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Upraise your business in Sharjah with Our Professional Leadership

Through Connect Zone, businesses in Sharjah have a simplified path to seamless performance. Thanks to Connect Zone’s skill and local knowledge, doing all the administrative processes for your business registration, licensing and incorporation will not be an issue anymore.

Sharjah is one of the most strategic cities within the UAE market, with its vibrant economy offering a plethora of industries, Connect Zone’s business solutions make sure that companies grow at an unprecedented rate in this dynamic business center.

From the very first meeting to all the support given thereafter, the team at Connect Zone believes that client satisfaction is key to achieving long-term growth and success in business in Sharjah.

Setting Up A Company in Abu Dhabi Mainland
Requirementsяfor Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Mainland

Requirements for Business Setup in Sharjah

There are certain essential aspects which must be considered prior to establishing your business in Sharjah.

From acquiring vital licenses to fulfilling legal duties, following visa procedures, and meeting specific industry benchmarks, one must be informed in these requirements to be able to create a lasting business in Sharjah.

We have a step-by-step guide with all certification requirements necessary to support the effortless and smooth implementation in this changing business environment.

Whatever the nature of your business is, whether you are a local entrepreneur or an international investor, knowing the requirements for business operation in Sharjah is the primary step towards opening your business with confidence and success.

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Legal Structure Selection

Recognize the different genuine legal entities in Sharjah that your company can select and choose the best option that suits it.

Business Activity

License Acquisition Process

Tread through the obstacles that comprise the essential steps and documents required for successful operation in Sharjah.

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Visa and Immigration Dealings

Find out about your requirements of visa and immigration for operating your business in the region of Sharjah.

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Industry-Specific Principles

Be aware of the relevant sectoral requirements and accommodation standards applicable to your business in Sharjah.

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Corporate Banking and Taxation

Discover banking possibilities and tax guidelines that work specifically for Sharjah businesses in order to have efficient financial management.

Corporate Bank Accounts

Open your business bank account in Sharjah with us!

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Sharjah License Packages

Find the ideal package for your Business Setup in Sharjah with Connect Zone.

RETAIL LICENSE
AED11,900
  • Trade name reservation
  • Initial Approval
  • MoA
  • License fee
  • Dubai company address
NON-FINANCIAL LICENSE
AED15,900
  • Trade name reservation
  • Initial Approval
  • MoA
  • License fee
  • Dubai company address
FINANCIAL LICENSE
AED21,500
  • Trade name reservation
  • Initial Approval
  • MoA
  • License fee
  • Dubai company address

How Can We Benefit You for Business Setup in Sharjah, UAE

Ability to deal with the UAE or GCC governments

Expert Guidance

Receive a professional assistance with the complexities of company incorporation in Sharjah, UAE by making use of the expertise of those who are familiar with them.

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Tailored Solutions

Start the process of incorporation by getting practical solutions that are customized for your business, giving you the freedom to focus on other aspects.

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Regulatory Compliance

Overcome the challenging regulatory sphere with no difficulty having your enterprise meet all legal obligations and rules.

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Time Efficiency

Simplify the business establishment process by delegating it to experienced professionals, allowing you to concentrate on core business activities.

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Cost-Effectiveness

Optimize costs and resources with the most efficient and economical solutions for business incorporation in Sharjah, UAE.

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Local Market Insights

Familiarize yourself with the local market conditions, cultural imprints, and running a business; to have a superior position in the market.

There is also no requirement for a yearly audit

Network Expansion

Try to get advantage of our dense net of contacts and resources to guarantee business relations and enable development prospects.

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Ongoing Support

Capitalize on ongoing assistance and support beyond company formation that include post-incorporation services and guidance.

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Peace of Mind

Rely on our professional services knowing that your corporation formation process is in capable hands, fully assuring you that you can start your business journey.

Connect Zone

Types of Legal Structures (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore)

Free Zone

Free Zone

Enterprises from all over of the world are allowed to carry out their activities in Free Zones of Sharjah without the participation of local partners and with tax benefits. These zones are synonymous with seeking foreign investments and encouraging economic development. Companies in the Free Zone area benefit from special procedures for tariff imports and exports. Therefore, they are suitable for businesses that are engaging in foreign trade and logistics.

Mainland

Mainland

Mainland companies are registered under the Department of Economic Development (DED) which is responsible for issuing licenses in the UAE and allowing the company to do business without restriction within the local market. This infrastructure supports more diverse activities of the businesses and reduces dependency on intermediary markets. On the other hand, the mainland businesses can take advantage of such opportunity to make profitable contract with the government and to use vastly abundant resource of candidates.

Offshore

Offshore

Sharjah’s offshore companies are registered under such offshore centers as the SAIF Zone (Sharjah International Airport Free Zone) or the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA). The offshore enterprises are mainly employed for asset protection, estate planning, and international business structuring. They take advantage of preferential tax regimes, confidentiality rules and fewer reporting requirements that make them a perfect choice for investors willing to optimize their tax balances and protect their capital.

Steps for Obtaining a Business Setups in Sharjah

Business Activity Selection
Identify the particular business activity or activities of your company that will take place in Sharjah.
Legal Structure Decision
Specify the jurisdiction that applies to your profession, such as mainland, free zone, or offshore.
Trade Name Reservation
Make sure the name of your business is unique, complies with the naming criteria of Sharjah, and is available for registration.
Prepare Documentation
Arrange and put together the essential documents, i.e. passport copies, business plans, leases agreements, etc.
Submit Application
Comply with your trade license submission to the competent authority for example the Department of Economic Development or the specific free zone authority.
Approval Process
Get permission from the concerned authority, which might involve a review of your documents and application.
Payment of Fees
Provide the required fees for the trade license acquisition procedure, specifying the business activity type and nature of the legal entity.
Receive License
Following the approval, you will get a trade license, signifying the business activity legal permit in Sharjah.
Post-License Procedures
Be sure to complete all the other post-license procedures, such as visa processing, office space acquisition, and other requirements specific to your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most prevailing questions regarding business setup in Sharjah.

100% Foreign Ownership: Sharjah free zones’ enterprise structure allows foreign capital owners to own up all the enterprises with no local sponsorship.

Tax Exemptions: Companies set up in Sharjah free zones are entitled to 100% and personal income tax relief, as well as no charges on import and export duties.

Repatriation of Profits: Sharjah free zones offer 100% of profits and capital repatriation, which means you can freely manage your business in the currency you want without getting any currency restrictions.

Streamlined Processes: Free zones encourage the simplification of administrative processes for company setup, from easier licensing and registration to overcome bureaucratic insufficiencies.

World-Class Infrastructure: Sharjah’s free zones offer a wide range of essential services such as superior infrastructure, well-equipped facilities, and business amenities. This helps increase overall productivity.

Business Support Services: Free zones vary in terms of business enabling services they offer, which may include facilitation of visas, permits, and other bureaucratic processes, thus simplifying the beginning and operation of a business.

Strategic Location: The free zones in Sharjah are well positioned near international seaports and airports, which supports the export and import process as well as the cargo handling operations.

Access to Skilled Workforce: Also, the companies in Sharjah free zones might enjoy the benefit of having a wide range of skilled workers and labor that helps business growth and development.

Flexibility: In free zones, companies not only have the privilege of choosing between various options of office and warehouse rentals, but they are also able to select their preferred type of leasing.

Yes, foreign nationals can hold 100% of a company in Sharjah especially when it is incorporated as one of the multiple free zones available in that emirate. In these free zones, full foreign ownership is permitted making it possible for the international investors to hold total control over their business without local sponsorship or partnership. This policy intends on inviting foreign direct investments, encouraging economic growth, and enhancing the business environment in Sharjah. Nonetheless, this can differ depending on business categorization or the selected jurisdiction within Sharjah.

License Fees: Such fees consist of taking care of paying for the required permits and licenses of the business to be a law-abiding company in Sharjah. Fees may change depending on the type of business activity and the specific area within the Emirate.

Registration Fees: Firms in Sharjah will be required to pay the registration fees to competent bodies like the Department of Economic Development (DED) for the mainland companies or the free zone authority for the companies incorporated in the corresponding free zones.

Office Rent: As residents of Sharjah, businesses may require office space to rent to meet the expenses of rental. The rental price can differ in accordance with the zip code, area, and range of amenities offered.

Visa Fees: If a company is planning to recruit people as staff, it should reckon the cost of visas for employees and shareholders. These fees will include application for residence permits or work visas.

Legal and Professional Fees: Involving a lawyer and a professional firm for company formation, documentation, and advice may be an added expense.

Miscellaneous Expenses: The other miscellaneous expenses might be notarization fees, translation services, government charges, and additional services, which could be required during the process.

The timeline for the company development process in Sharjah can vary based on many factors, the type of entity chosen, the business location (mainland, free zone or offshore), the complexity of the business process, and meeting the regulatory and statutory requirements. Generally, the process would normally shape around a week at the initial, it may take longer up to months.

  • Preparation Phase: Compiling all the necessary documents and completing the prerequisite formalities like approvals and permissions is bound to take 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Company Name Reservation: These usually take several days, as this process includes choosing suitable names for the company and thereby requesting the approval for these names.
  • Submission of Application: The next step is to go through the company name reservation process, which takes a few more days to be approved by the relevant authority.
  • Document Processing: After submitting an application, there may be a waiting period of up to 2 weeks when the authorities will carry out the checks and processing of your submitted documents.
  • License Issuance and Registration: After the consent of the authorities, the business license will be issued to the company and the company will be registered officially, which may take approximately 1-2 weeks.
  • Additional Approvals and Permits: This duration will depend on the nature of the business activities and in the event where special permits or approvals is required, it may add some few days or even weeks to the process, depending.
  • Office Setup and Visa Processing: Getting office up and running and establishing visas for the staff and shareholders of the corporation only need a week to a week and a half.

The business climate in Sharjah is strong, with companies enjoying taxation policies designed to boost investment and business growth.

  • Corporate Income Tax: Sharjah does not subject companies, except for a limited number of companies operating in its jurisdiction, to the corporate income tax. In practice, multinational corporations would not be taxed on their local and overseas profit.
  • Personal Income Tax: The authority levies no employees’ salaries or wages personal income tax either in Sharjah, creating a favorable financial environment for both businesses and employees.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT): The introduction of the VAT by UAE and Sharjah came up in 2018. The VAT rate set at 5% applies to the majority of goods and services, including the supplies provided by the entities operating in Sharjah.
  • Customs Duties: Sharjah does not levy customs duties on goods that are locally produced but might impose custom duties on imported goods depending on their classification and place of production. However, some free zones have tariff or import reductions for goods intended for re-exportation.
  • Withholding Tax: The taxes that can be withheld on the dividends, interest or royalties from companies within the Sharjah city by non-resident entities or individuals are not that substantial.
  • Double Taxation Treaties: The UAE has already established bilateral tax agreements with some countries to prevent double taxation and stimulate foreign trade and investment. Such treaties reduce the burden to individuals and businesses which have to comply with technical tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions.

In Sharjah, a company has different requirements for the registration of the office which could include other type of visas based on the selected option (mainland, free zone, or offshore).

Office space:

  1. Mainland Companies: Mainland companies operating in Sharjah are most likely to set up office based on physical location as a prerequisite. Office space should follow the technical compliance specifications set by DED, such as a minimum floor area and an array of fundamental facilities.
  2. Free Zone Companies: The Free zone companies would typically enable the entities to rent out the office space within the chosen free zone. The various office space requirements may differ based on the particular authority governing the zone and the business activity. As some freezones cater for business entities with minimum space requirements, they offer flexi-desk or virtual office services.

Visas:

  1. Employee Visas: Companies in Sharjah can give visas to foreigners that would permit them to work in the emirate. The number of visas that a company is able to sponsor could rely upon issues such as the size of the business premises and the degree of business activity. Regulations pertaining the visa requirements and procedures belong to the general portfolio of The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
  2. Investor Visas: Sharjah companies’ shareholders and investors may also be among those who can apply for investor visas, which will let them to reside in the UAE and conduct business. The details about investor visa’s requirements can be different in accordance with business structure and the investment amount.

Indeed, you can carry on your business with a company registered in Sharjah even outside this emirate. Companies choose to be in Sharjah for a variety of reasons, including tax benefits, access to markets, strategic location, remotely operating or having other additional business contacts. Generally, UAE corporations having their registration in Sharjah free zones or offshore jurisdictions apply this tax treatment.

The source of the legal jurisdiction, the nature of your business, and the geographical location of the other party should all be considered, and tax implications, reporting requirements, licensing, and local compliance handled properly. Seeking legal advice or guidance from business experts may be very helpful for you to understand these factors and running your business properly and legally both in Sharjah and at any other place where you do business.

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