United Arab Emirates
Company Formation in Sharjah Mainland
Emirate of Sharjah — Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
Overview
Sharjah is the third-largest emirate in the UAE and the nation's premier industrial and manufacturing powerhouse, generating over 45% of the UAE's total industrial output. Directly bordering Dubai to the south, Sharjah offers the exact same UAE-wide mainland market access as Dubai, but at setup, commercial rent, and warehousing costs that are 30% to 40% lower. Supervised by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), a Sharjah mainland company can distribute goods, perform services, and open commercial facilities across all seven emirates. Sharjah is world-renowned for light and heavy industrial manufacturing, international trading, maritime logistics (with seaports on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman), and publishing. With 100% foreign ownership permitted under federal law, Sharjah is the optimal choice for cost-conscious industrial, trading, and logistics enterprises.
Why Choose Sharjah Mainland
30% to 40% lower license fees and warehouse rental costs compared to Dubai mainland
Generates over 45% of total UAE industrial manufacturing output
Directly borders Dubai — just 15 minutes to Dubai International Airport and Deira commercial centers
Unrestricted commercial market access to trade across all seven emirates and federal tenders
100% foreign ownership across commercial, industrial, and professional trade licenses
Unique dual-coast maritime access with commercial ports on both the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
9% federal corporate tax with 0% tax on taxable net profits up to AED 375,000
Low annual maintenance and municipal lease renewal expenses
Business Entity Types
| Entity | Ownership | Directors | Capital | Tax | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC | 100% | 1 | No minimum | 9% corporate tax (0% on first AED 375,000) | Industrial manufacturing, trading, distribution, building materials, wholesale |
| Sole Establishment | 100% for professional licenses | 1 | None | 9% corporate tax (Small Business Relief applies) | Consultancies, technical services, maintenance advisory |
| Branch Office | 100% | 1 (Manager) | None | 9% corporate tax on branch earnings | International industrial groups and logistics operators establishing UAE facilities |
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Trade Name Reservation
1 dayReserve commercial name with Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
Initial Approval
1–2 daysObtain preliminary approval for commercial/industrial activities.
MOA Execution
1–2 daysDraft and execute Memorandum of Association via Sharjah Courts notary.
Tasdeeq Lease Attestation
1–2 daysSecure warehouse/office and attest lease with Sharjah Municipality (Tasdeeq).
SEDD License Issuance
1 dayPay government fees and receive the official SEDD trade license.
Corporate Banking & Visas
2–4 weeksOpen corporate bank accounts with RAKBANK or Wio and process residency visas.
Costs & Fees
| Government / License Fee | AED 8,000 – 16,000 |
| Our Service Fee | USD 4,000+ |
| Annual Renewal | AED 6,000 – 14,000 |
Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.
Get Custom QuoteBanking
Sharjah mainland companies have strong access to UAE commercial banks, particularly institutions with large Northern Emirates networks like RAKBANK, Mashreq, and Sharjah Islamic Bank, alongside Wio Bank.
Recommended Banks
Tax Overview
Subject to UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Corporate Tax. Entities must register with the FTA and file annual returns within 9 months of financial year-end.