Starts from AED 7,500 (Premium) — best for Established tech companies, multinationals, and specialized freelancers seeking a prestigious address and strong ecosystem..
Starts from AED 15,000 (Budget) — best for Manufacturing, industrial activities, and businesses targeting the local Sharjah and Northern Emirates markets..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 7,500
Annual Renewal
AED 7,500
Year 1 Total
AED 39,500
Annual Renewal
AED 32,200
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
GoFreelance Permit
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 7,500
NoteThis is a freelance permit, not a full company license. An Establishment Card (AED 2,000) is required to apply for a visa.
Flexi-Desk / Hot-Desk Package
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 27,020
NoteEstimated cost including License Fee (15,020), Registration (3,500), Establishment Card (2,000) and Hot Desk facility (~6,500). Some sources indicate the license fee is reduced when taking a desk facility.
No Pre-Bundled Packages
This jurisdiction offers custom pricing based on specific requirements rather than set packages.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Sharjah Economic Development Department offers a lower starting price point at AED 15000
Sharjah Economic Development Department typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Sharjah Economic Development Department allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Dubai Internet City is officially QFZP eligible
Dubai Internet City carries a premium market perception and positioning
Sharjah Economic Development Department wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai Internet City targets companies in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Its primary focus is on software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. The ideal investor profile ranges from innovative tech startups and entrepreneurs to multinational technology corporations seeking a strategic base for their regional operations.
Key Advantages
Best for established B2B technology companies and ambitious startups in software, cloud, AI, and IT services that prioritize ecosystem value, networking with global giants, and a prestigious address to attract clients and talent.
Businesses involved in general trading, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, or those requiring a license for crypto/virtual assets, as these activities are not supported.
SEDD targets a wide range of investors, from local entrepreneurs to international corporations, aiming to establish a presence in the UAE mainland market. The department focuses on diversifying Sharjah's economy with an emphasis on commercial trading, industrial and manufacturing sectors, professional services, and tourism. The primary investor profile includes those seeking full access to the local and regional markets without the restrictions of a free zone, benefiting from Sharjah's strategic location and competitive operational costs.
Key Advantages
SEDD is the ideal choice for cost-conscious industrial, manufacturing, and trading businesses that require 100% foreign ownership and unrestricted access to the entire UAE mainland market.
Businesses in specialized sectors like crypto/virtual assets, companies that require a virtual-only office setup, or brands that depend heavily on the prestige of a premium Dubai or Abu Dhabi address.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Sharjah Economic Development Department is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 15,000. In the broader market context, Sharjah Economic Development Department is officially positioned as "Budget".
Sharjah Economic Development Department typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Sharjah Economic Development Department, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai Internet City: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Sharjah Economic Development Department: Subject to standard 9% UAE corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000.
Dubai Internet City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Sharjah Economic Development Department: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Best for established B2B technology companies and ambitious startups in software, cloud, AI, and IT services that prioritize ecosystem value, networking with global giants, and a prestigious address to attract clients and talent.
SEDD is the ideal choice for cost-conscious industrial, manufacturing, and trading businesses that require 100% foreign ownership and unrestricted access to the entire UAE mainland market.
