Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone

Setup from

5,555 AED

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Registration from

5 DAYS

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Bank Account

GUARANTEED

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Residence Visas for

2 YEARS

Sharjah Mainland refers to the areas regulated by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).

Known as the UAE’s cultural capital and an emerging industrial and commercial hub, Sharjah Mainland offers a cost-effective environment for business setup. It provides full access to trade across all emirates and internationally, making it an attractive destination for startups, SMEs, and industrial ventures.

Strategically located between Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Sharjah offers logistics advantages, lower costs, and access to key seaports.

Key Benefits of Setting Up in Sharjah Mainland

Lower setup and operational costs than Dubai or Abu Dhabi
100% Foreign Ownership allowed for most activities
No restriction on business operations across the UAE
Access to three ports: Port Khalid, Hamriyah Port, and Khor Fakkan Port
Ideal for trading, manufacturing, and logistics
Proximity to Dubai with more affordable lease rates

Who Should Choose Sharjah Mainland?

Sharjah Mainland is perfect for:

Startups and SMEs looking for a budget-friendly setup
Trading and manufacturing companies
Import/export businesses using Sharjah’s ports
Businesses that want quick access to Dubai without high rent
Logistics, construction, and warehousing firms

Know about License Types and Legal Structures

Legal Structures You Can Register

Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Sole Establishment
Civil Company
Branch of Foreign or Local Company
Partnership Company

License Types Available in Sharjah Mainland

Commercial License: For buying, selling, or trading goods
Professional License: For service-based businesses and freelancers
Industrial License: For manufacturing, production, or industrial operations
E-commerce License: For online retail activities

Minimum Requirements

Trade Name Approval
Office Lease Contract (Ejari or SEDD-approved)
Initial Approval from SEDD
Special Approvals (if needed for regulated activities)
Chamber of Commerce Registration

Cost of Setup you Need to Know

Item	Estimated Cost (AED)
Trade License Fee	8,000 – 12,000
Office Lease (Ejari)	From 10,000/year (varies by area/size)
Initial Approval & Name Reservation	600 – 1,000
Chamber of Commerce Registration	1,000 – 2,000
Additional Approvals	Varies by activity

Note: Fees depend on business activity, structure, and location.

Conclusion

Sharjah Mainland offers an excellent blend of affordability, location, and infrastructure, especially for entrepreneurs and businesses focused on industry, trade, or logistics.

With direct access to major ports, a supportive regulatory environment, and lower business costs, Sharjah is emerging as a smart choice for companies seeking to scale in the UAE while keeping expenses in check.