A Sharjah free zone is the most cost-effective way into the UAE for most service businesses, consultancies, media companies and online traders. You keep 100% ownership, you get UAE residency visa eligibility, and packages start from around AED 5,750 — typically well below comparable Dubai licences.
The catch: the four main Sharjah zones are built for different kinds of business, and the packages are not interchangeable. Choosing on price alone is how founders end up with the wrong activity code, an office they don't need, or a licence that can't be upgraded when they grow. That's the part we fix.
The main Sharjah free zones, compared
| Free zone | Best suited to | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) | Media, creative, consulting, marketing, tech and most service activities | Broad activity list and flexible packages. |
| SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) | Publishing, e-commerce, trading and a wide range of commercial activities | Fast issuance and dual-licence options. Incor is based in SPC Free Zone, and our insurance brokerage is licensed by it. |
| SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International) | Logistics, aviation-linked trade, import/export with warehousing | On-airport location with warehouse and office inventory. |
| Hamriyah Free Zone | Industrial, manufacturing and maritime operations | Deep-water port access and industrial land/warehousing. |
We place clients in whichever zone fits — including zones in other emirates when Sharjah genuinely isn't the right answer. We'll tell you if you don't need it.
What it costs
Sharjah free-zone packages start from around AED 5,750 for a basic licence. Your real number depends on three things:
- Activity — some activities carry approval fees or need external sign-off.
- Visas — each residency visa adds government fees, medicals and Emirates ID costs.
- Workspace — shared desk, dedicated office or warehouse changes the package tier.
We quote the full first-year figure and the renewal figure in writing before you pay anything — no surprises at renewal. For a wider view across the UAE, see our UAE business setup cost guide.
How the setup runs
- Listen. We map your activity, ownership, visa needs and where your customers are.
- Structure. We recommend the zone, legal form and activity codes — in plain English, with the trade-offs stated.
- File. We prepare and submit everything: application, KYC, name reservation, licence issuance.
- Stand by. Visas, Emirates ID, corporate tax registration, bank-account introductions — and your insurance, placed by the same team.
Most licences are issued within 5–7 working days of complete documents.
What you'll need
- Passport copies for all shareholders (and UAE entry stamp or visa page where applicable)
- Proposed company names and a short description of the activity
- Contact details and, for some activities, a brief business plan or CV
That's usually it for a standard service licence. Regulated activities need more — we'll list it precisely once we know your case.
Why founders use Incor for Sharjah
- We're local. Based in Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone, where our insurance brokerage is licensed. This is our home market, not a product line.
- One accountable team. Licence, visas and the insurance that protects the business — no hand-offs between departments.
- Advice before invoices. If a mainland licence or another emirate serves you better, we say so.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sharjah free zone company formation take?
Most Sharjah free-zone trade licences are issued within 5–7 working days once your documents are in order. Activities needing external approvals take longer — we tell you upfront.
How much does a Sharjah free zone licence cost?
Packages start from around AED 5,750 for a basic licence. Final cost depends on activity, visas and workspace — quoted transparently, in writing, before you pay.
Which zone should I choose — SHAMS, SPC, SAIF or Hamriyah?
Match the zone to the activity: SHAMS/SPC for services, media and commerce; SAIF for logistics; Hamriyah for industrial and maritime. We map it to how you actually trade.
Do I get 100% foreign ownership?
Yes — Sharjah free-zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor.
Can I get residency visas through the company?
Yes. Visa eligibility comes with the licence; the number depends on package and office type. We run the whole process, including Emirates ID and medicals.
What about corporate tax?
UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000; qualifying free-zone income can be taxed at 0% where conditions are met. We register you correctly and keep you compliant.
Tell us what you're building. We'll recommend the right Sharjah zone and quote the full cost in writing — no obligation, and we'll say if you don't need it.
Request a consultationPrefer email? hello@incor.ae · Related: UAE setup costs