Real Cost of Business Setup in SPC Free Zone (2025)

What Is the Real Cost of Business Setup in SPC Free Zone in 2025?

Looking to start your business in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)? One of the first questions on your mind is likely, “How much is this going to cost?” Here’s a clear breakdown of costs in 2025, covering licenses, visas, office space, and essential services.

Overview of SPC Free Zone Costs

Understand the key components that contribute to your total business setup cost in the SPC Free Zone, including license, visa, office, and other expenses.

License Fees in SPC Free Zone

What Are the Business License Options in SPC?

Publishing License: AED 5,750/year
General Business License: AED 6,875/year

These include trade name reservation, Memorandum of Association, and access to up to 5 business activities. Discover more about setting up and forming a company.

SPC License Package with Visa

Publishing license with one visa: ~AED 13,175
General license plus visa: ~AED 14,300

Prices include an establishment card, e-channel registration, visa costs, and medical screening. For professional assistance, explore our visa services.

Office Space Packages in SPC Free Zone

What Types of Offices Are Available in SPC?

SPC provides flexible workspace options to suit your needs:

Office Type	Annual Cost (AED)
Co-working / Flexi-desk	~5,750–9,000
Unfurnished office	~980 / sqm/year
Furnished office	~1,100 / sqm/year
Shell & Core space	~400 / sqm/year
Warehouse/storage	~480 / sqm/year

Co-working and flexi-desk setups are ideal for startups and freelancers. Need help to choose? Please view our services or contact us for personalized guidance.

Visa and Immigration Cost of Business Setup in SPC Free Zone

What Is the Cost of Getting a Visa in SPC?

1 visa (investor/employee): Included in AED 13,175–14,300 packages
2 visas: Approx. AED 20,185 total

This includes:

Visa stamping & Emirates ID
Medical exam & change-of-status
E-channel registration + establishment card

Need more help? See our business process outsourcing for full setup support.

What Other Government and Admin Fees Should You Expect?

Establishment card: AED 640
E-Channel registration: AED 2,280
Investor visa + Emirates ID: AED 2,530 (each)
Change of status: AED 700 (each)
Medical exam: AED 365 (each)
Company stamp: AED 250
VIP medical service (optional): AED 2,150
Banking assistance: AED 2,000

Explore our banking and financial advisory to streamline your account opening process.

What Is the Minimum Cost of Starting a Business in SPC?

A. Solo Founder (no visa, co-working space)

Publishing license: AED 5,750
Flexi desk (co-working): AED 5,750
Total: AED 11,500/year

B. Founder + 1 Visa + Office Space

License & visa bundle: AED 14,300
Unfurnished office (20 sqm): AED 19,600/year
VIP medical (optional): AED 2,150
Banking setup & extras: AED ~3,000
Total (without VIP) ≈ AED 37,200
With VIP: ~AED 39,350

What are the yearly renewal charges in SPC?

License renewal: AED 5,750–6,875
Flexi desk renewal included in license fee
Office renewal: same annual rent
Visa renewal (each): ~AED 8,475 for one visa, ~10,075 for 2

There is no VAT on license or visa fees, but other services may incur a 5% VAT. Our accounting team can guide you on expense deductions.

Why Is SPC One of the Most Affordable Free Zones?

Lowest starting license cost (~AED 5,750) among UAE free zones
Packages bundle visa & key admin costs
Flexible solutions support lean startups
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Explore other UAE free zones and offshore company options if an SPC doesn’t match your goals.

Money-Saving Tips for SPC Company Setup

Start small: begin with a no-visa license and upgrade later.
Utilize flexi-space: co-working saves thousands of dollars annually.
Bundle services: Choose visa/licensing bundles with e-channel and medical included.
Shop smart: compare offers from SPC and free zones in Dubai.

Dive deeper into other costs in the Publishing License in Sharjah Publishing City
Learn how to start a business in Dubai
Discover the advantages of forming a business in Dubai
Consider Dubai mainland company formation if SPC isn’t right for you

Final Thoughts

Setting up an SPC Free Zone in 2025 is one of the most cost-effective business routes in the United Arab Emirates. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or planning a small office, transparent pricing, and flexible packages—starting as low as AED 11.5k/year—make SPC a strategic launchpad for your venture. Start your journey today with VAZone!