Sharjah Free Zones
Sharjah offers affordable, business-friendly free zones spanning media, services, trading, and heavy industry. This guide covers license types, realistic setup costs, visa options, timelines, and which zone fits your activity.
Why choose Sharjah free zones
- Competitive license pricing and flexible visa allocations
- Media and services hubs (SHAMS, SPC Free Zone) plus industrial capacity (HFZA, SAIF)
- Fast, mostly digital processes with simple documentation
- Strategic location between Dubai and Northern Emirates
- Banking familiarity and growing creative ecosystem
Typical setup costs
Setup process & timeline
- Name reservation & initial approval (1–3 working days)
- License issuance & company documents (2–5 working days)
- Establishment card / immigration setup (1–2 working days)
- E-visa, medical test, Emirates ID (about 1–2 weeks after entry)
Required documents
- Passport copy and recent photo
- UAE entry stamp or e-visa (if applicable)
- Proposed activities and company name options
- CV/degree for regulated activities (if required by zone)
- Desk/office agreement if higher visa quota is needed
Zones in Sharjah
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) (coming soon)
Media & creative hub with startup-friendly packages.
Starting from: AED 6,000+
Popular: media production license (soon) marketing management (soon) ecommerce license (soon)
SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City)
Broad activity coverage; quick digital setup; good for services and trading.
Starting from: AED 6,500+
Popular: consultancy license (soon) general trading license (soon) it consultancy license
SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone)
Airport-linked trading and light industrial facilities.
Starting from: AED 9,500+
Popular: import export license (soon) logistics services (soon) general trading license (soon)
HFZA (Hamriyah Free Zone)
Industrial & manufacturing with warehouse/land options.
Starting from: AED 10,500+
Popular: industrial license (soon) general trading license (soon) engineering services (soon)
FAQs
Which Sharjah zone suits media & creative?
SHAMS and SPC Free Zone are popular for media, marketing and service activities.
Best for warehousing/industrial?
HFZA and SAIF Zone provide scalable warehousing and industrial facilities.
Is a physical office mandatory?
Desk/co-working is often accepted for lower visa counts. Some activities or higher visa quotas require dedicated space.
Related guides
- E-Commerce License (soon)
- General Trading License (soon)
- IT Consultancy License
📅 Last updated: September 2025