A Sharjah mainland license lets your company trade across the UAE, with up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities. It is issued by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
Tell us your activity and we will reply with a clear quote and the licence route that fits.
Not sure which one fits? Tell us what you plan to sell and to whom, and we will recommend one.
Get a Free QuoteYou can also compare business setup in Dubai, company setup in Abu Dhabi, business setup in Ajman mainland, business setup in Ras Al Khaimah or business setup in Umm Al Quwain.
SEDD lists these licence routes for starting a business:
Which one you can use depends on your activity, your nationality and your plans.
Industrial, professional or commercial activities from physical premises. This is the usual route for LLCs and companies with staff and stock.
SEDD’s Instant Licence is designed for eligible activities that do not require external approvals and can be issued within one working day. The applicable requirements, including premises and other conditions, depend on the activity and legal form.
For eligible online businesses. SEDD describes this licence as being for online trading without a physical location, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
For several activities run from home.
Designed for young UAE nationals.
steps from consultation
to licence
You tell us your activity, who owns the company and where you will operate. We confirm the best licence route.
UGS
The name is reserved and the activity approved through SEDD.
UGS with SEDD
The memorandum of association (MOA) is signed where your legal form needs one, and the lease is arranged. Requirements differ for the Instant Licence.
You sign, UGS coordinates
Some activities need approval from other authorities first.
UGS applies
SEDD issues the licence once everything is in place.
UGS submits
Corporate tax registration, VAT where required, and bookkeeping.
UGS if you want it
The UGS fee is our service fee only. It is not the total cost. Government fees are extra.
AED999UGS service fee: AED 999 + government fees
Official fee tool: SEDD offers a Fee Calculator in its digital services that gives an estimated cost for starting or renewing a business, so you can check government costs yourself.
Visit SEDDExact documents depend on your activity and legal form. We send you a final list after the free consultation.
| Route | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Instant Licence | Within one working day (SEDD), for eligible activities that need no approval from other authorities |
| Standard licence | Depends on your activity, approvals, MOA signing and lease. We give you a realistic timeline after reviewing your case |
Most delays come from the activity approval, the lease and signing, not from the final issue step.
I had a great experience with their service , very punctual and reliable! Everything was done exactly as promised and on schedule, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. What impressed me even more was their affordable pricing compared to others in the market, without compromising on quality. Highly recommended for anyone looking for efficient and cost-effective service in the UAE!
Top-notch service! Quick turnaround, high accuracy, and competitive rates. They are honest, trustworthy, and completely hassle-free. Highly recommended!
The total depends on your activity, legal form and premises. It is made up of the UGS service fee (AED 999 + government fees), SEDD licence fees (8% or 13% of the lease value or site area, depending on partner nationality and activity), rent and any approvals. Ask for a free quote and we will show each part separately.
SEDD can issue an Instant Licence within one working day for eligible activities. A standard licence takes longer because of activity approvals, the company contract and the lease. We give you a timeline once we know your activity.
No. The UGS fee is our service fee only. Government fees and rent are extra, and we show them in your quote.
In most cases yes. Since June 2021 Sharjah has allowed foreign investors to own 100% of commercial and industrial companies, with no specific capital or extra fees required of foreign investors. Some strategic activities stay restricted, so we check your activity first.
Not necessarily. Foreign investors can own 100% of most eligible mainland businesses in Sharjah without a UAE shareholder. Whether a service agent is required depends on the legal form and activity. Since 2021, branches of foreign companies can operate in Sharjah without an agent. We confirm what applies to your activity.
Usually yes, a lease for your premises is part of a traditional (standard) licence. The SEDD Instant Licence has its own requirements for eligible activities with no external approvals, which depend on the activity and legal form.
Most companies with premises, staff or stock use the traditional (standard) licence. The Instant Licence suits eligible activities that need no approval from other authorities, and the Electronic Trading Licence is for eligible online businesses without a physical location. See the Sharjah licence types.
A mainland licence lets you trade directly across the UAE. A free zone company can be fully foreign owned and works from its free zone; selling directly into the mainland may need a mainland licence, permit, distributor or other permitted structure, depending on the activity. Compare mainland, free zone and offshore.
UGS can handle the full setup for clients abroad. Whether any step needs you in person depends on your activity, and we tell you at the start.
Tell us your activity and we will reply with a clear quote and the licence route that fits.
