Set Up Your Company in
Sharjah Mainland
Embark on Your Entrepreneurial Journey in the UAE with Gulf Access
Growing Industries in Sharjah Mainland:
- Manufacturing and Industrial
- Healthcare and Medical Services
- Trading & Retail
- Professional and Business Services
- Education and Training
- Beauty Parlors
- Cleaning Services
- Hotels & Tourism
Business Setup in
Sharjah Mainland
Are you encountering challenges in acquiring a business license in Sharjah mainland? Allow our adept business setup consultants in Sharjah to address your requirements. Sharjah, a thriving emirate in the UAE, consistently introduces new growth opportunities through governmental initiatives.
Establishing a business in Sharjah mainland is advantageous for service-oriented and industrial sectors. Sharjah’s strategic location provides access to significant trading zones and offers a cost-effective method for commercializing business activities. This prime location further enhances the marine and shipping industries, rendering company formation in Sharjah an exceptionally favourable choice.
Our business setup consultants in Sharjah adeptly manage all intricacies, ensuring a seamless and convenient process for initiating a business in Sharjah. At Gulf Access, we support both multinational corporations and SMEs in securing business licenses in Sharjah.
Explore the advantages of setting up your business in Sharjah Mainland
Steps to Establishing a Business in Sharjah Mainland
To establish a Sharjah Mainland business successfully, you must follow several vital steps. Navigating the legal documentation process can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the UAE’s legal framework. Therefore, it is crucial to engage a trusted consultancy firm.
Below are the fundamental stages involved in setting up a mainland business in Sharjah:
Ensure the MOA and lease agreement are signed, sealed, and notarized by a public notary. Additionally, secure an office space and have the lease agreement notarized.
Gather all required documents specific to your business activity, as requirements may vary.
Sharjah offers three types of business licenses: Industrial, Commercial, and Professional. Select the appropriate license type and pay the applicable fees.
Propose three different name options for your business, ensuring the selected name is unique, devoid of indecent language, and does not include references to God in Arabic or English.
Provide three different name options for your business, ensuring the chosen name is unique, free from inappropriate language, and does not reference God in Arabic or English.
If you intend to hire employees, you must obtain an Entry Visa and work permit from the Ministry of Labor on their behalf.
Your local sponsor or partner in the UAE must oversee this process.
Specify the nature of your business activity, as this will determine the specific type of business license required.
Prepare and submit all necessary documents to the DED, including your company registration form and chosen name.
Submit your license application formally to the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Once you have chosen a business name, register it online with the DED.
Depending on your business type, additional approvals may be required. You will receive your business license once all requirements are met and fees paid.
After receiving your trade license, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. A digital banking service can streamline this process, often completed within a few days.

Obtaining business licenses in Sharjah Mainland
The Sharjah Economic Department is the authority responsible for granting business licenses, and it plays a crucial role in shaping Sharjah Mainland’s evolving business landscape. Obtaining the appropriate permit is essential for starting your enterprise.
Sharjah offers three specific license types that are tailored to align perfectly with your company’s core operations:
Suitable for manufacturing, processing, packaging, assembling, and fabrication businesses.
Designed for trading enterprises involved in import, export, and e-commerce activities.
Ideal for individual entrepreneurs providing specialized consultancy, event management, and investment services.
Types of Companies in Sharjah Mainland
Partnership Company:
Established by two or more UAE national shareholders. The liability is based on individual shareholding. Foreign investors are not permitted to establish partnership companies.
Limited Liability Company (LLC):
Requires 2 to 50 shareholders, with each shareholder’s liability limited to their capital share. Since June 2021, 100% foreign ownership has been allowed, eliminating the need for a local sponsor.
Local Service Agent License Company / Sole Proprietorship:
This is a sole proprietorship requiring a single owner. Foreign investors must appoint a UAE national as a regional service agent (LSA), who has no ownership or share rights in the company.
Branch Companies:
Existing companies can establish branches in Sharjah, which is open to UAE, foreign, and GCC companies. It is advisable to seek assistance from a business setup consultant in Sharjah for this process.
Public / Private Shareholding Company:
Capital is divided into tradable shares of equal value. Liability is limited to the value of each partner’s shares. Private shareholding companies in Sharjah follow regulations similar to public joint stock companies, with individuals signing memorandums and articles of association becoming the company’s founding members.
Essential Documents for Setting Up a Company in Sharjah Mainland
Here is a list of the essential documents required for setting up a company in Sharjah Mainland:
- Completed application for business registration in Sharjah
- Detailed business plan
- Photocopies of national ID and family book
- Bank reference letters
- Board resolution (for foreign companies)
- Notarized Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
- Passport copies of all partners and managers
- Power of Attorney
- Proof of residence
- Lease Agreement
These documents are crucial for establishing a business in Sharjah Mainland and must be submitted as part of the registration process.