AL Falah Corporate Services
Business setup
Company formation in SPC Free zone
What is SPC Sharjah free zone
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone is a premier business hub in Sharjah, established in 2017. Initially designed for media, publishing, and printing, it now embraces a wide variety of industries including e-commerce, trading, IT, consultancy, and jewelry manufacturing. Located in the Al Zahia area, SPC’s strategic position connects businesses to key transport hubs and ports on both coasts of the UAE, making it ideal for trading and logistics
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Full ownership for expatriates, with no need for a local partner
- Up to 2,000+ Activities: Choose from more than 2,000 business activities; combine multiple sectors under a single license
- Dual License Option: Operate with a license that allows business activities in both the free zone and Sharjah mainland
- Fast Company Setup: Registration and licensing can be completed in 3–7 working days
company formation in SPC Sharjah free zone
The dual licensing process in SPC Free Zone provides significant advantages for businesses by allowing them to operate legally in both the free zone and the Sharjah mainland under a single corporate structure. Here’s how businesses benefit:
Expanded Market Access: Dual licensing enables companies to extend their commercial activities to the UAE mainland without creating a separate mainland entity. This means you can serve local customers, bid for government contracts, and issue local invoices—all with the same company.
Cost Efficiency: By not having to set up and maintain two distinct businesses (one in the free zone and one in the mainland), companies save on setup, administration, and compliance costs.
Retain Free Zone Benefits: Companies continue to enjoy free zone incentives such as 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal taxes, and fully repatriable profits, while legally accessing the mainland market.
Streamlined Process: The SPC dual license process is simplified, with documentation and approvals largely handled within the free zone, minimizing bureaucracy, speeding up time-to-market, and avoiding the red tape typically associated with traditional mainland licensing.
Business Versatility: Dual licensing is ideal for businesses that want a broad operational scope—especially in trading, e-commerce, media, logistics, and consultancy—as it allows activity across both free zone and onshore markets without licensing conflict.
No Local Partner Needed: You continue to hold 100% ownership; there’s no requirement for a local Emirati sponsor, which is often mandated in the mainland for non-dual-licensed setups
How does SPC Free Zone attract international investors with its benefits
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone attracts international investors through a combination of strategic, financial, and operational advantages specifically designed to simplify market entry and maximize business growth.
100% Foreign Ownership: SPC Free Zone guarantees foreign investors complete ownership of their business without the need for a local Emirati partner, ensuring full profit control and decision-making authority.
Full Repatriation of Profits and Capital: Investors can remit all profits and capital abroad without restriction, offering unparalleled financial flexibility and security.
Tax Exemptions: Companies benefit from zero personal and corporate income tax, as well as exemption from import and export duties, drastically reducing operational costs and increasing competitiveness in global markets.
Fast and Streamlined Setup: SPC Free Zone offers a digital, minimal-paperwork process with very fast licensing—businesses can be incorporated and receive licenses often within 1–2 days, with visa processing completed in about a week thanks to onsite immigration services.
Wide Range of Activities and License Flexibility: With over 2,000 business activities available—including the ability to combine multiple activities from sectors such as trading, e-commerce, consultancy, media, and more—SPC gives international investors the flexibility to diversify operations cost-effectively.
Modern Infrastructure: Investors have access to world-class furnished and unfurnished offices, warehouses, coworking spaces, 24/7 facilities, and advanced business amenities, supporting efficient and professional operations.
Dual License Option: SPC uniquely offers the option for a dual license, allowing companies to operate both within the free zone and on the Sharjah mainland—expanding potential client reach without needing a separate mainland entity.
Strategic Location: Situated near major airports, ports, and highways, SPC is well-positioned for international trade and logistics, appealing to investors focused on distribution and regional expansion.
Business Support and Ease: SPC provides on-site government and banking services, multilingual business advisors, and customer support 24/7, making setup and ongoing operations convenient even for overseas investors.
Low Setup and Operating Costs: License packages are competitively priced with options starting as low as AED 6,875, allowing startups and SMEs to establish a presence without high initial outlay.
These features combine to create a welcoming, efficient, and secure business environment that reduces barriers for international investors and accelerates their growth in the UAE and wider MENA region
How do the tax exemptions in UAE Free Zones attract global investors to SPC Free Zone
Tax exemptions in UAE Free Zones—such as Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone—play a pivotal role in attracting global investors by creating a highly cost-effective, flexible, and globally competitive business environment.
Key ways these tax benefits attract international investors:
0% Corporate Tax: Qualifying income earned by free zone companies (like those in SPC) benefits from a 0% corporate tax rate, allowing businesses to maximize profitability and reinvest earnings into growth.
No Personal Income Tax: Employees and entrepreneurs in free zones do not pay personal income tax, making the UAE appealing for top international talent and business owners alike.
Import & Export Duty Exemptions: SPC Free Zone companies are 100% exempt from import and export duties for goods traded within free zones or internationally, which significantly lowers operational and trade costs—especially valuable for trading and distribution businesses.
Full Repatriation of Profits & Capital: Investors can transfer 100% of their profits and capital abroad without restrictions, ensuring flexibility and security in international financial management.
Double Taxation Agreements: The UAE’s global network of double taxation agreements reduces the risk of being taxed both in the UAE and investors’ home countries, further improving the after-tax return on investment.
Regulatory Simplicity & Fast Setup: Tax-friendly policies combined with streamlined company setup processes lower the practical barriers for global entrepreneurs, making it quick and efficient to launch or scale businesses in SPC
Key Features
- 100% Foreign Ownership and full repatriation of profits.
- Combine multiple business activities (trading, services, media) under a single license.
- Fast setup: Company formation and licensing in as little as 3–7 working days.
- No minimum share capital required for most packages.
- Packages can be tailored with add-ons like PRO services, visa assistance, and premium offices.
How do the costs in SPC compare to other free zones in the UAE
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone is widely recognized as one of the most affordable options for company formation in the UAE. Its transparent, flexible cost structure makes it especially popular for startups, SMEs, and international entrepreneurs.
Entry-Level Company Formation Costs
| Free Zone | No-Visa License (AED) | 1-Visa Package (AED) | Two Visa Package (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPC Free Zone | 5,750–6,875 | 9,250–13,175 | 10,850–12,450 | Includes flexi-desk; up to 5 activities |
| Meydan | 12,500 | 14,350–14,370 | 16,220–18,070 | Dubai location, digital setup, flexi-desk |
| IFZA | 12,900 | 14,900+ | N/A | Broad service activities |
| RAKEZ | 6,000–11,500 | 12,000–13,500 | 18,000–22,000 | Good for industrial and e-commerce |
| Ajman | 5,000+ | 8,000+ | 10,000+ | Known for competitive freelancer packages |
| Dubai Premium FZs | 12,000–25,000+ | 15,000–30,000+ | 20,000–40,000+ | JAFZA, DMCC, DAFZA, etc. premium pricing |
SPC’s zero-visa packages are among the lowest in the market, suited to freelancers and entrepreneurs not needing a UAE residency visa.
Visa-included packages at SPC are typically 20–40% less expensive than in Dubai free zones like Meydan or IFZA
How Quick Registration and Visa Processes Encourage International Business Setups
Accelerating Market Entry
Speed to Market: Fast company registration allows foreign entrepreneurs to launch operations and enter new markets quickly. This reduces the time between investment decisions and business activity, letting companies capitalize on timely opportunities and respond to market changes efficiently.
Minimized Bureaucracy: Streamlined procedures eliminate unnecessary paperwork and repeated visits to government offices, making market entry less daunting for overseas investors.
Reducing Setup Costs
Lower Administrative Burden: Quick, digital processes reduce the need for on-the-ground local agents or consultants, saving on consultancy and legal fees.
Predictable Timelines and Lower Risk: Investors benefit from clear, reliable timelines for license and visa approvals, minimizing sunk costs during periods of uncertainty and allowing for better business planning.
Enhanced Talent Mobility
Rapid Visa Approvals: Swift visa processing empowers businesses to relocate key personnel and hire international staff without extended waiting periods, ensuring that the right expertise is available when needed.
Ability to Sponsor Family and Dependents: Entrepreneurs and staff can settle in-country seamlessly, making relocation for international talent more appealing.
Greater Attractiveness for International Entrepreneurs
Digital and Remote-Friendly: The option to register companies and complete immigration formalities online appeals to international founders, freelancers, and startups unable to be physically present during setup.
Reduced Entry Barriers: The simplicity and accessibility of quick registration and visa issuance attract first-time international investors and SMEs who may be deterred by complex or opaque local requirements.
Global Competitive Advantage
Perception of Business Friendliness: A reputation for fast, efficient company formation and immigration services positions jurisdictions (like SPC Free Zone and others in the UAE) as global hubs for entrepreneurship—encouraging more international business formation and foreign direct investment.
Faster Operations Launch: With licenses, visas, and operational documentation handled rapidly, new businesses can begin trading, recruiting, and scaling almost immediately after incorporation.
Example: SPC Free Zone and Similar Hubs
Licensing and visa processes in places like SPC Free Zone can be completed in days, with fully digital workflow, on-site immigration, and flexible office solutions.
Such hubs attract investors by letting them combine multiple activities, access mainland markets through dual licensing, and rely on modern infrastructure—all accelerated by fast administrative turnaround.
SPC Sharjah Free Zone Package Costs (2025)
Business License Packages
SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) Free Zone offers some of the most competitive and flexible company formation packages in the UAE. Costs vary based on the number of visa allocations and business activity requirements.
Starter Package Pricing
Zero Visa Package:
Starting from AED 5,750
Ideal for solopreneurs, freelancers, or businesses not requiring UAE visas.
One Visa Package:
AED 9,250–AED 13,175
Suitable for business owners requiring a UAE residency visa.
Multiple Visa Packages:
Two visas: AED 10,850
Three visas: AED 12,450
Four visas: AED 14,050
Premium/Full-Service Packages:
Packages with additional features or higher visa quotas can range up to AED 49,500 for comprehensive support and multiple shareholder/company structures.
Popular License and Office Options
| Package Type | Visa Quota | Cost (AED) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Visa | 0 | 5,750+ | License, up to 5 activities, lease |
| One Visa | 1 | 9,250–13,175 | License, 1 visa, lease |
| Two Visa | 2 | 10,850 | License, 2 visas, lease |
| Three Visa | 3 | 12,450 | License, 3 visas, lease |
| Four Visa | 4 | 14,050 | License, 4 visas, lease |
All packages typically include a business license, company incorporation documents, a lease agreement, and access to coworking or flexi-desk facilities.
Up to 7 shareholders are allowed, and businesses can select up to 5 activities under a single license.
Additional Fees
- Establishment Card (1st year): AED 1,355
- E-channel registration: AED 2,355
- SPC Residence Visa Fee: AED 3,700 (per applicant)
- Medical Checkup: From AED 450 (normal) to AED 850 (VIP)
- Emirates ID: Around AED 370–AED 390 per applicant
- Annual Renewal: Package renewal fees are typically equivalent to initial setup fees.
Affordable, Strategic, Flexible, Business-Friendly, Global.
Secure, Flexible, Cost-Effective, Scalable, Innovative.
Prestigious, Affordable, Strategic, Flexible, Dynamic.
Affordable, Emerging, Strategic, Flexible, Supportive.
FAQ
Find Out Answers Here
SPC Free Zone offers advantages like 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, quick license approval (within 2 hours), flexible office options, multiple visa packages, and strategic location close to Sharjah International Airport and Dubai.
SPC Free Zone offers Commercial, Service, Trading, E-commerce, and Professional licenses, covering a wide range of industries.
Yes, SPC Free Zone allows investors, employees, and family members to apply for UAE residence visas. The number of visas depends on the selected package.
The cost of company setup in SPC Free Zone starts from AED 6,500, depending on the license type, number of activities, and visa requirements.
Yes, SPC Free Zone companies can open business bank accounts with leading UAE banks, as SPC licenses are widely accepted and recognized.
No, SPC Free Zone companies enjoy 0% corporate tax and full profit repatriation. However, a 5% VAT applies to applicable goods and services.