Company Formation in Sharjah Mainland (Process, Cost & Documents)

Sharjah, one of the fastest-growing Emirates in the UAE, offers entrepreneurs an ideal mix of affordability, stability, and opportunity. Known for its cultural heritage and strategic location between Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Sharjah provides a cost effective alternative to Dubai for investors who want to build sustainable businesses while benefiting from UAE’s strong economy.

Company formation in Sharjah Mainland is a popular choice for those seeking 100% foreign ownership (under the latest UAE Commercial Companies Law) and access to the wider UAE market. Whether you’re starting a small trading business, a marketing firm, or a manufacturing company, Sharjah Mainland combines low business setup costs with strong government support and easy access to ports and airports.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about company formation in Sharjah Mainland including the step by step process, required documents, license types, and estimated costs. We’ll also explain how Nines Consultancy can simplify the process so you can focus on growing your business instead of handling paperwork.

What is Sharjah Mainland Company Formation?

A Sharjah Mainland company is a business registered under the Sharjah Department of Economic Development (DED). Unlike free zones, which limit businesses to operate within specific jurisdictions, mainland companies can trade freely across all Emirates and internationally.

Mainland setups are best for businesses that:

• Want to operate across the UAE market.

• Plan to open retail shops, restaurants, or offices outside a free zone.

• Require government contracts or partnerships.

• Want to expand regionally with no trading restrictions.

Sharjah’s mainland business environment is regulated by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), which oversees trade licenses, renewals, and activity classifications.

Why Choose Sharjah Mainland for Business Setup?

Sharjah stands out among the UAE’s Emirates for its cost-efficiency, infrastructure, and sector diversity. Here’s why setting up your business here makes sense:

• Lower setup and license costs compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

• Strategic location with direct access to Dubai, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.

• Strong industrial and manufacturing base supported by Sharjah Industrial Areas.

• Access to ports and airports Sharjah International Airport and Port Khalid.

• Multiple business activity options from trading to e-commerce, contracting, and consultancy.

• 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors.

• Simple visa process for investors and employees.

Whether you plan to register a trading company, consultancy firm, or manufacturing plant, Sharjah provides a balanced environment between cost, compliance, and opportunity.

Step-by-Step Process for Company Formation in Sharjah Mainland

Setting up a mainland company in Sharjah involves several well-defined steps. Nines Consultancy ensures each step is handled efficiently to save you time and effort.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Your first step is selecting your business activity from the approved list by the Sharjah DED. Activities range across sectors like:

• Trading and retail

• Manufacturing and industrial

• Services and consultancy

• Tourism and hospitality

• E-commerce and technology

Your business activity determines the license type and the required approvals.

Step 2: Select a Legal Structure

Sharjah allows several legal structures based on ownership and business model:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most common, requires 1 to 50 shareholders.

• Sole Establishment: Suitable for single owners providing services.

• Civil Company: For professionals like consultants, doctors, or engineers.

• Branch Office: For expanding an existing UAE or foreign company.

Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name

Choose a unique and compliant trade name that reflects your business activity. The name must:

• Be unique and not previously registered.

• Not contain offensive or religious terms.

• End with a legal structure abbreviation (LLC, FZE, etc.).

Nines Consultancy can handle name availability checks and reservations directly through the SEDD system.

Step 4: Get Initial Approval

The initial approval certificate is issued by SEDD to confirm that your business activity and trade name are accepted. This step allows you to proceed with preparing legal documents and securing a business location.

Step 5: Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

For LLCs and partnerships, an MOA must be drafted and notarized. The MOA outlines ownership percentages, profit sharing, and business scope. Our legal consultants ensure it meets UAE regulations.

Step 6: Choose Your Business Location

You must secure a physical office space or a flexi-desk in Sharjah Mainland. The tenancy contract and Ejari registration are required before final license issuance.

If you want to operate without a traditional office, options like shared workspaces or business centers approved by SEDD are available.

Step 7: Obtain External Approvals (If Required)

Certain activities may need additional approvals from relevant authorities, such as:

• Sharjah Municipality

• Civil Defense

• Ministry of Health (for clinics or pharmacies)

• Ministry of Education (for training institutes)

• Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (for tech firms)

Step 8: Pay Fees and Collect the Trade License

Once all documents are submitted and approvals are secured, you’ll pay the applicable Sharjah Mainland license costand receive your official trade license from SEDD.

Required Documents for Sharjah Mainland Company Formation

To set up a company in Sharjah Mainland, you’ll need to prepare a few key documents depending on your business type and ownership structure.

For individual shareholders, the authorities require copies of your passport, a valid UAE visa or entry stamp, and passport-sized photographs. If your shareholders are corporate entities, you’ll need to submit additional documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, Board Resolution, and a Power of Attorney appointing the company representative.

You’ll also need local documentation, including your tenancy contract, Ejari registration, initial approval certificate, and trade name reservation from the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). If a local sponsor or service agent is involved, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) might be required as well.

In certain cases, depending on your chosen business activity, external approvals may be needed from other authorities for example, the Sharjah Municipality, Civil Defense, or the Ministry of Health. Nines Consultancy handles all such coordination to ensure your paperwork is complete and compliant before submission.

Cost of Setting Up a Company in Sharjah Mainland

The total cost of company formation in Sharjah Mainland varies based on factors like your business activity, license type, and visa requirements. On average, the cost of obtaining a commercial or trading license ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 18,000, while a professional license usually costs between AED 8,000 and AED 14,000.

If you plan to set up an industrial or manufacturing business, expect to spend approximately AED 15,000 to AED 20,000for your trade license. Each investor or employee visa adds an additional AED 3,000 to AED 5,000, depending on the visa category and processing requirements.

Office space is another cost to consider. A small office or shared workspace in Sharjah Mainland typically starts from AED 10,000 per year, while larger premises in prime areas can range up to AED 20,000 or more annually.

These figures serve as an estimate, as the exact cost can vary depending on your business plan and the number of visas required. For an accurate quotation and a tailored breakdown, Nines Consultancy provides free consultation and transparent pricing to help you make an informed decision.

Timeline for Company Formation in Sharjah Mainland

• Trade name & initial approval: 1 to 2 business days

• MOA drafting & notarization: 2 to 3 business days

• License issuance: 3 to 5 business days

  Total estimated time: 7 to 10 working days.

Benefits of Setting Up a Company in Sharjah Mainland

• Full access to UAE and GCC markets.

• Lower operational and setup costs.

• 100% foreign ownership available.

• No restriction on number of visas.

• Strategic logistics access via ports and highways.

• Freedom to expand or diversify business activities.

Why Choose Nines Consultancy

At Nines Consultancy, we simplify the company formation in Sharjah Mainland process through expert guidance, transparency, and end-to-end support.

What we offer:

• Free business consultation and activity selection assistance.

• Complete documentation and approvals management.

• Trade name registration and license issuance.

• PRO and visa services for investors and staff.

• Ongoing compliance, accounting, and VAT registration support.

We work directly with Sharjah DED (SEDD), FTA, and other authorities to ensure your company is registered correctly and efficiently.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get 100% ownership of a Sharjah Mainland company?

Yes. Under the new UAE Commercial Companies Law, most business activities in Sharjah Mainland allow 100% foreign ownership.

2. Do I need a local sponsor in Sharjah Mainland?

Only a few strategic or restricted activities may require a UAE national partner. Most investors can now own their business fully.

3. How much does it cost to set up a company in Sharjah Mainland?

The cost typically ranges between AED 12,000 and AED 20,000, depending on your business type and visa needs.

4. What’s the difference between Sharjah Mainland and Sharjah Free Zone?

Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE, while Free Zone companies are limited to their zone and export activities.

5. How long does it take to get a Sharjah Mainland trade license?

It usually takes 7–10 working days once all documents and approvals are completed.

6. Can Nines Consultancy handle the full setup on my behalf?

Absolutely. We handle documentation, approvals, licensing, and visa processing from start to finish.

Conclusion

Setting up a company in Sharjah Mainland offers a strategic gateway to the UAE market with low setup costs and full trading freedom. From choosing your business activity to obtaining your trade license, every step requires precision and compliance with UAE regulations.

At Nines Consultancy, we guide you through the entire process ensuring your business setup is fast, compliant, and cost-effective.

Get your business started today!

Chat with us on WhatsApp or book your free consultation with our experts.