Sharjah Free Zone License Guide 2025: Costs, Benefits, and Step-by-Step Process
The Sharjah Free Zone License is ideal for anyone who wants to venture into the UAE market without breaking the bank. In this guide, we will take you through the process, fees, and the best advantages, step by step. Let’s start now.
What is a Sharjah Free Zone?
A Sharjah Free Zone is a specific region in which companies can establish with minimal rules and charges. Foreign investors obtain 100% ownership through the free zones.
Some of the popular free zones are Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone), Sharjah Media City, and Sharjah Publishing City. Investors mostly prefer Sharjah for its convenient accessibility, good infrastructure, and affordable pricing.
Types of Licenses Sharjah Free Zones Offer
Sharjah Free Zones provide four broad licenses. You have to select the one that suits your activity.
- Trading License: It allows you to import, export, and trade goods. This license is applied in most Sharjah free zone company registrations.
- Professional or Service License: It is for freelancers, consultants, or service companies. It is used for sectors that include IT, marketing, education, and healthcare.
- Industrial License: It is for manufacturing or industrial activities. You can produce, assemble, or pack products in warehouses within the zone.
- Media License: The Sharjah Media City License is ideal for companies in publishing, advertising, content creation, or broadcasting.
All of these types of licenses facilitate Sharjah free zone business setup and are compatible with UAE trade regulations.
Documents Required to Get Sharjah Free Zone License
Obtaining a Sharjah Free Zone License requires paperwork. These documents attest to your identity and business plan.
- A passport copy of every shareholder
- Passport-size photograph on white background
- Suggested company name (3 options)
- List of business activities
- Residence proof (utility bill or tenancy contract)
- Application form
- MOA/AOA (in case of company formation in Sharjah)
- No Objection Certificate (if employed in UAE)
- Resume of Manager or Director
- Bank reference letter (if demanded by the zone)
How to get Sharjah Free Zone license
Beginning your entrepreneurial journey in a Sharjah Free Zone is easier than you imagine. Follow these seven steps and start your journey smoothly.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
Begin by deciding what your business will be. Say, trading, services, or media. Above all, your activity should complement your license type.
Step 2: Select the Correct Free Zone
Then, choose a free zone according to your requirements. For instance, Sharjah Media City is ideal for creatives. But the SAIF Zone is more suitable for logistics.
Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name
Now, select three company name options. Ensure that the names are clean and unique. Also, don’t use religious terms. Then, the free zone will screen and approve one of your options.
Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval
Then, prepare and submit your application for pre-approval. Include basic documents like passport copies and your business plan. Once reviewed, you’ll get approval to move ahead. This step confirms that your business idea is accepted.
Step 5: Lease Office Space
After that, pick an office type that suits your needs. Choose between a shared desk, a flexi-desk, or a full office. Remember, office type affects your visa limits. Also, leasing is required to issue your license.
Step 6: Submit Documents
Now, collect and submit all the needed documents. These are your MOA, application form, and proof of ID. Besides, ensure all documents are signed and notarised. It prevents processing delays.
Step 7: Obtain Your License and Visas
Finally, pay the fees and receive your Sharjah Free Zone License. At the same time, apply for your residency visas. After this, you’re ready to run your business legally and start operations in the UAE.
Free zone license UAE setup takes 3–7 working days if everything is correct.
Sharjah Free Zone Benefits
Here are some benefits of business setup in the Sharjah Free Zone:
1. Sector-Specific Zones, Such as Sharjah Media City
Creative industries get dedicated spaces and tools. For example, Sharjah Media City supports media, design, and content creators. So, businesses grow in the right environment.
2. Easy and Fast Business Setup
Registration of the company is speedy and easy. The majority of setups are completed within one week.
3. No Personal or Corporate Tax
You pay no tax on corporate profits or personal income. Thus, your gains remain with you. Moreover, it increases long-term savings for your company.
4. Full Profit and Capital Repatriation
You can transfer your money anywhere without any limit. Thus, investors have complete freedom of finance in Sharjah.
5. Cheap and Skilled Labour
It is not difficult to find labour, and it is cheap. In addition, processing visas is quick. Therefore, companies can expand their workforce quickly at low payroll costs.
6. Close to Major Ports and Airport
Sharjah Free Zones are near seaports and the airport. Consequently, your imports and exports are quick. And logistics becomes highly efficient.
7. Free Fund Transfers and No Currency Limits
Send money or receive money anywhere around the world without any problems. Also, no limitations on currency conversions apply.
8. Low-Cost Warehouses and Offices
Rent for office and warehouses is significantly lower than in Dubai. There are also lots of flexible choices. Therefore, you pay only for what you require.
These reasons make business setup in Sharjah very attractive.
Sharjah Free Zone License Cost
It’s crucial to know the Sharjah Free Zone license fee before opening your business.
License Fee – From AED 6,875
To begin with, you must pay a license fee. It is the primary expense to register your business legally. For a simple package, the minimum price is AED 6,875.
Office Space or Flexi Desk – AED 5,000 per year
Then, you have to rent an office space, which is part of the setup. The cheapest way is with a Flexi Desk at AED 5,000 per annum.
Visa Quota – AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 per Visa
If you need an employee or owner visa, each visa has its own fee. Usually, it costs 3,500 – 5,000 AED per visa. This fee includes medical tests, Emirates ID, and stamping.
Additional Services – Starts from AED 2,000
A few of the services are optional but helpful, such as opening a bank account, purchasing a company stamp, or employing PRO services. These add-ons begin at AED 2,000.
Annual Renewal Costs
Every year, you will need to renew your license, visa, and office rental. Renewal fees are nearly equivalent to the initial installation. Therefore, it’s nice to have an allowance for annual costs.
When you contrast the Sharjah free zone business setup with the business setup in Dubai, Sharjah is more economical. Thus, Sharjah is usually the best option for startups searching for value.
Cheapest Free Zone License in UAE
Sharjah is also famous for having the cheapest free zone license in the UAE. Particularly when considered against Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
The Sharjah free zone license price is ideal for startups, freelancers, and small enterprises. For comparison shoppers, SAIF Zone and Sharjah Media City are low-cost favourites. Sharjah company formation provides flexibility with low costs.
Get Help From Us
If you want to get a Sharjah Free Zone License, our business setup consultants in Dubai are here to assist you in Company formation in Dubai. Above all, we simplify and speed things up for you. Whether it’s the SAIF Zone or the Sharjah Media City, we have you covered. Let us help you build your dream business together.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to get a Sharjah Free Zone License?
Generally, it is 3 to 7 working days. It all depends on your paperwork, approvals, and payment. So, submit papers properly to prevent delays.
Q2. Can I obtain a visa on a Sharjah Free Zone License?
Yes, you can obtain up to 6 visas. But the number varies based on your office type. Moreover, check visa limits before selecting a package.
Q3. Is Sharjah less expensive than Dubai for business setup?
Yes, Sharjah is cheaper. It has flexible plans and lower setup fees. Plus, it’s the intelligent option for startups and small enterprises.
Q4. Which one is better: SAIF Zone or Sharjah Media City?
It all depends on your enterprise type. SAIF is excellent for trading. Sharjah Media City, on the other hand, offers the best to digital, media, and creative professionals.
Q5. Can I open a bank account after obtaining the license?
Yes, all free zones assist with bank accounts. Obtain your license first. Then, open a UAE business account with a local bank.
Conclusion
Sharjah Free Zone License in 2025 is a great choice for anyone starting a business in the UAE. It’s cost-effective, fast, and offers full ownership.
Whether you’re into trading, consulting, or media, there’s a perfect license for you. Work with business setup experts in Dubai to make the process easier. So why wait? Start your business setup in Sharjah today and join the thousands already succeeding here.
