How to start your business as a sole trader in Sharjah, UAE?
In Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, establishing a sole proprietorship requires a number of steps and regulatory requirements.
- Make a thorough business strategy after identifying your venture’s concept. Your business objectives, target market, goods or services, pricing strategy, and financial projections should all be included in this plan.
- Choose a distinctive and relevant name for your company. Make sure it complies with the UAE’s naming conventions, which typically call for the business name to reflect the owner’s name or the nature of the business.
- Decide the specific activity (or activities) your company will do. This is significant since various activities might call for various licences.
- To determine the appropriate licence type for your company, get in touch with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) or go to their website.
- You will do business as an individual as a sole proprietor, and as such, you will be liable for all debts and liabilities incurred by the company. There is no need to register a distinct legal entity, such as a company.
- If you need to, find a physical location for your company. Ascertain that it complies with zoning requirements and secure the required approvals.
- To register your firm, go to the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). Along with the completed application form, you must send the necessary paperwork, which includes your business plan and personal identity documents.
- You could require additional permits and approvals from appropriate authorities depending on your line of work. For instance, a company involved in the food industry could need health and safety approvals.
- If your company qualifies for VAT (Value Added Tax), you should register for tax purposes with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
- Create a business bank account at a Sharjah-area bank. This will assist you in managing your money and separating your personal and commercial dealings.
- To safeguard your assets and liabilities, take into account buying business insurance.
- Maintain continued compliance with SEDD rules, which includes timely renewal of your business licence.
Documents Required
- A detailed business plan
- A copy of your passport and valid UAE residence visa
- A copy of your Emirates ID
- You might require a NOC from your sponsor or partner in order to conduct the intended business if you are sponsored by another employer or have a partner visa.
- This document attests to the Sharjah Economic Development Department’s availability of and approval of your chosen company name.
- Complete and submit the appropriate licensing application.
- Passport size photo graph
- You might require additional approvals or permits depending on the type of business you have.