Sharjah Free Zone License Types Explained: Which One Fits Your Business Model?

Sharjah, one of the most progressive emirates in the UAE, has emerged as a thriving destination for entrepreneurs looking to set up cost-effective and strategically located businesses. Among its many advantages, Sharjah Free Zones offer simplified procedures, 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and business-friendly regulations that attract thousands of investors annually. If you’re planning to establish a business here, understanding the different license types is critical. The license you choose can impact your operations, scalability, compliance, and long-term cost. Let’s break it down.

Why Sharjah Free Zones Are Gaining Global Attention in 2025
According to the UAE Free Zone Market Research Report 2024, the free zone economy is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% between 2023 and 2028, driven by international investment, sustainability-focused incentives, and growing SME participation. Sharjah is especially appealing for: lower setup and renewal costs compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, access to sea ports and air cargo facilities, strong presence of industrial and creative zones, simplified visa processing & office space requirements.

Key Sharjah Free Zones and Their Focus Industries
SAIF Zone – Industrial, logistics, trading – Next to Sharjah International Airport.
Shams – Creative, digital, consultancy – Very low-cost licenses for freelancers.
Hamriyah Free Zone – Manufacturing, oil & gas, maritime – Access to deepwater port.
SPC Free Zone – Publishing, media, technology – Only publishing zone in the UAE.

What is a Sharjah Free Zone License?
A Free Zone license is a business permit issued by the free zone authority that allows the holder to legally operate a business within the zone. These licenses differ based on the nature of the activity, and choosing the right one ensures compliance with the Free Zone authority, proper classification for visas, banking, and taxation, and eligibility for specific incentives or subsidies.

Types of Licenses Offered in Sharjah Free Zones

1. Commercial License
What it Covers: Buying, selling, importing, exporting of goods (non-industrial)
Ideal For: Retailers, e-commerce, wholesale traders, import-export firms
Popular Zones: SAIF, Hamriyah, SPC
Cost Range: AED 11,500 – AED 17,000 annually
Example: A textile trader importing goods from India and exporting to Africa can operate under this license.

2. Service/Professional License
What it Covers: Professional services like marketing, education, IT, consulting
Ideal For: Consultants, freelancers, digital service providers
Popular Zones: Shams, SPC, SAIF
Cost Range: AED 6,500 – AED 13,000 annually
Example: A solo entrepreneur running an online coaching platform would opt for a service license in Shams.

3. Industrial/Manufacturing License
What it Covers: Production, assembly, packaging, light or heavy industrial activity
Ideal For: Manufacturers, food processing units, logistics companies
Popular Zones: Hamriyah, SAIF
Cost Range: AED 22,000 – AED 35,000 annually (plus facility and warehouse cost)
Note: Requires physical industrial space and environmental clearances.

4. Media License
What it Covers: Activities related to content production, video, digital media, advertising
Ideal For: Agencies, YouTubers, digital producers, content startups
Popular Zones: Shams, SPC
Cost Range: AED 8,050 – AED 14,000
Bonus: Shams allows up to 3 activities under a single media license.

5. Publishing License
What it Covers: Print and digital publishing, book production, editing services
Ideal For: Book publishers, media houses, education companies
Exclusive Zone: Sharjah Publishing City (SPC Free Zone)
Cost Range: AED 9,000 – AED 18,000
Did You Know? SPC Free Zone is the first-of-its-kind publishing hub in the Arab world.

6. General Trading License
What it Covers: Broad spectrum of unrelated products under one umbrella
Ideal For: Large import/export businesses with diverse product ranges
Popular Zones: SAIF, Hamriyah
Cost Range: AED 18,000 – AED 25,000
Note: Requires additional approvals due to its flexibility and broader scope.

7. Holding License
What it Covers: Ownership of other companies, intellectual property, investments
Ideal For: Investors, serial entrepreneurs, IP-holding entities
Available In: Hamriyah, SAIF
Cost Range: AED 12,000 – AED 16,000

How to Choose the Right License for Your Business Model
Before choosing, consider: What services or products do you offer? Do you need a physical warehouse or can you work remotely? Will you require employee visas or is it a solo venture? Do you plan to scale to new activities in the next 1–2 years? What is your budget for setup, renewals, and compliance?

Quick Mapping Table
Freelancer (IT/Design) – Service – Shams, SPC
Trading of electronics – Commercial / General Trading – SAIF
Food Manufacturing – Industrial – Hamriyah
Publishing house – Publishing License – SPC
Marketing agency – Media License – Shams

Setup Costs & Timeline

Can You Change or Upgrade Your License Later?
Yes. Most Sharjah Free Zones allow you to upgrade, downgrade, or modify your license type by paying a nominal fee, submitting a board resolution, and acquiring new activity approvals (if applicable). At Bizvisor, we help entrepreneurs seamlessly modify or restructure licenses as their business evolves.

Why Choose Bizvisor for Your Sharjah Free Zone Company Setup?
In-depth expertise across all Sharjah zones
End-to-end support: License, visa, banking, office setup
Dedicated local consultants who simplify paperwork and coordination
AI-powered lead generation & SEO-ready business structuring support
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees

Explore more:
Sharjah Free Zone Company Setup
Ajman Free Zones
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone
Umm Al Quwain Free Zones

FAQs

Q1. Can I operate outside the free zone with this license?
No, a Sharjah Free Zone license allows operations only within the free zone or internationally, not in the UAE mainland unless you partner with a local distributor.

Q2. Can I add multiple activities to my license?
Yes, some zones like Shams allow up to 3 activities at no extra cost.

Q3. Do I need an office space for all licenses?
Not always. Many zones offer flexi-desk or shared workspace options.

Q4. Are there visa packages included?
Yes, most licenses include 1–6 visa eligibility. Packages vary based on business size.

Q5. What’s the cheapest license in Sharjah?
As of 2025, Shams offers the most affordable license, starting at AED 5,750 for solo entrepreneurs.

Conclusion: The Right License, The Right Start
Choosing the correct Sharjah Free Zone license is more than a compliance step—it’s a strategic decision that influences your market access, legal scope, and scalability. Let Bizvisor help you decode this journey with clarity and confidence.
👉 Speak to a Free Zone Specialist Today at www.bizvisor.ae