Starting an online business in Sharjah is one of the smartest and most affordable ways to enter the UAE market. With low license costs, flexible rules, and fast approvals, Sharjah is becoming a favorite choice for e-commerce startups. Whether you want to sell products through your own website, Instagram, Amazon, or Noon, you need a proper e-commerce license to operate legally.
If you are planning to get your E-Commerce License in Sharjah, this guide explains everything in simple words, from costs and requirements to the online application process. And if you want personal guidance, you can contact Raes Associates to handle your complete license process smoothly and legally.
What Is an E-Commerce License in Sharjah?
An e-commerce license in Sharjah allows you to sell products or services online legally. This includes selling through websites, mobile apps, social media, or online marketplaces.
Who needs it
You need this license if you are:
- Selling physical products online
- Offering digital products or services
- Running Instagram or WhatsApp selling pages
- Operating on Amazon, Noon, or similar platforms
Difference between online trading and a normal trade license
A normal trade license is for physical shops. An e-commerce license is specifically designed for online business operations and digital selling models.
If you want to understand how e-commerce works in the UAE, read our guide on how to Start an E-Commerce Business in the UAE.
E-Commerce License Sharjah Cost (2026 Updated)
Cost is the main reason why many startups choose Sharjah over Dubai. It offers affordable entry, flexible packages, and fewer mandatory office expenses, which makes it ideal for first-time e-commerce business owners.
Mainland vs Free Zone pricing
In Sharjah, free zone e-commerce licenses usually start from AED 5,500 to AED 8,000 for basic packages without visas. These are perfect for online-only businesses, drop-shipping, and marketplace sellers.
Mainland e-commerce licenses in Sharjah generally cost between AED 10,000 to AED 15,000, depending on the activity and approvals required. Mainland licenses are slightly more expensive but give you more freedom to work directly with UAE clients and physical businesses.
What is included in the cost
Normally, the license cost covers:
- Trade license issuance
- Company registration
- Trade name approval
- Basic documentation and incorporation papers
For most Sharjah free zone packages, all of the above are included in the starting price of AED 5,500 to AED 8,000.
Hidden or additional charges Apart from the basic license, there are some extra costs you should plan for:
Visa charges: AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per visa
Emirates ID: AED 300 to AED 400
Medical test: AED 300 to AED 500
Flexi-desk or office space: AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 per year
Bank account opening support: AED 1,000 to AED 2,500 (if using professional assistance)
So, if you include one visa and a flexi-desk, the total startup cost for an e-commerce license in Sharjah usually comes to around AED 9,000 to AED 13,000.
If you want to reduce your setup cost even further, you may also like this: Read our guide on How to Reduce Business Setup Costs in UAE.
E-Commerce License Sharjah Fees Breakdown
Understanding fees clearly helps you plan your budget better.
License issuance fee
This is the main amount paid to the free zone or mainland authority for your business license.
Government and registration fees
These include name approval, registration, and legal documentation charges.
Annual renewal cost
Your license must be renewed every year, and the renewal cost is usually similar to the initial license fee.
Sharjah Free Zone E-Commerce License
Most e-commerce startups prefer free zones in Sharjah because of affordability and simplicity.
Popular Sharjah free zones
Some commonly chosen free zones include:
- Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
- Hamriyah Free Zone
- Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
Benefits of a free zone e-commerce license
Free zones offer:
- 100 percent foreign ownership
- Lower setup cost
- Easy visa processing
- No need for physical shop
- Fast approvals
Who should choose free zone
Free zones are best for:
- Online-only businesses
- Amazon or Noon sellers
- Drop-shipping businesses
- Digital product sellers
E-Commerce License Sharjah Requirements
Before applying for an e-commerce license in Sharjah, you should make sure all your basic documents and business details are ready. The process is simple, but accuracy is important because even small mistakes can delay approval. Most requirements are standard and easy to arrange, especially when you apply through a free zone. This is what you usually need to apply.
Passport and visa documents
- Passport copy of the owner
- Visa copy or visit visa
- Passport-size photograph
Business activity selection
You must clearly choose “E-Commerce” or “Online Trading” as your activity.
Trade name approval
Your business name must be unique and approved by the authority.
Office or flexi-desk requirement
Most free zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office options, so you do not need a physical shop.
How to Get E-Commerce License in Sharjah Online
Many people prefer online applications because they are faster.
Step-by-step process
- Choose your business activity
- Select free zone or mainland
- Submit documents online
- Get trade name approval
- Pay license fee
- Receive your e-commerce license
Timeline
Usually, approval takes 3 to 7 working days.
Online vs offline application
Online is faster and easier. Offline is mainly used when special approvals are needed.
If you want help with the full online process, this is where Raes Associates makes everything stress-free by managing documentation, approvals, and follow-ups.
E-Commerce License Cost in UAE – Sharjah vs Dubai
When comparing e-commerce license costs between Sharjah and Dubai, many entrepreneurs choose Sharjah because overall setup costs tend to be lower — especially for startups and small online sellers.
Approximate Cost Comparison (2026)
|
Expense Component |
Sharjah (Approx.) |
Dubai (Approx.) |
|
E-Commerce License Fee |
AED 5,000 – 8,000 |
AED 8,000 – 12,000 |
|
Name Approval & Registration |
AED 500 – 1,000 |
AED 800 – 1,500 |
|
Flexi Desk / Virtual Office |
AED 1,500 – 3,000 |
AED 2,500 – 5,000 |
|
Visa Processing (per visa) |
AED 3,000 – 5,000 |
AED 3,000 – 6,000 |
|
Emirates ID / Medical |
AED 600 – 900 |
AED 600 – 900 |
|
Bank Account & Admin Fees |
AED 1,000 – 2,000 |
AED 1,000 – 2,500 |
Why Sharjah Is More Affordable
Lower Registration Fees
Sharjah free zones typically have lower government and administrative charges compared with Dubai’s free zones and mainland authorities.
Simpler Office Requirements
Most Sharjah free zones allow flexi-desk or virtual office options, which significantly reduces Ejari and lease costs. Dubai often has higher office or workspace costs, especially for mainland companies.
Flexible Startup Packages
Sharjah free zones offer bundled e-commerce packages that include license, flexi desk, and initial approvals at attractive rates. This makes initial costs easier to manage for new entrepreneurs.
What This Means for Startups
If your main goal is to start an e-commerce business without high upfront costs, Sharjah usually remains the more cost-effective solution when compared to Dubai. Many founders start in Sharjah and expand later once their sales grow.
To understand how Sharjah stacks up with mainland vs free zone setups across the UAE, read our detailed comparison on UAE Business Setup – Free Zone vs Mainland.
Is There a Free E-Commerce License in Sharjah?
Many people search for a “free e-commerce license in Sharjah” hoping to start their business without paying any fees. While this idea sounds attractive, it is important to understand how licensing really works in the UAE. Every legal business must be registered with a government authority, so some cost is always involved.
Reality vs marketing offers
There is no completely free license. Some advertisements show “free”, but they usually mean discounted packages or installment plans.
Low-cost alternatives
Free zones offer very low-cost starter packages that are affordable for small businesses.
Government initiatives
Occasionally, special startup offers or SME support programs reduce costs, but licenses are never truly free.
Renewal of E-Commerce License in Sharjah
An e-commerce license in Sharjah must be renewed every year to keep your business legally active. Renewal is a simple process, but it should be done on time to avoid fines or interruption of your business activities.
Sharjah trade license renewal online
Renewals can be done online through the free zone portal.
Renewal cost and timeline
Renewal cost is similar to the initial license fee and takes 2 to 5 working days.
Penalties for late renewal
Late renewal may lead to fines and business suspension.
Why Choose Raes Associates for E-Commerce License in Sharjah
This is where professional support makes a big difference.
Raes Associates provides:
- End-to-end business setup support
- Clear and transparent pricing
- Free consultation
- Fast approvals
- Visa assistance
- Bank account guidance
If you want your e-commerce license without confusion or delays, Raes Associates handles everything from start to finish. Contact Raes Associates today.
FAQs
How much is the e-commerce license fee in Sharjah?
It usually starts from AED 5,500 to AED 12,000 depending on the free zone and package.
Which is the cheapest e-commerce license in UAE?
Sharjah free zones offer the most affordable e-commerce licenses in the UAE.
Can I sell on Amazon with a Sharjah license?
Yes. You can sell on Amazon, Noon, and other platforms using a Sharjah e-commerce license.
Do I need office space?
No physical office is required. A flexi-desk or virtual office is enough.
How long does approval take?
Usually between 3 to 7 working days.
