Sharjah is the third most popular city in the UAE and one of the fastest-growing business destinations in the Emirates. A business-friendly environment, geographical advantages, and world-class infrastructure make this a prime location for business owners. Our guide delves into the regulations, procedures, and benefits of securing a Sharjah mainland license.
Benefits of a Sharjah mainland license
A Sharjah mainland license is a business license issued by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). This license allows businesses to operate within the mainland region of Sharjah. Unlike Free Zone licenses, a Sharjah mainland license offers greater flexibility in terms of business operations, locations, and client demographics.
Here are the key benefits of obtaining a Sharjah mainland license:
- Diverse business opportunities: Sharjah’s diverse economy opens doors to various sectors like manufacturing, services, retail, and more.
- No currency restrictions: Businesses can conduct transactions in any currency, providing significant flexibility in international trade.
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits: Business owners can fully repatriate their capital and profits back to their home country without restrictions.
- Ease of doing business: The Sharjah government offers streamlined processes for business setup and operations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
- Access to all UAE markets: Unlike Free Zone companies, mainland companies can conduct business anywhere in the UAE, including lucrative local markets.
- Eligibility for government contracts: Mainland companies can bid for various government and semi-government projects, which are often substantial in size and value.
- No minimum capital requirement: Starting a business on the mainland does not require a minimum capital investment, making it accessible for startups and SMEs.
- Sponsorship and visa privileges: Business owners can sponsor their family members and employees for residency visas.
- Flexibility in choosing office locations: Companies have the freedom to choose their office location anywhere in Sharjah, enhancing accessibility and client reach.
- Networking and collaboration opportunities: Being part of the mainland business community provides numerous networking opportunities with local and international businesses.
These benefits make obtaining a Sharjah mainland license an attractive proposition for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in the UAE market.
How to get a Sharjah mainland license: Step-by-step
The five steps to get a Sharjah mainland license are:
Step 1: Partner with Trade License Zone
Step 2: Register your trade name
Step 3: Select your legal structure and business activities
Step 4: Obtain initial approval
Step 5: Apply for your Sharjah mainland license
Step 1: Partner with Trade License Zone
Trade License Zone specialises in obtaining Sharjah mainland licenses for both foreign individuals and companies. Our team is adept at handling the complexities of UAE government regulations and offers expert advice to ensure your business is fully licensed, registered, and adheres to Sharjah’s regulatory requirements. With our decades of experience in legal and procedural matters, we are dedicated to guiding you through the business setup process smoothly and efficiently.
Step 2: Register your trade name
Securing a company name in Sharjah involves a detailed procedure. The name chosen must avoid any offensive, blasphemous language, or references to Islam or Allah. In cases where a personal name is used, it should be in its complete form rather than abbreviated. The SEDD manages this process. At Trade License Zone, we will assist you in ensuring your trade name complies with these regulations and reflects your company’s activities.
Step 3: Select your legal structure and business activities
Sharjah offers a variety of legal structures for businesses, including Sole Proprietorships, Limited Liability Companies, and partnerships, among others. The legal structure you choose will define your company’s jurisdiction, the range of business activities it can undertake, and the types of trade licenses required.
Before applying for a Sharjah mainland license, you must select your company’s business activities and legal structure. These business activities are listed on the SEDD’s portal, from which you can choose the ones pertaining to your business operations – and these will be listed on your trade license. Failure to list all your business activities on your trade license can result in severe fines from the UAE government.
Step 4: Obtain initial approval
Securing the initial approval from the SEDD is a crucial step in establishing your business in Sharjah. For this step, various documents must be submitted to the SEDD for review and approval. These documents include your passport, visa, a comprehensive business plan, rental agreements, trade name registration certificates, and other relevant paperwork. This process ensures that your business proposal aligns with Sharjah’s economic goals and regulatory framework, paving the way for a successful business setup.
Step 5: Apply for your Sharjah mainland license
Once you have the initial approval certificate for your company, you can apply for a Sharjah mainland license with the SEDD. This requires submitting your trade name certificate, rental agreements, initial approval certificate, additional documents, and a completed license application form. After SEDD approves your application and you pay the license fee, you can open a corporate bank account and start your tile manufacturing business in Sharjah. Trade License Zone offers thorough support to streamline this process, saving you time and effort.
Sharjah mainland license cost
Setting up a Sharjah mainland license costs between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000. This price depends on the nature of the business, office rent, visa fees, and other associated government costs.
Documents required to start a Sharjah mainland company
The essential documents required to start a Sharjah mainland company are as follows:
- Business plan
- Visas and passports copies of directors and partners
- Office space lease agreement
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Proof of residence
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval certificates from SEDD
Why work with Trade License Zone?
When embarking on the journey to obtain a Sharjah mainland license, working with Trade License Zone offers a distinct advantage. Our team brings a wealth of expertise and experience in UAE business regulations, ensuring that your licensing process is managed with professionalism and efficiency. We pride ourselves on providing customised solutions, understanding that each business has unique needs and goals. This personalised approach, coupled with our deep local insights, equips you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the Sharjah business landscape effectively.
The process of acquiring a Sharjah mainland license can be complex, but with Trade License Zone, it becomes more straightforward and streamlined. We expertly handle the paperwork, liaise with government authorities, and keep abreast of regulatory changes, saving you valuable time and reducing potential delays. Moreover, our comprehensive service range covers everything from initial consultation to successful license acquisition, including assistance with legal structure selection, documentation, and compliance.
Choosing Trade License Zone not only ensures a smoother license acquisition process but also offers cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality. We are committed to providing reliable support and ongoing assistance throughout your business setup journey, ensuring that every step you take towards establishing your presence in Sharjah is guided by expertise and dedication to your success.