What is a General Trading License in Sharjah?
A general trading license in Sharjah allows businesses to import, export, distribute, and sell a wide range of goods within the UAE and internationally. Issued by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), this license is one of the most flexible commercial licenses available — covering multiple product categories under a single permit.
Whether you’re establishing a new venture or expanding an existing business, a general trading license gives you the freedom to trade virtually any commodity without being restricted to a single product category.
Why Sharjah? The Business Advantage
Sharjah offers compelling advantages over Dubai and Abu Dhabi for business setup:
- Lower overheads — office rentals and setup fees are significantly more affordable
- Strategic location — borders Dubai, with direct access to major highways and Sharjah International Airport
- 100% foreign ownership on mainland (post-2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms)
- No personal income tax — UAE-wide benefit
- Proximity to Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone for logistics businesses
- Issuing new trade licenses (including general trading)
- Processing trade name registrations
- Handling license renewals and modifications
- Enforcing commercial compliance
- Facilitating the Invest in Sharjah initiative
- Must not include offensive or religious terms
- Cannot duplicate an existing registered business name
- Can be in Arabic, English, or both
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Business activity details
- Proposed trade name (approved)
- Shared workspace / serviced offices (most affordable)
- Dedicated office units
- Warehouses (if your trading activity requires storage)
- Completed application form
- Approved trade name certificate
- Tenancy contract
- Passport copies
- Memorandum of Association (for multi-shareholder companies)
- No-objection letter (if sponsored by an employer)
- MOA notarisation (for multi-shareholder LLCs): AED 500–1,500
- Establishment card: AED 300–500
- Immigration file opening: AED 2,000–3,000 (needed to sponsor employee visas)
- Typing and PRO service fees: AED 500–2,000
- Renewal fee: approximately AED 3,000–5,000 (same as issuance)
- Chamber of Commerce renewal: AED 1,000–1,500
- Updated tenancy contract
- Wide product scope — trade dozens of commodity categories under one license
- UAE market access — sell across all seven emirates
- Export capability — import/export to GCC and international markets
- Visa eligibility — sponsor employee and family residence visas
- Bank account — open UAE corporate bank accounts
- Investor visa — qualifying shareholders may obtain a 5-year investor visa
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) is the primary government body overseeing trade licensing on the mainland.
Role of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
The SEDD manages all aspects of commercial licensing in Sharjah mainland. Key functions include:
SEDD operates service centres across Sharjah and an online portal for most licensing transactions.
Steps to Obtain a General Trading License in Sharjah
Step 1: Determine Your Business Activity
Confirm that “general trading” covers your intended products. SEDD classifies general trading under commercial activities — you may trade multiple product categories. Some restricted goods (pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals) require additional approvals.
Step 2: Register Your Trade Name
Choose a unique trade name that complies with UAE naming conventions:
Submit your trade name application through SEDD’s online portal or service centre. Approval typically takes 1–2 working days.
Step 3: Obtain Initial Approval
Submit an initial approval application to SEDD with:
Initial approval confirms the government’s in-principle agreement to license your business.
Step 4: Choose Your Office Space
Sharjah mainland requires a physical office address (unlike free zones, which accept virtual offices for some licenses). Options include:
You’ll need a tenancy contract (Ejari-equivalent in Sharjah) to complete the license application.
Step 5: Submit the Final Application
With initial approval and tenancy contract in hand, submit your complete application to SEDD:
Upon approval and fee payment, your general trading license is issued — typically within 3–5 working days.
General Trading License Fees in Sharjah
Understanding the full cost picture is essential for budget planning.
Breakdown of Core Costs
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|—|—|
| Trade name registration | 620 |
| Initial approval | 300 |
| License issuance fee | 3,000 – 5,500 |
| Chamber of Commerce registration | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Office tenancy (annual, minimum) | 12,000 – 30,000+ |
| Ejari / tenancy contract attestation | 200 – 500 |
Total estimated first-year cost: AED 17,000 – 38,000+ (depending on office size and location)
Additional Charges to Consider
> Al Qalam Typing handles all document typing, attestation, and SEDD submissions — saving you multiple trips to government offices.
Trade License Renewal in Sharjah
Your general trading license must be renewed annually before the expiry date to avoid penalties.
Renewal Process
1. Receive renewal reminder from SEDD (sent 60 days before expiry)
2. Update tenancy contract if expired
3. Pay renewal fees via SEDD portal or service centre
4. Receive renewed license digitally or in person
Renewal Fees and Documents
Late renewal incurs a monthly penalty of 5–10% of the license fee. Al Qalam Typing offers a renewal reminder service to help clients avoid penalties.
Benefits of a General Trading License in Sharjah
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key benefits of a general trading license in Sharjah?
A general trading license offers unmatched flexibility — you can trade multiple product types without needing separate licenses for each. Combined with Sharjah’s lower costs compared to Dubai, it’s one of the most cost-efficient ways to enter the UAE market.
How can I reduce my general trading license cost in Sharjah?
Opt for a smaller shared office space to minimise tenancy costs. Use a typing centre like Al Qalam to handle government submissions instead of hiring a full-time PRO. Apply via SEDD’s online portal to avoid service centre surcharges.
What are common mistakes to avoid during the application process?
Choosing a trade name that duplicates an existing business, submitting incomplete documents, and missing the tenancy requirement are the most common delays. Working with an experienced PRO service eliminates these errors.
Can I operate in the Sharjah Free Zone with a general trading license?
No — a mainland SEDD license allows operations across Sharjah and the UAE but not within free zones. Free zone companies require a separate free zone license (e.g., SHAMS, SAIF Zone, Hamriyah). Some businesses hold both for maximum flexibility.
Get Your General Trading License with Al Qalam Typing
Al Qalam Typing, Sharjah, handles the complete licensing process — from trade name registration and SEDD submissions to document attestation and PRO services. Our team ensures your application is complete, compliant, and processed as fast as possible.
Contact us today to start your business setup in Sharjah.
