Search for the cost of setting up a company in Sharjah and you will meet round-number packages. The truth is that the cost turns on the activity, licence type, premises, number of visas and the zone or authority. Rather than quote a figure that could mislead you, we list what you will pay for and how to get a reliable quote. We deliberately publish no price figures.
The cost building blocks
- Licence fee: the trade or professional licence from SEDD (mainland) or a free zone authority.
- Trade name reservation and registration.
- Premises: a lease, a desk or a warehouse, if your licence requires it. Lease rules are covered in Renting in Sharjah.
- Technical evaluation and activity approvals, where the activity needs them.
- Visas and Emirates ID: for owners and employees, with medical and processing fees.
- Signage and permits, for example advertising or signboard permits, which SEDD handles for mainland businesses.
- Professional fees: consultants, lawyers and accountants.
- Banking: account opening requirements and minimum balances set by the bank.
- Annual renewal and amendments: adding an activity or partner, or changing your name, has its own fees.
Use SEDD’s fee calculator
SEDD, the Sharjah Economic Development Department, provides a fee calculator that gives an estimated cost for starting or renewing a business before you begin, along with tools to check activity requirements and trade name availability (SEDD). For a mainland business, start there and then add the items the calculator does not include, such as premises and visas.
Free zone quotations
For a free zone, ask for a written quotation covering licence, any desk or office, visas, establishment card, administration charges and renewal. Make sure the quote states what is included and excluded, and how fees change at renewal.
Hidden or easy-to-miss costs
- Premises deposits and commissions.
- Chiller or utility charges.
- Mandatory insurance for staff, where applicable.
- Accounting and audit requirements.
- Corporate tax registration and compliance: the UAE has a corporate tax regime with a qualifying-income test for free zone companies; see the Ministry of Finance.
- Costs to attest foreign documents.
How to compare quotes
- Ask each provider for an itemised quote in writing.
- Use the same assumptions: same activity, same number of visas, same premises type, same period.
- Check what happens in year two: renewal fees can differ from the first year.
- Ask for the licence’s permitted activities in writing.
- Verify the provider is the authority itself or an authorised representative.
Mainland vs free zone cost thinking
The cheaper option on paper may not be cheaper in practice, if it stops you serving your customers or you must add a mainland presence later.
Funding the early months
Founders can look at support programmes. Keep enough working capital for premises, salaries and marketing through the first months.
Build your own cost sheet
- One-off: licence, trade name, approvals, contract attestation and premises deposit.
- Annual: licence renewal, premises rent, visas and insurance.
- Hidden: utilities, signage, and accounting and tax filings.
- Contingency: keep a buffer for approvals or document changes.
Use SEDD’s fee calculator for estimates, and read start a business in Sharjah.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in Sharjah?
It depends on activity, premises, visas and the zone. Use SEDD’s calculator or a written free zone quote.
Is a Sharjah licence cheaper than Dubai?
We do not compare costs here; compare itemised quotes for the same set-up.
Are visas included in the licence fee?
Often not; check what the quote includes.
Do renewals cost the same?
Not necessarily; ask for renewal terms in writing.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Licensing rules, fees and eligibility change and depend on the activity; confirm with the relevant authority and a licensed adviser. Information checked October 2026.
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