Business Setup in Sharjah — DED, LLC & Free
Zone Guide 2026
Business Setup in Sharjah — DED, LLC & Free Zone
Guide 2026
Setting up a business in Sharjah costs less and takes fewer steps than most
UAE entrepreneurs expect. Al Namos Typing prepares and submits all Sharjah DED documentation — from
trade name reservation to licence issuance — so you can open without the government-portal headaches.
Business Setup in Sharjah — Cost at a Glance
Setup Type
Minimum Cost (AED)
Timeline
Authority
Mainland LLC (2 shareholders)
From 7,500
3–7 working days
Sharjah DED
Sole Establishment
From 5,000
2–5 working days
Sharjah DED
SAIF Zone Free Zone
From 8,500
3–5 working days
SAIF Zone Authority
Branch of Foreign Company
From 12,000
5–10 working days
Sharjah DED + MoEI
Official DED and authority fees vary by business activity. Al Namos Typing
advises the exact total before you commit.
What Is Sharjah DED Business Setup?
Sharjah DED (Department of Economic Development) issues mainland trade
licences for businesses operating in Sharjah emirate. A mainland DED licence lets you trade anywhere in
the UAE and work with government entities — unlike free zone licences, which restrict you to the free
zone or export markets. Al Namos Typing handles every step of the DED application on your behalf.
Types of Business Licence in Sharjah
Commercial licence — general trading, import/export, retail
Professional licence — consultancy, services, freelance activities
Industrial licence — manufacturing and production
Tourism licence — travel, hospitality, events
Al Namos Typing identifies the correct licence category for your activity
before filing — wrong classifications cause rejections and delays.
LLC Company Formation in Sharjah
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) in Sharjah requires a minimum of 2 and a
maximum of 50 shareholders. Each shareholder’s liability is limited to their capital share. Al Namos Typing Services prepares the Memorandum of Association, attests it at the Notary Public, and files with
Sharjah DED — the most common mainland setup for SMEs and trading companies.
Business Setup in SAIF Zone Sharjah
The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) offers 100% foreign
ownership, full profit repatriation, and zero corporate tax on qualifying income. It suits import/export
businesses, logistics, and light manufacturing. Al Namos Typing prepares SAIF Zone applications and
coordinates with the authority on your behalf.
Documents Required for Sharjah Business Setup
Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
UAE residence visa or entry stamp (if resident)
Emirates ID copies (for UAE residents)
Proposed trade name (3 options, in order of preference)
NOC from current employer (if on employment visa)
Tenancy contract or Ejari for business premises
Attested educational certificates (for professional licences)
Incorporation Certificate UAE
An incorporation certificate (also called a Certificate of Incorporation or
COI) is the official proof that your company exists as a legal entity. Sharjah DED issues this alongside
the trade licence upon successful registration. Al Namos Typing prepares the full documentation package
required to obtain your incorporation certificate quickly and without errors.
Step-by-Step Business Setup Process
Activity and structure selection — Al Namos Typing confirms your business activity
code and optimal legal structure (LLC, sole establishment, or free zone).
Trade name reservation — We submit 3 name options to Sharjah DED for approval
(typically same-day).
Initial approval — DED initial approval certificate issued; this lets you proceed
to the next steps.
MOA preparation and notarisation — We prepare the Memorandum of Association and
attend the Notary Public on your behalf.
Premises approval — Tenancy contract submitted and verified by DED (Ejari or
equivalent).
Licence issuance — Final fees paid, trade licence and incorporation certificate
issued.
Post-licence services — Al Namos Typing handles opening bank letter, MOHRE
registration, and Emirates ID for staff.
General Trading Licence in Sharjah
A general trading licence in Sharjah allows you to trade in multiple product
categories under a single licence — the most flexible commercial licence available from Sharjah DED. Al Namos Typing Centre prepares the application and advises on activity scope to avoid regulatory issues.
Why Set Up in Sharjah vs Dubai?
Factor
Sharjah DED
Dubai DED
Mainland licence cost
Lower (from AED 5,000)
Higher (from AED 8,000+)
Office space cost
30–40% cheaper than Dubai
Premium rates
Proximity to Ajman/UAQ
Direct access
Longer commute
UAE market access
Full mainland access
Full mainland access
How Al Namos Typing Handles Your Business Setup
Al Namos Typing is a licensed typing and PRO services centre at 80 St,
Industrial Area 2, Sharjah. We prepare every document, attend government counters, and follow up until
your licence is in hand. We serve Arabic and English speakers, open Sat-Thu 9AM-11PM and Friday 9AM-11AM
& 4PM-11PM. Call +971 55 303 0046 or WhatsApp +971 55 303 0046.
Frequently Asked Questions — Business Setup in Sharjah
How much does business setup cost in Sharjah? Mainland
business setup in Sharjah starts from AED 5,000 for a sole establishment and from AED 7,500 for an LLC,
plus official Sharjah DED fees that vary by activity. Al Namos Typing advises the exact total before you
proceed.
Can a foreigner set up a business in Sharjah? Yes. 100%
foreign ownership is permitted for most mainland activities under UAE Federal Law since 2021. SAIF Zone
free zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. Al Namos Typing confirms eligibility for
your specific activity.
How long does it take to get a Sharjah trade licence? A
straightforward Sharjah DED licence typically takes 3–7 working days when all documents are in order. Al Namos Typing Centre prepares complete applications to avoid back-and-forth with DED.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone setup in
Sharjah? A Sharjah DED mainland licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE and with
government entities. A SAIF Zone free zone licence restricts trading to the free zone or overseas — but
allows 100% foreign ownership and simplified visa processing.
Do I need a local sponsor for a Sharjah mainland
company? Since the 2021 Federal Companies Law amendment, most commercial and
professional activities no longer require a UAE national sponsor or partner. Al Namos Typing confirms
whether your activity requires any local partner before filing.
What is an incorporation certificate in the UAE? An
incorporation certificate (COI) is the official document proving your company is legally registered.
Sharjah DED issues it alongside the trade licence. Al Namos Typing prepares the full documentation
needed to obtain your COI.
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