How to apply and obtain a new trade licence in Sharjah, UAE?
Here are the steps to apply for a new trade license in Sharjah, UAE:
- Choose a business activity: Determine the type of business activity you wish to conduct in Sharjah. The activity should be compatible with the business activity list issued by the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah.
- Choose a business name: Select a unique business name that is not already registered in Sharjah or UAE. Check the availability of the name through the official portal of the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah.
- Apply for initial approval: Submit the application for initial approval of the business activity and business name to the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah.
- Lease a physical office: Obtain a lease agreement for a physical office space in Sharjah. The office should meet the requirements of the Department of Economic Development.
- Obtain necessary approvals: Obtain approvals from relevant authorities such as Sharjah Municipality, Civil Defense Department, and Ministry of Economy.
- Submit required documents: Submit the necessary documents including the initial approval certificate, lease agreement, copy of passport and visa, and other relevant documents to the Department of Economic Development.
- Pay the fees: Pay the required fees for the trade license as per the fee schedule issued by the Department of Economic Development.
- Receive the license: Once the application is approved and fees are paid, you will receive the trade license from the Department of Economic Development.
- You can visit the website for more details.
It is advisable to seek the assistance of a local business setup consultancy or legal firm to guide you through the process and ensure compliance with all regulations.
Eligibility and Document
To be eligible for a new trade license in Sharjah, UAE, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid UAE residence visa.
- You must have a physical office space in Sharjah.
- You must have the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, such as Sharjah Municipality, Civil Defense Department, and Ministry of Economy.
Here are the documents required to apply for a new trade license in Sharjah, UAE:
- Initial approval certificate from the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah.
- Passport copy and visa page of the business owner(s) and partner(s).
- Emirates ID copy of the business owner(s) and partner(s).
- A copy of the lease agreement for the office space in Sharjah.
- A no-objection certificate from the landlord.
- A tenancy contract attested by the Sharjah Municipality or an EJARI certificate.
- A map of the office location.
- Approvals from relevant authorities such as Sharjah Municipality, Civil Defense Department, and Ministry of Economy (depending on the nature of the business).
- Payment of the required fees.
Fees
The fees for a new trade license in Sharjah, UAE vary depending on the type of license and the nature of the business activity. Here are the general fees for a new trade license in Sharjah:
- Commercial License: AED 3,000 for initial approval, AED 1,000 for trade name reservation, AED 10,000 for the license issuance, and AED 5,000 for the Chamber of Commerce membership.
- Professional License: AED 3,000 for initial approval, AED 1,000 for trade name reservation, AED 5,000 for the license issuance, and AED 5,000 for the Chamber of Commerce membership.
- Industrial License: AED 3,000 for initial approval, AED 1,000 for trade name reservation, AED 10,000 for the license issuance, and AED 5,000 for the Chamber of Commerce membership.
Note that additional fees may apply for specific business activities or for additional services such as visa applications or document processing. It is recommended to consult with a local business setup consultancy or legal firm to guide you through the process and provide you with an accurate estimate of the total fees involved.
Processing Time
The processing time for a new trade license in Sharjah, UAE can vary depending on the type of license and the completeness of the application. However, the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Sharjah aims to process all applications within 3-5 working days.
Here is a general timeline for the processing of a new trade license application in Sharjah:
- Initial Approval: The initial approval certificate is usually issued within 1-2 working days after the submission of the application.
- Lease Agreement: The lease agreement for the office space in Sharjah may take 1-2 days to be processed.
- Approvals from Relevant Authorities: The time required to obtain approvals from relevant authorities such as Sharjah Municipality, Civil Defense Department, and Ministry of Economy may vary depending on the nature of the business activity.
- Trade License Issuance: Once all the required documents and approvals are obtained, the trade license can be issued within 1-2 working days.
It is important to ensure that all the required documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in the processing of the application. It is recommended to consult with a local business setup consultancy or legal firm to guide you through the process and ensure compliance with all regulations.
Validity
The validity of a new trade license in Sharjah, UAE varies depending on the type of license and the nature of the business activity. Here are the general validity periods for different types of trade licenses in Sharjah:
- Commercial License: The validity period of a commercial license is 1 year.
- Professional License: The validity period of a professional license is 3 years.
- Industrial License: The validity period of an industrial license is 3 years.
It is important to note that trade licenses must be renewed before their expiration date to avoid any penalties or fines. The renewal process usually involves submitting updated documents and paying the required fees.
It is recommended to consult with a local business setup consultancy or legal firm to guide you through the process of renewing your trade license and ensure compliance with all regulations.