Free zone · Sharjah
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC) Company Setup
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) is a Sharjah free zone with a global focus on print and publishing that also licenses a wide range of general business activities. It offers an online application, instant and digital licences, a lease with every licence, and premises from co-working desks to warehouses.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about SPC
- Emirate
- Sharjah
- Focus
- Print and publishing, plus general business activities
- Application
- Online application and digital licence issuance
- Licence options
- Instant licence; standard digital licence
- Premises
- Lease agreement included with every licence
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership
What is SPC and how does it work?
SPC was established to support the publishing and printing industry, and it remains a hub for publishers, printers and distributors of books and media. Over time it has opened its activity list to general trading, services and e-commerce, so many founders now use it simply as an affordable, digital-first free zone.
The process starts online, followed by verification and digital issuance of the licence and company documents. An instant licence option is available, and every business licence comes with a lease agreement for premises, which matters for visa eligibility and banking.
Activities
What can a SPC company do?
- Book, magazine and digital publishing
- Printing and print distribution
- General and e-commerce trading
- Media, marketing and creative services
- Consultancy and professional services
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Co-working space
- Furnished and unfurnished offices
- Shell and core units
- Retail space
- Warehousing
Visas
How many visas can a SPC company get?
Visa allocation depends on the package and premises. Residence visas are then processed with the usual medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and stamping.
Tax
How is a SPC company taxed?
SPC companies register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions applies 0% to qualifying income and 9% to other taxable income. Some business types may be restricted or need extra approvals, which also affects tax planning.
Good fit
Who is SPC best for?
- Publishers, printers and book distributors
- Founders wanting a fast, digital setup
- Small trading and e-commerce businesses
- Creative and consulting start-ups
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Regulated financial or healthcare activities
- Companies needing a Dubai address specifically
- Retail aimed at walk-in mainland customers
Process
How to set up a company in SPC
-
01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
-
03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
-
05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
-
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 SPC.
- 01
Check whether your activity is restricted or needs extra approval.
- 02
Choose between the instant licence and the standard digital licence.
- 03
Pick premises from co-working to warehousing; a lease comes with every licence.
- 04
If you will import or export goods, plan customs registration.
- 05
Prepare shareholder documents for the online application and verification.
Frequently asked
Questions about SPC
Is SPC only for publishing companies?
No. Publishing and print remain its focus, but SPC also licenses general trading, e-commerce, media and professional services activities. Some business types are restricted or need additional approvals.
Can I set up in SPC online?
Yes. You apply online, the application is verified, and the licence and company documents are issued digitally. An instant licence option is also available.
Does an SPC licence include premises?
Yes. SPC states that a lease agreement comes with every business licence. Options range from co-working to offices, retail units and warehouses.
Is Sharjah Publishing City in Dubai?
No. SPC is in the Emirate of Sharjah. Companies there can serve clients across the UAE and internationally within free zone rules.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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