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SPC Free Zone Business Setup| Start Your Company in Sharjah

by Rifa S Laskar Oct 07, 2025 7 MIN READ

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SPC Free Zone Business Setup is becoming the go-to choice for entrepreneurs who’re seeking flexibility, 100% foreign ownership & cost-effective license in Sharjah. If you want to start your UAE business without the Dubai overheads, here’s everything you need to know, from the types of licenses, costs, step-by-step setup & FAQs.

1. Introduction

If you’re looking to start a business in Sharjah, the SPC free zone business setup is an option worth considering. Moreover, it allows 100% foreign ownership, easy profit acquisition & very flexible licensing options. With Sharjah’s strategic location and affordable setup fees compared to Dubai, entrepreneurs are increasingly moving their businesses here. Let’s break down in this article exactly what this setup involves, the types of licenses, costs & the process so you can decide if it’s right for you.

2. Why Choose SPC Free Zone Business Setup?

  • 100% Foreign Ownership: You don’t need a local partner, which means you can maintain complete control over your business decisions, operations & profits. This structure allows full independence to build and grow your company in UAE.
  • Profit: All profits that your business gains can be transferred out of UAE freely, without any sorts of restrictions or extra approvals. This ensures financial flexibility and allows you to reinvest or globally access funds.
  • Wide License Options: SPC Free Zone offers licenses for trading, service, consultancy & e-commerce businesses. You can select the license type that matches your activity and expand into multiple sectors if your business grows.
  • Strategic Location: Sharjah is ideally located near Dubai’s major ports &  international airports. This offers excellent logistics, global connectivity & easier access for clients, suppliers & business partners across the region.
  • Affordable Setup: Compared to other Dubai free zones, SPC Free Zone provides cost-effective registration, office & licensing options. This makes it a practical choice for startups, SMEs or entrepreneurs testing UAE market.

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3. Types of Business Licenses in SPC Free Zone

Here’s what you can get:

  • Commercial / Trading License: This license allows you to legally engage in import, export, wholesale or general trading activities within UAE. It’s ideal for businesses aiming to sell products locally or internationally.
  • Professional / Service License: It is designed for consultants, IT professionals & service providers, this license lets you offer specialized services legally also manage client contracts & operate without restrictions on the professional activities you provide.
  • E-commerce License: Perfect for online businesses, this license enables you to run an e-commerce store, sell products or services digitally & operate fully compliant with UAE regulations for online trade.
  • Holding Company License: This license allows you to manage assets, hold shares or own other companies under one corporate structure it also offers a strategic flexibility for investors and entrepreneurs who are looking to consolidate business ownership.

4. SPC Free Zone Business Setup Cost Breakdown

Here’s a clear picture of what you’re looking at:

ParticularsAmount (AED)
1 Year Trade License MOA  
5,750
Certificate of Formation
Share Percentage Certificate
Lease Agreement
0 Visa Allocation10
Economic Registration5,760
Total Price11,520

If you require a visa, the SPC investor visa is a good option, starting from AED 2,200.

5. What’s Included in the SPC Free Zone Package?

  • Trade license – The package provides a government-issued license that allows you to legally register, operate & conduct business activities within UAE, which ensures full obedience with regulations.
  • Lease agreement – You’ll receive a lease agreement that includes either a virtual office setup or flexible desk options, which gives your business an official registered address without heavy overhead costs.
  • Immigration card – The package covers the issuance of an immigration card, which is required for applying for visas and also having a visa quota eligibility under the SPC free zone jurisdiction for your company.
  • Visas – Shareholders and employees gain the option of obtaining visas under your company’s SPC license, which makes it easier to recruit, sponsor staff & manage residency requirements for operations.
  • Banking support – Assistance is included for opening a corporate bank account, coupled with access to UAE tax advantages, which enhance ease of doing business and ensure financial ease locally.

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Get in touch with our team to find out about our approach

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6. Step-by-Step Process for SPC Free Zone Business Setup

  • Choose a Business Activity – First of select the specific activity you plan to run, as this determines the type of license you’ll need and ensures your business remains fully compliant with regulations.
  • Apply for a License – Now prepare and file your license application by completing the required forms, this ensures accuracy & aligns all details with the chosen business activity to avoid processing delays.
  • Submit Documents – Then you need to provide essential documents such as passport copies, completed application forms & other requested paperwork; these are mandatory for validation and approval of your SPC company registration.
  • Pay SPC Setup Fees – Then you settle the fees for your trade license and additional services included in your package, then finalize the application process and activate your chosen business setup plan.
  • Receive Your License – Once it is processed and approved, your trade license is issued & you are officially granted legal authority to operate your SPC company and begin taking advantage of free zone privileges.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the minimum SPC license cost?
Approx. AED 5,750 for a 1-year trade license without a visa.

Q2. Can I set up without a visa?
Yes, you can register a company without applying for a visa initially.

Q3. How long does SPC Free Zone business setup take?
Typically 7-10 working days, depending on the license type.

Q4. Can foreigners own 100% of the company?
Absolutely. SPC Free Zone allows full foreign ownership.

Q5. Do I need a local sponsor?
No local sponsor is required for SPC free zone business setup.

8. Why Work with a Business Consultant like Arnifi?

Working with a business consultant like Arnifi simplifies the entire SPC Free Zone business setup process. We handle documentation accurately & ensure the applications and forms are complete to prevent delays or rejections. When it comes to visas and banking, we guide you step by step, from securing investor visas to opening corporate accounts. We make the process straightforward. Our team also provides expert advice on selecting the right license package that matches your business activity, growth plans & budget. With Arnifi, you get practical support, clear guidance & the confidence to start your business without unnecessary complications.

9. Conclusion

The SPC free zone business setup is one of the smartest choices for entrepreneurs who are seeking a cost-effective, fully owned & flexible business environment in Sharjah. It offers multiple license options, visa solutions & strategic advantages that make establishing and running a company easy and straightforward. But setting up a business goes beyond just registration. That’s where Arnifi comes in. 

We don’t just handle your company registration, we guide you through visas & help you to open corporate bank accounts & ensure your bookkeeping and accounting are compliant from day one. 

Need support with employee visas, office leasing, or economic registration? We cover all of that too. Our goal is to take the administrative burden off your shoulders so you can focus on growing your business. With Arnifi’s hands-on approach and tailored solutions, your SPC Free Zone business setup becomes easy, fast & fully aligned with your long-term goals.

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