SHAMS — Sharjah Media City
Media, creative, consulting, e-commerce and small trading businesses, with a largely digital setup. SHAMS guide →
Company formation · Sharjah
Company setup in Sharjah
Sharjah is often considered a cost-effective base, with a mainland route and free zones for media, logistics, industry, research and publishing. We help you weigh Sharjah against Dubai and the other emirates.
Mainland Sharjah
Mainland companies in Sharjah are licensed by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). A mainland licence generally allows trading across the UAE and is commonly used by retail, contracting and local service businesses. A registered office is normally required, and some activities need additional approvals.
Sharjah free zones
SAIF Zone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone — logistics, aviation-related services, trading and light manufacturing.
Hamriyah Free Zone
Industrial and port-based businesses, including manufacturing and larger-scale operations.
SRTIP
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park — research, technology and innovation businesses.
Sharjah Publishing City
Publishing, printing and content businesses.
Summary only. Each authority sets its own activities, workspace and visa rules, which change from time to time; we confirm current requirements before you apply.
Sources: official websites of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (sedd.ae), SHAMS (shams.ae), SAIF Zone (saif-zone.com), Hamriyah Free Zone (hfza.ae), SRTIP (srtip.ae) and Sharjah Publishing City (spcfz.ae); Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Corporate Tax.
How we help
Online consultation
We discuss your activity, clients, visas and budget.
Route options & quote
We talk through the mainland and free zone options for your case and send an itemised written quote.
Licensing
We prepare and submit the application and follow up on approvals.
Visas, bank & tax
Residence visas, bank account file and Corporate Tax registration.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharjah cheaper than Dubai?
Sharjah options are often lower-cost, but the total depends on activity, visas and workspace. We compare the total over two years, not just the first-year package.
Can a Sharjah company work with clients in Dubai?
Service companies can often work with clients across the UAE, depending on the activity and licence terms. Selling goods directly to mainland consumers usually needs a mainland licence or another approved route. We check your model first.
Do banks treat Sharjah companies differently?
Banks assess each company on its activity, owners and transactions. A clear business profile matters more than the emirate, but some banks may ask more questions about why you chose a particular zone.
Which Sharjah free zone suits me?
As a general guide, SHAMS is often used for media, consulting and small trading; SAIF Zone and Hamriyah for logistics and industry; and SRTIP for research and technology. Our free zone finder gives a quick starting point.
Setting up in Sharjah?
Book a short online meeting and we'll compare the Sharjah options with Dubai for your business.
Important: This page is provided for general information and knowledge purposes only, as at 10 October 2026. It is not legal, tax, immigration, financial or other professional advice, and it is not a recommendation or suggestion to take, or not take, any action. UAE laws, government requirements, fees and processes change frequently and can depend on your specific facts, so verify the current position with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser before making any decision. Any service from ProBiz Setup is provided only under a written engagement. See our full disclaimer.