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Sharjah free zones compared
| Free zone | Best for | License from about |
|---|---|---|
| SPC Free Zone | Services, consulting, publishing, Sharjah mainland access | AED 5,750 |
| Shams | Media, creative, e-commerce, up to 5 activities | AED 5,750 |
| SAIF Zone | Trading, logistics and aviation | AED 10,800 |
| Hamriyah Free Zone | Heavy industry and shipping | Varies by facility |
| SRTIP | Technology, research and innovation | Varies by package |
Entityz is a direct authorized partner of SPC and Shams.
Sharjah mainland company setup
- Licensing authority: the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
- Cost: usually about AED 14,000 to 25,000 in the first year, depending on the activity and office; regulated activities need extra approvals
- Best for: shops, workshops and trading with customers across the UAE
How to choose in Sharjah
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| The lowest cost | SPC or Shams |
| Several activities on one license | Shams |
| A warehouse or trading with an airport or port | SAIF Zone or Hamriyah |
| A shop or office serving local customers | Sharjah mainland |
Compare Sharjah with Ajman, RAK and Dubai in our cheapest free zone guide.
How to set up a company in Sharjah
- Choose a free zone or the mainland and your activities.
- Reserve the trade name and submit passports.
- Sign and pay. SPC can issue some licenses within a day once documents are complete.
- Establishment card and visas. A Sharjah visa lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai.
- Bank account (see our bank account guide).
Get your Sharjah setup quote
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We will compare SPC, Shams and the Sharjah mainland for you.
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General information, not legal advice. Costs are market starting figures gathered in September 2026 and depend on the activity, office and visas. Licensing rules are set by SEDD and each free zone. We confirm the current position before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a business in Sharjah?
Free zone licenses start from about AED 5,750 in SPC and Shams. A Sharjah mainland license usually costs about AED 14,000 to 25,000 in the first year.
What are the free zones in Sharjah?
The main ones are SPC Free Zone, Shams (Sharjah Media City), SAIF Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone and SRTIP.
What is the cheapest free zone in Sharjah?
SPC and Shams, both from about AED 5,750 a year with no visa.
Can I live in Dubai with a Sharjah company visa?
Yes. A UAE residence visa lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai.
Who issues mainland licenses in Sharjah?
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
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