FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- Types of Licenses & Issuance Requirements
- Trade Name Registration
- Approving Site (Technical Evaluation)
- Commercial Legal Procedures
- Commercial Signage and Advertising
- License Issuance & Operation
- License Renewal and Data Modification
- Violations and Fines
There are five main types of licenses available: 1) Commercial License: for buying, selling, importing, and exporting. 2) Professional License: for specialized services and consulting. 3) Industrial License: for manufacturing and production. 4) Eitimad License: for citizens willing to run their business from home. 5) E-Commerce License: for online sales.
A commercial license for buying, selling, distributing, importing, and exporting activities. This includes general trading, food trading, electronics trading, clothing trading, and more. Note: a location in a licensed area is required.
A professional license for specialized services based on experience and qualifications. These include: management and financial consulting, law, engineering, design, information technology, and training. Note: a professional certifications may be required.
Industrial license for manufacturing, production, and assembly activities. Requirements: a location in the industrial area, sufficient space, and approvals from the municipality, environmental authorities, and civil defense. Fees can be paid in installments (50% upon issuance).
A license specifically for UAE nationals willing to run their business from home. Features: No physical store location required, low fees. Activities: sewing, cooking, handicrafts, e-services.
License for online sales and social media platforms. Features: No physical location required (virtual), lower fees, suitable for entrepreneurs. Available to citizens and residents.
Instant license: Issued within one day (some activities within minutes), for activities without external approvals. Regular license: 5-7 business days, for activities requiring additional approvals.
No, not necessarily. Since 2021, foreigners have been able to own 100% of most businesses without a local partner. The exception is certain specific businesses reserved for citizens.
The cost ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 for the first year. This includes: licensing fees (8% for UAE nationals/13% for non-nationals of the rent), registration, printing, and technical evaluation. Use the fee calculator for an accurate estimate.
Required documents: Copy of ID/passport, certified lease contract, technical evaluation approval, personal photos. For companies: Memorandum of Association. Some activities require additional certifications.
Yes, non-residents can obtain a license. An investor residency permit will be required after issuance. Some nationalities may require prior security clearance.
"Please specify: 1) The nature of your business (sales/services/manufacturing) 2) Do you need a physical location? 3) Are you a citizen or resident?
For business: Commercial license. For services: Professional license. For manufacturing: Industrial license. For home-based businesses (citizens): Eitimad license. For online sales: E-commerce license."
Use 'Trade Name Provision' service on SEDD official website. Enter the suggested name and the result will appear instantly. We recommend preparing 2-3 alternative options.
Prohibited names: Names similar to registered ones, words that violate Sharia or morals, names of countries or government entities, misleading names.
"Yes.
Fees:
Arabic Trade Names AED 250
Translated Trade Names: AED 1,250
Foreign Trade Names: AED 2,250
Display on Signboard: 60% Arabic, 40% English."
"Arabic Trade Names AED 250
Translated Trade Names (for Branches): AED 1,250
Foreign Trade Names (for Branches): AED 2,250
"
The license must be issued within a specific period. If it expires, the trade name becomes available to others and requires re-registration.
"Yes.
Steps:
request an amendment, approval from trade names section, a 7-day press release, and payment of required fees."
"Trade name: The name of the establishment as it appears on the license and signboard.
Trademark: A logo registered with the Ministry of Economy to preserve intellectual property."
Yes, provided that the name is not similar to a registered one, and that it complies with the requirements for trade names.
Recommendation: adding a distinctive word, using a creative name, avoiding generic names, and checking via 'provide trade name' service first.
The size is determined by the regulatory authority based on the type of activity. Offices require less space than shops, while industrial spaces require more. Inquire when applying.
Log in, select 'Technical Evaluation', submit your trade name details, attach a site map and lease contract, and submit your application. Fee: AED 150.
Yes, the contract must be notarized by Sharjah City Municipality (notarization system). This is a prerequisite for issuance and renewal. The contract is valid for at least three months after submission.
Typically 3-5 business days after submitting a completed application. This may take longer if a site visit or feedback is required.
Insufficient space, location in an unauthorized area, lack of safety requirements, non-compliant lease contract, violation of urban planning regulations.
Yes, through the 'Change of Site' service. You will need: a new certified lease contract, a technical evaluation of the new location, and the modification fees.
It depends on the activity. Gyms: Yes. Some activities require the ground floor. Inquire about your specific activity.
Office: For administrative work, less space, commercial areas. Warehouse: For storage only, more space, industrial areas.
Used cars: Al Sajaa and Industrial Area only. Changes are only permitted with the approval of the Commercial Control and Protection Department.
Sole proprietorship: 100% ownership by a citizen/Gulf national, full liability. Limited Liability Company (LLC): 2-50 partners, limited liability. Service Agent: For a foreign national with a citizen agent who does not participate in management.
Yes, since 2021, foreigners can own 100% of most businesses on the mainland. Some businesses may require a local partnership.
Steps: Request for amendment, amend and certify memorandum of association, publish a press release within 7 days, and pay the fees (AED 500 per partner). Required documents: Partners' passports and the amended memorandum of association.
It includes: the names of the partners and their ownership percentages, capital, activity, responsible manager, and profit and loss distribution. It must be certified by the Legal Affairs Department of the relevant authority.
Steps: Agreement with buyer, request for transfer of ownership, document amendment, 7-day press release, transfer of title, and payment of fees. Some activities may have additional fees.
Establishment Card Cancellation Letter from Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisations, press release announcement (7 days for individual/45 days for LLC), cancellation request, fees: advertisement AED 350, Registration Clearance AED 500.
Yes, under certain conditions: the license must have been issued more than two years ago, there must be no previous suspensions, and there must be no pending legal disputes. Contact SEDD.
Individual: Transfers to heirs through a certificate of inheritance. Service Agent: Appointment of a new agent. Documents: Death certificate, certificate of inheritance, attestation of new contracts.
Yes, an unlimited number. Conditions: Activities must be identical to or less than the main branch, each branch must have a suitable location, and each branch must have a separate fee.
Application for transfer, amendment of memorandum of association according to the new format, 7-day press release, document authentication, amendment fees.
Maximum height: 4 feet. Must be consistent with adjacent signs. Must cover the entire storefront. Additional charges apply for height exceeding this limit.
Main signboard: AED 200. Advertising poster: AED 120 (monthly). Logo: AED 1000 per signboard or AED 500 per poster (annually). Calculated based on size and color.
Yes, provided a trademark registration certificate from the Ministry of Economy is submitted. If the logo belongs to another company, a no objection letter is required.
Ordering through a certified calligrapher, attaching the design and a copy of the license is required. Fees: Length x Width x AED 10 . Approval before execution is a must.
Available on the SEDD website. The signboard application must be submitted through a certified calligrapher. The company executing the work should be licensed by SEDD and must be operating in Sharjah.
It is linked to license validity and renewed upon license renewal. If the design changes, a new permit is required.
Violation results in a fine and removal of signboard. The amount depends on the type of violation. Always obtain a permit before proceeding.
Yes, any advertising campaign or promotion requires prior authorization. Submit an application for a promotional campaign permit or a sales permit.
Registration through the Ministry of Economy (not SEDD) provides legal protection for the logo and trade name at the federal level and prevents others from using them.
1) Establishment Card Cancellation Letter from Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratizations 2) Open a bank account 3) Obtain a signboard permit 4) Register for tax (if required) 5) Municipality/Civil Defense permits is required according to the activity.
"From Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisations
Requirements: A copy of the valid license, establishment details. Apply through the Ministry's website or Tasheel service centers."
It depends on the type of business. Restaurants and cafes: health permits from Sharjah City Municipality. Industrial and large-scale businesses: a safety certificate from Sharjah Civil Defense Authority.
Next: Obtain Establishment Card Cancellation Letter from Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisations and activate the workforce quota. The number of visas depends on the activity and site size.
Documents: Valid original license, Memorandum of Association (for companies), passports of owners/authorized representatives, proof of address. Each bank may request additional documents.
Yes: Chamber of Commerce and Industry (annually),lease contract renewal and notarization, signboard permits, establishment card. Also, budget for these costs is required.
Taxation is mandatory if annual revenue exceeds AED 375,000. Register with the Federal Tax Authority. Requirements: License, owner details, financial records.
No, a standard business license requires a physical business location. For home-based activities: a business license (for citizens) or an e-commerce license.
Through the digital portal: renewal, data modification, permits, payment of fees and fines, license printing, application tracking, and statements. Also available on the app.
Free number: 80080000 (24 hours), International: 0097192083333, Email: sedd@sedd.gov.ae, Labeh system, or visit SEDD branches.
Log in to the digital portal, select 'License Renewal', verify your information, and pay the fees electronically. You can print your license immediately after payment.
Valid and certified lease contract, payment of all violations, valid establishment card, no remarks on the site or activity.
Fees vary depending on the license type and activity. They include: annual license fees, chamber of commerce fees, and printing fees. Use the fee calculator for an estimate.
Yes, you can renew up to 3 months before the expiry date. We recommend early renewal to avoid late fees.
Payments start from AED 200 per month and increase to reach AED 5,000 or more. Pay before the end date to avoid penalties.
Yes, an expired license can be renewed upon payment of late fees. If you have exceeded a certain period, additional procedures may be required.
Through the 'License Data Modification' service: change the trade name, add/delete an activity, change the location, modify partners. Each modification has its own fee.
"Yes.
Steps: request to add an activity, obtain the necessary approvals, and pay the fees (AED 300 per activity). Some activities require external approvals."
Annual license renewal, renewal and authorization of lease contract, adherence to the licensed activity only, updating data when changes occur, payment of taxes (if applicable).
Via: Digital services (violation payment service), SEDD smart application, or the toll-free number 80080000. Enter the license number to view the details.
These include: operating without a license, failure to renew a license, displaying a signboard without a permit, violating site requirements, and failing to document a lease contract. Fines vary depending on the severity of the offense.
Go to digital services, select 'Pay fines', enter your license number, the fines will appear, pay by bank card. Keep the receipt.
Yes, within the specified timeframe. Submit a written appeal with the reasons and supporting documents. The appeal will be reviewed and you will receive a response.
Yes, some violations have varying fines. Late renewal fines start at AED 200 per month and can reach AED 5,000 or more. Pay as soon as possible.
Delay in license renewal, practicing an unlisted activity, a signboard without a permit or in violation of specifications, failure to document the lease contract, violation of site requirements.
Your license cannot be renewed or modified if there are outstanding violations. All violations must be paid first. Check and pay before your renewal date.
A serious violation can result in: hefty fines, closure of the establishment, and legal problems. Make sure you renew your license before it expires.
Through the 'Personal Statements' service on the website. It clarifies the license status and confirms there are no outstanding violations. This is useful for banking and official transactions.