Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) is a government free zone on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in Al Zahia, Sharjah. It was established in 2017 by Royal Decree of the Ruler of Sharjah and is a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority. It began as a free zone for print and publishing, and today it licenses more than 2,000 activities, which makes it a popular low-cost choice for consultants, e-commerce sellers, traders and media businesses. We help you choose the right licence, activities and company type, prepare the documents and handle the application, visas and corporate bank account.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Al Zahia, Sharjah
- Authority: SPC Free Zone, a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority (established by Royal Decree, 2017)
- Company types: Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZC) and Branch
- Shareholders: one for an FZE; up to 100 under one licence
- Activities: up to five activity groups per licence, from more than 2,000 activities
- Share capital: zero paid share capital
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
- Space: flexi-desk included; offices, co-working, retail, warehouse and shell and core available
Who SPC Free Zone Suits
- Publishers, authors, printers and other creative businesses
- Consultants, freelancers and solo founders who do not need a dedicated office
- E-commerce sellers and online retailers
- Small trading companies, including general trading
- Businesses with several co-investors, since up to 100 shareholders can sit under one licence
- Companies that also want to sell on the Sharjah mainland through the dual licence
- Founders who live abroad and want an online setup process
Licence Types in SPC Free Zone
E-Publishing licence
SPC's entry-level package for e-publishing activities, building on the free zone's publishing focus.
E-commerce licence
For selling goods and services online.
Standard licence
Covers professional, commercial and general trading activities. You can combine up to five activity groups from different categories on one licence, so a consultancy that also sells online does not need two licences. Choosing the activities carefully matters, because your bank, customers and any approving authority will read them on your licence.
Dual licence
Combines your SPC free zone licence with a Sharjah mainland licence, so you can trade directly on the Sharjah mainland without setting up and running a second company.
Company Types in SPC Free Zone
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A company with a single shareholder.
Suits solo founders, consultants and freelancers.
Free Zone Company (FZC)
A company with two or more shareholders.
One licence can hold up to 100 shareholders, which helps joint ventures and group structures.
Branch
An existing UAE or foreign company can open a branch in SPC Free Zone.
The branch carries out the parent company's activities.
SPC advertises zero paid share capital for its companies, so you do not need to deposit capital before your licence is issued. One licence can hold up to 100 shareholders and up to five activity groups, and SPC treats both as hard limits on a standard licence. If you expect to outgrow either, tell us at the start so we can plan the structure with SPC before you commit.
Office, Warehouse and Retail Space
Every SPC package includes a flexi-desk, a shared desk in a co-working space that SPC accepts for licensing and bank account opening. If you need more, SPC offers furnished and unfurnished offices, co-working, retail units, warehouses and shell and core space, priced per square metre. Under SPC's pay-as-you-go model, a flexi-desk licence has no fixed visa quota: you can apply for investor, partner and employee visas when you register or later, and pay for each visa when you allocate it. SPC also offers support services, including corporate banking assistance, spouse and dependant visa processing, VIP medical and Emirates ID support, a virtual office, a virtual receptionist and help with an import and export customs code. For long-term residence, see our UAE Golden Visa service.
How to Set Up a Company in SPC Free Zone
- Free consultation: we confirm your activities, licence type and company type.
- Activity check: some activities need approval from another government authority before licensing; we tell you up front.
- Check your company name with SPC's name check tool, which tests the name for availability, clarity and compliance with the naming rules.
- Decide how many visas you need now and which you will add later.
- Submit the application with passport copies and, if you live in the UAE, visas and Emirates IDs of the shareholders and managers.
- SPC reviews the application and issues your licence and company documents.
- Apply for visas and Emirates IDs, open your corporate bank account and register for corporate tax.
Documents You Need
For individual shareholders and managers: passport copy, plus UAE visa and Emirates ID copies if you already live in the UAE.
For a company shareholder or a branch: you also need the parent company's registration documents and a board resolution approving the SPC company or branch.
SPC reviews the full application, including these documents, before it approves the licence. We send you the exact checklist for your activity and structure.
SPC Free Zone Setup Costs
Your cost depends on the licence type, the number of activities, the workspace and the number of visas. Visa, medical test, Emirates ID and establishment card fees are charged on top, and optional office or warehouse space is priced separately. SPC also offers instalment plans. Tell us your activities and visa needs and we send you a written, itemised quote.
Corporate Tax for SPC Free Zone Companies
Every SPC Free Zone company must register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income if it meets the conditions; its taxable income that is not qualifying income is taxed at 9%. A company that does not qualify pays 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Our group's tax agency can handle registration and filing.
Why Set Up in SPC Free Zone With Jitendra Business Consultants
Company formation in the UAE since 2001, with 5,500+ companies formed. One group for setup, accounting, VAT, corporate tax and trademarks. Offices in Dubai and Sharjah, with advice in English, Arabic and Hindi.
SPC Free Zone Company Setup FAQs
Is SPC Free Zone a government free zone?
Yes. SPC Free Zone was established in 2017 by Royal Decree of the Ruler of Sharjah and is a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority, the body behind the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Is SPC Free Zone only for publishing companies?
No. Publishing is its original focus, but SPC offers more than 2,000 business activities, including consulting, general trading, media, technology and e-commerce.
Should I choose an FZE or an FZC?
Choose an FZE if you are the only shareholder and an FZC if there are two or more shareholders. If you plan to bring in partners later, tell us at the start so we set up the right structure and share split.
What is SPC's pay-as-you-go model?
You start with a licence and a flexi-desk, then add visas, services and space only when you need them. Visas are allocated and paid for one at a time, and SPC says there are no extra amendment fees when you upgrade later.
Can a foreigner own 100% of an SPC Free Zone company?
Yes. SPC Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership.
Can an SPC company trade on the Sharjah mainland?
Yes, through SPC's dual licence, which combines a free zone licence with a Sharjah mainland licence under one structure. The dual licence covers the Sharjah mainland; if you need Dubai mainland access, we check the options with you.
Can I sponsor my family with an SPC company?
SPC offers spouse and children's visa processing for its licence holders, so once you hold your own residence visa through the company you can apply for your family. We check the sponsorship requirements that apply to you before you start.
Can I set up an SPC company without visiting the UAE?
SPC runs setup and renewals through an online portal and says the licence does not need your physical presence. Residence visas also involve a medical test and an Emirates ID.