Company formation in Sharjah: your options
Setting up in Sharjah means choosing between a mainland licence issued by Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and one of the free zones in the emirate. This page compares both routes and links to detailed guides.
| Route | Authority / scope | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland licence | Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) | UAE-wide market access; office lease usually required |
| Free zone licence | 6 zones covered here | Zone-specific; cost and rules vary |
Free zones in Sharjah
Sharjah mainland company formation
Sharjah mainland companies are licensed by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). It is a popular lower-cost onshore option next to Dubai, with access to the whole UAE market and up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Licence and registration | Quote required — varies by activity and premises |
| Visas | ≈ AED 3,500–6,000 per visa (indicative) |
| Office | Rent generally lower than Dubai |
Sharjah company formation: FAQs
How much does company formation in Sharjah cost?
It depends on the route. Free zones in Sharjah are listed below with the fee data we hold; mainland costs in Sharjah are “quote required”. Visas, office, professional fees and approvals are extra.
Should I choose a free zone or mainland in Sharjah?
It depends on where your customers are. Mainland suits UAE-facing and government-facing businesses; a free zone suits international, online or holding activities. See the decision framework.
Who licenses mainland companies in Sharjah?
Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Sharjah?
For most activities, yes, in free zones and, since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law changes, on the mainland. Some regulated or strategic activities have conditions — confirm for your activity.
Get a written quote for Sharjah
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.