
Here’s why.
- Great Place: Right between Dubai and trade zones in the North.
- Lower Rent: 30-40% lower than Dubai and Abu Dhabi!
- Strong Industry: 19+ industrial estates and 2 free zones.
- Great Taxes: 0% on personal income, and keep all your profit.
- Skilled Workforce: Graduates from AUS, Skyline, etc.
Offering strong economic value, Sharjah is an excellent fit for SMEs, traders, and professionals seeking a solid and affordable operating temp.
Major Pitfalls Every Investor Should Avoid
- Choosing the inappropriate business activity: Kindly ensure to choose the business activity that can be instantly approved without hurdles.
- Missing Documents: Have all scanned copies ready to avoid missing documents.
- Trade Name Errors: Restricted and trademarked names will only delay your approval.
- Not Getting Professional Help: Mistakes on your application will delay your empire, and Business setup consultants in Dubai won’t allow that to happen.
According to SEDD’s 2025 report, Sharjah Startup License Statistics (2024-2025):
- 2024: 14,000 new instant licenses issued, a 37% increase from 2023.
- 60% of new licenses issued were for service-based businesses.
These numbers show how Sharjah is quickly becoming one of the UAE’s top destinations for new business formation.
Why Choose the “PRO services in dubai” Team for Guidance
Setting up a business in Dubai can be confusing if you’re new to UAE procedures. Professionals at our PRO services in dubai help you in every step — all the way from getting the documents ready to getting the license.
PRO services Dubai helps with:
- Free consultations with estimates provided for the proposed business setup in Dubai.
- Helping you choose an appropriate trade name.
- Preparing documents of all legal formalities, along with dealing with the PRO.
- Helping with getting visas, setting up office facilities, and opening a corporate bank account.
- Assisting in license renewals and extensions after they are issued.
Working with PRO services Dubai helps you fix and get rid of time wasting, making sure you get ready to start your business as best as possible.
FAQs – Sharjah Instant Business Setup
Q1: What is the Sharjah Instant Business License?
It’s a fast-track trade license by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). It lets you start your business within one working day — no long paperwork or waiting.
Q2: Who can apply for the instant license in Sharjah?
Lots of jobs and businesses that don’t require special permissions can get this.
Q3: What will the price be for the Sharjah Startup License in 2025?
It remains one of the cheapest options for starting a new business in the UAE. Overall, it costs approx. 5,000 to 12,000 AED, depending on business activities, business partners, and service fees. (cost depending on activities and partners)
Q4: What process do I need to follow to get the instant license in Sharjah?
After selecting your business activity, reserving your trading name, uploading your documents, paying the fees, and retrieving the license, you can complete the process in 24 hours through the SEDD e-services portal.
Q5: What do I need for an instant license?
For the UAE instant business license, you need to provide copies of passports and Emirates IDs for residents, a trade name reservation, the activity you selected from the SEDD list, and a receipt of online payment.
Q6: Will I need to have office space to get an instant license?
No. You don’t need office space for the first year. This helps new business owners and freelancers a lot since it really cuts down the costs.
Q7: Why do investors prefer Sharjah for business setup in Dubai?
Investors prefer Sharjah because it is inexpensive, approvals for business setup in Dubai are quick, new infrastructure is readily available, and it offers access to the UAE and the GCC. This is an ideal option for quick company formation Sharjah, and saves money.
Conclusion – Sharjah Business License
For new entrepreneurs, the Sharjah Instant Business License 2025 offers simple, quick, and inexpensive options. This license is great for freelancers, small business owners, and foreign investors because you can legally start your business in just one working day! Sharjah’s strong economic and infrastructure growth, along with low business costs, make it one of the most appealing places for new businesses in the UAE.
To get your business up and running in no time, reach out to the PRO Services Dubai team. The Business setup consultants in dubai help you get your license so you can concentrate on your business, not the paperwork.
Apply instant license Sharjah online, get your UAE instant business license, and get on the journey of business setup with instant license Sharjah.
