Sharjah Company Formation

SPC Business Setup

SPC, short for Sharjah Publishing City, is a specialized free zone located in the emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Launched to support the publishing and media industries, SPC has quickly become a vital hub for a wide range of businesses beyond its initial focus.

Located in Sharjah, UAE, SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) was initially designed for the publishing and media industries but has since expanded to support a variety of sectors. In 2021, over 2,000 businesses were established in SPC, showcasing its growing appeal to both regional and global entrepreneurs.

SPC free zone caters to a diverse range of industries, including e-commerce, trading, education, consultancy, and professional services, alongside its original focus on publishing and media. This broad business scope makes it an ideal location for entrepreneurs seeking a flexible and dynamic zone for their operations.

A key advantage of setting up in SPC free zone is its strategic location near Sharjah University City, one of the UAE’s largest educational districts. This proximity provides access to a highly skilled and educated workforce, offering a significant recruitment advantage. The location also encourages collaboration between businesses and academic institutions, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

In addition, SPC hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as workshops, forums, and cultural festivals, promoting a collaborative environment and facilitating networking opportunities. These events contribute to SPC’s growing reputation as a cultural and business hub, aligning with Sharjah’s recognition as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World.

Regarding license costs in SPC, the pricing is competitive and varies depending on the nature of the business activity. However, businesses in the zone benefit from attractive tax incentives, full ownership, and easy access to global markets, making SPC Free Zone Company Formation a solid choice for those looking to establish a strong presence in the UAE.

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SPC Business Setup Advantages

Full Foreign Ownership

International businesses do not require a local Emirati sponsor to be a partner to operate in SPC, maintaining 100% ownership.

Tax Incentives

Businesses are exempted from corporate tax and import & export excise duties.

Quick business setup

SPC Free Zone Company Formation is fast, with business licenses often issued in just a few days, making it one of the quickest free zones for company formation.

License Flexibility

You can opt for a 10-year license and conduct multiple business activities under one license. Dual licenses are also available that cover both Mainland and Free Zone operations.

Premium Location

The free zone enjoys proximity to major transport hubs like Sharjah International Airport and Dubai, making it ideal for both local and international business.

Full Foreign Ownership

International businesses do not require a local Emirati sponsor to be a partner to operate in Meydan, maintaining 100% ownership.

Full Profit Repatriation

There is no tax or restrictions on profits sent back to the home country.

Easy Employee Recruitment

Flexibility to hire both local and international talents, SPC authorities can also assist in providing manpower.

Licenses Available in SPC

Trading License: It entails trading, exporting, and importing many goods. Mainly, focused on general trading and also includes e-commerce.

Commercial License: It entails the purchase and sale of physical goods, suitable for international businesses looking to operate within the UAE.

Services License: It covers businesses that are services oriented including professional skills and craftsmanship.

Publishing License: It covers business activities related to publishing, including launching new publications domestically or introducing existing ones from abroad.

Freelance Permit: It enables individuals to legally specialize in the provision of media, technology, entertainment, and art services whilst simultaneously working their full-time jobs.

01 Choose Business Activity and License Type

Determine the type of business activity you want to undertake (commercial, professional, or industrial) and the legal structure (e.g., Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC).

02 Submit Application for Initial Approval

Complete the application form and submit it along with required documents.

Takes 2 to 5 days

03 Receive Initial Approval

Once the documents are submitted, the free zone authority will review the application for initial approval.

Takes 3 to 5 days

04 Prepare Legal Documents

Draft the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and other necessary legal documents, SPC may provide templates to assist in this process.

Takes 3 to 5 days

05 Select Office Space

Choose from SPC’s available office solutions based on your business needs.

Takes 1 to 2 days

06 Payment of Fees

Pay the necessary fees for your business license, office space, and any additional charges.

Takes 1 to 2 days

07 Obtain Business License

After submitting all required documents and payment, you will receive your business license from SPC.

Takes 1 to 3 days

08Visa Application Process

Apply for UAE residency visas for shareholders and employees.

Takes 2 to 4 weeks

Documents Required in SPC

Required documents vary based on the legal structure of the business: FZE, FZCO and Branch Office.

Document Type	FZE	FZCO	Branch Office
Application Form	Required	Required	Required
	Passport Copies	Shareholders' and directors' copies (valid for 6 months)	Shareholders' and directors' copies (valid for 6 months)	Parent company's representatives' copies (valid for 6 months)
		Passport-Sized Photos	2-4 photos of shareholders/directors	2-4 photos of shareholders/directors	2-4 photos of branch manager/representatives
			Proof of Residence	Required	Required	Required
				Business Plan	Required for some activities	Required for some activities	Not required
					No Objection Certificate (NOC)	Required if employed in UAE	Required if employed in UAE	NOC from parent company (if applicable)
Memorandum of Association (MOA)						Draft MOA needed	Draft MOA needed	MOA from the parent company
	Shareholders’ Resolutions					Not applicable	Required to authorize establishment	Not applicable
		Corporate Documents				Not applicable	RCertificate of Incorporation (if corporate shareholders)	Parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation
			Initial Approval			Required for specific activities	Required for specific activities	Not required
				Trade Name Reservation		Required (if applicable)	Required (if applicable)	Not applicable

It is advisable to prepare documents in Arabic and English beforehand.

SPC Free Zone Business Setup Cost

The SPC free zone company formation process is cost-effective and designed to support various business setups. The license cost in SPC starts at AED 6,875, making it an affordable option for entrepreneurs looking to establish their companies in this dynamic zone.

However, SPC free zone business setup costs can vary depending on the type of license required, office space, and additional factors such as visa and permit fees.
In addition to the initial license cost in SPC, other expenses may include office space, which can fluctuate based on location and size. If applicable, local sponsor fees might also add to the setup costs. It’s important to consider these variables when planning your SPC free zone business setup.

Note* the price is an estimate and will vary in reality. For an accurate cost breakdown for SPC free zone company formation costs, get in touch with our consultants.

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