If you’re exploring the cheapest trade license in UAE and want real value, SRTIP in Sharjah stands out. You can get a general trading license without breaking the bank. Here’s how it works, what’s included, what it costs & how it compares to other zones. By the end, you’ll see why SRTIP might be the smartest move for low-cost license seekers.
Here’s what I want you to do imagine you’re starting a business in the UAE and your top priority is finding the cheapest trade license in UAE that still gives you what you need. You care about cost, flexibility, real permission to trade (import/export, e-commerce) & not being surprised later by any hidden fees.
That’s where a low-cost trade license in UAE becomes more than just a phrase. You need something affordable, clear, and practical. Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) is one of the rising options. Today we’ll break down what makes a license cheapest, how SRTIP measures up & whether its general trading license is right for you.
To understand the cheapest trade license in UAE, you need to compare more than just the headline price. What really matters is what’s in the package, how flexible it is & what surprises may lie hidden. Let’s break it down:
What this really means is that the cheapest trade license in UAE isn’t always the one with the lowest sticker price. It’s the one with the lowest total cost for what you actually need.
Here’s a quick comparison of some of the zones known for low-cost trade licenses in UAE. I’ve listed approximate strengths, so you can see where SRTIP fits.
Free Zone | Strengths | Drawbacks |
SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park) | Strong general trading options, flexible packages, good location near mainland Sharjah | Newer zone, fewer pre-established businesses, possible learning curve |
SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City) | Very low-cost packages, flexible options | Limited prestige for some business types, might need more approvals for certain goods |
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority, Dubai-adjacent) | Reasonable cost, Dubai-oriented access; fast setup | It might be more expensive than the Sharjah zones for an equivalent general trading license |
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | Competitive pricing, visa options, lots of activity types | Further from Dubai, logistics costs could add up depending on your operations |
UAQ Free Trade Zone (Umm Al-Quwain) | Among lowest-cost license fees, simple procedures | Location is remote compared to Sharjah or Dubai; less marine or export logistics support for some goods |
Here’s where SRTIP really shines if your goal is finding the cheapest trade license in UAE but still doing serious business:
Here are estimated cost figures for a general trading license at SRTIP, with and without a visa. Then comparison with other low-cost zones.
Particulars | Amount (AED) |
Amount (AED)1 Year Trade License MOA Certificate of Formation Share Percentage certificate Basic bank account opening assistance | 5,500 |
Immigration Card (1 Year) | Not applicable |
Establishment card | Not applicable |
Medical test | Not applicable |
Emirates ID | Not applicable |
Visa status change cost | Not applicable |
Price | 5,500 |
Here’s what you usually get when you opt for the cheapest trade license in UAE through SRTIP (general trading package). This helps you see what you pay for, what’s real & avoid surprises.
What is not usually included (you’ll need to pay separately):
Here’s how you go from zero to having your trade license at SRTIP. Follow these steps:
Here’s a comparison so you can spot what you’re getting in each zone. What’s the cost vs benefit?
Free Zone | Approx License Cost* | Visa Option Available | General Trading Allowed | Location Benefit |
SRTIP | AED 8,000-13,000 | Yes | Yes | Sharjah – near Dubai, good logistics |
SPC Free Zone | ~ AED 7,000-10,000 | Yes | Yes | Sharjah – less central but cheaper packages |
IFZA | ~ AED 10,000-14,000 | Yes | Yes | Dubai area – more prestige, higher cost in some cases |
RAKEZ | ~ AED 9,000-13,000 | Yes | Yes | Ras Al-Khaimah – more remote, lower overheads |
UAQ Free Trade Zone | ~ AED 7,000-10,000 | Yes | Yes | Umm Al-Quwain – lowest cost, but distance factors |
* Estimated first-year cost including basic license and minimal facilities
From this table, you can see that while many zones offer a low-cost trade license in UAE, SRTIP competes very strongly when you add up its features, not just price
Q1. Is SRTIP the cheapest free zone for general trading?
SRTIP offers the best value with low cost and flexible options
Q2. Can I get a visa with a trade license at SRTIP?
Yes, visa options are available; non-visa licenses cost less
Q3. How much does a general trading license cost in Sharjah?
AED 8,000-10,000 without visa; AED 13,000-18,000 with visa
Q4. Is SRTIP good for e-commerce and imports/exports?
Yes, ideal for e-commerce and import/export activities
If your goal is the cheapest trade license in the UAE, focus on value, not just price. A low-cost trade license in UAE should give you flexibility to operate, the legitimacy to trade freely & the room to grow your business. SRTIP stands out because it allows general trading, offers clear and transparent costs & provides visa options when needed. Its strategic Sharjah location opens doors to mainland markets while keeping expenses manageable. Choosing SRTIP means you get more than just a license you get a practical, cost-effective foundation to build and expand your business confidently. Partner with Arnifi for seamless SRTIP trade license setup, visa processing, compliance, and renewals. Launch your business affordably and confidently.
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