Setup Your Company in Sharjah Mainland
Setting up a company in Sharjah Mainland gives you access to the UAEās growing business environment, a wide range of licensed activities, and strong infrastructure. With the right support and local sponsor, you can build a compliant and scalable business ready for long-term success in the region.
Business Setup In Sharjah Mainland
Starting a business in Sharjah has never been easierāour consultants at Brightlink take care of everything from start to finish. Whether you’re a global company or a growing SME, weāre here to help you get your business license quickly and easily.
Required Documents For Sharjah Mainland Company Set Up
Investors must submit specific documents to successfully establish a business in Sharjah Mainland. The mandatory paperwork includes:
- Completed Application Form
- The official business license application form, filled out and signed.
- Trade Name Reservation Certificate
- Proof of reserved and approved trade name from the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
- Passport Copies of all partners and managers
- Valid copies of passports for all shareholders, partners, and managers.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Required for shareholders or partners currently sponsored by another UAE company or employer.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
- Drafted and notarized documents outlining company structure, ownership, and operational guidelines.
- Local Sponsor or Service Agent Agreement
- If applicable, a signed agreement with the UAE national acting as a local sponsor or service agent.
- Office Tenancy Contract (Ejari)
- Valid lease agreement for the companyās physical office space in Sharjah Mainland.
- Power of Attorney
- If a business setup consultant or third party is handling the process on behalf of the investor.
- Bank Reference Letter
- Some banks may require a reference letter from your existing bank account or previous business dealings.
- Additional Approvals
- Depending on your business activity, you may need extra permits or approvals from relevant authorities.
Advantages of a Sharjah Mainland License
Setting up a business in Sharjah Mainland comes with several key benefits that make it an attractive option for both local and foreign investors:
Full Access to the UAE Market
Mainland companies can trade freely across all seven emirates without restrictions, unlike Free Zone businesses that are limited to their respective zones or require a distributor for mainland access.
100% Foreign Ownership
As of June 2021, many business activities in Sharjah Mainland allow full foreign ownershipāeliminating the need for a local sponsor in most cases.
Wide Range of Business Activities
Sharjah Mainland licenses cover a broad spectrum of commercial, industrial, and professional activities, offering greater flexibility for entrepreneurs.
No Currency Restrictions
Businesses are free to transact in any currency, making it easier to engage in international trade and attract global clients.
Ability to Work with Government Entities
Mainland companies are eligible to bid for government projects and contracts, a significant advantage for businesses targeting public sector work.
Simple Company Structure Options
Sharjah Mainland offers straightforward legal structures such as LLCs, sole proprietorships, and partnershipsāideal for businesses of all sizes.
Unlimited Office Space Options
There are no restrictions on the size or location of your office premises, allowing you to scale up operations as needed.
Easier Visa Processing
Mainland companies can apply for unlimited employment visas, depending on office space, making it easier to build a local workforce.
Strategic Location
Sharjahās location offers excellent connectivity to other emirates, ports, and international marketsābeneficial for logistics, trade, and distribution.
Business License Options in Sharjah Mainland
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) is the primary authority responsible for issuing business licenses in the mainland region. As the business environment in Sharjah evolves, securing the appropriate license is a critical first step and forms the legal foundation of your companyās operations.
To accommodate diverse business activities and models, Sharjah Mainland offers three main types of licenses, each designed to align with your companyās nature and objectives:
Sharjah Mainlandās Leading Business Sectors
Sharjah Mainland has emerged as a dynamic business destination within the UAE, thanks to its diversified economy, investor-friendly policies, and strategic location. Several key sectors are showing remarkable growth, creating vast opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
Sharjah has one of the UAEās largest industrial bases, with strong infrastructure and access to ports. Key sectors include food, textiles, plastics, machinery, and construction materials, supported by government incentives.
With proximity to major shipping ports like Port Khalid and Hamriyah Port, Sharjah Mainland serves as a logistics and distribution hub. Import-export businesses thrive due to efficient transport networks and access to markets across the GCC, Africa, and Asia.
Cultural tourism is booming in Sharjah, thanks to its heritage sites, museums, and festivals. The demand for boutique hotels, travel agencies, and hospitality services continues to grow as the emirate promotes sustainable and cultural tourism.
Construction & Real Estate
Driven by population growth and infrastructure development, Sharjahās construction and real estate sector continues to expand. Demand for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects is increasing, creating opportunities for developers, contractors, and real estate service providers.
Sharjah has positioned itself as an educational hub with several universities and academic institutions. The demand for private schools, vocational training centers, and educational consultancies remains high, offering strong potential for education-related ventures.
The healthcare sector in Sharjah is growing rapidly due to increased investment in hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers. With a focus on quality care and medical tourism, there are numerous opportunities for healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and wellness brands.
With a growing population and strong consumer base, retail businessesāboth physical and onlineāare thriving. Sharjah Mainland is ideal for opening shops, showrooms, and e-commerce ventures targeting local and regional markets.
From legal and financial consultancy to IT and digital marketing, professional services are in high demand across all sectors. Sharjah Mainland provides a solid platform for freelancers, startups, and established firms to serve both local and international clients.
Types Of Companies In Sharjah Mainland
Explore a wide range of business opportunities by setting up in Sharjah Mainland. With Brightlink, you can obtain a Sharjah Mainland business license and enjoy 100% ownershipāunlocking multiple avenues for growth across various sectors.
Partnership Company
A partnership company is formed by two or more UAE national shareholders, with joint liability based on each partnerās shareholding. Foreign investors are not permitted to establish partnership companies in the UAE.
Public / Private Shareholding Company
A shareholding company in Sharjah divides capital into equal, tradable shares, with each partner liable only up to their share value. Private shareholding companies follow Public Joint Stock Company regulations, and all signatories of the founding documents are considered founding members.
How To Set Up A Business in Sharjah Mainland
Setting up a business in Sharjah Mainland is an exciting journey ā and with Brightlink, itās a smooth and worry-free experience.
Steps to Set Up Your Business Under a Sharjah Mainland License
1. Choose Your Business Activity
Identify the exact business activity you want to pursue. Sharjah Mainland allows a wide range of activities including trading, consulting, manufacturing, professional services, and more. Your chosen activity will determine the type of license you need (commercial, professional, industrial).
2. Select a Trade Name
Pick a unique and appropriate trade name for your company. The name must comply with Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) guidelinesāno offensive terms, no abbreviations of personal names, and it must reflect the business activity. You can reserve the name with the SEDD.
3. Decide on the Legal Structure
Choose the right legal structure based on your business needs. Common options include:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Private Shareholding Company
Your choice impacts ownership, liability, and licensing requirements.
4. Prepare Required Documentation
Gather necessary documents:
- Passport copies of partners/shareholders
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (for residents)
- Business plan or activity details
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) draft
5. Obtain Initial Approval
Submit your business activity and trade name application to SEDD for initial approval. This confirms the government permits your proposed business activity and name.
6. Draft and Notarize Company Documents
Once initial approval is granted, draft the MOA and AOA which outline the companyās structure, shareholder details, capital distribution, and operations. These documents must be notarized by a UAE notary public.
7. Arrange for a Local Sponsor or Service Agent (if required)
For certain business types (like LLCs with foreign ownership below 100%), appoint a UAE national as a local sponsor who will hold at least 51% ownership. For professional or sole proprietorship businesses, appoint a Local Service Agent who does not hold ownership but facilitates licensing.
8. Lease Physical Office Space
Sharjah Mainland companies must have a physical office. Secure a tenancy contract that meets SEDD requirements. The size and location of the office must suit your business activity.
9. Submit Final Licensing Application and Pay Fees
Submit all documents, approvals, and tenancy contracts to the SEDD. Pay the required government fees and license issuance charges. Fees vary depending on business activity and office size.
10. Receive Your Business License
After verification and approval, the SEDD issues your official Sharjah Mainland business license. This document legally authorizes you to operate within the mainland jurisdiction.
11. Register for Additional Approvals (if needed)
Certain business activities may require additional approvals from relevant ministries or authorities (e.g., health, education, tourism). Ensure you complete these steps to remain compliant.
12. Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your license and company documents ready, open a business bank account in the UAE to handle your companyās financial transactions.
Start Your Business in Sharjah Mainland with Brightlink
Connect with Brightlink Management Consultancy today for expert, end-to-end support. Letās turn your business vision into a reality ā smoothly, efficiently, and successfully.
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