Set up a business in the Sharjah Free Zone to take advantage of one of the most cost-effective and straightforward ways to establish a company in the UAE. Whether you’re a startup, freelancer, or established investor, Sharjah offers multiple free zones with benefits like full foreign ownership, zero income tax, and simplified licensing procedures. With its strategic location near ports and airports, Sharjah is quickly becoming a preferred destination for entrepreneurs looking to enter regional and global markets.

Why Choose Sharjah Free Zones for Business Setup?

Setting up a business in a Sharjah Free Zone offers a wide range of strategic advantages that make it one of the most attractive destinations in the UAE for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and growing companies. Sharjah is home to several free zones, each designed to support different industries with tailored licensing options.

Here are the top benefits:

• 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor needed
• Zero corporate or personal income tax
• Full repatriation of profits and capital
• Simplified company formation and visa processes
• Access to global logistics networks via ports and airports

Whether you’re a freelancer, small business, or international investor, these zones provide the flexibility to operate smoothly and scale up when needed.

Which Sharjah Free Zone Is Right for Your Business?

Before registering your company, it’s important to select the most suitable free zone based on your business activity and long-term goals. Explore the key free zones in Sharjah, ideal for business setup:

• SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone): Ideal for logistics, light industry, and import/export businesses
• SHAMS (Sharjah Media City): Popular for media, tech startups, and freelance creatives
• Hamriyah Free Zone: Ideal for large-scale production, shipping, and heavy industrial sectors
• SPC Free Zone: Designed to support publishing, media production, and creative industries

1. Things to consider while choosing:

• Type of business activity (service, trading, industrial)
• Required infrastructure (office space, warehouse, logistics)
• Licensing regulations and permitted categories
• Visa quotas and scalability options

Launch Your Business in Sharjah Free Zone Step-by-Step

If you’re planning a business setup in Sharjah Free Zone, it’s essential to understand the complete process from start to finish. Each step, from selecting your business activity and license type to securing office space, visas, and a bank account, plays a vital role in ensuring a compliant and successful launch. The following guide walks you through every stage of the setup journey in a simple, step-by-step format.

1. Choosing Your Business Activity and License Type
2. Registering Your Company Name and Submitting Documentation
3. Applying for Your Sharjah Free Zone License
4. Setting Up Office Space in Sharjah Free Zone
5. Obtaining Visas for Your Employees and Yourself
6. Opening a Business Bank Account in Sharjah
7. Finalizing Your Business Setup and Starting Operations

Step 1: Choose the Right License Based on Business Activity

Every Sharjah Free Zone requires you to specify your business activity. This is crucial as it determines the type of license you need and the activities you can legally perform.

Common license types include:

• Commercial License: For trading, retail, or general commerce activities
• Industrial License: For manufacturing, production, or assembly operations
• Service License: For consultancy, freelancing, marketing, IT, and similar professional services

Ensure that your chosen activity aligns with the official list provided by the selected free zone.

Step 2: Registering Your Company Name and Submitting Documentation

Once your activity and license type are confirmed, the next step is to name your business and submit the required documents.

Company name guidelines:

• Must be unique and not previously registered
• Should not violate public morals or religion
• Cannot include terms like “bank” or “insurance” unless applicable

Standard documents include:

• Passport copies of shareholders
• Passport-sized photos
• Entry stamp or visa copy
• Proof of residence (like a utility bill)
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) if you’re on an existing UAE visa

Most Sharjah Free Zones allow quick online name checks and document submissions through their official portals.

Step 3: Applying for Your Sharjah Free Zone License

After documentation, you will proceed with the license application. This involves filling out forms and paying the setup fee to the respective authority.

The application process typically includes:

• Selecting a legal structure (e.g., FZE – Free Zone Establishment or FZC – Free Zone Company)
• Completing the license form
• Paying the initial setup fee
• Waiting for license approval (usually 3–7 business days)

Approval times vary depending on the activity, background checks, and completeness of submitted paperwork.

Step 4: Setting Up Office Space in Sharjah Free Zone

Every licensed company needs a registered office space within the free zone. Fortunately, Sharjah offers flexible and cost-effective options:

• Flexi-desks: Shared spaces ideal for startups or freelancers
• Executive offices: Private office setups for businesses needing more space
• Warehouses & industrial units: For manufacturing or storage-based businesses

Your visa quota is often linked to the type of space you lease; more space typically allows for more visas.

Step 5: Obtaining Visas for Your Employees and Yourself

Once your license is active and your office space is assigned, you can apply for UAE residence visas for yourself and your employees.

Visa application process:

• Apply for an establishment card (company immigration file)
• Submit a visa application with the required documents
• Undergo medical tests and Emirates ID registration
• Visa stamping on a passport

Free zones usually allow 1 to 6 visas with a basic setup, and you can upgrade if needed.

Step 6: How to Open a Business Bank Account in Sharjah?

With your license and visa in hand, you can open a corporate bank account. This is essential for daily operations, payroll, and international transactions.

Bank account process:

• Submit license copy, company documents, and shareholder IDs
• Provide a business plan and invoices (if required)
• Meet minimum deposit requirements (varies by bank)

Popular business banks in Sharjah include Emirates NBD, RAKBank, Mashreq, and ADCB.

Step 7: Finalizing Your Business Setup and Starting Operations

After your license, visas, and bank account are in place, you’re officially ready to operate in the Sharjah Free Zone. At this point, you can hire employees, launch marketing campaigns, and start offering your services or products.

To ensure a smooth start:

• Stay compliant with renewal deadlines
• Keep proper accounting records
• Understand local customs and business culture
• Join networking events and business platforms

1. Pro Tips for Sharjah Free Zone Setup

• Avoid selecting the wrong activity; it may restrict your operations later
• Don’t delay license renewals or visa applications to avoid penalties
• Get professional help if you’re unsure about documentation or structuring

Conclusion

If you want a cost-effective and secure entry into the UAE market, setting up your business in a Sharjah Free Zone offers the right balance of ease, flexibility, and growth potential. With streamlined processes, full foreign ownership, and access to regional and global trade routes, Sharjah makes it simple for entrepreneurs to launch and expand with confidence. With its streamlined process, world-class infrastructure, and investor incentives, Sharjah offers everything you need to start and grow successfully.