Sharjah has emerged as one of the most attractive business destinations in the UAE for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and global companies. With its strategic location, strong economy, affordable setup costs, and investor-friendly regulations, Sharjah offers a smooth pathway for company formation.
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As a global law firm, Dewey & LeBoeuf supports entrepreneurs, investors, and business groups in completing company registration in Sharjah with full legal compliance. This guide explains each step in simple and detailed language to help you understand the structure, documents, costs, and approval process before starting your Sharjah business.
Why Choose Sharjah for Business Setup
Sharjah is considered one of the most stable and cost effective business hubs in the Middle East. It offers several advantages for new companies, such as:
- Affordable licensing fees compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Strong infrastructure with ports, airports, and industrial zones
- Multiple free zones that support trading, manufacturing, media, consulting, logistics, IT, and e commerce
- Investor friendly laws and simple regulations
- 100 percent foreign ownership in free zones
- Access to the UAE market and GCC region
- Zero personal income tax and highly competitive corporate tax framework
For startups and international founders, Sharjah provides a business environment that is safe, transparent, and fully regulated.
Types of Business Structures in Sharjah
Before starting your company registration, you must choose the right structure. Sharjah offers three primary options.
1. Mainland Company in Sharjah
A mainland company allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and take government contracts. Sharjah mainland companies are licensed by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
Key features:
- Full access to the UAE market
- Ability to hire unlimited employees depending on office size
- Physical office required
- Ideal for trading, contracting, restaurants, shops, corporate services, and manufacturing
2. Sharjah Free Zone Company
Sharjah has several well known free zones including:
- Sharjah Media City (Shams)
- Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone
- Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
- Hamriyah Free Zone
Features:
- 100 percent foreign ownership
- Zero import and export duties
- Simplified visa packages
- Flexible office options including virtual offices
- Perfect for digital businesses, IT firms, traders, media companies, and SMEs
3. Sharjah Offshore Company
Offshore companies are registered for international business activities and cannot operate inside the UAE. They are ideal for holding assets, international trading, and global tax planning.
Step-by-Step Process of Company Registration in Sharjah
Below is a clear breakdown of how the registration process works. Dewey & LeBoeuf manages each step on behalf of clients to ensure accuracy and full compliance.
1. Choose Your Business Activity
The UAE licensing framework works based on business activity. Sharjah offers more than 1,500 approved activities including:
- Consultancy
- IT services
- Trading
- Import and export
- Manufacturing
- Media and production
- E commerce
- Logistics
Choosing the correct activity ensures you receive the right license and avoid compliance issues later.
2. Select the Business Jurisdiction
Decide whether your business fits better in:
- Mainland
- Free zone
- Offshore
Our legal team guides clients on the most cost effective and compliant structure based on your long term goals, visa requirements, and revenue plans.
3. Pick a Legal Structure
Common structures include:
- LLC
- Sole establishment
- Free zone company (FZC)
- Branch of a foreign company
Most foreign investors select an LLC or Free Zone Company.
4. Reserve Your Company Name
Your trade name must comply with UAE naming guidelines. It must not include offensive words, religious terms, or names of countries. Once approved, it is reserved for you.
5. Prepare the Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Passport size photos
- Residence visa and Emirates ID (if available)
- Proof of address
- Business plan (for certain activities)
- Attested corporate documents if setting up a branch
Our law firm also handles notarization, attestation, and preparation of Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association.
6. Apply for Initial Approval
This confirms that the government has no objection to the proposed business activity and ownership structure.
7. Select Office Space
Depending on your license type, you can choose:
- Flexi desk
- Shared office
- Dedicated office
- Warehouse or industrial land
Free zones allow virtual offices for certain categories.
8. Issue Your License
Once all documents and approvals are completed, the licensing authority issues your trade license. Your company is now legally registered in Sharjah.
9. Visa and Establishment Card
After receiving your license, apply for:
- Establishment card
- Investor visa
- Employee visas
- Family visas if required
10. Open a Corporate Bank Account
You will need your company documents, shareholder passports, and business plan for banking compliance. We assist clients in opening accounts with UAE banks.
Documents Required for Company Registration in Sharjah
A standard documentation checklist includes:
- Passport copy of each shareholder
- Passport size photo
- Entry stamp or residence visa copy
- Proof of address
- Business activity details
- Company name options
- Memorandum of Association
- Notarized documents for corporate shareholders
Our law firm prepares all legal documents and manages attestation to ensure a smooth registration process.
Cost of Company Registration in Sharjah
Sharjah provides one of the most affordable licensing structures in the UAE. Costs vary depending on jurisdiction, visa packages, and office space.
Average cost ranges include:
- Sharjah Mainland License: AED 12,000 to AED 25,000
- Shams Free Zone: AED 6,000 to AED 12,000
- Sharjah Publishing City: AED 5,500 to AED 20,000
- SAIF Zone: AED 15,000 to AED 35,000
- Hamriyah Free Zone: AED 12,000 to AED 30,000
Our team provides customized quotations with clear breakdowns so you never face hidden charges.
Benefits of Opening a Company in Sharjah
Choosing Sharjah for your business offers strong advantages:
- Lower business setup cost than Dubai
- Multiple free zones for specialised industries
- Zero personal income tax
- Stable legal system
- 100 percent ownership in free zones
- Strong logistics network through ports and airport
- Access to UAE and international markets
- Investor residence visas
- Fast and transparent registration
Dewey & LeBoeuf Legal Services for Sharjah Company Registration
Our Dubai based global law firm provides complete support for Sharjah business setup. Our services include:
- Business structure consultation
- Free zone or mainland jurisdiction advice
- Trade name reservation
- MOA and legal document drafting
- Company registration with SEDD or free zone authorities
- Visa processing for investors and employees
- Corporate bank account opening assistance
- Compliance and ongoing legal advisory
- Trademark registration and commercial contracts
We handle the entire legal and administrative process so you can focus on launching your business without complications.
Frequently Asked Questions on Company Registration in Sharjah
Can a foreigner own a company in Sharjah?
Yes. In free zones, foreigners can own 100 percent of the company. Mainland companies also allow full ownership depending on activity.
How long does it take to open a company in Sharjah?
Most free zone companies can be registered within 2 to 5 working days. Mainland setups may take 5 to 10 working days depending on approvals.
Do I need to visit the UAE to open a company in Sharjah?
Certain free zones allow remote registration. For mainland companies, a short visit may be required for signatures or Emirates ID processing.
What is the cheapest free zone in Sharjah?
Shams and Sharjah Publishing City are among the most affordable options for startups and digital businesses.
Does a Sharjah company get UAE residency visas?
Yes. Investors and employees can obtain UAE residence visas depending on the license package.
Start Your Sharjah Company with Dewey & LeBoeuf
Company registration in Sharjah is simple when guided by experienced legal professionals. Whether you want a free zone company for digital operations or a mainland license for wider market access, our law firm delivers end to end legal support with full compliance.
Contact our Sharjah and Dubai legal team today to receive a customized business formation plan, cost breakdown, and step by step support to start your company smoothly and legally.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE