Sharjah Free Zone License Cost 2026: Fees, Packages & Business Setup Guide

Sharjah is one of the UAE’s popular destinations for entrepreneurs looking for an affordable way to establish a company. With multiple free zones, a wide range of business activities, flexible workspace options and packages for companies with or without visas, Sharjah can suit startups, consultants, traders, e-commerce businesses and international entrepreneurs.

One of the first questions investors ask is: How much does a Sharjah free zone license cost?

There is no single price applicable to every Sharjah free zone. The total cost depends on the free zone, business activity, number of visas, workspace, shareholders and additional services selected.

As of 2026, official advertised entry-level packages can start around AED 5,750–AED 6,875 in free zones such as Shams and SPC Free Zone, depending on the activity and package.

How Much Does a Sharjah Free Zone License Cost in 2026?

A basic Sharjah free zone business license can currently start from approximately AED 5,750, depending on the selected free zone and activity.

For example, Sharjah Media City (Shams) currently advertises a Media Package at AED 5,760 and a Standard Package at AED 6,885, with terms and conditions applying. These packages include an LLC license, five business activities and flexi-desk/lease arrangements.

SPC Free Zone currently lists its Pay-As-You-Go zero-visa license at AED 6,875.

Therefore, it is important not to advertise one amount as the universal Sharjah free zone license cost.

Sharjah Free Zone License Cost Comparison

Indicative publicly advertised prices in 2026 include:

Shams states that its Media and Standard packages include up to five activities, while SPC states that pricing varies depending on activities and visa requirements.

Prices and promotions can change, so investors should obtain a current quotation before proceeding.

What Is Included in a Sharjah Free Zone License Package?

The inclusions depend on the free zone and package.

A basic package may include some combination of:

• Business license
• Company registration
• Selected business activities
• Flexi-desk or shared workspace
• Lease agreement
• Company incorporation documents

Visa-related services may be separate.

For example, SPC’s current Pay-As-You-Go model separates its AED 6,875 license from optional services such as visa allocation, establishment card, e-channel registration and investor visa processing.

This is why entrepreneurs should compare the total setup cost, not just the headline license price.

Types of Sharjah Free Zone Licenses

Your license should match the activities your company actually intends to perform.

Commercial or Trading License

A trading license may be suitable for businesses involved in buying, selling, importing or exporting approved goods.

Activities can vary from specialized product trading to broader trading models.

General Trading License

A general trading license can cover a broader range of permitted goods.

SPC Free Zone, for example, currently advertises a general trading license at AED 6,875 without visas, with up to five activity groups under one license.

Service License

Service licenses can cover approved professional and business services.

Examples may include:

• Marketing
• IT services
• Design
• Business services
• Professional consultancy
• Other approved service activities

E-Commerce License

An e-commerce business license can be suitable for entrepreneurs planning to sell approved products or services through online channels.

Media License

Shams offers packages specifically aimed at media and creative entrepreneurs. Its current Media Package is advertised at AED 5,760, subject to applicable terms.

Consultancy License

Consultants can choose an appropriate activity based on their area of professional expertise.

The exact activity should be confirmed before registration because regulated professional activities may have additional requirements.

What Affects Sharjah Free Zone Company Setup Cost?

Several factors determine the final price.

1. Business Activity

The activity you select can influence your license cost and any additional approval requirements.

A consultancy, IT company and general trading business may have different pricing structures.

2. Number of Visas

A zero-visa company can generally have a lower initial setup cost than a package requiring investor or employee visas.

For example, SPC currently lists its zero-visa Pay-As-You-Go license at AED 6,875 and separately prices visa-related services.

3. Office or Workspace

Depending on the free zone and business model, options may include:

• Flexi-desk
• Co-working space
• Dedicated office
• Commercial office
• Warehouse
• Storage facility

The larger or more specialized the facility, the greater the potential total cost.

4. Number of Shareholders

The number and structure of shareholders may affect incorporation requirements and package selection.

5. Additional Approvals

Certain regulated activities may require additional approvals or documentation.

Confirm these requirements before making payment.

Additional Costs to Consider

The advertised business license is not necessarily the final amount you will spend.

Additional expenses can potentially include:

• Visa allocation
• Establishment card
• E-channel registration
• Investor or employee visa
• Emirates ID
• Medical examination
• Change of status
• Office upgrades
• Additional activities
• Immigration-related services
• Insurance
• Banking-related assistance

As one current example, SPC separately lists AED 1,600 for visa allocation, AED 640 for an establishment card, AED 2,280 for e-channel registration and AED 2,530 for an investor visa with Emirates ID under its Pay-As-You-Go model.

These are SPC-specific published prices and should not be treated as universal fees across all Sharjah free zones.

Sharjah Free Zone License Without Visa

A zero-visa Sharjah free zone company can be attractive for entrepreneurs who want to establish a UAE business but do not immediately require residency through the company.

Potential users include:

• International entrepreneurs
• Online business owners
• Consultants
• Existing UAE residents
• E-commerce entrepreneurs
• Startups

SPC currently offers a one-year, zero-visa Pay-As-You-Go package for AED 6,875.

However, check whether your chosen package meets your banking, operational and future visa requirements before selecting it purely on price.

Sharjah Free Zone License With Visa

If you require UAE residency through your company, the total setup cost can increase.

Visa-related costs may involve:

• Visa allocation
• Establishment card
• Immigration/e-channel registration
• Entry permit or status change
• Medical examination
• Emirates ID
• Residence visa processing
• Health insurance where applicable

Instead of asking only “How much is the license?”, ask for a complete quotation covering:

Company license + establishment requirements + visa + Emirates ID + medical + workspace + any required approvals.

This gives a more realistic comparison.

How to Get a Sharjah Free Zone License

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Identify exactly what your company will do.

For example:

• General trading
• E-commerce
• IT services
• Marketing
• Consultancy
• Media
• Design
• Professional services

Selecting the right activity at the beginning can help avoid amendments later.

Step 2: Select the Right Sharjah Free Zone

Sharjah has several free zones catering to different business models.

Options include Shams, SPC Free Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone and SAIF Zone, among others.

Compare them based on your activity, visa requirements, office needs and total cost rather than choosing solely based on the lowest advertised package.

Step 3: Choose a Trade Name

Select a suitable company name that complies with the applicable naming requirements.

Ideally, choose a name that is:

• Professional
• Easy to remember
• Relevant to your business
• Suitable for future expansion

Step 4: Choose Your License Package

Determine whether you require:

• Zero visas
• One investor visa
• Multiple visas
• Flexi-desk
• Dedicated office
• Warehouse or other facilities

Step 5: Submit the Required Documents

Requirements vary depending on the company and free zone, but applicants commonly need identification and incorporation information.

The relevant free zone may request additional documentation based on the shareholder, activity or company structure.

Step 6: Pay the Setup Fees

Once the application and package have been confirmed, pay the applicable registration and licensing charges.

Step 7: Receive Your Business License

Following successful processing, the free zone issues the relevant company documents and business license.

Processing times vary between free zones, activities and applications. Avoid assuming that every application will be issued on the same timeline.

Documents Required for Sharjah Free Zone Business Setup

Requirements depend on the free zone, activity and applicant.

Commonly requested information can include:

• Passport copy
• Passport-size photograph
• Contact details
• Proposed trade name
• Selected business activities
• Shareholder information
• UAE visa or Emirates ID where applicable

Additional documents may be requested depending on the business activity or shareholder structure.

Benefits of Setting Up a Company in Sharjah Free Zone

Depending on the selected free zone and business structure, advantages can include:

100% Foreign Ownership

Both Shams and SPC advertise 100% foreign ownership for eligible free-zone businesses.

Affordable Entry-Level Packages

Current entry-level advertised prices can begin around AED 5,750–AED 6,875 for selected packages and activities.

Multiple Business Activities

Some free zones allow several activities under one license. Shams currently advertises up to five activities in its Media and Standard packages.

Remote Setup Options

Certain free zones offer digital company-formation processes. SPC, for example, advertises a 100% remote application process for several of its license categories.

Flexible Workspace

Flexi-desk and co-working arrangements can help some startups avoid the cost of a large conventional office.

Is Sharjah Free Zone Cheaper Than Dubai?

Sharjah can offer competitive entry-level company-formation packages, particularly for entrepreneurs looking for a zero-visa or flexi-desk setup.

However, the cheapest license does not automatically mean the lowest total business cost.

Compare:

• License price
• Renewal price
• Visa costs
• Office requirements
• Activity fees
• Immigration charges
• Additional approvals
• Operational requirements

Your choice should ultimately depend on where and how your business will operate.

Sharjah Free Zone License Renewal Cost

A free-zone license generally requires renewal according to the applicable license term.

Renewal costs depend on:

• Free zone
• License type
• Activities
• Workspace
• Visa requirements
• Additional services

Do not assume the promotional first-year setup price will necessarily be identical to future renewal costs. Ask for both the initial setup cost and renewal cost before registering.

Is There a Cheap Sharjah Free Zone License?

Yes, several Sharjah free zones advertise relatively affordable entry-level packages.

For example, Shams currently advertises company setup starting from around AED 5,750, while its global package page lists a Media Package at AED 5,760 and Standard Package at AED 6,885.

SPC also advertises selected IT service licenses from AED 5,750, while its standard Pay-As-You-Go zero-visa package is AED 6,875.

The important question is not simply “Which license is cheapest?” but “Which package covers the activities, visas and facilities my business actually needs?”

Sharjah Chamber Membership Fee

Depending on the setup and applicable requirements, investors should also account for Chamber-related charges.

Sharjah’s official government portal currently lists the fixed fee for New Membership (Free Zone) with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry at AED 1,550.

This is another reason to obtain a complete cost breakdown rather than relying solely on a headline license price.

How to Choose the Best Sharjah Free Zone

Before selecting a free zone, compare:

Business activity: Does the free zone offer exactly what you need?

Total cost: What is included and excluded?

Visa allocation: How many visas will you need now and later?

Workspace: Is a flexi-desk sufficient or do you need a dedicated office or warehouse?

Renewal: What will the business cost from year two onward?

Market access: Does the structure fit where and how you plan to trade?

A slightly higher initial package may offer better value if it includes services that would otherwise need to be purchased separately.

Start Your Sharjah Free Zone Company

A Sharjah free zone license can start from around AED 5,750 in 2026 for selected activities and packages, but your actual company setup cost will depend on the free zone, business activity, visa requirements, workspace and additional services.

Before registering, request an itemized quotation covering both the first-year setup cost and future renewal costs.

Planning to start a business in Sharjah Free Zone? Contact our business setup team to compare available license packages, activities, visa options and total setup costs based on your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Sharjah free zone license?

Entry-level packages can currently start at approximately AED 5,750, depending on the free zone, activity and offer. For example, Shams advertises packages starting around this level, while SPC’s Pay-As-You-Go zero-visa license is currently AED 6,875.

What is the cheapest Sharjah free zone license?

There is no single cheapest option for every business because prices vary by activity and package. Shams and SPC currently advertise selected entry-level options around AED 5,750–AED 6,875.

Can I get a Sharjah free zone license without a visa?

Yes. Zero-visa options are available from some free zones. SPC, for example, currently advertises a zero-visa Pay-As-You-Go license for AED 6,875.

Can foreigners own 100% of a Sharjah free zone company?

Yes, free zones such as Shams and SPC advertise 100% foreign ownership for eligible companies.

How much is a Sharjah free zone license with a visa?

The cost depends on the free zone and package. Visa-related charges can include visa allocation, establishment card, e-channel registration, medical examination, Emirates ID and visa processing. Request an all-inclusive quotation before comparing packages.

Is a flexi-desk included with a Sharjah free zone license?

It depends on the package. Shams states that its current Media and Standard packages include flexi-desk and lease arrangements.

How much does Sharjah Chamber free-zone membership cost?

Sharjah’s official government portal currently lists a fixed AED 1,550 fee for New Membership (Free Zone).

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