Sharjah Mainland License
Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
Sharjah offers a compelling middle ground: Dubai proximity at significantly lower costs. Its SEDD digital portal provides the most detailed activity data in the UAE, including government approval requirements and foreign investment eligibility for each of its 2,449 activities.
2,123
Activities
Varies
Avg DED Fee
3-5 working days
Setup Time
Moderate
Banking
Fee Structure
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, investor mix, and selected activities. Contact SEDD for exact quote.
What we like
- Strategic location — 15 minutes from Dubai, significantly cheaper rents
- Largest activity database (2,449 activities with detailed government approval data)
- Modern digital portal with transparent approval requirements
- Lower overall costs than Dubai while maintaining proximity
- Strong industrial and manufacturing sector
Watch out for
- No transparent per-activity fee schedule
- Sharjah address may carry less prestige than Dubai for some clients
- More conservative business environment
- Fee calculator requires full license context — hard to estimate costs upfront
Top Activities in Sharjah
Oil & Natural Gas Well Maintenance
Mining & Quarrying · 0910002
Quote req.
Tomato Paste Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1030003
Quote req.
Potato Chips Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1030006
Quote req.
Fodder Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1080001
Quote req.
Paint Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 2022001
Quote req.
Metal Tanks & Containers Repairing
Trading & Services · 3311001
Quote req.
Typewriters & Calculators Repairing & Maintenance
Real Estate & Business Services · 3312008
Quote req.
Light Duty Equipment & Engines Repairing
Trading & Services · 3319901
Quote req.
Amusement Center Equipment Repairing & Maintenance
Trading & Services · 3319908
Quote req.
Communication & Wireless System Equipment Installation
Construction & Contracting · 3320003
Quote req.
Measuring Control System Installation and Repairing
Construction & Contracting · 3320006
Quote req.
Power Generation Facilities & Distribution Systems Operation & Maintenance
Utilities & Energy · 3510005
Quote req.
Sanitary Sewer Networks Maintenance
Personal & Social Services · 3700003
Quote req.
Sea & Shore Cleaning Services
Personal & Social Services · 3811006
Quote req.
Building Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100002
Quote req.
Steel Constructions Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100003
Quote req.
Pre-Fabricated Buildings Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100004
Quote req.
Pre-Fabricated Concrete Houses Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100006
Quote req.
Prestressed Concrete Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100007
Quote req.
Meteorology Projects Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100013
Quote req.
Compare with Other Emirates
Setup Requirements
Office
Physical office required. Sharjah office rents are 40-60% lower than Dubai.
Foreign Ownership
Allowed for most activities. Some restrictions on specific sectors.
Local Sponsor
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms.
Visa
Visa quota based on office size.
Considering a free zone in Sharjah?
Compare free zone packages at our sister site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mainland business license cost in Sharjah?
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, investor mix, and selected activities. Contact SEDD for exact quote.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Sharjah mainland company?
Allowed for most activities. Some restrictions on specific sectors. This applies to most business activities since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms.
How fast can I set up a mainland company in Sharjah?
Typical setup time in Sharjah is 3-5 working days. Actual timeline depends on the activity, required external approvals, and document readiness.
Do I need a local sponsor for a Sharjah mainland license?
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms.
How many business activities are available for mainland licensing in Sharjah?
We track 2123 business activities available for mainland licensing in Sharjah. This includes commercial, professional, and industrial license types.
Set up in Sharjah
Get a free quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.