Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
The economy of Sharjah is one of the most liberal in the Middle East. Representing more than 45% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P.), it is the most technologically sophisticated and safe Emirate.
The ports on the Arabian Gulf’s eastern and western coasts are accessible from Sharjah. Additionally, there are direct connections to North Africa and the Indian Ocean. This city is offering foreign investors opportunities that are unmatched. Entrepreneurs can create a variety of business structures, such as subsidiaries, branch offices, joint stock companies, LLCs, and more.
Working with professionals makes the Sharjah business setup process easier.
Benefits of Doing a Business Setup in Sharjah
The following are just a few of the many advantages of starting a business in Sharjah.
- 100% Ownership.
- Zero Income Tax.
- Your investment is safe.
- There are no trade barriers.
- 100% repatriation on profits.
- Sharjah has no corporate tax.
- Tax exemptions on exports and imports.
- The foreign exchange control is almost nil.
- The legal framework is modern and accessible.
- Good incentives from the government of Sharjah.
- The presence of many local and foreign banks and an advanced communication system.
- Sharjah has plans for deposit facilities. There investors will collect products for up to two months without cost.
- It’s a prospering economy. One of the most rewardable destinations that attracts foreign investment.
- The presence of various native and international banks and a modern communication system.
- The trend of business extension in Sharjah stays positive. This is because it emphasizes preserving world economic ties. And maintain friendly mercantilism relationships with colossal nations across the globe.
- Sharjah acknowledges the importance of service, trade, and manufacturing sectors. Plus, the government is devising policies for encouraging foreign investment.
What is the process for Company Formation in Sharjah?
You must adhere to the legal requirements and procedures when forming a company in Sharjah. Read the instructions for setting up a business in Sharjah.
- Determine the type of economic activity your business would be conducting.
- Find a local sponsor.
- Choose a legal form for your business.
- Submit a company registration application submission with the proposed company name to the Department of Economic Development (D.E.D).
- File the company’s documents with the D.E.D to get a trade license from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Get the trade name of the company registered.
- Get initial approval.
- Get approval for location and inspection from the Municipality.
- Get the company’s lease agreement and Memorandum of Association (M.O.A.) signed by a public notary.
- Furnish the required documents to get a payment voucher issued.
- Fulfill the business license requirements and pay the license fee to get a trade license issued.
- Get approval from the Name Board.
- Apply for an Establishment Card.
- Get approval from the Ministry of Labour for hiring an employee.
- Get a stamp on a visa from the Immigration Department.
- Get special approvals, if applicable.
Licenses for Business Setup in Sharjah
The licensing body responsible for granting various trade licenses in Sharjah is the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). excluding the free zones.
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Industrial License
To engage in any kind of industrial or manufacturing activity. It consists of
- Processing
- Packaging
- Fabrication
- Assembling
- Manufacturing
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Commercial License
For any kind of trading activity. It includes:
- E-Commerce
- Import, Export, and Trading
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Professional License.
For service providers in the fields of teaching, law, medical services, etc. It includes
- IT Consultancy.
- H.R. Consultancy.
- Event Management.
- Sports Consultancy.
- Tourism Consultancy.
- Business Consultancy.
- Marketing Consultancy.
- Marine related activities.
- Management Consultancy.
- Turnkey Project (Overseas).
- Health & Fitness Consultancy.
- Investment of Own Resources.
- Project Management (Overseas).
- Design Consultancy (Except Engineering Consultancy)
What are the Business Entity Types in Sharjah?
Below are the types of business entities you can consider to do a business setup in Sharjah:
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Local Service Agent
A local service agent is an individual who takes care of the company on behalf of the investor. This individual must be a UAE national.
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Partnership Company
This type of entity should be between two individuals. The partners can extend the partnership and are also liable to extend the company’s share.
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Limited Liability Company
In this entity, there should be at most 50 or fewer than two shareholders.
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Public Shareholding Company
A Public Shareholding Company has a share that’s split into tradable shares.
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Private Shareholding Company
At least three people incorporate a Private Shareholding Company. This business type can’t invite the public to subscribe to its shares.
Documents Required to Do a Company Setup in Sharjah
The documents needed to set up a business in Sharjah are listed below:
- Signboard.
- Trade name certificate.
- Technical evaluation report.
- Approval from Legal Affairs.
- A certified copy of the tenancy contract.
- Approval from the Ministry of Economy.
- National ID and family book photocopies.
- Land map of ownership certificate photocopy.
- Partnership contract certified by a public notary.
- Approvals from other government entities, if required.
- Certificate of No-Objection letter, visa, passport, and residency proof photocopies.
Opportunities for business setup in Sharjah?
Sharjah is demonstrating tremendous progress in the arts, culture, and technology. Sharjah has more to offer than just the aesthete.
You can benefit from company incorporation in Sharjah in a lot more ways. In addition to being more affordable, the city boasts a bustling seaport and a rich cultural legacy.
Industries are flourishing. Different industries are vying for the top spot. Here are some business opportunities for Sharjah company setup if you invest here.
- Healthcare
- Environment
- Travel and Leisure
- Transport and Logistics
Sharjah freezone and mainland provides business opportunities to investors.
Business Jurisdictions in Sharjah
An expatriate can choose from 2 categories of business jurisdictions:
- Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland.
- Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zone.
Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland
The mainland and the Sharjah free zone offer investors business opportunities.
for more information about Sharjah’s investment opportunities.
Geographical areas designated for commercial purposes by the UAE government are included in the Sharjah mainland.
With regularized statutory policies, it is one of Sharjah’s most economically developed regions.
AED 1,50,000 in capital is required to establish a business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). We can help you set up a civil company if you wish to avoid using this capital. However, you will require a local partner to serve as a service agent.
Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zone
Any of these five free zones can be used to form a company in the Sharjah free zone. An initial investment of AED 1,50,000 (roughly USD 40,000) is required.
Sharjah Media City
Shams Sharjah Media City is another name for the Sharjah Media City freezone. It began in January 2017 with the goal of becoming a premier center for creativity and media. It grants licenses to businesses, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs just like other free zones.
Hamriyah Free Zone
Foreign nationals are granted full ownership of businesses in the Hamriyah Free Zone. You receive a tax-free environment. return of profits, capital, and exemptions from commercial taxes. Two kinds of businesses can be established in the Hamriyah Free Zone, depending on the type of shareholding:
- Free Zone Establishment (F.Z.E.) – It is a single shareholder limited liability company set up.
- Free Zone Company (FZC) – It’s a comparable shareholder limited liability company set up. A business with the exception that it allows many shareholders (not more than of 5).
Sharjah Publishing City
An exclusive free zone for publishing and printing is Sharjah Publishing City (SPC). One of the most alluring targets for publishers and book enthusiasts is SPC, a special free zone. Encompassing 400,000 square meters, it offers excellent office and storage space for business owners.
U.S.A. Regional Trade Center
2011 saw the establishment of the U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC). It is a component of Sharjah’s objective to develop into a center for international trade and an economy driven by investment.
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the USARTC assists SMEs in growing their trade. It facilitates SMEs’ market research, entry, and presence-building in the United Arab Emirates.
Sharjah International Airport Free Zone – SAIF Zone
In 1995, SAIF Freezone was established. The industrial powerhouse of the United Arab Emirates is the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF-Zone). One of the best places to do business. More than 4,500 businesses from 91 countries are based in the SAIF-Zone.
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI)
In order to promote collaboration between private companies, the government, and educational institutions, the SRTI free zone was established. Its purpose is to bridge the gap between the marketplace and ideas.
Through first-rate infrastructure, SRTIP seeks to establish an ecosystem for innovation and modernization.
What are the Types of Business Entities in Sharjah?
To start a business in Sharjah, one has to select a corporate structure for the business. The available business entities in Sharjah are-
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Limited Liability Company
Investors favor it above all other business entities. There must be fewer than two partners and no more than fifty. The partner’s liability is capped at their investment in the business.
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Partnership Firm
In Sharjah, a partnership firm must consist of two or more people. Additionally, they are accountable for the liabilities of the business to the extent of their shares.
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Local Service Agent
They are separate businesses run by a single individual. There must be a local service agent who is a UAE national if the owner is not a citizen of the UAE or the GCC.
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Public/Private Shareholding Company
A SC that has its share capital split up into valuable, tradeable shares is known as a public SC. Regulations governing public joint-stock companies also apply to private SCs.
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Branch Office
It is a company’s branch office located outside of the United Arab Emirates. The license must be applied for by the parties involved. When integrating a branch office from a different emirate, this is crucial.
Authorities and Business Activities
In order to facilitate your journey, the following authorities and business activities should be taken into account when setting up a business in Sharjah:
Government Authority | Business Activities |
Central Bank | Banks, Stock Exchange Company |
Justice Department | Legal Registration |
Civil Aviation Department | Travel & Tourism, Air Ticket Booking |
Ministry Of Agriculture And Fisheries | Pesticide, Fish Trade, Fodder Trade |
Ministry Of Economy | Branches Of Foreign Companies Dealing In Insurance And Reinsurance Facilities |
Civil Defense | Firefighting Equipment And Related Activities |
Trade Committee | Car Rental, International Passenger Transport And Buses, And Other Transit Facilities |
Ministry Of Education And Youth | Private Colleges, Schools, Shopping Centres |
Ministry Of Health | Hospitals, Clinics, Pharmacies, Diagnostic Centres, Health And Fitness Centres |
Sharjah Municipality | Food Products, Salons, And Cosmetics |
National Media Council | Marketing, Advertising, TV Productions, Books And Magazines |
Police Directorate | Gold Trade |
Ports Custom Department | Marine Engineering, Customs Clearance, Sea Cruises, And Ship Maintenance |
Our Business Setup Services in Sharjah
One of Sharjah’s most reputable business setup consultants is wmbusiness LLC. For Sharjah, we provide the following services:
- Auditing
- Tax consulting.
- Legal Advisory.
- Company Setup.
- Local sponsorship.
- Company Registration.
- Accounting and bookkeeping.
- Intellectual property protection.
- Value Added Tax (VAT) registration.
- Setting up a branch office in Sharjah.
- Public Relations Officer (PRO) services.
Business Set Up in Sharjah with wmbusiness LLC
We support entrepreneurs by assisting them with the business setup process as a group of reliable Sharjah business setup consultants.
For over a decade, our advisors have been helping Sharjah-based companies form. We guarantee that your company establishes a solid presence in this prosperous economy.
For business setup services in Sharjah, get in touch with us; our professionals will be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the steps for company formation in Sharjah?
You have to do the following to register a business in Sharjah:
Decide on a trade name.
Submit a business registration application to the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah.
Create a memorandum of agreement.
Submit a business license application.
Register your employees with the Ministry of Labor by obtaining an establishment card.
What is the minimum number of directors required for business setup in Sharjah?
In Sharjah, a company must have a minimum of one director.
Is a resident director required for Sharjah business setup?
Being a Sharjah resident is not required of the director.
What is the capital requirement for business setup in Sharjah?
In Sharjah, establishing an LLC requires a minimum of AED 150,000 in capital.
What is the corporate tax rate for companies in Sharjah?
Sharjah businesses are exempt from corporate taxation. In the United Arab Emirates, foreign bank branches and oil and gas companies are typically subject to corporate taxes.
How can a foreigner set up a business in Sharjah?
Only in areas free of Sharjah can a foreigner establish a business with full ownership. The actions consist of:
(1) requesting a license for a free zone,
(2) Making a bank deposit of the share capital,
(3) drafting anddelivering paperwork, and
(4) acquiring a lease contract.
Which type of business entity is the most sought-after in Sharjah?
In Sharjah, the most sought-after business structure is a limited liability company.
What are the benefits of business formation in Sharjah?
Establishing a business in Sharjah has several advantages, including:
It’s a tax haven.
Current legal system Investment
security Government incentives that support business and the provision of warehouse space
How long does it take to incorporate a business in Sharjah?
In Sharjah, registering a business typically takes 12 weeks.
Do I need a local shareholder to register a company in Sharjah?
When launching a business in the mainland Sharjah, foreigners must have a local partner who owns at least 51% of the business.