Emirate guide
Company Setup in Sharjah: Mainland and Free Zones
Company setup in Sharjah means choosing a mainland licence from the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) or one of the emirate’s free zones, such as Sharjah Media City (Shams), Sharjah Publishing City, SAIF Zone or Hamriyah Free Zone. Sharjah is popular for lower premises costs, media and publishing, and industrial activity.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about Sharjah
- Mainland licensing
- Economic Development Department – Sharjah (SEDD)
- Media free zone
- Sharjah Media City (Shams)
- Publishing free zone
- Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)
- Airport free zone
- Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
- Industrial and port free zone
- Hamriyah Free Zone
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership for most mainland activities
How does company setup in Sharjah work?
Sharjah sits next to Dubai and shares much of its workforce, which makes it a practical base for companies that want lower office and warehouse costs while staying close to Dubai’s market. Mainland licences are issued by the Economic Development Department – Sharjah, which also runs trade name searches online.
Its free zones are distinct: Shams focuses on media and creative businesses and freelancers, Sharjah Publishing City on print and publishing plus general activities, SAIF Zone on airport-linked trading and logistics beside Sharjah International Airport, and Hamriyah Free Zone on industry and port-based operations.
Sharjah’s local rules can differ from Dubai’s in ways that matter for some businesses. For example, the sale of alcohol is not permitted in the emirate, which affects hospitality concepts. Check activity-specific rules with SEDD before signing a lease, and confirm which health authority licenses your facility if you work in healthcare.
Free zones and registries
Which free zones are in Sharjah?
Good fit
Who is Sharjah best for?
- Media, creative and publishing businesses
- Companies wanting lower office and warehouse costs near Dubai
- Industrial and port-based operations
- Retail and services aimed at Sharjah residents (mainland)
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Firms needing a Dubai address for brand reasons
- Regulated financial centres (consider DIFC or ADGM)
Process
How to set up a company in Sharjah
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01
Choose mainland or free zone
Decide where you will sell and how many visas you need.
-
02
Reserve the trade name
Book a compliant name with the licensing authority.
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03
Obtain initial approval and any sector approvals
Some activities need another authority’s approval first.
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04
Secure premises
Register the tenancy or lease the free zone facility.
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05
Issue the licence
Submit documents and pay fees.
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06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in Sharjah.
- 01
Decide between a SEDD mainland licence and a Sharjah free zone.
- 02
Search your trade name on SEDD’s online register.
- 03
For media activities, check UAE Media Council requirements.
- 04
Compare premises costs against your team’s commute.
- 05
Confirm the licensing authority for any regulated activity.
Frequently asked
Questions about Sharjah
Who issues trade licences in Sharjah?
Mainland licences are issued by the Economic Development Department – Sharjah (SEDD), which also offers an online trade name search. Free zones issue their own licences.
What are the main free zones in Sharjah?
Sharjah Media City (Shams), Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC), Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) and Hamriyah Free Zone.
Is Sharjah cheaper than Dubai for company setup?
Premises costs are often lower in Sharjah, but the total depends on the activity, premises, visas and zone. We compare real quotes for your case before you choose.
Can a Sharjah company work with Dubai clients?
A Sharjah mainland company can serve customers across the UAE. A Sharjah free zone company follows free zone rules and needs a permitted route to sell to mainland customers.
Can I search a trade name in Sharjah online?
Yes. The Economic Development Department – Sharjah provides an online trade name search, linked from the UAE government portal.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Not sure Sharjah is right?
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