Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland

Establishing a business in Sharjah mainland offers a strategic advantage due to the emirate’s robust infrastructure, economic diversity, and cost-effective operational environment. For investors and entrepreneurs aiming to capitalize on this thriving market, navigating the legal framework of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) is a critical step. Oncount is a leading corporate services firm providing structured and compliant business setup services in Sharjah. Our solutions are meticulously tailored for businesses operating in Sharjah, ensuring accuracy, full compliance with regulatory requirements, and dedicated support to help you set up your business for long-term success.

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Comprehensive Business Setup Solutions

Oncount provides end-to-end support for company formation in Sharjah, ensuring every stage of the process of business setup process aligns with local and federal laws. We focus on operational efficiency, transparency, and customized delivery to match your unique business goals. Our expertise covers key legislation, including the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, which governs corporate structures like the Limited Liability Company (LLC) and shareholding company types.

Our tailored support is aligned with key regulations specific to the emirate, including:

Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) regulations regarding business activity classification and licensing procedures.
Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies and its amendments, which outline the legal requirements for various entity types, from a sole proprietorship to public joint stock companies.
Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020 concerning Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) regulations, ensuring your company’s ownership structure is transparent and compliant from its inception.

Core Company Formation and License Services

Our core deliverables are designed to manage every aspect of company registration in Sharjah, from initial documentation to final license issuance. Oncount’s services simplify document processing, licensing, and corporate filings, ensuring your company in Sharjah is established correctly and efficiently.

License Application & Classification: We manage the application for your required trade license—whether a commercial license, professional license, or industrial license—ensuring the selected business activities align with SEDD’s recognized classification standards.
Legal Document Drafting & Notarization: We expertly draft and notarize the Memorandum of Association (MOA) for LLCs or a Local Service Agent agreement for professional licenses, ensuring all legal formalities are met.
Government Portal & Authority Submissions: Our team handles all submissions for trade name reservation, initial approval, and final business license issuance through official government portals.
Ongoing Compliance & Visa Management: We provide continuous support for visa processing for investors and employees, manage license renewals, and conduct periodic reviews of your corporate structure.
Record Management & Compliance: We assist in setting up proper record-keeping systems for financial and corporate documents, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations.

Advisory & Regulatory Support Services

Our advisory services enhance regulatory protection and mitigate risks associated with starting a business in Sharjah.

Strategic Licensing Advisory: We provide expert guidance on selecting the optimal legal structure and business type, whether it’s an LLC, branch of a foreign company, or sole proprietorship business.
Specialized & E-commerce Registrations: We facilitate registrations for specialized activities, including e-commerce licenses and approvals from external government departments.
Pre-emptive Compliance Audits: Our team conducts thorough compliance checks to flag potential risks related to your corporate structure or chosen activities before they become liabilities.

Compliance Restoration & Remediation

For businesses needing to address past compliance gaps, our services focus on restoring good standing with the authorities.

Retrieval of Corporate Records: We assist in sourcing missing or outdated corporate records and required documents for audits, renewals, or legal proceedings.
Late Registrations & Voluntary Disclosures: We guide companies through the process of rectifying past non-compliance, such as late UBO filings or license amendments.
Audit Preparation & Documentation: We help prepare and organize all corporate documentation to ensure you are ready for any potential government audit.

Steps for Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland

The company formation process in Sharjah is a structured sequence of steps. Our business setup consultants manage the entire process to ensure a smooth launch for your business in the UAE.

Define Business Activities & Legal Structure

Determine the type of business you plan to conduct in Sharjah and select the appropriate legal form (e.g., LLC, branch, or professional company).

Trade Name Reservation

Choose a unique name for your company and secure its reservation with the SEDD.

Initial Approval Application

Submit an application to the SEDD to obtain initial approval for your chosen specific business activities.

Draft & Notarize MOA/LSA

Prepare the Memorandum of Association (for an LLC) or a Local Service Agent agreement (for a professional license) and have it notarized.

Secure a Commercial Premise

Arrange for a tenancy contract for your office or facility, a key requirement for a Sharjah mainland license.

Final Submission & Fee Payment

Submit all required documents, including the notarized memorandum, to the SEDD and pay the necessary fees to receive your business license.

Post-License Registrations

Register your company with the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and the immigration authorities.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

With your trade license issued, we assist you in opening a corporate bank account to begin operations.

Legal Requirements in Sharjah: Why Accurate Setup is Crucial

An accurate mainland business setup is more than an administrative task; it is the legal foundation that enables your company to operate, trade, and grow. Proper formation ensures your company setup complies with all legal requirements, protecting it from penalties and operational disruptions. A Sharjah mainland company offers the flexibility to operate anywhere in the UAE and engage directly with the local market.

Applicable Laws & Resolutions

Compliance in Sharjah is governed by a framework of federal and local laws.

Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies: The primary legislation defining corporate structures, governance, and foreign ownership rules.
Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020 on Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO): Mandates the maintenance and submission of a register of beneficial owners to enhance transparency.
SEDD Recordkeeping Requirements: All mainland companies are required to maintain proper accounting and corporate records for a minimum of five years.

Risk & Penalty Mitigation

Non-compliance can lead to significant fines and operational setbacks. Oncount helps businesses avoid these risks.

Fines for Non-Compliance: Penalties are imposed for failing to renew a license on time, incorrect UBO filings, or operating outside permitted activities.
Loss of Business Privileges: Authorities may suspend a company’s license, freezing all business operations and visa services.
Proactive Tools: We use compliance dashboards, automated renewal alerts, and secure digital backups to keep your Sharjah business compliant.

Industry-Specific Business Setup Services

Oncount understands that Sharjah’s diverse economy requires specialized knowledge. Sharjah mainland is ideal for industrial and trading enterprises, and our business setup consultants in Sharjah offer tailored solutions for various sectors.

Industry-Specific Expertise

Manufacturing/Industrial: We assist with securing industrial licenses, factory approvals, and environmental permits.
Trading: Our team manages customs registration, import/export code creation, and logistics documentation for seamless commercial activities.
Professional Services: We help establish advisory, technical, and creative firms, ensuring the correct professional license and legal structure are in place.
IT/Technology: We navigate digital compliance, intellectual property considerations, and e-commerce licensing for technology firms.
Education & Healthcare: Specialized support for obtaining approvals from the Ministry of Education or Ministry of Health for relevant ventures.

Client Integration & Customization

Embedded Advisory Support: We provide ongoing strategic advice as your business evolves, helping you open branches in Sharjah or expand your activities.
Real-Time Dashboards: Clients get access to dashboards to track document status, renewal dates, and compliance milestones.
Investor-Ready Reporting: Our documentation is prepared to meet the standards of banks, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Flexible Setup Configurations: We tailor the company setup to accommodate various structures, including those with corporate shareholders or multiple partners.

About Oncount: Top Business Setup Firm in UAE

Oncount is a premier UAE-based firm specializing in business setup services, regulatory consulting, and corporate compliance. Our methodologies are aligned with mandates from the SEDD, the UAE government, and international standards, empowering foreign investors and local entrepreneurs to set up a business with confidence.

8+ Years of Local Experience, 320+ Clients Served

Multilingual Service: Our team communicates fluently in English, Arabic, and Russian.
Full Regulatory Adherence: We ensure strict compliance with all mainland, free zone, and international regulations.
Pan-UAE Experience: Our expertise covers mainland setups in Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates, as well as leading free zones like Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.

Clarity Over Routine: Professional Consultants in Sharjah

We deliver strategic value beyond routine processing. Our clients are assigned dedicated managers who provide clear, actionable guidance.

Structured Workflows: We manage deadlines, track renewals, and ensure all filings are completed accurately and on time.
Complex Planning: We offer support for visa management, intricate document filings, and long-term corporate strategy.
Professional Communication: We provide investor-ready documentation and maintain digital communication channels for transparent updates.

Why Choose Us for Business Setup Services in Sharjah

Quality Control Process

Dual Document Reviews: A four-eye principle ensures all applications and legal documents are reviewed for accuracy.
Periodic Compliance Audits: We proactively audit licenses, visas, and corporate records to prevent compliance lapses.
SOP Alignment: Our procedures are continuously updated to align with the latest regulations from the SEDD and federal authorities.
Legal Document Verification: All legal documents are verified for authenticity and compliance before submission.

Legal and Technical Accuracy

Certified Tools: We utilize official government portals and certified software for all submissions, ensuring technical accuracy.
Integrated Workflows: Our services for licensing, visas, and tax are integrated for a holistic compliance approach.
Custom Setup: We tailor our processes to the specific needs of your business sector and legal structure.

Multilingual, Real-Time Support

4-Language Communication: Clear and effective communication in English, Arabic, Russian, and Hindi.
SLA-Based Responses: We operate on strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to guarantee timely responses.
Cloud Access: Clients have 24/7 cloud access to compliance dashboards and important corporate documents.

Outsourcing Business Setup Services: The Smart Choice for Sharjah Businesses

Outsourcing your Sharjah mainland business setup to Oncount is a strategic decision that provides significant advantages, improving the ease of doing business.

Focus on Core Growth: Dedicate your time and resources to core operations and strategic growth.
Cost Efficiency: Reduce the high costs associated with hiring and training an in-house administrative team.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the insights of seasoned business consultants who understand the Sharjah market.
Risk Reduction: Minimize the risk of penalties, delays, and legal complications with our expert oversight.
Informed Decision-Making: Gain access to real-time data and insights for better strategic planning.
Guaranteed Compliance: Ensure your company formation in Sharjah is fully compliant with all UAE regulations from day one.

FAQ

About Business Setup Services in Sharjah

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Do I need a UAE national sponsor for a Sharjah mainland company?

For most business activities, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for mainland companies in Sharjah, eliminating the need for a local sponsor or UAE national as a majority shareholder. However, for a professional license, a Local Service Agent (LSA) is still required, and certain strategic sectors may have specific ownership requirements.

What are the main types of business licenses in Sharjah?

The three primary types of business licenses issued by the SEDD are the Commercial License (for trading activities), the Professional License (for service-based businesses), and the Industrial License (for manufacturing and production). The license you need is based on your business activities.

Can a Sharjah mainland company operate in other emirates like Dubai?

Yes, one of the key advantages of a Sharjah mainland company setup is that it allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Companies are allowed to open branches in other emirates as well.

Is a physical office required for a business license in Sharjah?

Yes, a physical office or commercial space with a valid tenancy contract registered with Sharjah Municipality is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a mainland business license.

What documents are required for company formation in Sharjah?

The core documents required for company setup typically include passport copies of all shareholders, a trade name reservation certificate, initial approval from SEDD, and a notarized Memorandum of Association (MOA). Additional documents may be needed depending on the business activity.

How does Sharjah compare to a Sharjah free zone for business setup?

A Sharjah mainland company provides unrestricted access to the local UAE market. A business setup in the Sharjah free zone (e.g., Hamriyah Free Zone) typically offers 100% foreign ownership and customs benefits but may restrict direct trade within the UAE mainland. The choice depends on your target market and business model.

How can business setup consultants help with the process?

Business setup consultants in Sharjah, like Oncount, streamline the entire process. We provide expert advice, handle all documentation and submissions, liaise with government authorities on your behalf, and ensure your company setup is fast, efficient, and fully compliant with all legal regulations.

Looking to take your business  to the next level? Our professional accounting team in Dubai is here  to help yousoar financially. We handle everything from detailed reports  to smart tax strategies, so you can focus on whatyou do best—growing your company.

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Thank you — your answers have been submitted.
Our team will review your inputs and get in touch shortly.

Usually within 1 business day via email or WhatsApp