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Sharjah Mainland Company Setup
Establish a mainland company in Sharjah with competitive office costs, access to the Dubai market next door and the freedom to trade across the UAE.
Setting up on the Sharjah mainland
Sharjah mainland companies are licensed by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). They can trade freely within the UAE, sign contracts with local businesses and sponsor visas for owners and staff.
Many companies choose Sharjah for lower rents and operating costs while staying close to Dubai. Industrial and trading businesses also benefit from the emirate’s ports and established industrial areas.
At a glance
- Licensing authority: SEDD
- Trade across the UAE
- Lower office and warehouse costs
- Close to Dubai and the northern emirates
- Commercial, professional and industrial licences
What we take care of in Sharjah
- Activity selection and ownership check
- Legal structure advice
- Trade name reservation
- Initial approval with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
- Memorandum of association and notarisation
- Office or premises and tenancy registration
- External approvals where required
- Licence issuance
- Establishment card and immigration file
- Investor, partner and employee visas
- Corporate bank account support
- VAT and corporate tax registration
Why set up with Emna Capital
01
One point of contact
A single advisor manages your file from the first call to the day your licence, visas and bank account are ready.
02
The right jurisdiction
We compare mainland, free zone and offshore options against your activity, clients and budget before you commit.
03
Paperwork done properly
Applications, attestations and translations are prepared and checked by our team to avoid rejections and delays.
04
Support after setup
Accounting, VAT, corporate tax, renewals and PRO work continue with the same team once you are trading.
How a Sharjah mainland setup works
Step 1
Activity and structure
We confirm the activity codes, ownership rules and the most suitable legal form.
Step 2
Name and initial approval
The trade name is reserved and initial approval obtained from the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
Step 3
Documents and premises
The MOA is prepared and notarised and your premises registered under a tenancy contract.
Step 4
Licence issuance
Any external approvals are secured, fees paid and the trade licence issued.
Step 5
Immigration file
The establishment card is issued so the company can sponsor visas.
Step 6
Visas and banking
Residence visas are processed and the corporate bank account application prepared.
Documents you will need
Exact requirements depend on the authority, the activity and the shareholders involved. We confirm the final list with you before anything is submitted.
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager
- Passport size photographs
- Visa copy or entry stamp
- Proposed trade names
- Tenancy contract for the premises
- Attested documents for corporate shareholders
Frequently asked questions
Most commercial and industrial activities in Sharjah can be fully foreign owned. Some activities still have local participation rules, which we check before you apply.
Yes. A mainland licence lets you serve clients across the UAE. If you want a physical presence in Dubai you can later add a branch.
Yes. Mainland companies need registered premises. The size of the space usually affects the number of visas you can apply for.
Cost depends on the activity, the licence type, the premises and the number of visas. We prepare an itemised quote once we understand your plans.
Talk to an Emna Capital advisor
Tell us what you are planning and we will map out the route, the paperwork and the timeline. The first consultation is free.