E-commerce license Sharjah: Costs and requirements

Currently, electronic commerce is one of the most profitable and demanding activities in the world. It is important to know that in order to legally operate in this sector, you must obtain specific documentation. The purpose of this is to prove compliance with certain requirements and regulations. Also, depending on the emirate where you are, it changes. For instance, if you are in Sharjah, you need an e-commerce license Sharjah. Another option is, if you are in Dubai, you need the Dubai e-commerce license.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the e-commerce license Sharjah. In particular, the application process and the documents you must present. Other interesting information that you will see is the advantages of starting an e-commerce business in Sharjah. In addition, you will see the entire procedure for visa processing and many other things. Thus, you will be able to make a decision with the correct knowledge and take advantage of the opportunities that this growing market offers.

Steps to get your e-commerce license in Sharjah

e commerce license sharjah

If you want to start a business in the UAE, starting an e-commerce company in Sharjah may be the best decision. This is because many entrepreneurs and businessmen consider Sharjah as one of the best places to start e-commerce companies.

However, in order to open your company, you must have a business license in Sharjah that suits your business. In this case, get your e-commerce license in Sharjah as it is illegal for you to start an e-commerce in the UAE without this license.

First step: Choose your company’s legal business structure.

Second step: Register the business name for your company. For this, you must follow the specific naming rules. In other words, you should avoid using vulgar or nasty words and profanity. Also, you should try to stay away from famous company names and acronyms. Then, you must make sure that the chosen name is available for registration.

Third step: You must register in an electronic channel and obtain an immigration card. However, this step is only for holders who are foreigners.

Fourth step: Here you must process your visa and, like the previous step, it is only for foreigners.

Fifth step: You have to send the complete health form, the necessary documents, and the company or final name. Subsequently, you must have all the necessary documents for the application and you should be able to receive your license within hours.

Sixth step: You need to make the necessary decisions regarding employee recruitment, and office and warehouse spaces.

Seventh step: Now all that is left to do is remove the charges from Shams and you will be able to get your license. However, the fees vary between people and their experience. Once the procedures are done and the fees paid, your license will be issued.

Submit documents

In order to apply for your e-commerce in Sharjah, you must have all the documents required by the authorities. For this reason, in this article we will tell you what the documents are so that you can make your request without any problem:

  • A copy of your passport, which must be valid
  • A partnership memorandum.
  • Your lease and EJARI if you have an office or warehouse.
  • A copy of your visa.
  • Your Emirates ID or a copy of it.
  • A copy of the property title.
  • A No Objection Certificate or NOC if necessary.

It is important that when you apply for your e-commerce license in Sharjah you present all these documents. Otherwise, your application will most likely be denied and you will not be able to get your license.

Register for the e-channel and receive an immigration card

Currently, the backbone of the UAE economy is immigration. For this reason, the UAE guarantees a smooth entry and visa process. In this way, over the years, the UAE has perfected its immigration process for those who want to live and work in the country. Here, we find the e-channel system that the country has.

In short, the e-channel system is an online portal that makes it easy for people to apply for any immigration-related application. In this way, it eliminates personal visits to the centers, making the entire process faster and easier. Additionally, the system is open to people who submit their applications and sponsor others, such as companies that handle the immigration process for their employees.

Every person who wishes to use the e-channel system must register. This registration can be done by going to a typing center or simply by going to the website. Thus, when registering, you must first select an individual or establishment. After selecting this, you must click on registration and the process begins.

First step: Enter your email address and you will receive a confirmation email from the Ministry of the Interior.

Second step: You must follow the instructions in the MoL email, fill in all your details, and then click where it says complete registration.

Third step: All that remains is to wait for the final confirmation to be sent by mail to the previously registered email address.

Already being registered in the e-channel, you will be able to start enjoying its services immediately. In addition, from this portal, companies and other establishments will be able to verify the status of any existing application and upload documents for immigration purposes.

Visa processing

The process of obtaining a visa with the e-commerce license Sharjah will depend on the type of business structure you choose. That is if you establish yourself in a free zone or a continental territory. However, some general steps have to be followed. You will see all these steps below, all the exceptions that exist must be investigated separately.

First step: Present all the necessary documents to apply for the license, including the commercial name of the business.

Second step: Register for e-channel services and apply for the immigration card.

Third step: Once you have your immigration card, you must proceed to request an entry permit. This permit allows the applicant to stay in the UAE for a maximum of 60 days or two months. It is important to note that you can come and go during this period. However, it is recommended to avoid long round trips. This is in order to avoid immigration complications.

Part of the visa process is to submit the applicant to a medical check-up and to undergo a series of tests. For instance, blood tests, chest X-rays, and biometric scans. Also, this is the time when you can apply for your Emirates ID. This is an identification card that will give you access to most services in the country.

Another important point of these visas is that they can be for multiple entries or residences.

Fourth step: Finally, the last step you must follow is to pay the corresponding fees for the visas. Something important to note about this step is that, at this time, you have to pay the visa fees and the e-commerce license Sharjah fees.

Cost of an e-commerce license in Sharjah

e commerce license sharjah

Before talking about the cost of an e-commerce license in Sharjah, you should know what the conditions are for the holder. These conditions must be met before applying for the license. The purpose of these terms is to ensure that only persons who have the means to obtain the e-commerce license Sharjah can apply for it. Thanks to this, officials will only receive applications that meet all the characteristics, facilitating the process.

Below, you will see the terms that must be met before applying for the e-commerce license Sharjah. It is important to note that all these requirements may vary for the e-commerce license in the Sharjah-free zone.

  • The applicant for the e-commerce license Sharjah is at least 21 years old.
  • You have to be a citizen or resident of Sharjah.
  • The applicant can be both male and female.
  • The applicant has the option of opening a bank account in the country.
  • Finally, the applicant for the license can work in any region of the UAE. A good recommendation is to look for different business ideas.

Having this information, you can already know what is the cost of an e-commerce license in Sharjah. The first thing you have to know is that these prices will vary depending on several factors, which are.

Location: If the company is on the mainland or in a free zone, you should know that the prices will be different.

Commercial activity: Depending on the products or services you offer; you may need additional permits.

The number of visas and employees: If you need to hire staff or apply for visas for you and your shareholders, you will have to pay additional fees.

Generally, the initial cost of the license is AED 5750. However, it may vary depending on the above factors that suit your needs.

Benefits of starting an e-commerce business in Sharjah

By obtaining an e-commerce license Sharjah, entrepreneurs can enjoy different benefits. In addition, they provide the opportunity to capitalize on the country’s thriving business ecosystem. Below, you will see all the benefits of starting an e-commerce business in Sharjah.

The main benefit is the cost of this license, which is usually only AED 5,750. A lease, business license, and articles of incorporation are usually included in this price. In addition to the certificate of shares and constitution. Another advantage is that, if you wish, for the same price, you can add two extra commercial activities.

Another interesting advantage is that the incorporation of companies can be done virtually. In Sharjah, all types of digital verification are accepted through the customer portal. If you want to create your company in Sharjah with this license, you will not need any copy of your passport or corporate documentation. Of course, during the process of obtaining the e-commerce license. Furthermore, this license allows you to have up to a maximum of 50 shareholders.

In summary, the benefits of having an e-commerce license Sharjah are the following:

  • Enjoy a favorable business environment.
  • Highly cost-effective setup.
  • Businessmen can enjoy Sharjah’s strategic location.
  • Wide range of industries for your choice.
  • Growing consumer base.
  • Entrepreneurs can enjoy government support.
  • In Sharjah and throughout the UAE, there are many technological advances that you can access with this license.
  • Finally, you can access the great network of contacts and collaboration.

How to start an e-commerce business in Sharjah Free Zone?

How to start an e-commerce business in Sharjah Free Zone?

As the digital era unfolds, e-commerce gains power in the UAE. Therefore, any foreign high-level business entrepreneur who wants to enter the Emirate’s online market needs a solid digital presence and the necessary permits to get skyrocketing sales above all. Consequently, a great way of introducing yourself is starting an e-commerce business in Sharjah free zone.

In this article, you will take in everything about how to Start an E-Commerce Business in the Sharjah Free Zone and lay the foundation for a thriving online organization in one of the biggest digital markets worldwide without problems. In the same vein, you will also learn:

  1. What is the Sharjah Free Zone in the UAE?
  2. What is SHAMS in Sharjah Free Zone for?
  3. Benefits of starting an e-commerce business in Sharjah free zone
  4. First steps to set up an E-Commerce business in Sharjah
  5. How to get an e-commerce license in Sharjah free zone
  6. How can we help you to start an E-Commerce business in Sharjah free zone?

1. What is the Sharjah Free Zone in the UAE?

Free Zones is one of the multiple growth options the UAE has to offer to online entrepreneurs of all kinds and nationalities. That is to say, these are specific regions of the UAE that have their own rules for trading, embracing a particular type of business. Nonetheless, most go around tech hubs, media, e-commerce, or Freelancing.

Each one serves a certain purpose according to the goods and services traded within it. In the same vein, the main goal is to provide a thriving ecosystem to small and medium entrepreneurs with a yearning for setting up a visionary business.

Here you can discover various potential business ideas to start a business in UAE

Free zones have import/export freedom, different taxes and customs duties, and business rules. As a result, you can find these areas dedicated to technological innovation and digital entrepreneurship in the vast majority of jurisdictions in the UAE. One of the most popular free zones sectors among foreign investors is Sharjah free zone.

With a strategic location, a vast diversity of company structures, and open possibilities for e-commerce business, Sharjah offers to entrepreneurs different areas to establish a high-level business above all. Sharjah free zones are divided in:

  • Hamriyah Free Zone.
  • Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.
  • S.A Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone.
  • Sharjah Media City (SHAMS).

2. What is SHAMS in Sharjah Free Zone for?

One of the goals of Sharjah Free Zone is to be a prolific home for digital entrepreneurs. Thus, the Sharjah Media City, also known as Shams, was created in 2017 to host content creators, programmers, and freelancing specialists from all over the world.

Shams specializes in holding mass media, creative entrepreneurship, programming, computing, and the e-commerce business in the Sharjah Free Zone. So, it is a technology epicenter focused on creative and digital entrepreneurship with ease of inclusion, growth, and investment for foreigners and nationals alike.

There are other Free Zones you can consider when starting an e-commerce organization. Another good option is Dubai. Read this step by step to learn how you can start a business in any of its Free zones.

3. Benefits of starting an E-commerce business in Sharjah free zone

Since Shams is a zone dedicated to digital creation and e-commerce within the digital world, both e-commerce business owners and start-up entrepreneurs can enjoy multiple benefits to set up a successful business.

Sharjah authorities are aware of the support e-commerce business owners need to succeed. So, a special bonus offered in SHAMS is the remote-work friendly ecosystem where entrepreneurs can have access to facilities all around the city with all the tools and commodities required along the way.

On the other hand, another advantage of Shams is its low cost of investments. For instance, thanks to its popularity, Shams authorities keep prices of technological equipment and work areas low to keep entrepreneurs coming and setting new businesses.

Likewise, other benefits e-commerce businesses in Sharjah free zone enjoy are:

  • Option to apply for a 3-year residency visa for up to 6 persons.
  • No need to have a sponsorship to create the enterprise.
  • Forgetting about service or product registration.
  • Freedom to trade with foreign and national investors.
  • Possibility to repatriate goods and profits.
  • Businesses with long-term growth potential.
  • Low initial and operating investment costs.
  • Possibility of international dealings.
  • Ease of mobilization.
  • No warehouse requirements.
  • The supplier will take care of Product Registration.
  • Complete ownership benefits.
  • No import or export taxes.
  • Access to an e-commerce license.

4. First steps to set up an E-Commerce business in Sharjah

Before launching your e-commerce business in the Sharjah free zone market, there are a few things you should consider first. According to free zone policies across the UAE, companies cannot sell directly to their customers. In other words, it is essential to apply for licenses in Sharjah free zone.

To trade freely, you’ll require suppliers to offer your products to clients. It is important you know perfectly the products, services, and business plan you have in your start-up above all to know what license will you apply for.

Although there are a few restrictions for online business owners, there are also some requirements you must follow. For example, if you need a warehouse, you will need to apply for a warehouse license to store your products.

One of the huge advantages is that your company will not deal directly with the registration of the product with customs. To clarify, his part is only responsible for the intermediaries you will be working with.

In case you want to purchase the products yourself, you will have to pay the customs fees and provide information about the suppliers. In case you are interested in getting a license in another free zone, learn how to do it in this ultimate e-commerce license guide for Dubai free zone.

4.1 What kind of businesses can open e-commerce in Sharjah Free zone?

Any successful business today should dive into the online world. Certainly, the way for turning your product or services into thriving e-commerce is only limited by your imagination. To sum up, if you want to take your business to the next level, you can do it through a site, social media, or mobile apps.

Regardless of what you have to offer, for starting your e-commerce business in Sharjah free zone you will require a license and permits to operate freely in the UAE. Keep in mind that the main requirement to apply for an e-commerce license is an innovative, unique, creative business.

Not everything is limited to social media. There are up to 120 economic activities you can choose to apply for an e-commerce business license such as manufacturing and professional services of most professional sectors. Also, you’re not limited in this way. It is possible to combine activities for your license submission.

Here we leave you a wider list of careers that opt for this permit:

  • TV, Movies, and Radio production.
  • Broadcasting activities.
  • Web design.
  • Data processing and hosting.
  • Digital marketing.
  • Information service activities.
  • Programming and Web Development.
  • Entertainment.
  • Consultancy Services.
  • Photography.
  • Graphic, Fashion, and Interior design.
  • Production.
  • Scientific Development and Research.
  • Marketing.
  • Telecommunications.
  • Publishing activities of books and journals.
  • Translation.
  • Telecommunications.
  • Social Media Influencer.
  • Music recording and production.

4.2 What documents will you require to get an ecommerce license Sharjah Free Zone?

After considering the key points to fulfill, it is time to obtain a special license to open a successful ecommerce business Sharjah free zone. To do so, you will have to collect some essential documents to get your permit and start your online business.

For applying you will need:

  • Shareholder Passport and visa.
  • Copy of your sponsors’ Emirates ID/Passport.
  • Filled application for an Ecommerce License Sharjah.
  • Memorandum of Association Draft.
  • NOC of Sharjah.
  • A local service/civil work agreement.

To apply for one or several residency visas before asking for your e-commerce license, there is a process you must follow.

Follow this step by step on how to UAE visa residency.

4.3 How much will it cost to get an Ecommerce license Sharjah free zone?

The price of the ecommerce license Sharjah free zone may vary.  For example, it will depend on multiple factors such as the size of your company, the number of visas you want to apply for, extra fees or consulting services, among many others that could come up.

An approximate cost would be between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000 depending on the license package you choose. Another cost to add to the list is document clearing, read more about why document clearing is so important in business setup 

5.  How to get an ecommerce license Sharjah

For opening an ecommerce business Sharjah free zone is crucial to follow a series of steps so that the process is done correctly, quickly, and safely. Among these steps are:

  1. Gathering all the required documents and keeping them organized for submission.
  2. Register your company name according to the guidelines. Make sure the name is unique and most importantly, available in the market.
  3. Picking up the requirements for an office or warehouse.
  4. Establishing your staff needs firstly and keeping in mind a supplier for your product secondly.
  5. Choosing your e-commerce license package and paying the correspondent Shams Fees consequently. However, it may vary if you’re a company owner, a single shareholder, or a freelancer.

If all your papers and documents are in order and you have paid the corresponding fees for the process, then you will be ready to obtain a license in Sharjah to start working in one of the best tech markets in the world.

6. How can Connect Zone help you to start an E-Commerce business in Sharjah free zone?

If this is your first time requesting this type of license, a helpful hand would be good. In case you need guidance to get the license faster, keep in mind an extra expense you should add to the list by hiring a consulting firm to help you out.

Next, to start an e-Commerce business in Sharjah Free Zone as soon as possible, we advise you to ask for professional help to complete the process without trouble. Therefore, Connect Zone is ready to advise you on how to set up a thriving business in Shams easily.

We offer different services to help you establish a great business in the UAE without setbacks. Likewise, we are ready to assist your business with VAT registration services, document clearing, data verification, and translation, among others. Certainly, a helping hand is always good and you can get it with our local partner services.

Would you like to contact Connect Zone to how to start an e-commerce business in Sharjah free zone? If you have any questions, call us on +971 43 316 688. In addition, you can email us at contact@connectzone.ae, and you will talk to one of our representatives who will answer your questions.

In addition, if you would like to submit your CV or resume, please enter to thetalentpoint.com or send an e-mail to contact@thetalentpoint.com to receive more info. Moreover, the info you send won’t be stored. We expect your message.