Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland
ABH Associates offers professional business setup services in the Sharjah mainland. Our experienced team makes the process simple and hassle-free — start your journey to success today!
Establish Your Company in Mainland Sharjah
Sharjah is just 20 minutes away from Dubai and is well-connected through public transport. The emirate boasts its own international airport and three seaports, while also accounting for one-third of the UAE’s total manufacturing activity. For all your business setup needs in Sharjah, our team at ABH Associates is here to assist you.
Sharjah is an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs. The Sharjah International Airport, home to Air Arabia, makes the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) ideal for logistics and airfreight companies. Meanwhile, businesses involved in marine trade often choose the Hamriyah Free Zone, which features its own seaport and extensive facilities.
Given Dubai’s dense population, many professionals prefer to reside in the more relaxed Sharjah and commute to Dubai for work. Establishing your business in Sharjah gives you the advantage of a motivated workforce, improved employee productivity, and easy access to both emirates.
About company incorporation in Sharjah
ABH Associates specializes in providing smooth and efficient business setup services in Sharjah, whether on the mainland or within Sharjah’s free zones. With years of experience, we help entrepreneurs navigate the entire company incorporation process with ease.
Sharjah’s strong economy, strategic location, and investor-friendly environment make it an excellent choice for business growth. Our expert team offers complete assistance — from legal documentation and licensing to regulatory compliance — ensuring a quick and stress-free setup.
Whether you choose a mainland company or a free zone setup, ABH Associates is your trusted partner in turning your business vision into reality.
What are the Types of Business Entities in Sharjah?
Sharjah is recognized as one of the UAE’s tax-friendly emirates, making business setup in Sharjah mainland or free zones highly advantageous for foreign investors.
The main types of business entities in Sharjah include:
1. Limited Liability Company (LLC):
An LLC requires a minimum of two and a maximum of fifty partners. It is the most popular choice among investors since each partner’s liability is limited to their share in the company’s capital.
2. Partnership Company:
This structure involves two or more individuals, with each partner’s liability limited to the value of their shares in the company’s assets and obligations.
3. Local Service Agent (LSA):
This business type is typically owned by a single individual. If the owner is not a UAE or GCC national, a local sponsor (UAE national) must be appointed as the service agent.
4. Public/Private Shareholding Company:
A public shareholding company divides its capital into equal, tradable shares, while a private shareholding company operates under similar regulations but restricts public trading of its shares.
Setting Up a Business in Sharjah Mainland
The first step in establishing your business in Sharjah is to define the specific nature of your commercial activity. This decision will help determine the most suitable legal structure for your company—whether it’s a Sole Establishment, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Private Limited Company. Each structure has its own requirements and advantages depending on the type of business activity. For example, certain sectors such as banking, finance, or investment services cannot operate under a Limited Liability Company structure.
If you’re unable to dedicate your full time to running your business, choosing a partnership or a company with multiple shareholders who can act as directors may be more practical than a Sole Establishment. For business setup in Sharjah, you can opt for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Private Joint Stock Company. However, if you prefer complete control over your business operations, a Sole Establishment (or Sole Proprietorship) would be the ideal choice.
For those planning to operate within a free zone, only Limited Liability Companies or Establishments are allowed, even though free zones provide 100% foreign ownership. Because of these varying factors, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for business setup in Sharjah. This is where the guidance of an experienced company formation specialist becomes invaluable — helping you choose the most suitable structure for your goals.
Professionals familiar with Sharjah mainland setup will advise that specific sectors, such as construction and defense, require a local partner who must hold 51% of the company shares. This local partner can be either a UAE national or a UAE-based company. However, they don’t receive 51% of the profits — instead, they are compensated through a fixed fee (monthly, quarterly, or annually) or a small percentage of sales.
The mainland refers to areas in the UAE that are not part of any free zone.
At ABH Associates, we specialize in professional business setup in Dubai and Sharjah, ensuring each client finds the perfect business structure and partnership model. Our experienced consultants can help you connect with reliable local partners where required, or guide you through options that allow 100% foreign ownership.
With a team of in-house legal experts, we ensure your business remains fully compliant with UAE regulations. Additionally, we provide professional accounting and auditing services — including mandatory annual audits for mainland companies — so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Process of Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland
Sharjah is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is a favored destination for businesses due to its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and competitive tax rates. Establishing a new company can be complex, but at ABH Associates, we ensure a smooth transition for your business setup in Sharjah.
If you are considering company formation in Sharjah Mainland, here are the essential steps to follow:
- Business Activity: Determine the type of business you plan to operate in Sharjah. This will help identify the most suitable license for your activities.
- Find a Local Sponsor: For foreign investors, a local sponsor is required and will hold 51% of the company’s shares.
- Visa & Work Permit: Apply for entry visas and work permits via the Ministry of Labor’s website. If hiring a team, applications must be submitted on behalf of your employees.
- Visa Stamp: This process must be completed by your local partner or sponsor.
- Register the Name: Submit and register your company name with the Department of Economic Development (DED). You must provide three name options, ensuring none contain God’s name in Arabic or English.
- MOA & Company Lease Agreement: Both documents must be notarized by a public notary.
- Apply for Trade License: Collect all required documents and apply for a trade license, paying the applicable fees. Depending on your business, you can choose from three license types: Industrial, Commercial, or Professional.
- Establishment Card: Apply through the Immigration Authority; this validates your company information.
- Extra Requirements: Depending on your business activity, additional filings with local municipalities may be required. Pay the necessary fees to obtain the final business license.
Documents Required for Company Registration in Sharjah
Documents can become overwhelming if not properly structured and verified. The Sharjah business setup consultants at ABH Associates guide you through the entire company registration process.
The key documents required for your Sharjah business setup include:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): A legal document outlining the company’s objectives, structure, and management. It must be signed by all shareholders.
- Articles of Association (AOA): Defines the company’s internal regulations, such as voting rights, quorum, and dividend distribution. All shareholders must sign it.
- Power of Attorney: Required if you cannot attend the registration process in person. It must be signed by all shareholders and notarized by a public notary.
- Lease Agreement: Specifies the terms of the company’s lease and must be signed by both the company and the landlord.
- Proof of Identity: A copy of the passport or national ID card for each shareholder.
- Proof of Address: A utility bill or bank statement for each shareholder.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required from the employer if any shareholder is a UAE national.
- Trade License: Legal authorization for the company to operate in Sharjah, issued by the Sharjah Department of Economic Development (DED).
Why Invest in Sharjah, Type of Business Entity in Sharjah, Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah
Are you looking to expand your business to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Sharjah is an excellent choice for forward-thinking investors. ABH Associates is your trusted partner for navigating the complexities of business setup in Sharjah. Discover why Sharjah is a smart investment destination, the types of business entities available, and the numerous advantages of establishing your business on the mainland in this vibrant emirate.
Why Invest in Sharjah?
Economic Stability: Sharjah has a strong and diversified economy, providing a secure environment for investments. Its sound fiscal policies and prudent financial management foster a favorable business climate.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: The emirate boasts world-class infrastructure, efficient transport networks, and advanced communication systems to support businesses of all sizes.
Business-Friendly Regulations: Sharjah’s pro-business policies and streamlined regulatory framework make company setup easy. Continuous reforms further enhance the ease of doing business.
Tax Benefits: Competitive tax incentives, including exemptions from corporate and personal income taxes, help maximize profitability for businesses in Sharjah.
Types of Business Entities in Sharjah
Mainland Business Setup: Establishing a mainland business in Sharjah enables operations across the UAE and internationally. It is ideal for accessing diverse industries and targeting the local market.
Free Zone Entities: Sharjah’s free zones cater to sectors like logistics, technology, and media. Benefits include 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined customs procedures.
Joint Ventures: Partnering with a local entity through a joint venture is a viable option, especially for industries with specific legal requirements.
Set Up Your Business in Sharjah with A&A Associate LLC
If you’re planning a business setup in Sharjah mainland or a company formation in Sharjah, ABH Associate LLC is your trusted partner. Our expert team provides end-to-end support, making the process of establishing your business in Sharjah seamless and straightforward.
With deep knowledge of Sharjah’s business environment, we guide you through every step—from company formation and licensing to ongoing compliance. Our tailored solutions ensure your business is set up efficiently and in full accordance with local regulations.
Choose ABH Associate LLC for expertise, reliability, and a smooth business setup in Sharjah. Your success is our commitment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Question
Why Choose Dubai For Starting A Business?
Dubai stands as a leading global business hub, offering world-class infrastructure, a prime location connecting major markets, tax-friendly policies, political stability, and a diverse, innovation-driven economy. Its dynamic environment, business-friendly setup process, and vast growth opportunities make it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide.
What Support Does Dubai Offer to Entrepreneurs Starting a Business?
Dubai provides strong support for entrepreneurs through streamlined business setup procedures, flexible licensing options, investor visas, and dedicated free zones offering tax benefits and other incentives. Additionally, government initiatives and extensive networking opportunities help businesses grow and expand successfully.
What Are My Options for Company Formation in the UAE, and How Much Does It Cost?
You can set up your business in Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore jurisdictions — each offering distinct advantages. Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits, Mainland companies provide full access to the UAE market, and Offshore entities are ideal for international operations without a physical office. The cost of business setup in Dubai varies based on the jurisdiction, business activity, and license type. ABH Associate offers transparent pricing and customized solutions to help you choose the most suitable structure for your business goals.
What Types of Business Licenses Are Available in Dubai?
Dubai provides several business license options, including Commercial, Professional, Industrial, and Tourism licenses. Each license is tailored to specific activities such as trading, consultancy, manufacturing, or hospitality. ABH Associate guides businesses in selecting the most suitable license based on their industry and operational requirements.
How Long Does Company Formation Take in Dubai, and What Documents Are Required?
The company formation process in Dubai generally takes three weeks to several months, depending on the business type, jurisdiction, and legal requirements. Commonly required documents include passport copies of shareholders, visa copies (if applicable), proof of address, a business plan or company profile, and any industry-specific approvals. ABH Associate provides a comprehensive checklist to ensure a smooth and efficient setup process.