Dubai International Advisory Consultants
- +971 568072491
- Central - 1 - Oud Metha - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Dubai International Advisory Consultants
Start your business in Sharjah Mainland with expert guidance, low setup costs, 100% foreign ownership, and access to UAE’s thriving market.
A Sharjah mainland company is licensed by the Sharjah Economic Development Department, the authority for commercial, professional and industrial licences in the emirate. Unlike a free zone company, a mainland company can sell directly to customers across the UAE, open shops and branches, and work with government entities.
Sharjah is often chosen by founders who want mainland access at a lower running cost than Dubai. Office and warehouse rents are generally lower, the emirate sits next to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and it has its own seaports and an international airport. For investors, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) also offers guidance on key sectors.
Comparing emirates? See our guides to mainland company formation in Dubai and Ajman mainland company formation.
Not sure which fits you? Our guide on UAE sole proprietorship vs LLC explains the differences in liability, tax and cost.
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) issues four main types of mainland trade licenses for Sharjah. Choosing the correct license before applying prevents amendment fees and delays:
| License Type | Starting Cost (AED) | Legal Structure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial License | 8,000 – 20,000/yr | LLC | Trading, import/export, retail, general commerce |
| Professional License | 6,000 – 15,000/yr | Sole Prop / Civil Co. | Consulting, IT, legal, medical, engineering |
| Industrial License | 10,000 – 25,000/yr | LLC | Manufacturing, food production, industrial operations |
| Tourism License | 12,000 – 28,000/yr | LLC | Hotels, travel agencies, tour operators |
Key advantage: Sharjah mainland license fees are 15 to 30% lower than comparable Dubai DET licenses, making Sharjah the most cost-effective mainland option in the UAE for businesses that serve both the Dubai and Northern Emirates markets.
General trading, electronics, textiles, food products, building materials, automotive parts
Management consulting, IT services, HR consultancy, marketing and advertising, accounting
Food processing, furniture manufacturing, printing, garments, electronics assembly
Private schools, training centres, language institutes (require additional KHDA/SPEA approvals)
Clinics, pharmacies, optical shops (require Health Authority of Sharjah approvals)
Starting a business in Sharjah Mainland is smart, but getting the process right is important to avoid delays and unnecessary costs. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup, or an established business looking to expand, setting up in Sharjah Mainland has many advantages—full market access, lower setup costs, and the ability to trade freely across the UAE.
To make your journey smooth and hassle-free, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to registering your business in Sharjah Mainland:
First, you need to decide what kind of business you want to run. The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) lists approved business activities covering everything from trading and manufacturing to professional services and consultancy. Your choice determines the type of trade license you’ll need, so picking the right category is crucial.
If you’re unsure which category your business falls under, our experts at Dubai International Advisory Consultants can help you choose the best option based on your goals.
Your business name is your brand identity, so you’ll need to register it with SEDD. The name should be:
Once approved, your trade name is reserved for six months, giving you enough time to proceed with the registration process.
Before you move forward, you need SEDD’s initial approval to ensure your business activity aligns with regulations. Some businesses—like healthcare, food, or finance—might also require external approvals from specific authorities.
For example:
If you’re in a regulated industry, our team at Dubai International Advisory Consultants can handle the paperwork and approvals for you!
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure, business activities, and shareholder agreements. If your business requires a local sponsor, this document will also include their details.
The MOA must be notarized and signed before proceeding to the next step.
A physical office is mandatory for all businesses in Sharjah Mainland. The type of office space you need depends on your business activity and licensing requirements. Whether you need a small office, a shop, or a warehouse, you must sign a tenancy contract and register it with Ejari.
Need help finding an affordable office space? We can assist you in securing the perfect location for your business.
Now, it’s time to submit your trade license application to SEDD. You’ll need to provide:
Once everything is approved, SEDD will issue your trade license, officially allowing you to operate in Sharjah Mainland.
Depending on your business activity, you may need final approvals from government bodies before starting operations.
For example:
If your business falls under a regulated industry, we’ll ensure you get all the necessary approvals without hassle.
Once you have your trade license, you can start running your business legally! You can now:
Starting a business in Sharjah Mainland is smart, but like any company setup, you need the right paperwork to make it official. Getting your documents ready in advance will help you avoid delays and speed up the process.
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a startup, or a large corporation, here’s what you’ll need to get started:
of Shareholders and Managers every business owner and manager needs to provide a clear copy of their passport. If your company has multiple shareholders, you’ll need passport copies for each of them.
If any of the shareholders or managers are UAE residents, they’ll need to submit a valid Emirates ID copy for verification.
Before registering your company, you need to reserve your business name with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). Once approved, they’ll issue a Trade Name Approval Certificate, which you’ll need for the next steps.
The MOA is a key legal document that outlines your company’s ownership structure, business activities, and roles of shareholders. It must be signed and notarized before moving forward.
Every company in Sharjah Mainland needs a physical office space. You’ll need to provide a signed lease agreement (Ejari) to confirm your company’s official location. This also has to be registered with Sharjah Municipality.
Once you’ve submitted your business details, SEDD will issue an Initial Approval Certificate confirming that your business activity is approved. This step is crucial before getting your trade license.
Some business activities require special approvals from government authorities. Here are a few examples:
Not sure if your business needs extra approvals? Don’t worry—Dubai International Advisory Consultants can handle everything for you!
| Cost Component | Amount (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
SEDD Trade License (Starting) |
8,000 – 20,000/yr |
Commercial license; varies by activity |
|
Trade Name Registration |
600 – 1,500 |
One-time SEDD fee |
|
Initial Approval |
500 – 1,200 |
Preliminary certificate before documents |
|
MOA Notarization |
1,000 – 3,500 |
Mandatory for LLC structures |
|
Office Space and Ejari |
10,000 – 60,000/yr |
Physical office mandatory; Sharjah rates lower than Dubai |
|
Investor Visa per Person |
3,500 – 5,500 |
Medical fitness + Emirates ID included |
|
Total First Year Estimate |
AED 25,000 – 60,000 |
Single LLC, small office, one visa |
|
Annual Renewal |
AED 10,000 – 25,000 |
License + office renewal |
Sharjah mainland setup is typically 20 to 35% less expensive than Dubai mainland in year one, primarily due to lower office rental costs and SEDD licensing fees. Contact us for an exact itemised quote for your specific activity and team size.
| Feature | Sharjah Mainland (SEDD) | Sharjah Free Zone (SAIF/SHAMS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Foreign Ownership |
100% in most activities |
100% |
|
UAE Market Access |
Direct, unrestricted |
Via distributor |
|
Government Contracts |
Yes |
Limited |
|
Physical Office |
Mandatory |
Flexi-desk available |
|
Starting Cost |
AED 8,000 – 20,000/yr license |
AED 5,750 – 10,000/yr license |
|
Corporate Tax |
9% above AED 375,000 |
0% on qualifying income |
|
Best For |
Retail, UAE consumers, local trade |
International trade, media, tech |
Choose Sharjah mainland if your customers are primarily UAE residents or businesses. Choose Sharjah free zone if you primarily export or serve international clients.
Starting a business in Ajman Mainland should be easy, fast, and stress-free—and that’s exactly what we make happen at Dubai International Advisory Consultants. With 14+ years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses set up and grow successfully. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your business journey:
With over a decade of experience in Ajman Mainland business setup, we know exactly how to navigate approvals, avoid delays, and get things done quickly. Our expertise ensures that you don’t waste time or money on unnecessary steps.
Setting up a business can feel overwhelming, but with us, it’s smooth and hassle-free. From trade license applications to government approvals, paperwork, and visas, we handle it all. You focus on your business, and we’ll handle the rest!
We believe that starting a business shouldn’t cost a fortune. Our Ajman Mainland business setup packages are transparent, cost-effective, and tailored to fit your needs—with no hidden fees.
No one wants to wait weeks for approvals. Thanks to our strong connections with Ajman DED and other authorities, we make sure your business is up and running in no time.
The right activity and structure matter more than the lowest licence quote. DIAC handles your SEDD licence, lease attestation, visas, banking and tax registration from one place. Explore our business setup in Dubai and the UAE services or book a free consultation today.
Got Questions? Contact Us
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A small Sharjah mainland company usually needs AED 25,000 to 60,000 in the first year, including the SEDD licence, office rent and one or two visas.
Yes, for most commercial and professional activities. A few strategic activities still have conditions, so check your activity first.
Yes. You need a physical office with a tenancy contract attested by Sharjah Municipality.
No. Ejari is Dubai’s system. In Sharjah, tenancy contracts are attested by Sharjah Municipality.
Usually one to three weeks for standard activities. Regulated activities and corporate shareholders take longer.
Yes, for professional activities, usually with a Local Service Agent. Trading activities need an LLC.
Yes. Most steps can be handled through a representative, though shareholders may need to sign documents in person or through an attested power of attorney.
Licence fees are often similar, but office and warehouse rent in Sharjah is usually lower, which reduces the total cost for many businesses.
