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Tag: business setup in sharjah

  • How to Get a General Trading License in Sharjah

    How to Get a General Trading License in Sharjah

    If you’re looking to start a business in Sharjah, one of the first things you’ll need is a general trading license. This license allows you to engage in a wide range of trading activities within the emirate, making it an asset for any aspiring entrepreneur. With a general trading license, you can import, export, and trade a variety of goods and services, opening countless opportunities for growth and success.

    Acquiring a general trading license in Sharjah is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some careful planning and preparation such as choosing a business name & legal structure, gathering essential documents, acquiring trade license from Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), and other legal considerations.

    In fact, SEDD reported that the total number of business licenses issued in 2023 increased by 2%, while license renewals saw an even more impressive jump of 4.4%. These figures highlight the growing confidence investors have in Sharjah’s business environment.

    Hence, with trading license in hand, you can start conducting business activities legally in Sharjah and take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the emirate.

    Here we will explain everything you need to know from defining your business activities to obtaining your official license in Sharjah.

    General Trading License in Sharjah

    A General Trading License in Sharjah allows a business to import, export, and trade a wide range of goods within the emirate. It’s a popular choice for businesses with diverse trading activities.

    Activities permitted under a General Trading License:

    • Importing goods
    • Exporting goods
    • Wholesaling goods
    • Retailing goods (depending on the good and location)

    This license typically covers a vast range of goods, but there might be exclusions for specific products requiring special permits.

    Types of Trading License in Sharjah

    Sharjah offers several types of trading licenses for different business activities. This typically includes:

    1. General Trading License: A general trading license allows you to import, export, and trade a wide range of goods within Sharjah. It’s a popular option for businesses with diverse trading activities.
    2. Commercial License: While similar to a General Trading License, a Commercial License might have a more specific scope depending on the exact commercial activity. It’s advisable to consult with the Sharjah DED to understand the specific activities covered under this license.
    3. Industrial License: An industrial license is required for businesses involved in manufacturing or industrial operations like the production and packaging of goods.
    4. Professional License: A professional license is for businesses offering professional services such as consultancy, legal services, accounting, or other specialized services.

    How to Get a General Trading License in Sharjah

    Obtaining a general trading license in Sharjah involves several steps and specific requirements, including:

    1. Define Your Business Activities: Identify the specific goods you plan to import, export, and trade. The Sharjah DED offers a list of tradable goods under a General Trading License, but it’s always best to confirm for your specific case with our business setup experts at Shuraa.
    2. Choose Your Business Structure: Decide on the legal structure of your company, such as a Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Branch of a Foreign Company. This will impact on requirements and costs.
    3. Select a Trade Name: Ensure the name adheres to Sharjah’s naming conventions and is not already in use. Reserve the trade name through the Department of Economic Development (DED).
    4. Secure an Office Space: Lease or purchase a commercial space that meets DED regulations. Obtain a tenancy contract for the chosen location.
    5. Prepare and Submit the License Application: Gather required documents like passports, visas, Memorandum of Association (MOA), tenancy contract, and any approvals from other authorities (if applicable). Submit the application and all documents to the DED.
    6. Settle License Fees: Fees vary depending on your chosen business structure, office location, and chosen activities.
    7. Open a Corporate Bank Account: Open a corporate bank account in Sharjah to facilitate your business transactions.
    8. Obtain Your Trade License: Once your application is approved and fees are settled, you’ll receive your official General Trading License.

    Depending on the nature of your business activities, you may need additional approvals from other government departments.

    General Trading License in Sharjah Free Zone

    A General Trading License obtained within a Sharjah Free Zone (SFZ) differs slightly from the standard Sharjah license. A Sharjah Free Zone General Trading License is ideal for businesses seeking the benefits of a free zone while engaging in import, export, and general trade.

    Free Zones offer various benefits, including:

    • Tax exemptions on corporate and personal income taxes
    • 100% foreign ownership
    • Simplified customs procedures
    • Repatriation of capital and profits

    How to Obtain a General Trading License in a Sharjah Free Zone

    To obtain a general trading license in Sharjah Free Zone follow these simple steps:

    1. Choose a Free Zone: Sharjah has multiple Free Zones, each catering to different industries or offering unique benefits. Research and select the Free Zone that best suits your business needs.
    2. Understand License Requirements: The specific requirements for a General Trading License might vary between Free Zones. The Free Zone authority will provide details on necessary documents, fees, and procedures.
    3. Complete the Application Process: This typically involves submitting documents, completing formalities, and paying fees as per the Free Zone’s regulations.
    4. Obtain Your License: Once your application is approved and all fees are settled, you’ll receive your official General Trading License for the specific Free Zone.

    Free Zone licenses often come with annual renewal fees. Some Free Zones might have restrictions on the types of goods allowed for trade. Be sure to confirm these details with the chosen Free Zone authority.

    General Trading License Cost in Sharjah

    The cost of a General Trading License in Sharjah can range anywhere from AED 5,000 to AED 30,000 or even more, while a specialized license or a Free Zone license might have different fee structures.

    The cost of obtaining a trading license in Sharjah can vary depending on several factors:

    • Type of business license
    • Type of business activity
    • Business location (Mainland or Free zone)
    • Company structure
    • Additional regulatory approvals

    Free Zone authorities often have set up packages with inclusive fees covering license issuance, visas (if applicable), and office space within the Free Zone.

    Contact our business setup specialist in Sharjah. They can provide a personalized quote based on your specific business needs and chosen license type.

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    Start Your Sharjah Business Journey Today

    Getting a general trading license in Sharjah is a great step for anyone looking to start a business in this growing city. Sharjah is quickly becoming a major business hub, offering many opportunities for entrepreneurs.

    With a general trading license, you can trade a wide variety of goods, giving you access to many different markets. The process involves several steps, from choosing your business structure to getting all the necessary approvals and paperwork done. While it might seem complicated, it’s manageable with the right guidance.

    To make the process smoother, consider getting help from business setup experts like Shuraa Business Setup. Our team can assist you with everything you need, including licensing, paperwork, finding office space, visas, and PRO services.

    Get in touch with one of our experts today at +971 4 4081900, via WhatsApp at +971 50 7775554, or by sending an email to info@shuraa.com.

  • What is the cost of company formation in Sharjah?

    What is the cost of company formation in Sharjah?

    Company formation in Sharjah provides sustainable commercial growth companies and businesses. Let us understand the variables before analysing the business setup cost in Sharjah.

    Company registration in Sharjah provides a multipurpose module to businessmen and entities. Which is why, opening a company in Sharjah is appealing. Foreign investors can explore and participate in various commercial segments. The governmental authorities uplift and support the entrepreneurial environment in the region. This encourages businesses in Sharjah to find potential and development possibilities.

    Types of company formation in Sharjah

    Company formation in Sharjah has stimulated the shipping sector of the country and has created an industrial base for the United Arab Emirates. For several years, Sharjah company formation is preferred by the shipping, trading and FMCG sectors along with the import & export industry.

    Sharjah has been valued for its strategic location as it connects some of the major trading zones. Trading entities prefer setting up a business in Sharjah because to its excellent logistics chain management. Sharjah connects the Arabian Gulf coast, the East coast along with the Indian Ocean.

    In the recent times, Sharjah businesses are not only limited to these peripherals rather have a vast outlook.  The Sharjah government has taken every step to give the region a major thrust for foreign investments. With an envision to create enormous opportunities of company formation in Sharjah.

    The region has an immense opportunity for trading, service sectors, industrial projects, etc. There is also a major scope in Sharjah for manufacturing industries, metal scrap industries, paper industries, retail companies and garment businesses.

    Sharjah has given a pathway to economic and financial sectors, training institutes, educational sectors and cultural oriented businesses as well.

    Guidelines for company formation in Sharjah

    If you are wondering how to set up an LLC company in Sharjah or any other type of business in the region you must consider these guidelines. These guidelines do not only help you through the process of Sharjah company registration, but also helps you understand the steps involved in company setup. They are as follows –

    1. Research and plan your business setup in Sharjah

    Researching about Sharjah company formation is a perfect start towards setting up your business in Sharjah. Registration of the company is a legal procedure involving the governmental authorities and licensing bodies. Depending on the business activities the procedures of company registration in Sharjah will be put into action.

    2. Understanding the process of company registration in Sharjah

    The process of Company Registration in Sharjah is fulfilled by the Department of Economic Development in the Emirates. Once the business activity and jurisdiction are finalised the process is followed by getting the business license under the given jurisdiction.

    3. Renting an office space for registering company in Sharjah

    You will need an office space to setup business in Sharjah. If you are considering to setup a business under a freezone in Sharjah, ensure that the rental office must be within the freezone. Once the business is registered in the given jurisdiction, it becomes mandatory for the organization to engage in any business activity only within the given jurisdiction. However, this is not applied to mainland business setups.

    4. Considering business expansion & future growth

    Sharjah business registration is a great option for people considering business expansion and growth in the UAE market. But it is important to ascertain that the given registration will allow you assimilate adjacent business activates in the future as well. Secondly, under the proceeding the company is registered there needs to be growth and development possibilities. Speak to an expert before!

    5. Appoint A Company Registration Consultant

    Company Registration Consultant take care of all the “things you need to know”. We advise you on how to start a business in Sharjah in the best means possible. You can completely concentrate on your business and do not worry about the legalities involved during the process of company registration in Sharjah.

    Cost of company formation in Sharjah

    If you are planning to register your company in Sharjah Mainland or what to know the cost of a general trading license in Sharjah get in touch with Shuraa Business Setup and we will help you with your entrepreneurial endeavour.

    Professional Company
    AED 18,000
    First Year       		Normal Trading Company
    AED 18,500
    First Year      		General Trading
    Company
    AED 25,500
    First Year  
    IncludesIncludesIncludes
    Free Business Setup
    Consultation    		Free Business Setup
    Consultation    		Free Business Setup
    Consultation
    Professional Company License Fees in SharjahNormal Trading License Fees in SharjahGeneral Trading License Fees in Sharjah
    UAE Service AgentUAE Service AgentUAE Service Agent
    Dedicated ConsultantDedicated ConsultantDedicated Consultant
    Complete DocumentationComplete DocumentationComplete Documentation
    Continual Reliability & SupportContinual Reliability & SupportContinual Reliability & Support
    Package Excludes – Market Fees (13% of Annual Rent)
    Municipality Fees (5%of Tenancy Contract)
    Foreign Trade Name
    Sewa Deposit
    All Visa Costs      		Package Excludes – Market Fees (13% of Annual Rent)
    Municipality Fees (5%of Tenancy Contract)
    Foreign Trade Name
    Sewa Deposit
    All Visa Costs      		Package Excludes – Market Fees (13% of Annual Rent)
    Municipality Fees (5% of Tenancy Contract)
    Foreign Trade Name
    Sewa Deposit
    All Visa Costs  

    Sharjah Free Zone Company Setup Cost

    Sharjah free zones offer world-class business amenities, flexi office setups, access to free-hold property, etc. Sharjah Free Zone also provide affordable land and labour as well as incentives to Small and Medium Enterprises. All these factors contribute towards the affordability of Sharjah freezone company setup cost. However, when compared to Sharjah LLC company formation or mainland, free zones are more expensive and restrictive.

    Sharjah has several freezones such as SHAMS (Sharjah Media City), Hamriyah Free Zone and SAIF (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) among others. Each free zone jurisdiction has its own authority that defines exclusivities as well as limitations.

    Business setup in SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) which is a well-known Sharjah free zone costs AED 25000 approximately. Whereas, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone business setup costs around AED 35000 approx. In a free zone, companies are only allowed to do trade within the free zone or outside the country. Hence, free zone company setup in Sharjah will also restrict on doing business within the country.

    Book a Free Business Setup Consultation

    Speak to a business setup consultant for free to understand the cost of company formation in Sharjah. Also, with a free consultation analyse whether to go for a Sharjah LLC company formation or a free zone business setup, depending on your preference and business activity.

    To know the various perks and advantages of business setup in Sharjah Mainland or even for a Sharjah free zone company setup, contact Shuraa Business Setup. Shuraa makes Sharjah company registrations easy and affordable.

    Call Now +97144081900 WhatsApp +971507775554 or send us an email on info@shuraa.com.