SPC Free Zone Company Setup in Sharjah
Start your business in one of the UAE’s most affordable free zones, with up to 100 shareholders and a dual license option. Aspira handles your SPC free zone company setup from license to visas.
What Is SPC Free Zone?
SPC free zone company setup is a smart choice for start-ups, e-commerce sellers, consultants and small traders who want a low-cost UAE license. SPC, the Sharjah Publishing City free zone, was established in 2017 by Royal Decree and is part of the Sharjah Book Authority. It was first built for the publishing and print industry, but today it licenses a wide range of business activities.
SPC is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in Sharjah, a few minutes from Sharjah International Airport and about 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. You can choose up to 5 activities from more than 2,000 approved options, and a flexi-desk is included in the standard packages.
At Aspira Business Setup Services, we handle your SPC free zone company setup from start to finish. Our team has 12+ years of experience and has formed 5,000+ companies for 4,500+ clients across all UAE free zones. We choose the right package, prepare your documents, follow up with SPC and arrange your visas and bank account help.
Benefits of SPC Free Zone Company Setup
An SPC free zone company setup gives you strong value and flexibility:
100% foreign ownership
No local partner or sponsor needed.
Low starting cost
Packages start from about AED 5,750, among the lowest in the UAE.
Up to 100 shareholders
Ideal for companies with several partners or investors.
Up to 5 activities
Choose from more than 2,000 approved activities.
Dual license option
Some activities can also operate on the Sharjah mainland under one structure.
Flexi-desk included
No need to rent an office to get started.
Fast setup
Licenses can be issued quickly once your file is complete.
Close to Dubai
Easy access to Sharjah and Dubai airports.
Types of SPC Licenses and Packages
E-Commerce Package
For online stores and digital businesses selling products or services online.
Professional License
For consultancy, marketing, IT and other professional services.
Commercial and General Trading
For companies that buy, sell, import and export goods.
Publishing and Media
For publishers, printers, content creators and media businesses, SPC’s original specialty.
Our team will recommend the right license and package for your SPC free zone company setup.
SPC Free Zone Company Setup Cost in 2026
Based on SPC’s published packages in 2026:
| Package | Starting price |
|---|---|
| E-commerce package (no visa) | From about AED 5,750 |
| Standard package (professional, commercial or general trading, no visa) | From about AED 6,875 |
| Package with 1 visa | From about AED 13,175 |
Starting prices are based on SPC’s published packages and can change. Government fees for visas, medical test, Emirates ID, establishment card and e-channel, and health insurance are extra. Contact Aspira for your exact quote.
Your final SPC free zone company setup cost depends on:
- The package and number of activities
- The number of shareholders (extra shareholders above the package limit cost more)
- The number of visas you need
- Whether you add an office or storage space
Compare free zone, mainland and offshore prices with our business setup cost calculator.
SPC Free Zone Company Setup Process: Step by Step
Here is how an SPC free zone company setup works with Aspira:
- Free consultation: we discuss your business, activities and budget, and confirm that SPC is the right fit.
- Choose your package and activities: we select up to 5 activities and the right package.
- Reserve your company name: we check your name against the naming rules and reserve it.
- Submit your application: we prepare and submit your application and documents online.
- Pay and sign: you pay the fees and sign your documents electronically.
- Receive your license: SPC issues your license, often very quickly once your file is complete.
- Establishment card and visas: we apply for your establishment card and residence visas, including entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID.
- Bank account and tax: we help you open a corporate bank account and register for corporate tax and VAT if needed.
Documents Required for SPC Free Zone Company Setup
- Passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photo with a white background
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if you are in the UAE
- Emirates ID copy, if you are a UAE resident
- Proof of residential address
If a company will own your SPC company, you will also need the parent company’s documents, such as its certificate of incorporation, articles of association and board resolution. Some may need attestation.
SPC Free Zone Company Setup: Visas
An SPC company can sponsor residence visas for its owners, employees and their families. The number of visas depends on your package and facility. Aspira manages the full visa process for you, from the entry permit to the Emirates ID.
The SPC Dual License Option
One of the main benefits of an SPC free zone company setup is the dual license option. For some activities, your free zone company can also operate on the Sharjah mainland under one structure, which helps if you want to work with local customers in Sharjah. The rules depend on your activity, so our team will check whether a dual license suits your business.
Opening a Bank Account for Your SPC Company
Once your license and establishment card are ready, you can open a corporate bank account with a UAE bank. Banks usually ask for your license, company documents, shareholder passports and visas, proof of address, and a short description of your business and expected transactions. Aspira helps you prepare a complete file and introduces you to banks that suit your activity.
Who Should Choose SPC Free Zone Company Setup?
- Start-ups and small businesses on a budget
- E-commerce sellers and online businesses
- Consultants and professional service providers
- Companies with many shareholders (up to 100)
- Publishers, printers and media businesses
If you need a Dubai address, a Dubai free zone such as IFZA, Meydan or DMCC may suit you better. For media and creative businesses, SHAMS is another good Sharjah option. We will give you an honest comparison.
SPC vs Other UAE Free Zones
| Feature | SPC | Dubai free zones (e.g. IFZA, Meydan, DMCC) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Sharjah | Dubai |
| Starting cost | From about AED 5,750 | Higher |
| Shareholders | Up to 100 | Usually fewer |
| Mainland option | Dual license for some activities | Separate permit or license |
| Best for | Budget start-ups, e-commerce, consultants | Businesses wanting a Dubai address |
Living in Dubai with an SPC Company
A UAE residence visa sponsored by your SPC company lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai. You can open personal bank accounts, rent a home, sponsor your family and get an Emirates ID. Your company’s business activities, however, must follow the rules of your license and free zone.
Corporate Tax and VAT for SPC Companies
Every SPC company must register for UAE corporate tax. Corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the rules of a Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income, but many service activities don’t count as qualifying income and are taxed in the normal way. VAT registration is required once your taxable sales pass AED 375,000 a year. Read our guide on corporate tax registration in Dubai to learn more.
SPC License Renewal
Your SPC license must be renewed every year, together with your establishment card. Visas are renewed separately when they expire. Aspira reminds you before your renewal date and handles everything, so your company stays active.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing too few activities: plan the activities you need for the first years.
- Assuming the dual license covers everything: it depends on your activity.
- Comparing only the first-year price: plan for renewal and government fees too.
- Missing corporate tax registration: every free zone company must register, even if it expects to pay 0%.
- Late renewal: fines apply after expiry.
Why Choose Aspira for Your SPC Free Zone Company Setup?
- 12+ years of experience in UAE business setup
- 5,000+ companies formed for 4,500+ clients
- Company setup in all UAE free zones, Dubai mainland and offshore
- Honest advice on whether SPC or another zone suits your business
- One team for your license, visas, PRO services, bank account help and tax registration
- Support after setup, including renewals
Related Organizations
- Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC): issues your license
- Sharjah Book Authority: the government body that oversees SPC
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): residence visas and Emirates ID
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA): corporate tax and VAT registration
Frequently Asked Questions
A: SPC packages start from about AED 5,750 without a visa, and from about AED 13,175 with 1 visa. Government fees and health insurance are extra.
A: The license can be issued quickly once your file is complete. With visas and a bank account, the full process usually takes two to three weeks.
A: Up to 100 shareholders.
A: For some activities, an SPC company can also operate on the Sharjah mainland under one structure. We will check if it applies to your activity.
A: Yes. SPC allows 100% foreign ownership.
A: Yes. A UAE residence visa from an SPC company lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai.
A: No. A flexi-desk is included in the standard packages. You can add an office or storage space if you need it.
A: No. SPC started as a publishing free zone, but today it licenses more than 2,000 activities, including e-commerce, consultancy and trading.
Get Started with Your SPC Free Zone Company Setup
Ready to start your SPC free zone company setup? Contact Aspira for a free consultation and a clear quote.