Advantages
- One of UAE’s cheapest free zones — licence from AED 5,750 with no minimum capital
- 1,500+ business activities including publishing, trading, e-commerce, and consulting
- Unique dual-licence option (mainland + free zone simultaneously)
- Sharjah’s strong cultural and knowledge economy positioning
- UAE visa residency possible for investor from AED 9,250/yr
Disadvantages
- – Publishing-adjacent branding may not suit all business types perceptually
- – Sharjah address carries less international prestige than Dubai
- – Banking for SPC entities is moderate-difficulty with some major banks
Setting Up a Company
Very Easy (5/5)
Very simple process; fast setup in 3–5 business days. Instant licences available. Remote setup fully supported.
Opening a Bank Account
Hard (2/5)
Less bank-familiar than DMCC or DIFC. RAKBANK, Sharjah Islamic Bank, and neo-banks work well. Major international banks may add additional due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in SPC?
Licence from AED 5,750 (0-visa); 1-visa AED 9,250; 3-visa AED 12,450. One of UAE’s cheapest.
What business sectors are supported by SPC?
Sharjah Publishing City supports the following sectors: Media, Trading, E-commerce, Consulting, Education. Businesses in these industries can obtain a licence and operate within the free zone.
Is it easy to open a bank account with a SPC licence?
Less bank-familiar than DMCC or DIFC. RAKBANK, Sharjah Islamic Bank, and neo-banks work well. Major international banks may add additional due diligence.
Does SPC require a physical office?
No, a physical office is not mandatory. Flexi-desk and virtual office options are available. Virtual office included in base packages. Furnished and unfurnished offices also available.
How many visas can I get through SPC?
Visa quota at Sharjah Publishing City: 0–3+ visas depending on package; office space unlocks more.