VAZONE Expert Guide

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) is the world’s first free zone dedicated to the publishing, printing, and content creation industries. It offers a tax-free, business-friendly ecosystem with over 1,500 business activities, fast company setup (24-48 hours), and strategic global market access, making it the ideal choice for publishers, authors, media professionals, and digital entrepreneurs.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone): The Ultimate Hub for Publishers & Entrepreneurs

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) is the world’s first and only free zone dedicated entirely to the publishing, printing, and content creation industries.

Established in 2017 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, SPC Free Zone offers a tax-free, business-friendly ecosystem designed to empower publishers, media professionals, and digital entrepreneurs.

With over 1,500 business activities, lightning-fast company setup, and strategic access to global markets, SPC Free Zone is rapidly becoming the top choice for creative and publishing businesses in the UAE and beyond.

Key Advantages of SPC Free Zone Over Other UAE Free Zones

4. Wide Range of Business Licenses

Feature	SPC Free Zone	Dubai Media City	TwoFour54 Abu Dhabi	RAKES
Specialization	100% Publishing & Media Focus	General Media & Tech	Media & Entertainment	Mixed Industries
Setup Cost	From AED 5,750	From AED 15,000	From AED 10,000	From AED 7,500
Visa Processing	5 Days	7-10 Days	7-14 Days	5-7 Days
Office Flexibility	Flexi-Desks, Private Offices, Warehouses	Limited Options	Limited Options	Limited Options
Government Support	Sharjah Book Authority, SILA, Shera	Dubai Culture	TwoFour54 Partners	RAKEZ Business Support

✅ Best for: Publishers, authors, digital content creators, printing firms, and media consultants looking for low-cost, specialized, and fast-track setup.

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Why Choose Sharjah Over Dubai or Abu Dhabi for Business Setup?

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well-known for their free zones, Sharjah offers a unique blend of affordability, culture, and convenience. Known as the cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah offers a lower-cost base of operations and direct access to key business events, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair. Its location between Dubai and Abu Dhabi makes it logistically ideal for international business. At the same time, SPC Free Zone’s dedicated focus on publishing and content creation gives it an edge over general-purpose free zones.

6 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Choose SPC Free Zone

1. Strategic Location & Cultural Hub

Between Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Easy access to major airports (Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) and global shipping routes.
UNESCO World Book Capital 2019: Sharjah is the cultural heartbeat of the Arab world, home to
- Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF): 3rd largest book fair globally.
- Sharjah Library Authority: Over 2 million books.
- Publishing industry events year-round.

2. Fast & Affordable Business Setup

License in 24-48 hours (fastest in UAE free zones).
Cost-effective packages (from AED 5,750 vs. AED 15,000+ in Dubai).
No hidden fees: Transparent pricing.

3. 100% Ownership & Tax Benefits

No local sponsor is required (unlike mainland UAE).
0% corporate & personal tax (full profit repatriation).
No customs duties on imports/exports.

4. Wide Range of Business Licenses

License Type	Best For	Key Features
Publishing License	Book publishers, magazines, digital media	Covers print & digital content
Trading License	Book distributors, e-commerce sellers	Allows local & international trade
Consultancy License	PR firms, marketing agencies	Includes media & branding services
Freelance Permit	Authors, designers, translators	Low-cost for solo professionals
Printing License	Printing presses, packaging firms	For physical book production

5. State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

Flexible workspaces (hot desks, private offices, warehouses).
High-tech printing facilities (for publishers needing in-house production).
Smart business services (cloud storage, digital publishing tools).

6. Strong Government & Industry Support

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA): Funding & networking for publishers.
Sheraa (Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center): Startup grants & mentorship.
Sharjah International Literacy Agency (SILA): Copyright protection & Arabic content promotion.

SPC Free Zone License Packages & Pricing Breakdown

Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup, or a growing business, SPC Free Zone offers flexible packages that fit your budget and goals:

Package	Key Features	Price (From)

Starter

1 business activity, 0 visa, flexi-desk

AED 5,750

Growth

Up to 3 activities, 1 visa, shared desk

AED 9,000

Pro

Up to 5 activities, 3 visas, private office

AED 14,500

Corporate

5+ activities, up to 6 visas, warehouse facilities

AED 19,000+

Note: All packages include license issuance, MoA, incorporation documents, and access to SPC’s networking ecosystem.

Who Can Benefit from SPC Free Zone?

Freelancers & Creatives

Authors, editors, designers, and translators can obtain a cost-effective freelance license. This grants them the legal authority to operate, open bank accounts, and obtain UAE residency.

Startups & SMEs

SPC Free Zone offers customized licensing options for marketing firms, e-commerce sellers, and consulting agencies seeking to scale efficiently and cost-effectively.

International Entrepreneurs

Businesses abroad seeking to expand into the Gulf or MENA region can utilize the SPC Free Zone as a tax-free entry point, offering excellent trade access and export capabilities.

Step-by-Step Business Setup Process in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone)

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

SPC Free Zone offers over 1,500 business activities across multiple industries, including:
Publishing & Printing – Book publishing, digital content creation, and printing services.
E-commerce & Trading – Selling books, media, and other products online.
Consultancy & Media Services – PR firms, marketing agencies, and content creators.
IT & Technology – Software development, cloud services, and cybersecurity.

Pro Tip: Select the activity that aligns with your business goals. If unsure, consult a business setup expert for guidance.

Step 2: Pick the Right Business License

SPC Free Zone offers various licenses based on your business needs:

Publishing License: Ideal for book publishing, magazines, and digital media.
Trading License: This license is suitable for book distributors, e-commerce businesses, and retail.
Consultancy License: This is perfect for PR firms, marketing agencies, and media consultants.
Freelance Permit: This is best for independent authors, designers, translators, and consultants.
Printing License: Designed for printing presses and packaging companies.

Need multiple business activities? SPC Free Zone allows multiple business activities under one license!

Step 3: Submit Your Documents

The document submission process is quick and straightforward. You will need:
Passport Copy: Clear copy of all partners’ and shareholders’ passports.
Application Form: Complete the SPC Free Zone company registration form.
Business Plan (if required)—A brief outline of your business activities.

Fast-Track Setup: Some businesses may qualify for a zero-paperwork setup!

Step 4: Get Approved in 24-48 Hours

SPC Free Zone offers one of the fastest business approval processes in the UAE.

Once your documents are submitted, your license can be issued within 24-48 hours.
You will receive your trade license, certificate of incorporation, and memorandum of association (MoA).

Need help with approvals? Vazone Business Consultants can assist with a smooth and hassle-free registration process.

Step 5: Open a Corporate Bank Account

After obtaining your business license, the next step is opening a corporate bank account.
SPC Free Zone collaborates with top UAE banks, including
Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq Bank, and RAKBANK.

Requirements for opening an account:
Business license and registration documents.
Passport and visa copies of company shareholders.
Proof of business activity (invoices, contracts, etc.).

Need assistance? Vazone’s banking experts can help with choosing the best banking solutions.

Step 6: Apply for a UAE Residency Visa

The SPC Free Zone allows businesses to apply for up to 6 residency visas per company. The process includes:
Entry Permit Issuance: Issued within 5 working days.
Medical tests & Emirates ID: Includes a blood test, x-ray, and biometrics.
Visa Stamping: The residency visa is stamped in your passport.

Processing time: Visa approvals take 5-7 working days.
Eligibility: Business owners, employees, and dependents can apply.

Need visa support? Check Vazone’s visa services for professional assistance.

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SPC Free Zone Office & Facility Options

SPC Free Zone offers workspace flexibility that caters to businesses of all sizes:

Flexi-Desks: Part-time desk used for freelancers and consultants.
Dedicated Desks: Permanent seating for professionals needing daily access.
Private Offices: Fully furnished offices for teams with secure, private spaces.
Warehouses: For publishing houses and printers needing bulk storage.
Meeting Rooms & Event Spaces: Bookable for business meetings, launches, and author signings.

Tools & Services Available Inside SPC Free Zone

Beyond infrastructure, SPC Free Zone offers premium tools and services:

Digital Publishing Platforms to manage e-books and online content.
Copyright & Licensing Support from SILA and SBA.
In-House Printing Equipment for small to medium-scale production.
Distribution Networks for regional and international shipping.
Legal and Translation Services for Multilingual Market Access.

Common Challenges Solved by SPC Free Zone

High Business Setup Costs

SPC Free Zone’s packages start at just AED 5,750—significantly lower than most UAE zones.

Long Registration Timelines

Get your license and company documents in 24–48 hours.

Limited License Flexibility

Operate across multiple business categories—publishing, trading, consulting, IT—under one license.

Visa Limitations

Up to 6 UAE residency visas are allowed per business, including for dependents.

Difficulty Entering Arab Markets

SPC Free Zone connects you with events, government partners, and translation support for Arabic-language markets.

Start Your Business in the SPC Free Zone Today with Vazone!

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone offers a fast, affordable, and tax-free business setup for entrepreneurs, publishers, and content creators. Let Vazone handle your company formation, visa processing, and banking setup for a seamless experience.

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