FreezoneMatch

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone — Affordable Publishing & Printing Hub Starting from AED 3,750

AED 3,750 /year 5-14 working days setup 15 visas

What is Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?

World's first free zone dedicated to publishing and printing, aligned with Sharjah's UNESCO World Book Capital legacy. Budget-friendly licensing.

World's first free zone dedicated to publishing and printing, aligned with Sharjah's UNESCO World Book Capital legacy. Budget-friendly licensing.

Key Features & Benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% corporate/income tax
  • World's first publishing-dedicated free zone
  • Freelancer licenses from AED 3,750
  • UNESCO World Book Capital heritage

Pricing & Costs

From AED 3,750/yr

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone — Year 1 Fees

License Packages ⓘ

Freelancer Package

AED 3,750/year
  • License
  • Registration

Starter Business

AED 12,000/year
  • License
  • 1 visa

💡 Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.

Government Immigration Fees ⓘ

Visa Costs every 2 years, per person

Renewal Fees ⓘ

Yearly
License Renewalⓘ AED 3,750 – 3,750
Every 2 Years
Visa RenewalⓘEvery 2 years (per person) AED 3,000 – 4,500

All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — contact the FreezoneMatch team directly to confirm latest rates. (Prices last updated: 12 February 2026)

Setup & Documents

5-14 days

Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents

Setup Roadmap

Your journey from application to fully operational business.

5–14 working days 100% Remote No Visit Required
📋
Step 1 1 day

Choose Business Activity

Select your business activity and license type from Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone's approved list

📄
Step 2 1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Submit trade name application for approval

💳
Step 3 1-2 days

Submit Documents

Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents

✅
Step 4 1 day

Pay License & Registration Fees

Complete payment for license and registration fees to Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

🛂
Step 5 5-14 days

Receive Trade License

License issued after document verification and payment confirmation

🏦
Step 6 2-4 weeks

Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account

Submit visa application and business bank account opening

🎉

You're Open for Business!

Document Checklist

Everything you need to register your company with Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone.

Individual Shareholders

5 documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
  • Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

Corporate Shareholders

7 documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
  • Valid passport of authorized signatory
  • Share certificate
  • Good standing certificate
  • Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
Good to Know
  • Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
  • Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
  • Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
  • Corporate documents should be certified as true copies

Banking & Payments

3/5 ease · 3 partner banks

Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup

Banking

Corporate bank account opening with guaranteed IBAN.

★★★ ★★ Moderate
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

Partner Banks

Emirates NBD

Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking

Mashreq Bank

Digital-first banking with StartUp packages

RAKBANK

SME-friendly banking solutions

Documents Needed

Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Passport copy of all shareholders
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Brief company profile
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices)
3 months personal bank statement
Tips for Faster Approval
  • Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
  • Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
  • Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
  • Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Independent Advice

Not sure if Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone is right for you?

Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We'll help you compare options, avoid hidden costs, and find the best fit — completely free.

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Why Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?

8 key advantages

Key advantages that set this free zone apart

Why Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?

What makes this free zone stand out.

⚡

5-14 Day Setup

Standard company formation timeline. Fully remote setup available — no office visit required.

🏦

3 Partner Banks

Banking rated 3/5 (Moderate). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.

👥

Up to 15 Visas

2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.

💰

0% Corporate Tax

On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.

🌍

Mainland Trading Access

Multiple pathways to the mainland market including DET Permit and branch licensing.

📍

Sharjah Location

Located near University City, Sharjah, focused on publishing and media industries

🏢

World's first publishing-dedicated fr...

A key advantage of setting up your business in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone.

🔧

Freelancer licenses from AED 3,750

A key advantage of setting up your business in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone.

Best For
  • Publishing companies and businesses
  • Printing companies and businesses
  • Media companies and businesses
  • E-Commerce companies and businesses
  • General Business companies and businesses
Consider Alternatives If
  • Businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

Reviews

7 common questions

Customer reviews and alternatives

Is Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone Right for You?

✅ Choose Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone if you...

  • • publishing companies and businesses
  • • printing companies and businesses
  • • media companies and businesses
  • • e-Commerce companies and businesses

🔄 Consider alternatives if you...

  • • businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

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FAQ

7 common questions

Common questions about setting up in this free zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setting up in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone.

How much does it cost to set up in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?
First-year costs typically range from AED 3,750 – 20,000, depending on license type, office choice, and number of visas. This includes the trade license, registration, and basic setup but excludes visa processing costs.
How long does it take to set up a company in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?
The standard setup process typically takes 5-14 working days, depending on document completeness and license type. Some zones offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
How many visas can I get with Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package. Based on package. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,000 – 4,500 for processing.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone license?
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland customers without additional permits. You can obtain a DET permit, mainland branch license, or service agent agreement to access the mainland market. E-commerce sales are generally permitted with appropriate approvals.
Do I pay corporate tax in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?
Companies classified as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need a physical office in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?
No, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone offers flexi-desk and virtual office options that satisfy UAE compliance requirements. You can upgrade to a private office or warehouse as your business grows.
How do I open a bank account with a Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone license?
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for a business bank account with any UAE bank. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Required documents include your trade license, certificate of incorporation, passport copies, and proof of business activity.
Independent Advice

Not sure if Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone is right for you?

Talk to a FreezoneMatch advisor — we don't work for any freezone, so you'll get honest, unbiased guidance to find the best fit for your business.

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Book a Call Free, 15 min
Email Us Detailed advice
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Or contact Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone directly

www.spc.ae
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