Empowering Your Business Ventures in Sharjah Mainland

Gloacefintax offers specialized expertise and customized solutions to facilitate the establishment and growth of businesses in the Sharjah Mainland.

• Business Setup

• Trade License

• Tax Advisory

• Corporate Bank Account

• Compliance Management

• Residence Visa Support

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Empowering Your Business Ventures in Sharjah Mainland

Gloace Fintax offers specialized expertise and customized solutions to facilitate the establishment and growth of businesses in the Sharjah Mainland.

Sharjah Mainland Business Setup

A Thriving Business Hub in the Heart of the UAE
Strategically situated in the UAE, the Sharjah Mainland offers a dynamic and diverse business environment, catering to a wide range of industries and enterprises. As the third-largest emirate, Sharjah has established itself as a prominent economic center, boasting over 66,000 active businesses and access to more than 3,000 business activities across various sectors.
Sharjah’s business-friendly policies, coupled with its strategic geographical positioning, make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. The emirate’s robust healthcare industry, which has earned the prestigious Healthy City recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores its commitment to promoting well-being and providing high-quality healthcare services.
Furthermore, Sharjah’s diverse economy contributes significantly to the UAE’s GDP, accounting for 7.4% of the national economy. The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) oversees the smooth and efficient company formation process, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, thereby simplifying business operations and enabling entrepreneurs to establish a strong foothold in this growing market.
The emirate’s strategic location, bordering all other emirates, enhances the ease of doing business, whether for local transactions or international trade. This connectivity, combined with Sharjah’s favorable regulatory framework, creates an environment that is conducive to business growth and expansion.
For those seeking to establish a presence in Sharjah Mainland, understanding the licensing requirements and associated costs is crucial. Gloace Fintax, with its team of experts, can provide tailored guidance and solutions to navigate the company setup process, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition for your business ventures in this vibrant and thriving business hub.
Embark on your entrepreneurial journey in Sharjah Mainland, where opportunities abound and success is within reach.

Types of Business Licenses in Dubai Mainland

The DED issues different types of business licenses based on the nature of activities

License Type	Description	Ideal For
Commercial License	Required for trading businesses, general trading, retail, and import/export activities	Trading, e-commerce, and retail stores
Professional License	Issued for service-oriented businesses requiring specialized expertise	Consultancy, legal services, IT firms
Industrial License	Required for manufacturing and industrial activities, including production and packaging	Factories, manufacturing units, assembly plants
Tourism License	Specific to travel agencies, tour operators, and hotel services	Tourism agencies, hospitality businesses

Dubai Mainland, governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), is a crucial jurisdiction for entrepreneurs considering business setup in Dubai Mainland. As a thriving hub contributing nearly 30% to the UAE’s GDP, Dubai Mainland hosts diverse industries, including retail, hospitality, real estate, and technology. This jurisdiction offers businesses the flexibility to operate across various sectors, making it a prime choice for Dubai Mainland company setup.

In 2023, more than 30,000 new businesses were launched in Dubai Mainland, representing a 43% growth compared to previous years. This increase highlights the region’s business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, and focus on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Entrepreneurs from countries like India, China, and Pakistan dominate company formation in Dubai Mainland, leveraging its potential as a global business hub.

Establishing a Business in Sharjah Mainland

Key Advantages

100% Foreign Ownership

Unlike many other parts of the UAE, international businesses in Sharjah Mainland do not require a local Emirati sponsor to be a partner, allowing for 100% foreign ownership, except in certain strategic industries.

Absence of Mandatory Audits

Businesses in Sharjah Mainland are not required to undergo mandatory audits, simplifying the operational and compliance aspects of the enterprise.

Ease of Currency Regulations

Sharjah does not impose any restrictions on the use of foreign currencies, facilitating seamless financial transactions.

Flexible Visa Policies

Visa quotas can be expanded as needed, provided the business maintains adequate office space, ensuring flexibility in staffing and workforce management.

Tax Incentives

Sharjah offers tax exemptions for personal income tax and up to $100,000 in corporate tax relief, particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Cost-Effective Operations

Compared to neighboring Dubai, Sharjah Mainland offers relatively lower operational costs while still providing access to the same benefits and infrastructure.

Unrestricted Profit and Capital Repatriation

Businesses in Sharjah Mainland face no minimum capital requirements and enjoy the freedom to repatriate their profits and capital without restrictions.

Geographical Flexibility

Enterprises can operate across the UAE, including free zones, and even expand their reach internationally from the Sharjah Mainland.

Business Licensing in Sharjah Mainland

1. Industrial License

This license is designed for businesses engaged in manufacturing or processing activities, including production and packaging.

2. Professional License

Individuals offering professional services based on their skills, such as consulting, IT services, and healthcare, require a Professional License.

3. Tourism License

Businesses operating in the tourism sector, including inbound and outbound tour operations, must obtain a Tourism License. This license facilitates activities like booking accommodations and arranging travel services.

4. E-commerce License

For businesses conducting trading activities online, the E-commerce License covers various online business models.

5. Commercial License

Businesses involved in trading goods locally or internationally, including import-export companies and retail businesses, require a Commercial License.

Documents Required in Sharjah Mainland

Entity Type	Required Documents
Branch Office	Trade name approval Parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation Memorandum and Articles of Association (parent company) Copy of passport of branch manager Power of Attorney (POA) Tenancy contract
Limited Liability Company (LLC)	Trade name approval Copies of passports (all partners) UAE National ID (local sponsor) Memorandum of Association (MOA) Tenancy contract Initial approval from the SEDD
Sole Proprietorship	Trade name approval Copy of passport Owner’s visa (if applicable) No-objection certificate (if applicable) Tenancy contract

Establishing a Business in Sharjah Mainland

A Comprehensive Guideline

The process of setting up a business in the Sharjah Mainland is efficiently organized by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). This comprehensive guide outlines the essential steps to establish your enterprise in this thriving business hub:

1. Identify Business Activity

Determine the primary operations of your business and select the appropriate industry-specific license from the wide range of options available in Sharjah.

2. Select the Legal Structure

Evaluate the ownership structure that best suits your business needs, ranging from sole proprietorship to public company. The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most popular choice.

3. Assign a Local Service Agent (LSA) – if applicable

For certain strategic sectors, such as defense and civil aviation, businesses must appoint a local sponsor who acts as a representative but does not participate in decision-making.

4. Reserve a Company Name

Acquire a trade name certificate that complies with the UAE’s language, religion, and political conventions.

5. Secure Initial Approval

Submit your company’s details to the SEDD for initial approval, which confirms the government’s acceptance of your business activity and legal structure.

6. Draft and Notarize the Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Prepare this document outlining the company’s legal structure and activities, and have it notarized by the Sharjah Courts.

7. Rent a physical office space

Lease an office or facility and sign the rental agreement, which must be attested by the Sharjah Municipality.

8. Submit Documents for the Respective License

Based on your business activity, apply for the relevant trade license, such as commercial, industrial, or professional.

9. Pay the License Fee

Settle the license fees to finalize the process and obtain your trade license. The fees vary based on the type of business activity and license.

10. Obtain External Approvals

For certain business activities, additional approvals from external authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, and Sharjah Municipality, may be required.

11. Receive the Trade License

Upon completion of all steps, receive your official trade license from the SEDD and begin operating your business in the Sharjah Mainland.

Estimated Costs for Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland

The cost of establishing a business in the Sharjah Mainland can vary depending on the type of license required. The starting price for all licenses is typically around AED 10,000. In addition to the Sharjah Mainland license fees, other costs such as office space can fluctuate based on the location and size.

If applicable, local sponsor fees and expenses for visas and permits will also contribute to the total cost. These additional costs can vary depending on the specific requirements of your business.

It's important to note that the provided price is an estimate and may differ in reality. For an accurate cost breakdown of the business setup process in Sharjah, it is advisable to consult with our experts. They can provide you with precise details on the Sharjah Mainland license cost and the entire company formation process in Sharjah.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to have 100% ownership of mainland companies as an expat?

Yes it is now possible to have 100% ownership of mainland companies as an expat.

How do you register a company in Ajman Mainland?

Submit an application to customer services center for initial approval Choose a business location and notify the Inspection Unit. Get a membership certificate. Submit required documents to the Register of Companies. Pay the necessary fees. Get your business license.

How long will it take to obtain our license

If your documentation gets approved and verified by the concerned authorities, you will receive you license within 15 days.

How can I update my registered email and contact number?

Through Customer portal settings they edit my contact info