I’m planning to start a new consulting business in Sharjah in 2026. I’ve heard the license itself can be relatively affordable, but I’m not sure how much I should budget for the complete setup, including office space and visas. What would be a realistic first-year cost?
Hi Keanu,
IIf you’re planning a new business in Sharjah Mainland, I would recommend budgeting for the complete first-year setup rather than looking only at the trade license fee.
In 2026, the typical cost of setting up a Sharjah Mainland company is around AED 18,000 to AED 40,000 for the first year. The final amount depends mainly on your business activity, legal structure, office requirement, and number of visas.
Here’s a practical breakdown:
|
Cost Component |
Estimated Cost |
|
Trade Name & Initial Approvals |
AED 600 – AED 1,500 |
|
SEDD Trade License |
AED 5,000 – AED 15,000 |
|
Office & Tenancy Attestation |
AED 10,000 – AED 25,000+ |
|
MOA / Legal Structure & Notarization |
AED 1,000 – AED 3,500 |
|
Visa Processing |
AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 per visa |
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) license fee varies according to whether you're applying for a professional service, commercial, or other type of activity. Office costs can also make a significant difference to the total because mainland businesses generally need an approved physical business premises.
Another advantage is that 100% foreign ownership is available for many mainland activities, so foreign entrepreneurs can establish their businesses without necessarily having a local Emirati partner.
A Sharjah Mainland license also gives you the flexibility to conduct business directly across the UAE and participate in government-related opportunities, subject to the applicable activity and approvals.
My advice is to look at the total setup cost, not just the advertised license price. Once you add office rent, approvals, visas, and other government charges, the actual budget can be considerably higher than the basic license fee.
