SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City)
1,500+ activities, dual-licensing and aggressive entry pricing.
Overview
SPC Free Zone began as a publishing-focused zone but has grown into a broad, low-cost free zone offering 1,500+ business activities across trading, services, media, e-commerce and light industry. It's known for aggressive entry pricing, dual-license options (free zone + Sharjah mainland via DED) and fast digital setup.
Key benefits
- Very competitive pricing with e-publishing/e-commerce licenses from the low thousands
- 1,500+ activities, combinable across sectors
- 100% foreign ownership; 0% personal income tax; full repatriation
- Dual-license capability (free zone + mainland) for wider market access
- Fast, largely online incorporation
- Multiple license tiers to match budget
Business activities & licenses
SPC supports a range of license types and activities, including:
- Trading & general trading
- Service / professional
- Media, publishing & printing
- E-commerce & consulting
- Light industrial
Ownership & visas
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
Low-cost license-only packages may carry zero visas; allocations added through desk / office upgrades.
Cost & timeline
Indicative from ~AED 5,000 (E-Publishing) and ~AED 6,000–7,000 for standard tiers; typical setups with a visa around ~AED 10,000.
Often same-day to a few working days for the license.
Prices are indicative starting points, not quotes. Government and free-zone fees change frequently — we confirm current, all-in figures before you commit.
Is SPC right for you?
Budget-conscious startups, e-commerce sellers, publishers, consultants and freelancers who want a very cheap license with a huge activity list and optional mainland reach.
What makes SPC different
- Offers 1,500+ activities and dual free zone + mainland licensing under one roof.
- One of the lowest advertised entry price points among UAE free zones.
Compare alternatives
How SPC compares
| Free zone | Emirate | License from* | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPC This page | Sharjah | AED 5,000/yr | Often same-day to a few working days for the license | Cheapest · Dual license |
| IFZA → | Dubai | AED 12,900/yr | License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available) | Consultants · E-commerce |
| Meydan → | Dubai | AED 12,500/yr | A few days to ~1 week (digital process) | Agencies · Consultants |
| RAKEZ → | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000/yr | Registration as fast as 1 day; full setup with visas ~1–3 weeks | Low budget · Industrial |
* Indicative license-only starting points for budgeting — not quotes. Compare all 17 zones
SPC — frequently asked questions
01How much does it cost to set up in SPC?＋
Indicative from ~AED 5,000 (E-Publishing) and ~AED 6,000–7,000 for standard tiers; typical setups with a visa around ~AED 10,000. These are indicative figures for budgeting — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in pricing for your activity and visa needs.
02Can I own 100% of my SPC company?＋
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
03How many visas can I get with SPC?＋
Low-cost license-only packages may carry zero visas; allocations added through desk / office upgrades.
04How long does SPC setup take?＋
Often same-day to a few working days for the license. Timelines depend on document readiness, visa processing and bank onboarding.
05Who is SPC best for?＋
Budget-conscious startups, e-commerce sellers, publishers, consultants and freelancers who want a very cheap license with a huge activity list and optional mainland reach.