Start Your Business in Sharjah Mainland – 100% Foreign Ownership & Simple Licensing

With access to 3,000+ permitted activities and a lower cost than Dubai, Sharjah Mainland offers a practical launchpad for global entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Looking to register your company in Sharjah Mainland?

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Why Sharjah Mainland Is a Smart Business Destination

Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the UAE, is home to 66,000+ active businesses and a dynamic mix of industries—healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, tourism, education, and logistics.

The emirate is governed by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and offers businesses access to over 3,000 activities, with full foreign ownership available in most sectors.

Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Healthy City, Sharjah combines infrastructure, affordability, and open economic policies, making it ideal for startups, family-owned enterprises, and global investors.

Key Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland

100% Foreign Ownership

You no longer need a local sponsor for most activities. Retain full control of your company.

No Mandatory Audits

Small and mid-sized businesses are exempt from statutory audit requirements.

No Currency Restrictions

Conduct business in any currency—no exchange controls or barriers to repatriating profits.

Flexible Visa Options

Visa quotas scale based on your office space—not limited to package restrictions.

Tax Exemptions

Sharjah offers personal income tax exemption and up to USD 100,000 in corporate tax relief for SMEs.

Lower Setup & Renewal Costs

Compared to Dubai, Sharjah’s licensing, office rental, and renewal costs are more affordable.

No Profit Repatriation Restrictions

Full repatriation of profits and capital is allowed without limitations.

Operate Across the UAE

Unlike Free Zone entities, Sharjah Mainland businesses can operate anywhere in the UAE or internationally.

Want to compare Sharjah Mainland with Dubai or Free Zones?

Ready to safeguard your privacy and stay compliant?

Step-by-Step Business Setup Process in Sharjah Mainland

Estimated Timeline: 3–6 weeks

Choose Your Business Activity

Select from 3,000+ approved activities as per SEDD guidelines.
Decide Legal Structure

Options include LLC, sole proprietorship, branch, or public shareholding. LLCs are most common.
Assign a Local Service Agent (if applicable)

Only required for certain strategic sectors (e.g., defense, media).
Reserve Trade Name

We handle trade name approval and issue a reservation certificate.
Obtain Initial Approval

Submit preliminary documents to SEDD for official permission to proceed.
Draft & Notarize the MoA

We help you draft your Memorandum of Association and get it notarized at Sharjah Courts.
Lease Office Space

Select and lease approved office space; lease must be attested by Sharjah Municipality.
Submit Documents for Licensing

We compile and submit all paperwork for license issuance.
Pay Licensing Fee

Fees vary depending on activity type, license category, and visa quotas.
Secure External Approvals (if needed)

We manage approvals from MoH, Municipality, or Civil Defense, if applicable.
Receive Your Trade License

You’re ready to legally operate across the UAE and beyond.

Step-by-Step Business Setup Process in Sharjah Mainland

Estimated Time: 3–6 Weeks

Choose Your Business Activity

Select from 3,000+ approved activities as per SEDD guidelines.
Decide Legal Structure

Options include LLC, sole proprietorship, branch, or public shareholding. LLCs are most common.
Assign a Local Service Agent (if applicable)

Only required for certain strategic sectors (e.g., defense, media).
Reserve Trade Name

We handle trade name approval and issue a reservation certificate.
Obtain Initial Approval

Submit preliminary documents to SEDD for official permission to proceed.
Draft & Notarize the MoA

We help you draft your Memorandum of Association and get it notarized at Sharjah Courts.
Lease Office Space

Select and lease approved office space; lease must be attested by Sharjah Municipality.
Submit Documents for Licensing

We compile and submit all paperwork for license issuance.
Pay Licensing Fee

Fees vary depending on activity type, license category, and visa quotas.
Secure External Approvals (if needed)

We manage approvals from MoH, Municipality, or Civil Defense, if applicable.
Receive Your Trade License

You’re ready to legally operate across the UAE and beyond.

Documents Required for Sharjah Mainland Business Setup

Passport Copy

Valid for all shareholders and managers

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Notarized at Sharjah Court

Initial Approval Certificate

Issued by SEDD prior to license application

Trade Name Certificate

Reserved and approved by SEDD

NOC from Current Sponsor

If investor holds another UAE visa

Emirates ID (if applicable)

Required for UAE residents

Visa Page (if applicable)

For UAE resident investors or directors

Tenancy Contract (Ejari)

Must be attested by Sharjah Municipality

We’ll guide you through compiling all required documents and submit them on your behalf.

Start Your Business in Sharjah Mainland – 100% Foreign Ownership & Simple Licensing

Get a response within 60 sec!

Why Sharjah Mainland Is a Smart Business Destination

Key Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland

100% Foreign Ownership

No Mandatory Audits

No Currency Restrictions

Flexible Visa Options

Tax Exemptions

Lower Setup & Renewal Costs

No Profit Repatriation Restrictions

Operate Across the UAE

Want to compare Sharjah Mainland with Dubai or Free Zones?

Step-by-Step Business Setup Process in Sharjah Mainland

Choose Your Business Activity

Decide Legal Structure

Assign a Local Service Agent (if applicable)

Reserve Trade Name

Obtain Initial Approval

Draft & Notarize the MoA

Lease Office Space

Submit Documents for Licensing

Pay Licensing Fee

Secure External Approvals (if needed)

Receive Your Trade License

Step-by-Step Business Setup Process in Sharjah Mainland

Choose Your Business Activity

Decide Legal Structure

Assign a Local Service Agent (if applicable)

Reserve Trade Name

Obtain Initial Approval

Draft & Notarize the MoA

Lease Office Space

Submit Documents for Licensing

Pay Licensing Fee

Secure External Approvals (if needed)

Receive Your Trade License

Documents Required for Sharjah Mainland Business Setup

Passport Copy

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Initial Approval Certificate

Trade Name Certificate

NOC from Current Sponsor

Emirates ID (if applicable)

Visa Page (if applicable)

Tenancy Contract (Ejari)

Why Choose Ofin Global for Your Sharjah Mainland Setup?

25+ years of practical experience with Indian and international clients

Transparent pricing—no last-minute surprises or hidden app

End-to-end support: activity selection, documents, license, office, and visas

India–UAE taxation clarity and advisory (unique to Ofin Global)

Ongoing support for accounting, VAT, and compliance after setup

Bilingual team fluent in handling government procedures and coordination

Thinking of starting in Sharjah Mainland but not sure if it's the right fit?

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