Looking to launch your business in the flourishing Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone? Raes Associates provides expert business setup solutions to help you seamlessly establish your company in this unique free zone. Our expertise and customer-first approach will ensure your business is set up swiftly and efficiently, so you can focus on growth and success. 

About Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone

Establishing a business within the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone offers a distinctive and advantageous platform for entrepreneurs and companies, particularly those operating in the publishing, printing, and related industries. This specialized free zone leverages the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of Sharjah, recognized as the UNESCO World Book Capital, providing a fertile environment for businesses to thrive. For entities like Raes Associates, looking to extend their professional services in audit, tax, and consultancy specifically tailored to the needs of the publishing and printing sectors, SPC Free Zone presents a realm of opportunities.

 

SPC Free Zone, or Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, is a specialized business hub dedicated to the publishing and media industries. It offers an ideal environment for companies in publishing, printing, and related fields to set up and operate efficiently. As a part of Sharjah’s initiative to support businesses, the SPC Free Zone provides attractive benefits, such as 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions.

A free zone in Sharjah refers to designated areas where businesses can operate with specific incentives, such as 0% income tax, full repatriation of profits, and 100% business ownership. These zones are designed to attract foreign investments and promote economic growth.

Sharjah Publishing City is owned by the Sharjah Book Authority, which focuses on promoting literacy, culture, and publishing in the region.

The cost of a free zone license in Sharjah varies depending on the type of business activity and number of visas, but it generally starts around AED 8,500.

Free zone visas typically cost around AED 3,500 to AED 5,000, depending on the specific free zone’s regulations and the number of visas required.

A Sharjah free zone visa is usually valid for 2-3 years, depending on the specific free zone’s rules

Why Set Up a Business with Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)

Choosing the SPC Free Zone for business setup is a strategic move for entities aiming to tap into the expanding markets of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA). The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone is meticulously designed to bolster the publishing and printing ecosystem, offering advanced facilities, robust infrastructure, and a supportive regulatory environment conducive to growth and innovation. For a firm like Raes Associates, this environment means the ability to provide specialized services in a hub that values intellectual property and innovation.

Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone company setup
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone Company formation

Advantages of Setting Up a Business Centre in SPC Free Zone

The business centre in Sharjah Publishing City (Spc) Free Zone offers numerous advantages, making it an ideal choice for businesses in the literary and publishing sectors, and for service providers like Raes Associates:

Strategic Location
Situated at the nexus of global trade routes, SPC grants unmatched access to international markets, beneficial for Raes Associates as it looks to broaden its client base.
Customized Solutions
With options ranging from office spaces to warehouses, SPC caters to diverse business needs, allowing Raes Associates to offer tailored services to its clients.
Networking Opportunities
The specialized nature of SPC fosters collaboration and networking with industry peers and leaders, providing a platform for Raes Associates to share expertise and forge strategic partnerships.
No Currency Restrictions
The allowance for free repatriation of profits and capital enhances financial flexibility for businesses and service providers alike.
Intellectual Property Rights Protection
The stringent regulations in place for the protection of creative and intellectual assets align with Raes Associates' commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality.

Steps to Obtaining a Sharjah Publishing City Licence

The process to obtain a Sharjah Publishing City licence is streamlined to facilitate quick business setup, which is crucial for service providers like Raes Associates that aim to swiftly establish their operations to begin offering services:

l settings
Business Plan Submission
Businesses, including service providers like Raes Associates, must submit a detailed business plan outlining their intended activities within SPC.
Application for Licence
Submit the comprehensive application form along with the necessary documents to apply for the Sharjah Publishing City licence.
Choose a Facility
Selecting an appropriate facility is crucial to ensure that the business needs, from client consultations to operational requirements, are met.
Approval and Payment
Following approval, the next step involves the payment of the requisite fees to secure the business licence, marking the final step in the establishment process.​

Documents Required to Setup Company in SPC Free Zone

The documentation required for setting up a company in SPC Free Zone is designed to ensure a straightforward establishment process:

Business Structures in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone offers multiple business structures to cater to the varying needs of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and corporations. Some of the main business structures available in SPC include:

  1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
    An FZE can be formed with a single shareholder. This is ideal for solo entrepreneurs or single-person companies. It offers limited liability, protecting the shareholder’s personal assets from business risks.

  2. Free Zone Company (FZC)
    An FZC requires two or more shareholders. This structure is suitable for partnerships and businesses with multiple investors. Like an FZE, it offers limited liability.

  3. Branch of a Foreign Company
    Foreign companies can open a branch in SPC to expand their operations within the UAE without the need for a new legal entity. This is a great option for international businesses looking to extend their reach into the UAE.

  4. Branch of a UAE Company
    Local companies established in the UAE can open a branch in SPC to offer services related to publishing and media while benefiting from the free zone’s incentives.

Each of these business structures allows full foreign ownership, streamlined setup processes, and access to world-class infrastructure in the publishing and media industry.


How Much Is Sharjah Freezone?

The cost of setting up a business in Sharjah Freezone, particularly in Sharjah Publishing City, varies depending on the business type, license, and office space requirements. On average, a business license can cost around AED 11,500 to AED 13,500 per year. Additional costs may include:

  1. Office Space Leasing
    Sharjah Publishing City offers flexible office space solutions starting from around AED 15,000 per year. The total cost depends on the size and type of office selected.

  2. Visa Fees
    Visa costs for employees or owners range from AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 depending on the number of visas applied for and other related administrative fees.

  3. Miscellaneous Fees
    Other costs include trade name registration, legal document attestation, and renewal fees. These can add an additional AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 to the setup cost.