What materials are required for Sharjah company registration? Essential list for entrepreneurs

As the third largest emirate in the UAE, Sharjah has become a popular choice for companies in the Middle East with its free trade zone policies, tax incentives and convenient business environment. Whether it is a foreign-owned enterprise or a local entrepreneur, it is necessary to follow a strict legal process and prepare complete materials to register a company in Sharjah.

Sharjah Company Registration Information

1. Company name and business scope

name approval: 3-5 alternative names to be submitted to the Sharjah Ministry of Economic Development (SEDD) or the Free Trade Zone Authority for review, and the names must meet the following specifications:

uniqueness: not with the registered company name or similar;

compliance: avoid using religious and politically sensitive words;

business Relevance: The name must reflect the core business.

Business scope definition: clear business type, different business needs to apply for the corresponding license.

2. Shareholder and director information

individual shareholders:

copy of passport (to be certified by UAE Embassy in China);

residence visa or entry stamp (non-UAE residents need to provide a visit visa);

proof of address (e. g. utility bill or bank statement);

recent passport photo (white background, 4 x 6cm).

Corporate shareholders:

articles of Association (MOA/AOA) and business license (required to be certified by the embassy of the country of origin);

resolution of the Board of Directors (authorizing the registration of Sharjah Company);

copy of legal representative's passport and power of attorney.

3. Articles of Association and Registration Documents

articles of Association (MOA): Clarify the company's structure, shareholders' rights and interests, profit distribution and other provisions, which need to be signed by all shareholders.

Proof of registered address:

registration in the free trade zone: a lease contract for the free trade zone office is required (the area must meet the requirements for the number of employees);

non-free trade zone registration: Sharjah local property certificate or lease contract (signed by landlord and filed by city hall) is required.

Bank Credit Certificate: Some FTZs (e. g. Sharjah Airport FTZ) require proof of shareholder bank flow or deposit.

4. Special Industry Licensing

if you are engaged in regulated industries such as finance, health care, education, etc., you need to submit additional approval documents from the industry authorities (e. g. UAE Central Bank license, Ministry of Health certification).

Important considerations and recommendations

1) Language requirements:

all non-Arabic documents submitted must be translated into Arabic and notarized by an authorized translation agency.

2. Professional assistance:

given the complexity of the process and the legal and compliance requirements involved, it is strongly recommended to engage a reputable local consulting firm or law firm to provide one-stop service. They can effectively handle document preparation, government communication and process follow-up.

3. Free zone advantages:

for international investors who want a 100 per cent holding, tax exemptions, fast customs clearance and simplified administrative processes, Sharjah's free zones are an attractive option, often with a more streamlined bill of materials and processes.

4. Ongoing Compliance:

once a license is obtained, attention should be paid to annual license renewals, office lease renewals, and possible audit and annual reporting obligations (free zone requirements vary).

Zhuoxin Enterprise provides agency services such as domestic and foreign company registration, bank account opening, annual tax return, agency bookkeeping, trademark registration, ODI Overseas Investment Filing, etc. If you have any business needs in this area, please feel free to consult our online customer service!