Business setup in Sharjah means licensing a mainland company with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) or registering in one of the emirate's free zones, such as SHAMS, SPC, SAIF Zone or Hamriyah. It suits companies that want to be close to Dubai's market with a wide choice of activities. Wordcraft's Sharjah branch in Al Majaz 2 files the application, prepares the Arabic documents and follows up visas.
Sharjah Mainland vs Sharjah Free Zones
Pick the mainland if you will sell to customers across the UAE, open a shop or bid for local contracts. Pick a free zone if you trade internationally, work online or need warehouse space near a port or the airport.
| Option | Best for | Office options | Trading on the UAE mainland |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEDD mainland | Trading, retail, contracting, restaurants, professional services | Shop, office or warehouse with a registered tenancy contract | Yes, directly across the UAE |
| SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) | Trading, logistics and light industry beside Sharjah Airport | Offices, warehouses, industrial units | Through a distributor, mainland branch or permit |
| Hamriyah Free Zone | Heavy industry, oil and gas services, port-based logistics | Land, warehouses, offices | Through a distributor, mainland branch or permit |
| SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City) | Publishing, e-commerce, trading and general services | Flexi-desks and offices | Through a distributor, mainland branch or permit |
| SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) | Media, creative, consultancy and digital businesses | Flexi-desks and offices | Through a distributor, mainland branch or permit |
| SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park) | Technology, research and innovation companies | Offices and lab space | Through a distributor, mainland branch or permit |
Every option issues residence visas, with the number tied to the premises or package. For zone-level detail, see SHAMS company setup and SPC Free Zone company setup.
How a Sharjah Mainland License Is Issued: 6 Steps
- Activity and legal form. We match your activities to SEDD's list and check whether any needs a separate approval or a local service agent.
- Trade name and initial approval from SEDD.
- Premises. You sign a tenancy contract in Sharjah, which is registered with the competent Sharjah authority.
- MOA. For an LLC, the Memorandum of Association is drafted in Arabic and signed before a notary, at the Sharjah Courts or a Ministry of Justice notary.
- Approvals and license. Outside approvals (municipality, civil defense or a sector regulator) are obtained where needed, and SEDD issues the license.
- Sharjah Chamber and immigration. The company registers with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, then applies for its establishment card and visas.
The order can shift for regulated activities, and we tell you which step needs your signature.
What Sharjah Mainland Companies Can Do
A SEDD-licensed company can invoice customers anywhere in the UAE, take part in public tenders and open branches in other emirates. Most commercial and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership, and professional activities are licensed on the mainland too. Popular licenses in Sharjah include general trading, building materials, auto spare parts, contracting, restaurants, consultancy and e-commerce.
Office Size and the Visa Quota
On the mainland, the floor area of your registered premises generally sets how many employment visas you can request, so a two-person consultancy and a contractor with thirty staff need very different leases. Free zone packages carry a fixed allocation per desk, office or warehouse. We work out the visa number first and then look for premises.
Wordcraft Sharjah, Al Majaz
Our Sharjah branch is at Office 3107, Business Tower, Corniche Street, Al Majaz 2 (call or WhatsApp +971 54 544 0234; Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM). It has 54 Google reviews from Sharjah customers. The Al Majaz team files company formations and renewals with SEDD and the free zones, and the same office provides legal translation in Sharjah by MOJ-certified translators. For MOAs and powers of attorney, we book notary appointments in Sharjah with the Sharjah Courts notary or the federal MOJ notary, so the company file stays with one team.
Documents for a Sharjah Company
- Passport of each shareholder and manager, plus UAE visa and Emirates ID for residents
- Three trade name options and the activity list
- The registered tenancy contract (mainland) or the free zone lease
- A no-objection letter from the current UAE sponsor, where SEDD or the zone asks for it
- For a company shareholder: certificate of incorporation, MOA/AOA and board resolution, attested in the home country and at the UAE embassy, then translated into Arabic
Corporate Tax in Sharjah
Sharjah companies follow the federal rules: 9% corporate tax on taxable profit since June 2023, and 0% on qualifying income only for a free zone company that meets the qualifying conditions. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is mandatory. We refer tax registration and filing to a registered tax agent.
Official sources: the Sharjah Economic Development Department, SAIF Zone, SHAMS and SPC Free Zone. Comparing with other emirates? See mainland business setup or the business setup overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own 100% of a mainland company in Sharjah?
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities. A few activities have conditions or need a local service agent, and we check yours before the name is reserved.
Which Sharjah free zone is best for a small business?
SHAMS and SPC suit consultants, media and e-commerce start-ups that need a flexi-desk. SAIF Zone and Hamriyah suit trading, logistics and industry that need warehouses. The right one depends on your activity and visa count.
Is a Sharjah mainland license or a free zone license better?
Mainland is better if most customers are in the UAE or you need a shop. A free zone is usually simpler for international trade, online business and small teams.
Can a Sharjah company operate in Dubai?
A mainland company can serve clients anywhere in the UAE, but a physical office in Dubai needs a separate branch license there.
Do I need to register with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce?
Yes, a Sharjah mainland company registers with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of licensing. We handle the registration with the license.
Do I have to visit Sharjah during setup?
Usually only to sign before a notary and for the visa medical and biometrics. Documents can be sent on WhatsApp, and originals are collected from you free.
Where is Wordcraft's Sharjah office?
Office 3107, Business Tower, Corniche Street, Al Majaz 2, Sharjah. The same team handles company formation, legal translation and notary bookings.
What decides the cost of a Sharjah trade license?
Mainly the legal form, the number of activities, the premises and the number of visas. Every government charge and our fee are confirmed in writing before we start.
Last updated: September 2026
