Sharjah Mainland
Sharjah Mainland
Competitive licensing and office costs with unrestricted UAE trading.
100%
Ownership on most activities
UAE-wide
Trading rights
30–50%
Lower costs than Dubai
1/3
Of all UAE manufacturing
Overview
Set up your Sharjah mainland company with Evolva — 100% foreign ownership on most activities, an SEDD trade licence, and full UAE-wide trading rights, at meaningfully lower cost than Dubai.
A Sharjah mainland company is licensed by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and can trade anywhere in the UAE — including government contracts, local markets and every other emirate — without the geographical restrictions that apply to free zone entities. Company setup in Sharjah follows the same legal framework as business setup in Dubai, but with meaningfully lower costs: office rents, licence fees and visa packages in Sharjah typically run 30–50% below Dubai equivalents.
Sharjah is the only emirate with ports on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, plus its own international airport, and it is home to roughly a third of all UAE manufacturing activity — making it a natural base for trading, contracting, industrial and local-service businesses that need unrestricted UAE market access without Dubai-level overheads.
Following the 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can hold 100% of the shares in a Sharjah mainland LLC across the large majority of commercial, industrial and professional activities. At Evolva, we handle the entire process — activity selection, trade name reservation, MOA drafting, licensing, visas and corporate bank account opening.
Benefits of Company Formation in Sharjah
Sharjah combines the UAE's lowest entry costs with strategic logistics access and a deep industrial base.
Lowest
Entry Cost in the UAE
Licence packages from meaningfully below comparable Dubai equivalents — roughly half the cost for equivalent free zone packages.
2
Coastlines, 1 Airport
Sharjah is the only emirate with ports on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, plus its own international airport and three seaports.
1/3
Of UAE Manufacturing
About a third of all UAE manufacturing activity happens in Sharjah, with established supplier networks and industrial land at lower rents.
20 min
From Dubai
Direct road access to Dubai in around 20 minutes, giving you Dubai market proximity without Dubai operating costs.
30–50%
Lower Operating Costs
Office rents and staff accommodation in Sharjah typically run 30–50% below Dubai, extending your operating runway.
UAE-wide
Full Market Access
An SEDD mainland licence lets you trade in every emirate and bid for government contracts, with no restriction to a designated zone.
Sharjah Mainland vs Free Zone
Both structures are available in Sharjah — the right choice depends on where and how you plan to trade.
| Factor | Sharjah Mainland (SEDD) | Sharjah Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Trading rights | Anywhere in the UAE, including government contracts | International trade and within the free zone |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% |
| Setup time | 1–3 weeks | 3–7 working days |
| Office requirement | Physical office/Ejari-equivalent required | Flexi-desk options available |
| Best for | Retail, restaurants, contracting, local services | Consultants, e-commerce, media, trading, publishing |
Not sure which is right for you? Evolva assesses your trading pattern and recommends the most cost-effective, compliant structure at no charge.
Cost of Business Setup in Sharjah
| Setup Type | Starting Cost (AED) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free zone licence (0 visa) | 5,500 – 6,500 | Licence + registration |
| Free zone + 1 visa | 12,000 – 16,000 | Licence, visa, establishment card |
| Mainland LLC (SEDD) | 18,000 – 25,000 | Trade licence, registration fees |
Figures are indicative — contact Evolva for an exact quote based on your activity and visa requirements.
Sharjah Mainland Trade Licence Types
The licence you need depends on your business activity, as recognised by SEDD.
Commercial Licence
Covers trading and the buying and selling of goods. Typical businesses: general trading, retail, import/export.
Professional Licence
Covers services and consultancy activities. Typical businesses: consultants, agencies, IT services.
Industrial Licence
Covers manufacturing and processing activities. Typical businesses: factories, food processing, fabrication.
E-commerce Licence
Covers online selling and digital transactions. Typical businesses: online stores, marketplace sellers.
How to Set Up Your Mainland Business in Sharjah
Six steps take you from activity selection to a fully licensed, bank-ready Sharjah mainland company.
- 1
Choose your activity
Evolva maps your business to the right SEDD activity code and licence type.
- 2
Confirm mainland fits your trading needs
We confirm mainland is the right route based on where you trade, your visa needs and your budget — versus a Sharjah free zone alternative.
- 3
Reserve your trade name
Three name options are submitted to SEDD for approval, checked against UAE naming regulations.
- 4
Prepare your documents
Your Memorandum of Association, lease agreement and shareholder documents are drafted and notarised.
- 5
Licence issued
Your SEDD mainland trade licence is typically issued within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on activity and any external approvals required.
- 6
Visas and bank account
Evolva arranges your establishment card, residence visas and corporate bank account introductions to complete your setup.
Documents Required for Sharjah Mainland Company Formation
Standard Requirements
- Passport copies of all shareholders (and visa/entry stamp copies where applicable)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) — drafted and notarised
- Lease agreement or office tenancy contract
- Trade name reservation certificate and initial approval from SEDD
- NOC from current UAE employer/sponsor, where the shareholder holds a UAE residence visa
- Bank reference or proof of address for compliance checks
Why Choose Evolva for Your Sharjah Mainland Setup?
Evolva has registered companies with SEDD and every major Sharjah free zone authority, handling activity selection through to bank account opening.
SEDD-Registered Expertise
We understand SEDD's requirements, timelines and common pitfalls, and manage the full application on your behalf.
Mainland and Free Zone Under One Roof
We advise honestly on whether mainland or free zone suits your trading pattern — not just the option that is easiest to sell.
Transparent, Itemised Pricing
No hidden fees — you receive a full cost breakdown covering government fees, office costs and our service charge before you commit.
Dedicated Consultant
One consultant manages your case from first consultation through to licence collection and bank introduction.
Banking Relationships
We prepare your compliance file and introduce you to the right banking partner, from fast digital banks to traditional UAE banks.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Licence renewals, visa renewals and VAT/corporate tax filing support continue long after your company is formed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your Sharjah Mainland setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
Related Services
Dubai Mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts with a Dubai mainland licence issued by DED.
Abu Dhabi Mainland
Establish in the UAE capital with an Abu Dhabi mainland licence and direct access to government and energy-sector contracts.
Ajman Mainland
Register an Ajman mainland company — among the most affordable routes to a fully tradable UAE licence.
Ready to get started with Sharjah Mainland?
Speak with an Evolva consultant today and get a tailored quote for your business setup.