When considering opening a business in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the first place that comes to mind for business owners. However, Sharjah’s growth and expansion over the previous two decades challenged that idea, which in turn led to a rise in the number of people opening businesses there. Given that the emirate is the primary industrial base for the region in recent years, the government of Sharjah has launched a number of initiatives to encourage investment and advance economic diversification. This supports both regional and global business.

Why Invest in Sharjah?

A thriving economy in Sharjah attracts investors from all around the world. The government of Sharjah places high importance on commerce and business. A number of investor-friendly regulations that the emirate offers make it simpler to business setup in Sharjah. When choosing a location to start a business, Sharjah has outstanding infrastructure facilities. Given that it is the most populous emirate in the nation, a significant customer base is promised.

Sharjah is the third most populous city in the UAE, behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is a center of culture and industry that generates 7.4% of the UAE’s total GDP. Additionally, the fact that it is the only emirate with views of both the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf on both sides, in addition to the coastal communities of Kalba and Khor Fakkan, facilitates the transit of goods for commerce and freight.

A business setup in Sharjah is a wonderful way to establish long-lasting relationships with clients and suppliers and to get regular trade orders from the United Arab Emirates. Other benefits that make Sharjah a preferred business location for many investors for company formation include:

• No corporate or income tax
• No foreign exchange controls
• A modern legal framework
• Security of investment
• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% tax exemption for export and import
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• Presence of multiple international and local banks

Where to invest in Sharjah?

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, an autonomous government body that was established in 2009, focuses on business investment in the Emirate. In keeping with Islamic principles, it also examines Sharjah’s social, economic, environmental, and cultural growth.

In Sharjah, there are two types of business jurisdictions that foreign investors can select from: (1) Mainland and (2) Free Zone. A Sharjah Free Zone company with a minimum capital of AED 150,000 (about US$40,000) can be established in any of these six free zones:

1. Sharjah International Airport free zone – SAIF Zone
2. Hamriyah Free Zone
3. The U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone
4. Sharjah Publishing City
5. Sharjah Media City
6. Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI)

A business may decide to establish itself in Sharjah Mainland, which includes regions designated by U.A.E. government agencies for commercial purposes. It consists of one of Sharjah’s most economically advanced areas with regulated statutory practices. Socialite Consultancy Services can assist you with establishing your company in this mainland, complete with all necessary legal requirements for the successful incorporation of your business entity. 

If you want to know more about the business setup in Sharjah or struggling to find an ideal place to start your business, contact us to talk to our experts and consultants to go through the entire process to establish and run a successful company legally in Sharjah. Give us a call to discuss investment opportunities in Sharjah and your specific goals.