Company Registration in Sharjah

The step-by-step procedure to register a company in Sharjah is as follows:

• The first and foremost step is to choose a business activity.
• Followed by the selection of a company structure, such as a limited liability or a free zone company.
• Then, the reservation of the trade name with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) for the Free Zone Authority.
• Drafting of MOA, AOA, and lease/rental/virtual office address agreements.
• Registration of the official company address.
• Application to the competent authority with documents.
• Issuance of the company registration in Sharjah certificate.
• Apply for a relevant trade license.
• Register for corporate/VAT taxes with FTA.
• Open a corporate bank account.

There are several advantages of registering a company in Sharjah, as mentioned below:

• Low corporate tax rate
• Fewer customs duties
• Better transportation facilities
• Strategic location to European and Asian markets.
• Business-friendly environment
• Easy access to capital
• 100% capital repatriation
• No tax on capital gains.
• Robust economy

The mandatory documents required for Sharjah company formation are as follows:

• A passport copy of the applicant, directors, and shareholders.
• Emirates ID of the local representative, if applicable
• A power of attorney in case the application is filed by an agent or lawyer.
• Company’s trade name.
• Memorandum of Association
• Articles of Association
• Company’s registered address (lease or virtual agreement).

Yes, global entrepreneurs, companies, partnership firms, associations, trusts, and sole proprietors can apply for online company registration in Sharjah.

The various types of company structures for Sharjah business setup are as follows:

• Limited Liability Company
• Free Zone Company
• Free Zone Establishment
• Branch Office of a Foreign Parent Company
• Branch Office of a Local Mainland Company

The top business activities for Sharjah company registration are as follows:

• Leasing & Rental Services
• Real Estate Development Firms
• Property Management Agencies
• Online Home Rentals
• Drug Manufacturing
• Online Pharma
• Medicine Research Labs
• Tour Operators
• Travel Advisories
• Financial and Investment Management
• Management Services
• Food and Beverage Processing Units
• Plastic Recycling
• EV Vehicle Charging Equipment Manufacturing
• AI and Tech

No, you don’t need a local sponsor/service agent for online company registration in Sharjah, either in the mainland or in Sharjah. With 100% foreign ownership, you can easily start a business in the UAE’s third-largest Emirate.

The nominal corporate tax rate is 9% for all businesses in Sharjah. The UAE has introduced the lowest rate to invite global investment in the country.

The setup cost to register a company in Sharjah ranges from:

• USD 5000-7000 for the mainland;
• And USD 1600- 5000 for free zone setup.

The fees depend on various factors, including license approvals, notarization, lease agreement registration, and visa approval.

The initial approval takes 3 to 5 days. The entire process from application to final bank account setup will take at least 2 to 4 weeks.

You can only do business in the free zone after Sharjah company formation. If you wish to expand your operations in the mainland area, then you must obtain a dual license.

The same rule applies to Mainland LLCs and branch offices.

A free zone company is the most advantageous company structure because it provides less taxes and tariff duties and local business community support.

We’ll help you set up a company bank account after obtaining the business registration in Sharjah in the following steps:

• Provide you with a comprehensive list of banks.
• Draft a business plan and prepare other documents.
• Followed by application submission to a bank of your preference.
• Then, help you prepare for the interview by practicing the questionnaire.
• Setting up a video-conferencing for the final interview.
• Verify all the bank documents, like online banking and debit card permits

No, you generally don’t require a local director for Sharjah company registration in the mainland or free zone region. However, you may still require a local partner for certain business activities, such as the oil and gas industry.

The list of free zones for Sharjah company formation is as follows:

• Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAIF)
• Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
• Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation (SRTI) Park
• Sharjah Publishing City
• Sharjah Healthcare City
• Hamriyah Free Zone

The standard VAT rate is 5% on almost all goods and services. Certain products/services are zero-rated and completely exempted from VAT. The 0% applies to exports outside GCC member states and international transportation.

Businesses don’t need to register for VAT with taxable supplies under USD 102, 112.

Yes, you can easily establish a free zone branch office of your local mainland LLC to enjoy tax and infrastructural benefits.

A dual license enables you to extend your business operations from Sharjah’s free zone to the mainland area without having to register a new separate entity. It is a cost-effective expansion that helps you conduct business with the local mainland community.