WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Sharjah can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Choosing Sharjah mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. Sharjah is industrial heartland of the UAE — manufacturing, trading and logistics at lower cost, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out.
Why Sharjah
In short, 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. Sharjah mainland licences are issued by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days (Monday to Friday). Among the strengths of a Sharjah mainland licence are Lowest-cost mainland licence among the big three emirates and Industrial zones with affordable warehouses, which is why local service businesses gravitate here.
Documents required
On the ground, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of visas for a mainland company in Sharjah.
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
Pricing
Pricing for visas for a mainland company in Sharjah depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Use the table below to compare packages for visas for a mainland company in Sharjah; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 2,800 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 8,500 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
The visa process after the licence
Once your Sharjah licence is released we open the establishment card, apply for the entry permit, change your status inside the UAE if you are already here, book the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics, and submit for stamping. Family visas follow once your own residence visa is active.
Visas for partners and staff
As a rule, partners listed on the Sharjah licence receive investor visas; employees receive employment visas under the same quota. Salaries for employees must be paid through the free zone's wage system where applicable, and GoldenKey sets this up with you.
Why the UAE
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies visas for a mainland company in Sharjah for international founders. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for visas for a mainland company in Sharjah and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey builds its own CRM and client portal, so you can see the status of your Sharjah application, download your papers and pay invoices from your phone. Every Sharjah package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end. You deal with one named consultant from the first call until your Sharjah licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for visas for a mainland company in Sharjah in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Sharjah mainland company?
For most clients, you cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
How much office space do I need for a Sharjah mainland licence?
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.
Are Sharjah mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Sharjah mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Sharjah mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
