General Trading on Sharjah Mainland
Import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence
- 5–7 daysSetup time
- MainlandLicence type
- Flexi | PhysicalOffice / facility
- Visa supportVisa eligibility
- StandardApprovals needed
- On requestRenewal cost
Why Sharjah
To be clear, mainland company formation in Sharjah is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. Choosing Sharjah mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Typical examples of this activity include electronics, building materials, FMCG, furniture and spare parts, which can usually sit together on one Sharjah licence. General Trading in Sharjah means import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
From day one, businesses that benefit most from Sharjah mainland licensing include manufacturing, spare parts trading, logistics, retail and education, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Popular districts for a Sharjah mainland office include Al Nahda, Industrial Area, Al Majaz, Al Khan and Muwaileh, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. Day to day, for general trading, Sharjah offers the office options such a business actually needs and a visa quota that can grow with the team.
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
Pricing for general trading on Sharjah mainland depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Crucially, the figures below for general trading on Sharjah mainland are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
Message us with your activity and visa count — we reply shortly with prices in writing.
Get my quoteExplore business activities in Sharjah
Sharjah licenses trading, service, professional and industrial activities. Search every activity we license across the UAE and see where it is available and what it costs.
Documents required
For general trading on Sharjah mainland the authority asks for the following papers, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- Passport photographs on a white background
- List of intended product categories
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
For companies
- Certificate of incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Board resolution approving the UAE company
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Company profile / business plan
How Sharjah works with GoldenKey
- 1
Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) list and the legal form, typically a LLC or a sole establishment. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to general trading on Sharjah mainland.
- 2
Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), including any external approvals your activity needs.
- 3
Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full request with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). Your portal shows the status of this step for general trading on Sharjah mainland in real time.
- 4
Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Sharjah mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Sharjah. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsCan a Sharjah mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
How long does Sharjah mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
How much office space do I need for a Sharjah mainland licence?
On the ground, the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Is general trading allowed in Sharjah?
Absolutely. General Trading is an available activity in {ent}, and GoldenKey lists the exact sub-activities on your licence. No special approval for standard goods; customs code required to physically import.
Which licence type covers general trading?
General Trading is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Ready to start your business in Sharjah?
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through general trading on Sharjah mainland step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
More about Sharjah
Why the UAE
In practice, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies general trading on Sharjah mainland for international founders. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes general trading on Sharjah mainland a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for general trading on Sharjah mainland happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with general trading on Sharjah mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Day to day, our quotations for general trading on Sharjah mainland list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything.
