The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) is the government authority that issues and renews trade licenses for businesses on the Sharjah mainland — covering commercial, professional, industrial, e-trader, and home business licenses.
| SEDD — Quick Facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1981 (first local economic department in the UAE) |
| Authority over | Sharjah mainland trade licenses |
| License types | Commercial, professional, industrial, e-trader, home business |
| Trade license renewal | ~2 working days; from approx. AED 11,000/year |
| Al Qalam service | Full SEDD license issue & renewal, document prep, PRO support |
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About SEDD
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) is a pivotal government entity in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Established in 1981, it was the first local economic department in the UAE, playing a vital role in the region’s economic growth and development.
Primary Functions
- Formulating and executing economic plans in Sharjah
- Conducting research to modernize investment systems
- Facilitating investment and representing the Ministry of Economy in the application of federal economic laws
- Issuing licenses for various economic activities and ensuring compliance
- Collecting and analyzing economic data and conducting valuable economic studies
Services
- Licensing: Renewing and issuing licenses
- Commercial Permits: Sales, clearance, promotional campaigns, advertising signs, business booths, trade fairs, conferences
- Additional Activities: ATMs
- Inspection Services: Handling irregularities inquiries and fee payments for irregularities
Journey of Economic Department
- 2002: Law No. 1 issued by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi established the goals and functions of the Economic Development Department.
- 1999: Merging of Economic Development Department and Industrial Department to create a new entity responsible for planning, implementing economic development projects, strategic planning, and issuance of various licenses.
- 1997: Establishment of the Industrial Development Department.
- 1981: Amiri Decree No. 18 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi founded “The Economic Department,” the first local economic department in the UAE.
Functions of the Department
- Development and execution of economic plans in the Emirate
- Conducting research and modernizing investment systems
- Facilitating investment and representing the Ministry of Economy
- Issuance of licenses for economic activities
- Collection and analysis of statistics and conducting economic studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)?
SEDD is the government authority that issues, renews, and regulates trade licenses for businesses on the Sharjah mainland. It handles commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism licenses, plus home business and e-trader licenses. For Sharjah free zone companies, the relevant free zone authority issues the license instead of SEDD.
How much does it cost to renew a trade license with SEDD?
Sharjah trade license renewal typically costs around 13% of your office rent or a minimum of about AED 11,000, with most renewals falling between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000 per year. The exact fee depends on your activity, legal form, and tenancy value. All fines must be cleared before SEDD will process a renewal.
How long does SEDD take to issue or renew a trade license?
A standard renewal is usually completed in about 2 working days once documents and fees are submitted. New licenses take longer depending on approvals, but SEDD’s Instant License service can issue eligible office-based licenses in as little as 1 working day.
What documents does SEDD require for trade license renewal?
You generally need your current trade license, a valid tenancy contract attested by Sharjah Municipality, and any activity-specific approvals. The lease must be valid at the time of renewal, and outstanding fines must be paid first or the application will be rejected.
What happens if I renew my SEDD trade license late?
SEDD charges late-renewal fines that increase with the delay, starting from around AED 200 per month and rising for longer overdue periods. If the license has been expired for more than three months, you must contact SEDD’s Inspection Division before renewing. Renewing before expiry avoids these penalties.
