Sharjah Company Formation

Sharjah Company Registration

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. 

The free zone is designed to cater to companies from multiple industries, offering entrepreneurs and investors the opportunity to establish their businesses in an emerging and versatile economic zone. In 2021 alone, over 2,000 businesses set up operations in SPC, demonstrating its rapid growth and appeal among global and regional entrepreneurs.

While SPC is renowned for its emphasis on publishing and media activities, its business scope is not limited to these sectors. The free zone supports over 2,000 business activities, ranging from trading, e-commerce, education, and consultancy to other professional services. 

This broad spectrum of business activities makes SPC a versatile option for entrepreneurs looking to establish their companies in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment. The zone’s flexibility, combined with Sharjah's reputation as a cultural and educational hub, attracts businesses from around the world.

SPC also plays an active role in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment for businesses through a variety of events and activities hosted throughout the year. These include workshops, forums, meet-and-greets, and book festivals, providing companies with the opportunity to network, share knowledge, and build partnerships within the free zone and beyond. These events contribute to SPC’s growing reputation as a hub for both cultural and business-related events, aligning with Sharjah’s identity as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World.

Additionally, SPC’s strategic location next to Sharjah University City further enhances its appeal. Being in proximity to one of the largest educational districts in the UAE provides access to a highly educated and skilled workforce, which is a significant advantage for businesses looking to recruit local talent. This unique location also fosters collaboration between businesses and academia, facilitating knowledge exchange and innovation.

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. 

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SPC Business Setup Advantages

Full Foreign Ownership

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

Tax Incentives

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

Quick business setup

Quick business setup

Business licenses can often be issued within a few days, making it one of the fastest free zones for company registration.

License Flexibility

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

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

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

Full Profit Repatriation

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

Easy Employee Recruitment

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 of 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.
business Licenses Offered By SPC

SPC Business Setup Process

Timeline: 4 to 8 weeks

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.

License Cost in SPC

The cost of setting up a business in SPC varies depending on the type of license you require, the starting price of all licenses is AED 6,875.

In addition to the license fees, other potential costs include office space, which can vary significantly based on location and size. Local sponsor fees if applicable and visa and permit costs also add to the overall expenses.

*Note the price is an estimate and will vary in reality. For an accurate cost breakdown, get in touch with our consultants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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