Sharjah Mainland Setup:
SEDD Licence, Premises and Visas
A Sharjah mainland company is licensed by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and can trade across the UAE. Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership, and Sharjah is often chosen for a lower-cost base close to Dubai. Maven& handles the SEDD application, approvals, visas and bank account.
- SEDD licence with UAE-wide trading
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Get your free setup quote
- Sharjah mainland partner
Foreign ownership for most activities
Strategic impact activities are the exception.
Common Sharjah structures
LLC, sole establishment or civil company, and branch.
Team from start to launch
One consultant handles your application, approvals, visas and bank account introductions.
- Who it suits
Businesses that suit a Sharjah mainland licence
Light industry and manufacturing
Manufacturing and industrial activities that benefit from Sharjah industrial areas.
Trading and distribution
Traders and distributors that want a lower-cost base close to Dubai.
Education, publishing and services
Education, publishing and service businesses that fit Sharjah established base.
Businesses near the Dubai market
Companies that want UAE market access with a Sharjah licence and lower overheads.
Which Sharjah rules and approvals apply to a mainland company?
Sharjah follows the federal ownership rules and adds its own licensing steps.
- Licensing authority: the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) issues Sharjah mainland licences.
- Ownership: most activities allow 100% foreign ownership, and some professional licences may use a local service agent.
- Premises: a registered tenancy is generally required for the licensed address.
- Market access: a Sharjah mainland licence allows trading across the UAE.
- Free zones: SHAMS, SPC, SAIF Zone and Hamriyah are separate free zones with their own rules.
- Sharjah vs Dubai
Sharjah mainland vs Dubai mainland
Both give direct UAE market access. The choice usually comes down to costs, location and customers.
| Feature | Sharjah mainland | Dubai mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | SEDD | DET |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% for most activities |
| Operating costs | Often lower, depending on activity and premises | Depends on location and activity |
| Market access | Direct across the UAE | Direct across the UAE |
| Best for | Industrial, trading and cost-conscious businesses | Dubai customers and brand presence |
- Company structures
Three Sharjah mainland company structures
Company
For most businesses
- Limited liability for shareholders
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Two or more shareholders possible
- Common choice for trading and services
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
or Civil Company
For individuals and professionals
- Owned by one natural person or by professionals
- Suited to professional and service activities
- Sole establishment owners carry personal liability
- A local service agent may apply, depending on the activity
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
an Existing Company
For companies already trading abroad
- Extends your existing company into the UAE
- Parent company documents need attestation
- The parent company carries the liability
- No local service agent needed since 2021
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
How much does Sharjah mainland setup cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on your activity, premises and number of visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote that lists every government and service fee before you commit.
- Licence and activity fees
- Premises or tenancy costs, where required
- Establishment card and residence visas
- Extra approvals, if your activity needs them
- Annual renewal and accounting support
- PRO, bank account and tax registration support
- How it works
How to set up a Sharjah mainland company in 5 steps
Choose your activity and structure
We confirm the activity code, your ownership options and the legal structure that fits your plans.
Reserve your trade name
We reserve a compliant trade name and prepare the initial approval application.
Secure premises and approvals
You lease a suitable office and register the tenancy, while we manage any extra approvals your activity needs.
Sign the MoA and receive your licence
Your Memorandum of Association is signed, fees are paid and the authority issues the trade licence.
Visas, bank account and launch
We process the establishment card and residence visas, then introduce you to UAE banks and set up PRO and accounting support.
Documents required for Sharjah mainland setup
Most setups need only a few documents to start. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing for your activity.
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if you are in the UAE
- Three proposed trade names, in order of preference
- A short description of your business activities
- Corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MoA/AoA and board resolution, attested
- Registered tenancy contract for your office
- Regulated activities: approval documents from the relevant authority
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for Sharjah mainland setup
One dedicated consultant
One consultant handles your trade licence, visas, Ejari and bank account introductions, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees, office, visa and service costs line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Right activity, structure and authority
Rules differ by activity and authority. We check your activity, structure and approvals before you pay a fee.
Licence, visas and bank in one process
Company formation, residence visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions are handled as one coordinated plan.
- FAQs
Sharjah mainland setup: frequently asked questions
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) licenses mainland companies in Sharjah. A SEDD licence lets you trade across the UAE.
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities, following the federal rules. Some professional licences may use a local service agent. See local service agent and sponsorship.
Sharjah mainland costs are often lower than Dubai, but the total depends on your activity, premises and visas. We compare both in an itemised quote.
Yes. A mainland licence allows you to trade across all emirates, although some activities need local approvals. We confirm this for your activity.
Generally yes. A Sharjah mainland licence needs a registered tenancy for the licensed address, and the office size affects your visa quota.
The common structures are an LLC, a sole establishment or civil company, and a branch of an existing company. The right one depends on your owners, liability and activity.
The cost depends on your activity, premises, visas and approvals, so there is no single price. Maven& gives you an itemised quote before you commit. Try the cost calculator.
The timeline depends on your activity, authority, documents and approvals, and visas and the bank account follow the licence. We give you a timeline for your case before you start. See the 5-step process.
Yes. We confirm your activity and structure, prepare the application, manage approvals and follow the process through to licence, visas and bank account. Final approvals are always the authority\u2019s decision. Contact us for an itemised quote.
Reviewed by the Maven& corporate setup team. Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you commit.
Ready to start with Sharjah mainland setup?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a plan built around your business. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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