Sharjah Company Formation

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ) is the world’s first free zone dedicated to the global publishing and media industry, offering a vibrant platform for business growth.

Sharjah Company Registration SPC

Business Setup

SPC, or Sharjah Publishing City, is a specialized free zone in the emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Initially launched to cater to the publishing and media sectors, SPC has evolved into a thriving business hub that supports a wide array of industries.

By 2021, over 2,000 companies had been established in SPC, underlining its reputation as a rapidly expanding destination for entrepreneurs and enterprises from around the globe.

Beyond publishing and media, SPC Free Zone accommodates businesses in e-commerce, trading, consultancy, education, and various professional services. Its flexibility makes it an ideal choice for startups and established companies alike.

Strategically located near Sharjah University City, one of the UAE’s premier educational districts, SPC offers access to a highly skilled and educated workforce. This proximity also facilitates collaboration with academic institutions, nurturing innovation and fostering industry-academic synergy.

SPC frequently hosts industry events, forums, workshops, and cultural festivals, promoting networking and establishing its identity as a cultural and commercial nexus in line with Sharjah’s status as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World.

In terms of setup costs, SPC offers competitive and transparent pricing, with options tailored to your specific business activity. Investors also benefit from tax incentives, 100% foreign ownership, and streamlined access to international markets, making SPC Free Zone Company Formation a smart, future-focused business decision.

SPC Business Setup Advantages

Full Foreign Ownership

International businesses maintain 100% ownership with no requirement for a local Emirati sponsor.

Tax Incentives

Enjoy exemption from corporate tax and import/export duties.

Quick Business Setup

Licenses can be issued within a few days, making SPC one of the fastest free zones for company formation.

License Flexibility

Choose up to a 10-year license and combine multiple business activities under a single license. Dual licenses covering both mainland and free zone operations are also available.

Premium Location

Proximity to Sharjah International Airport and Dubai enables seamless connectivity for domestic and international trade.

Full Profit Repatriation

No restrictions on repatriating profits or capital to your home country.

Easy Employee Recruitment

SPC allows hiring both local and international talent, with manpower support available through the free zone authority.

Simplified Legal & Compliance Process

The free zone provides a transparent, streamlined regulatory environment with minimal paperwork, reducing administrative burden for business owners.

Licenses Available in SPC

✅ Trading License: Covers import/export and general trading, including e-commerce.

✅ Commercial License: For buying and selling physical goods locally and internationally.

✅ Services License: Designed for service-based businesses and professionals.

✅ Publishing License: For publishing-related activities, both domestic and international.

✅ Freelance Permit: Allows individuals to offer specialized services in media, tech, entertainment, and arts while maintaining other employment.

SPC Business

Setup Process

Timeline: 4 to 8 weeks

Step 1: Choose Business Activity and License Type

Decide on your business activity (commercial, professional, or industrial) and select a legal structure (e.g., Free Zone LLC).

Step 2: Submit Application for Initial Approval

Complete the application and submit it with the required documentation.
Takes 2 to 5 days

Step 3: Receive Initial Approval

The authority reviews your application and issues the initial approval.
Takes 3 to 5 days

Step 4: Prepare Legal Documents

Draft and submit the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and other supporting legal documents. SPC may provide standard templates.
Takes 3 to 5 days

Step 5: Select Office Space

Choose from various office solutions that align with your business needs.
Takes 1 to 2 days

Step 6: Payment of Fees

Settle applicable fees for the license, office space, and other services.
Takes 1 to 2 days

Step 7: Obtain Business License

Once all documents and payments are submitted, your official SPC business license will be issued.
Takes 1 to 3 days

Step 8: Visa Application Process

Apply for shareholders and employees’ residency visas.
Takes 2 to 4 weeks

Documents Required in SPC

Required documents vary based on the legal structure of the business: FZE, FZCO and Branch Office.

Document Type	FZE	FZCO	Branch Office
Application Form	Required	Required	Required
Passport Copies	Shareholders' and directors' copies (valid for 6 months)	Shareholders' and directors' copies (valid for 6 months)	Parent company's representatives' copies (valid for 6 months)
Passport-Sized Photos	2-4 photos of shareholders/directors	2-4 photos of shareholders/directors	2-4 photos of branch manager/representatives
Proof of Residence	Required	Required	Required
Business Plan	Required for some activities	Required for some activities	Not required
No Objection Certificate (NOC)	Required if employed in UAE	Required if employed in UAE	NOC from parent company (if applicable)
Memorandum of Association (MOA)	Draft MOA needed	Draft MOA needed	MOA from the parent company
Shareholders’ Resolutions	Not applicable	Required to authorize establishment	Not applicable
Corporate Documents	Not applicable	RCertificate of Incorporation (if corporate shareholders)	Parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation
Initial Approval	Required for specific activities	Required for specific activities	Not required
Trade Name Reservation	Required (if applicable)	Required (if applicable)	Not applicable

SPC Free Zone Business Setup Cost

The SPC Free Zone company formation process is both cost-effective and streamlined, catering to a wide range of business types. The starting license cost in SPC is AED 6,875, making it an accessible and attractive option for entrepreneurs and startups seeking to establish a presence in a dynamic and fast-growing zone.

That said, SPC Free Zone business setup costs may vary depending on several factors, including:

✅ The type of license selected (e.g., commercial, service, trading, publishing, or freelance).
✅ The size and location of the office space within SPC.
✅ Visa and permit fees for shareholders and employees.
✅ If applicable, local sponsor fees—though in most cases, SPC allows 100% foreign ownership, minimizing this cost.

While the initial license fee provides a competitive starting point, a detailed evaluation of all associated costs is essential for accurate financial planning.

Note: The prices mentioned are estimates and subject to change. For a detailed and accurate cost breakdown tailored to your business requirements, we recommend speaking with our expert SPC Free Zone business setup consultants.

Speak with a Business Advisor

DIFC Company Formation License Requirement

✅ Physical Presence:

Entities are required to establish a physical presence within the DIFC, which includes securing at least a flexible desk within a co-working space or office facility.

✅ Trading Restrictions:

Entities are not permitted to engage in the trading or sale of physical goods. This includes import/export activities and the selling of products through e-commerce platforms.

✅ Technological Solution Requirement:

The business must provide an innovative technological solution. Acceptable areas include software development, artificial intelligence (AI), Web3 applications, technology research and development (R&D), or blockchain solutions.

✅ Non-Regulated Entity Status:

The business must operate as a non-regulated entity. It cannot offer financial services such as financial advisory, investment management, or money service activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Outsourced Accounting & Bookkeeping

Why should I outsource my accounting and bookkeeping needs?

Outsourcing your accounting and bookkeeping tasks to professionals like Gloace Fintax Consultants offers several benefits, including cost savings, access to expertise, improved accuracy, and the ability to focus on core business activities.

How does Gloace Fintax Consultants ensure the security of my financial data?

At Gloace Fintax Consultants, we take the security of your financial data seriously. We employ stringent security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and access controls, to safeguard your data against unauthorized access or breaches.

Can Gloace Fintax Consultants customize its services to meet my specific business needs?

Yes, absolutely. We understand that every business is unique, which is why we offer tailored accounting and bookkeeping solutions to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you need basic bookkeeping services or comprehensive financial management, we’ve got you covered.

What are the costs associated with outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping to Gloace Fintax Consultants?

The cost of our services depends on factors such as the complexity of your financial needs, the volume of transactions, and the level of support required. We offer transparent pricing and will work with you to develop a customized service package that fits your budget.

How can I get started with Gloace Fintax Consultants?

Getting started with Gloace Fintax Consultants is easy. Simply contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. We’ll discuss your needs, assess your current financial situation, and develop a customized plan to help you achieve your business goals.