Growing Economy
Sharjah is a rapidly growing economy and a top destination for foreign investors, including many from France. Sharjah Mainland is ideal for French entrepreneurs, offering pro-business government policies, full foreign ownership in many sectors, a strategic location, strong market connectivity, an affordable lifestyle, and multiple investor benefits.
Strategic Location
One of Sharjah’s biggest advantages is its international airport, ensuring global connectivity. It is also well connected to seaports on both the west and east coasts of the Arabian Gulf, giving businesses direct access to North Africa and the French Ocean. This creates huge trade opportunities for French exporters and companies expanding into the region.
Business Setup
Business setup in Sharjah Mainland is regulated by Sharjah Department of Economic Development (DED) which has a wide range of approved activities. While the mainland allows many types of businesses, it is famous for industrial zones. For complete guidance on industrial or commercial licenses, French investors can contact Flyingcolour Business Setup Services.
Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland
Sharjah Mainland offers exclusive tax benefits to foreign investors. Businesses with annual profits below AED 375,000 are tax-free*, making it ideal for French entrepreneurs to increase profits and reinvest in growth. This competitive tax policy supports SME formation and startup expansion in the region.
Legal Structure
Sharjah mainland companies must comply with UAE laws, ensuring clarity, transparency, and protection for foreign investors. The DED governs licensing and commercial activities, making the company registration process smooth and reliable. This creates a safe and stable environment for French business owners entering the UAE market.
Sharjah’s pro-investment policies make it easy for French entrepreneurs and companies to start operations. Its efficient company formation process and low operational costs make it attractive for both startups and established businesses. Business setup consultants like Flyingcolour® help French investors navigate regulatory processes smoothly and efficiently.
Located between Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Sharjah Mainland offers French investors direct access to seaports, airports, and GCC markets. Its strategic location enhances trade connectivity with France, Africa, and the Middle East. Import-export businesses, logistics companies, and SMEs greatly benefit from this prime location.
French entrepreneurs benefit from Sharjah’s multicultural environment that respects diversity and fosters collaboration. Understanding local customs and Islamic business practices is key to building strong partnerships and trust. Developing relationships with Emirati sponsors and joining regional business networks will support long-term success in the UAE market.
Types of Legal Structure in Sharjah Mainland
Limited Liability Company An LLC in Sharjah can be formed with 2 to 50 shareholders. Each shareholder’s liability is limited to his share in the capital. Since June 2021, French investors can have 100% foreign ownership in Sharjah LLCs without the need of a UAE national as a 51% local sponsor. This has opened up easier business setup in the mainland for French startups and SMEs.
Partnership Company A Partnership Company is another option for business setup in Sharjah Mainland. It requires at least 2 partners and all must be UAE nationals. This is not available for foreign or French investors. The partners are jointly liable to the extent of their ownership in the company. It is used for specific professional or local trading businesses.
Local service agent/Sole proprietorship This structure allows an individual to run a business in his own name. However, if the owner is not a UAE or GCC national — like most French entrepreneurs — he must appoint a local service agent. The agent does not own equity or interfere in business operations but is required for legal formalities like license processing.
Public/Private Shareholder Company In a Shareholding Company, the capital is divided into equal tradable shares. Liability is limited to the value of shares held. While Public Joint Stock Companies follow UAE corporate laws, private shareholding companies offer more flexibility. Founders are individuals who sign the Memorandum and Articles of Association. This is ideal for large scale investments and expanding French businesses.
Types of Business Licenses in Sharjah Mainland
An Industrial License is required for investors who want to set up manufacturing or industrial activities in Sharjah Mainland. This license is for sectors like food processing, textile manufacturing, metal fabrication and oil & gas related production. French industrialists and exporters prefer this license to scale up their manufacturing units in the UAE.
A Commercial License is required for businesses involved in buying and selling of goods including trading, logistics and e-commerce. This license allows wholesale and retail trading, import and export, warehousing, distribution and product storage. Many French traders in FMCG, electronics and construction materials apply for this license to expand their business in Sharjah’s trade hub.
A Professional License is issued to individuals or companies offering professional or skilled services. It’s best for consultants, IT professionals, educators, medical practitioners and creatives. French entrepreneurs offering accounting, legal or marketing services benefit from this license which allows 100% foreign ownership in most cases.
Documents Required for Company Registration in Sharjah
Board resolution for international companies
Lease agreement
Feasibility report of the project
Application for business registration in Sharjah
A copy of the business plan
Power of Attorney
Bank reference letters, if applicable
Duly confirmed & notarized MoA and Articles of Association (AOA)
Passport copies of all partners and managers
Steps for Setup Your Company in Sharjah Mainland
State the type of business—trading, manufacturing, consultancy, etc.—as per Sharjah DED approved list.
Required for some business types or structures (mostly for sole proprietorships or professional licenses).
Decide on the business entity—LLC, sole proprietorship, public joint stock company—based on your ownership preference.
Choose a unique trade name that meets Sharjah DED guidelines and register it.
Prepare the Memorandum of Association as per your business structure and get it notarized.
Get preliminary approval for your business activity before moving to final licensing steps.
Apply for clearance from specific ministries or departments (health, education, media, etc.) depending on your activity.
Get and validate an Ejari-registered tenancy agreement for your office or business premises.
Apply to recruit employees under your company from the UAE Ministry of Labour.
Compile and submit MoA, lease, passports, approvals and other required documents to DED.
Pay license issuance cost, registration fee and visa processing fee if applicable.
Receive your Sharjah Mainland trade license and start your business legally.
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Starting a business in the UAE , especially for French entrepreneurs, can be daunting without the right guidance. At Flyingcolour we simplify the whole process from choosing the right business license to company registration and visa support. Talk to our expert consultants for a free consultation and start your UAE business journey today!