What Does a Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone License Cost in 2026?
Quick answer: A Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone license starts from AED 4,999 a year in 2026 for the Online Blog license, AED 5,750 for an E-Commerce license and AED 6,875 for a Standard license, plus a one-time AED 10 knowledge charge. Add one investor visa processed inside the UAE and a Standard package totals about AED 15,000 all-in. The license is issued in about 5 to 8 working days, with 100% foreign ownership and 0% personal income tax.
Published: 25 June 2026 | Last updated: 13 October 2026
The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone, or SPCFZ) is one of the cheapest ways to register a real company in the UAE in 2026. Despite the name, it is not only for publishers. An SPC license now covers more than 1,500 activities spanning media, e-commerce, general trading, IT, consultancy and professional services. At Qaspro Global, we register SPC companies for clients who want a low-cost UAE trade license, full ownership and a fast route to an Emirates residence visa.
This guide breaks down the real 2026 SPC costs, the three license types, the visa fees, the setup timeline and the corporate tax position, with exact AED figures throughout. The numbers below match our own business setup cost calculator. For a figure tailored to your activity and visa count, run the calculator and message us for an exact quote.
What Is Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone?
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone is a free zone in the emirate of Sharjah, established in 2017 and regulated by the Sharjah Publishing City authority. It gives investors 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, and zero personal income tax. It began as a hub for publishing and printing, but its license scope has since expanded to e-commerce, media, design, general trading, IT and consultancy.
Because Sharjah borders Dubai, an SPC company gives you a UAE free zone license and Emirates residency at a fraction of typical Dubai free zone prices, while keeping you roughly 20 to 30 minutes from Dubai. That combination of low cost and location is exactly why SPC competes head to head with IFZA, Meydan and RAKEZ.
How Much Does an SPC Free Zone License Cost in 2026?
An SPC Free Zone license costs from AED 4,999 a year in 2026 for the Online Blog license, rising to AED 5,750 for an E-Commerce license and AED 6,875 for a Standard license, plus a one-time AED 10 knowledge charge. SPC issues three license types, and the right one depends on your activity.
| SPC license type | Best for | License fee (AED / year) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Blog | Bloggers, content creators, influencers | 4,999 |
| E-Commerce | Online stores and e-commerce sellers | 5,750 |
| Standard | Trading, media, consultancy and services | 6,875 |
The AED 4,999 entry package is SPC’s ePublishing license, launched by SPC Free Zone in December 2025 for digital publishers and bloggers. It lets you choose up to four online publishing activities, while SPC’s own 2026 guide lists the Publishing and E-Commerce licence at AED 5,750 and the Standard licence from AED 6,875, matching the figures above.
A one-time AED 10 knowledge charge is added to every license. The license fee is the same whether you take 0 or several visas, so your only variable cost is the number of residence visas you sponsor.
How Much Does an SPC License Cost With Visas?
Adding residence visas is where most of the cost sits. The table below shows the exact all-in totals for a Standard SPC license with investor visas processed inside the UAE, straight from our 2026 calculator. The Online Blog and E-Commerce licenses cost roughly AED 1,125 to AED 1,875 less because the license fee is lower.
| Package (Standard license) | What is included | Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| License only (0 visa) | License plus knowledge charge | 6,885 |
| License + 1 investor visa | License, e-channel, immigration card, 1 visa, medical, status change | 15,000 |
| License + 2 investor visas | As above with 2 visas | 20,195 |
| License + 3 investor visas | As above with 3 visas | 25,390 |
Qaspro Global always confirms the live SPC promotion before you pay, so you get the lowest current rate. For your exact figure, run our cost calculator or send your details on WhatsApp.
What Government and Visa Fees Make Up the SPC Cost?
The license fee is only part of the picture. If you need residency, the visa and related charges are added on top. The table below shows the exact 2026 components so you can see precisely where the money goes.
| Item | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade license (annual) | From 4,999 | Online Blog; E-Commerce 5,750; Standard 6,875 |
| Knowledge charge | 10 | One-time, on every license |
| E-Channel registration | 2,280 | One-time, needed to sponsor visas |
| Immigration (establishment) card | 640 | One per company |
| Investor / partner visa | 2,530 | Per visa, 2-year |
| Visa allocation | 1,600 | Per visa |
| Medical test | 365 | Per visa applicant |
| Status change (inside UAE) | 700 | Only if the applicant is already in the UAE |
| Employee visa | 3,700 | Per visa, instead of an investor visa |
A common mistake is budgeting only for the license and forgetting the e-channel registration, immigration card, medical and status change. Qaspro Global builds these into your quote up front so there are no surprises at the immigration stage.
How Many Visas Can You Get With an SPC License?
An SPC license commonly supports up to about 6 residence visas on a standard flexi-desk package, and you can apply for more by leasing additional workspace. An investor or partner visa costs AED 2,530 for two years, while an employee visa is AED 3,700, with the medical, visa allocation and Emirates ID added on top.
Visas are optional and applied for one at a time, so you only pay for what you need. A zero-visa license is perfectly valid if you are a non-resident or already hold UAE residency through another route, such as a Golden Visa.
What Business Activities Are Allowed in SPC Free Zone?
An SPC license allows up to 5 business activities under one license, chosen from a list of more than 1,500 approved activities. This is generous compared with many zones that charge extra once you exceed 2 or 3 activities. Approved sectors include:
- E-commerce and online retail
- Publishing, printing and content creation
- Media, marketing, advertising and design
- General trading and import/export
- IT, software and technology services
- Management, marketing and business consultancy
Mixing activities matters. SPC lets you combine, for example, e-commerce with general trading and consultancy on a single license, which is ideal for founders running more than one revenue stream. If your activity is regulated, such as financial services, extra approvals may apply, and Qaspro Global checks this before you commit.
How Long Does It Take to Set Up an SPC Company?
SPC company formation takes about 5 to 8 working days from document submission to license issuance, and the trade license itself is often issued within one working day once your trade name and activities are approved. Residence visa processing then follows, taking roughly 5 to 7 days per visa.
Step 1: Reserve your trade name and activities
Choose your company name and up to 5 activities, and pick the right license type from Standard, E-Commerce or Online Blog. SPC approves the name and activity list, usually within a day.
Step 2: Submit documents and pay
Provide passport copies and basic KYC details, then settle the package fee. No physical presence is required at this stage for most nationalities.
Step 3: Receive your license and immigration card
SPC issues the trade license and incorporation documents, followed by the e-channel registration and immigration card needed to sponsor visas.
Step 4: Apply for residence visas
If you need residency, apply for the entry permit, complete the medical test and Emirates ID, and receive visa stamping. Each visa takes around 5 to 7 days. If you are already in the UAE, a status change of AED 700 lets you avoid leaving the country.
What Does an SPC License Cost to Renew, and Are There Multi-Year Discounts?
An SPC license is charged every year at the same rate as the first year, so a Publishing or E-Commerce license renews at about AED 5,750 and a Standard license from about AED 6,875, before visa and e-channel renewals. SPC’s own 2026 guide lists multi-year discounts of 10% for a 2-year license, 13% for 3 years and up to 20% for a 10-year license.
| Extra SPC charge | Cost (AED) | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | 500 | When you reserve your trade name |
| Additional business activity | 2,200 | Only if you go beyond the activities in your package |
| Visa add-ons in year one (e-channel 2,280, establishment card 640, visa allocation 1,600, investor visa 2,530, medical 365) | 7,415 | For the first investor visa |
This also explains why quotes differ between sources. SPC’s guide shows a Standard license with one investor visa at AED 14,290 (AED 6,875 license plus AED 7,415 of visa add-ons). Adding the AED 10 knowledge charge and the AED 700 status change for an applicant already inside the UAE brings it to the AED 15,000 all-in figure used in this guide. Always confirm the live package with SPC or in writing before you pay, because promotions and fees change.
Does an SPC Free Zone Company Pay UAE Corporate Tax?
An SPC Free Zone company can pay 0% UAE corporate tax on qualifying income if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Income that does not qualify, and any free zone company that fails the test, is taxed at the standard 9% rate on profits above AED 375,000.
Being in a free zone does not automatically mean 0% tax. To keep the 0% rate you must maintain adequate substance, earn qualifying income, stay below the de minimis limit on non-qualifying revenue, and file your corporate tax return on time. Read our full breakdown of the QFZP 0% tax test and our comparison of free zone 0% vs mainland 9% tax before you assume your SPC company is tax-free.
SPC vs Other UAE Free Zones: 2026 Cost Comparison
SPC has the lowest entry license price of the popular zones in our 2026 calculator, starting at AED 4,999. The table below shows indicative starting license costs so you can see where SPC fits.
| Free zone | Emirate | License from (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| SPC | Sharjah | 4,999 |
| Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | 5,565 |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | 6,010 |
| Meydan | Dubai | 12,500 |
| IFZA | Dubai | 12,900 |
Price is not the only factor. JAFZA wins on logistics and port access, DMCC in JLT carries the strongest brand for trading, and a mainland license is better if you plan to sell directly to the UAE local market. SPC wins when your priority is the lowest cost UAE license with a visa and a flexible activity list.
Who Should Choose SPC Free Zone?
SPC is a strong fit for cost-conscious founders who do not need a physical Dubai office. It suits e-commerce sellers, freelancers and consultants, media and creative businesses, general traders, and early-stage startups that want a UAE license and residence visa without the higher Dubai free zone price tag. The Online Blog and E-Commerce license types make it especially cheap for content creators and online sellers.
SPC is less suitable if you need to open a retail shop or trade directly with UAE consumers across the mainland, where a DED mainland license is usually required. For freelancers specifically, also compare the dedicated UAE freelance visa routes before deciding.
Another low-cost northern-emirate option is Ajman Free Zone, where an all-inclusive licence starts from AED 5,565.
How Does Ajman Free Zone Compare on Price in 2026?
If price is your main driver, Ajman Free Zone is one of the cheapest alternatives in 2026, with an all-inclusive licence from AED 5,565 (no visa) and visa packages up to AED 25,131 for four visas. Each package covers up to 10 activities, and every government fee is bundled into the price.
Ajman Free Zone, running since 1988, offers 100% foreign ownership and a path to 0% corporate tax for Qualifying Free Zone Persons, the same core benefits as a publishing-city or media licence. The right choice comes down to your activity, your need for a specific zone, and your budget.
Sharjah Free Zone License Cost: SPC vs the Other Sharjah Zones
Sharjah has five main free zones: SPC, Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), SAIF Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). SPC is the one built around low-cost, desk-based licenses with a published entry price from AED 4,999, so it is usually the first quote to compare.
The other Sharjah zones price differently because they sell different things. SAIF Zone sits beside Sharjah International Airport and suits trading, logistics and light industrial businesses that need real warehouse or office space. Hamriyah Free Zone is a port-side industrial zone for manufacturing and warehousing. Neither publishes a single flat rate card, so their cost depends on facility, activity and visa quota, and you should get a written quote from each authority before comparing it with SPC.
As a rule, choose SPC when you need a low-cost license for services, e-commerce, consulting or digital content, and choose SAIF Zone or Hamriyah when your business needs physical space, stock or industrial land.
Why Set Up Your Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Company With Qaspro Global?
- One team, end to end: Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) licence, establishment card, residence visas, Emirates ID, corporate bank account introduction and FTA corporate tax registration handled together, not by four different agents.
- Tax-correct from day one: we are a tax and accounting firm first. Before you pay a licence fee we check whether your activity and customers fit the 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person rules, so you do not discover a 9% bill a year later.
- Exact, all-inclusive quote: you get one written figure covering authority fees and our service fee. No add-ons appear after you sign.
- Remote setup: the licence can be issued before you travel. You only need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.
- After the licence: the same team runs your bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax filings, licence renewals and audit if you need one.
How the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Setup Works With Us
- Free 20-minute consultation: we confirm the right licence type, activities, visa count and whether this free zone is actually the best fit for your business or whether another zone or mainland would serve you better.
- Written quote and document list: passport copies, photo and a short application form are usually all that is needed.
- Trade name, application and licence: we file, follow up with the authority and send you the licence and incorporation documents.
- Visas, bank and tax registration: entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, bank account introduction and corporate tax registration on EmaraTax within the legal deadline.
IFZA vs Ajman Free Zone vs Meydan: Which Low-Cost Zone Fits You?
| Factor | IFZA (Dubai) | Ajman Free Zone | Meydan (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence from | AED 12,900 (0 visa) | AED 5,565 (0 visa) | AED 12,125 |
| With 1 visa | AED 14,900 + visa costs | AED 13,131 all-inclusive | From about AED 16,000 |
| Activities per licence | Multiple related activities | Up to 10 | Up to 3 standard |
| Address | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Ajman | Nad Al Sheba, Dubai |
| Best for | Consultants, IT, e-commerce wanting a Dubai licence | Lowest total cost with visas | Trading and holding with a Dubai address |
| Guide | IFZA setup guide | Ajman setup guide | Meydan setup guide |
Not sure which jurisdiction is right? Start from our business setup services page, which covers mainland, 30+ free zones and offshore in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SPC Free Zone?
SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone) is a UAE free zone in Sharjah offering 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation and 0% personal income tax, with licenses covering more than 1,500 activities from publishing and e-commerce to media, IT, consultancy and general trading. It is one of the lowest-cost UAE free zones, with licenses starting from AED 4,999 a year.
How much does an SPC Free Zone license cost in 2026?
An SPC license costs from AED 4,999 a year for the Online Blog license, AED 5,750 for E-Commerce and AED 6,875 for a Standard license, plus a AED 10 knowledge charge. With one investor visa processed inside the UAE, a Standard package totals about AED 15,000 all-in.
What are the three SPC license types?
SPC issues three license types: Standard (AED 6,875) for trading, media and consultancy, E-Commerce (AED 5,750) for online stores, and Online Blog (AED 4,999) for bloggers and content creators. All three allow up to 5 activities and 100% foreign ownership.
Can foreigners own 100% of an SPC company?
Yes. SPC Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or UAE partner required. You also keep full repatriation of capital and profits and pay no personal income tax.
How much is a visa with an SPC license?
An investor or partner visa costs AED 2,530 for two years, and an employee visa is AED 3,700, plus visa allocation of AED 1,600, a AED 365 medical and a AED 700 status change if you are already in the UAE. A one-time e-channel registration of AED 2,280 and an immigration card of AED 640 apply once per company.
How long does SPC company setup take?
SPC company formation takes about 5 to 8 working days, and the trade license is often issued within one working day after name and activity approval. Each residence visa then takes roughly 5 to 7 days to process.
What business activities are allowed in SPC Free Zone?
An SPC license covers up to 5 activities chosen from more than 1,500 approved options, including e-commerce, publishing, media, general trading, IT and consultancy. You can combine multiple activities on one license, which suits founders with more than one revenue stream.
Does an SPC Free Zone company pay UAE corporate tax?
An SPC company can pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Otherwise, profits above AED 375,000 are taxed at 9%. You must still register for corporate tax and file a return either way.
Do I need a physical office for an SPC license?
No. SPC packages include a flexi-desk or co-working address that satisfies the licensing requirement, so a separate office lease is optional. You can upgrade to a dedicated office later if you need more visa capacity or a physical workspace.
Can I open a UAE bank account with an SPC license?
Yes. An SPC company can open a UAE corporate bank account, although free zone applicants should expect compliance checks on activity, residency and expected turnover. Our guide on the UAE business bank account process explains how to get approved faster.
What other free zones are in Sharjah besides SPC?
Sharjah has several free zones alongside SPC, including Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), and Hamriyah Free Zone. Each has its own licence packages, activity lists, and visa allowances, so the cheapest option depends on your business activity and visa needs. SPC is one of the lowest-cost entry points in 2026 at AED 4,999 for the Online Blog licence, which makes it a strong first comparison point before you check the other three.
Need Expert Help Setting Up Your SPC Company?
Qaspro Global, a UAE-based tax and business setup consultancy, handles the full SPC Free Zone process for you: license type selection, trade name, activities, e-channel, immigration card, visas and corporate tax registration. We confirm the live SPC rate so you pay the lowest current price, and we make sure your activity and tax position are right from day one. Try our cost calculator for an instant estimate, or contact us today for a free consultation and an exact quote.
If your SPC company missed its corporate tax registration deadline, the AED 10,000 late-registration penalty can still be waived: the FTA’s waiver window runs for seven months from the end of your company’s own first tax period, not a single fixed date. See our detailed step-by-step guide on the UAE Corporate Tax Penalty Waiver 2026: Remove the AED 10,000 FTA Fine — including how to trigger the automatic waiver and what to do if you already paid the AED 10,000 penalty.
Related Reading
- UAE Qualifying Income 2026: The Full QFZP 0% List
- Ajman Free Zone 2026: Company Setup From AED 5,565
- IFZA Dubai 2026: The AED 12,900 Setup Most Businesses Get Wrong
- Meydan Free Zone 2026: AED 12,125 Setup and the QFZP Tax Test
- RAKEZ Free Zone 2026: The AED 12,010 Setup and Who Gets 0% Tax
- Mainland vs Free Zone Dubai 2026: Which to Choose
- Fail This One Test and Your Free Zone Company Pays 9% Tax
- JAFZA Free Zone 2026: The Port Edge Other Zones Can’t Match
- Sharjah Publishing City 2026: SPC License From AED 4,999
- UAE Offshore Company 2026: 0% Tax but You Still Must Register
- Cheapest Business Setup in Dubai 2026: Full Cost Guide
- Business Setup Dubai 2026: Every Cost, Step and Requirement
Founder & CEO, Qaspro Global — UAE tax expert with 16+ years of experience in VAT, corporate tax and FTA audit support.
