Everything You Need to Know About a Sharjah Mainland License

A Sharjah Mainland License is issued by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and allows businesses to operate anywhere within Sharjah and throughout the UAE, offering full access to local markets. To obtain this license, you must choose a legal structure (e.g. LLC, Sole Establishment, Branch), decide your business activity, reserve a trade name, get initial approval, and draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA). You also need a physical office space (with a tenancy contract registered under Sharjah Municipality), and for some business activities, additional approvals from relevant ministries. The cost of a Sharjah mainland license generally ranges between AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, depending on the nature of the business, office size, visa requirements, and fees. Once approved, the license must be renewed annually and compliance with regulations such as economic substance and beneficial ownership is required to keep operations lawful.