If you’re preparing to start a business, the UAE is a great country for you. The Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone gives entrepreneurs an easy way to start their business with all the advantages. Think about beginning your business in an area that offers opportunities and allows you to build useful relationships with similar professionals. So, let’s discuss the step-by-step outline for business setup in SPC free zone, making sure you fully make the most of this chance.
What is Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?
SPC is commonly known as Sharjah Publishing City, a free trade zone in the UAE. The area is created to be the main centre for publishing and printing businesses, but it also houses a wide variety of other business activities. This freezone from the Sharjah free zone gives entrepreneurs a wide range of business opportunities in fields like e-commerce, information technology, and consulting services.
Moreover, SPC makes it possible for companies to have licenses for both the free zone and mainland areas, helping them operate more flexibly and access more clients. Besides, SPC includes modern office spaces, warehouses, and co-working centres designed to enable businesses to expand in Sharjah.
Benefits of Using the SPC Free Zone for Business Activities
Businesses and investors have many benefits from using the SPC Free Zone. Let’s look at the benefits that draw businesses to the UAE:
- No Local Partner Required: Expats are permitted to own businesses in SPC outright, since they can legally hold 100% of shares.
- Different Types of Visas: Depending on the business involved, visas can be flexible, so companies can adjust their actions when needed.
- Hiring Expatriate Staff: Companies can bring in any expatriate based on their quota, which helps with personnel planning.
- Office Types: SPC provides fully furnished offices and shell and core spaces, all of which are equipped with first-class facilities.
- Dual Licenses: Firms may get dual licenses that let them work both inside the SPC Freezone and at the main headquarters in Sharjah.
- Affordable Costs: Considered one of the least expensive Free Zones, with easy access and strategic location near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
- Banking Setup: Setting up a bank account is made simple for setting up a company within the zone.
- Low Barrier to Entry: There is no need for minimum capital to found a company in SPC, so starting a business there is less expensive.
- On-Site Facilities for Immigration: Clients get all their immigration paperwork completed conveniently and efficiently where they live.
- Zero Taxation: No taxes are owed by corporations or individuals, so there is much less tax pressure compared to other countries.
What Are the Different SPC Free Zone Licenses and Companies?
There are four different types of licenses provided at Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone:
- E-Commerce: A valid e-Commerce license allows you to trade online, not only in your own country but also abroad.
- Service License: With this license, you can carry out various businesses regarding consulting services.
- Commercial License: With a commercial license, you can sell almost every kind of good.
- Trading License: General trading gives you the ability to sell various items, along with specific products.
The types of company structures offered for SPC Free Zone business setup in the UAE are as follows:
- FZE (Free Zone Establishment): May have only one shareholder, which must be a person or a company.
- Free Zone Company (FZCO): Can be set up by more than one shareholder, up to seven in total, and can be created by individuals as well as firms.
- Company Branch: SPC Free Zone makes it possible to set up branches for both companies within the UAE and from overseas.
Required Documents for SPC Free Zone Company Formation
A company must provide certain documents to the SPC Free Zone for the company setup process and registration:
For Free Zone Company Setup
- Registration form for starting a company in the SPC Free Zone.
- A copy of every shareholder, director, and manager’s passport is required.
- Copies of shareholders, directors, and managers’ visas & Emirates IDs should be provided.
- Recently issued bank statements or a utility bill prove the shareholder’s address.
- White background photograph of the shareholder (the size of a passport photo).
- The Memorandum & Articles of Association are included.
- Signature of the person who would be the manager if the company were formed.
For Starting a Branch Company
- Company registration form.
- Statement of truth made by the owner.
- A passport copy and a picture of the manager are required.
- Documentation showing the manager’s address.
- The parent company’s attested memorandum and articles of association must be submitted.
- Solid proof of the creation of the parent company is needed.
- The Board Resolution and Power of Attorney of the parent company have been certified.
- The parent company holds an officially registered trade license.
Office Choices in Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone
SPC Free Zone has office spaces designed to support businesses ranging from new enterprises to those that are long-standing.
- Co-working Spaces: Held popular by freelancers, entrepreneurs, and startups, these shared offices have everything needed and are less expensive. Co-working spaces encourage people working in the same industry to collaborate and start discussions.
- Serviced Offices: If you rent an office in SPC Freezone, it will include everything you need, like internet, calling, and helpful staff. They are suitable for the type of businesses looking for instant space without the need to organise all aspects at once.
- Shell and Core Offices: Those wanting private offices can find them in units that offer a completely customisable layout. Both these units are empty so that the tenant can arrange and furnish them according to their specific style and structure.
- Retail Spaces: SPC Free Zone allows companies to interact with consumers directly by providing retail offices. Such places are available at shops, cafes, and retail outlets, allowing businesses to meet their customers immediately within the free zone.
- Warehouses and Storage Areas: SPC Free Zone offers business storage facilities in warehouses and other storage sections. They are built to keep goods safe and are outfitted with the latest logistics equipment.
How to Start a Business Setup in SPC Free Zone?
With the help of Xpert Advisory, you can start your business quickly and save both time and money. This is how you begin setting up your business in the SPC Free zone:
Step 1: Submit a Trade Name Application
Pick a business name that will be easy for people to remember, one that defines who you are. Try to use a special name, one that people can recall and remember to state the legal type of the entity in the name; for example, LLC, FZE, or FZC. Prevent including any title, name, or reference to government or governing bodies, emirates, the UAE, or religious terms that may breach public morality or order.
Step 2: Request Your Trade License
You need to understand which category your business falls under to benefit fully from what the SPC Free Zone provides. Choose from the diverse business activities that fit your business model best,and then get the needed license.
Step 3: Choose an Office Space
No matter how large or small your business is, SPC Free Zone authorities offer suitable office space for you. Choosing between renting and buying doesn’t stop you from finding an office suitable for everyone on your team and in line with your various business needs.
Step 4: Complete the Registration of Your Business
Once everything is done, you submit your application and trade license using the SPC Freezone login system. You have to finish the right paperwork and pay the necessary fees for registration.
Step 5: Processing the Establishment Card and Visa
The authorities in the UAE allow you to apply for an establishment card. If needed, get visas for yourself, your employees, and dependents. A part of this is sending visa applications, having medical check-ups, and collecting your UAE ID and labour cards.
Step 6: Set Up a Business Bank Account
Decide on a bank that supports the services your company ought to use. Our agents at Xpert Advisory will help you submit the company’s publishing city license in Sharjah, along with passport copies of the shareholders and the company memorandum, to start the corporate bank account process.
Step 7: Launch Your Business in SPC Free Zone
Arrange everything in your office, publicise what you offer, and conduct your business under the directives of the SPC Free Zone.
Final Words
A business setup in SPC Free Zone provides many benefits to individuals trying to start their activities in the UAE. If you work through the guide step by step, you will find it less complicated to organise your operations in this free zone. So, whether you’re planning to setup company in Sharjah or expand an existing one, SPC Free Zone supports growth and achievement. Take advantage of this opportunity to start making your entrepreneurial dreams real!
Also, if you have decided to start a business in the SPC Freezone, Xpert Advisory can simplify the process. We look after all the legalities, so you can concentrate on building your business in Sharjah. Contact us today so we can help you set up a business in the UAE.
FAQs
Can I Get More Than One Visa With One Trade License?
For specific packages, SPCFZ can arrange for up to twenty (20) visas by using a single trade license.
What Is the Initial Cost When Setting up a company in SPC Freezone?
The cost of setting up a business in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone starts at AED 5,570*, but it may increase or decrease depending on business setup services, the amount of office space required and other aspects.
Can I Operate Several Activities on the Same Business License?
Yes, you can perform up to five (5) different business activities under one license.
