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SPC Free Zone Company Formation in Dubai

Unlock creative industries and beyond with cost-effective licenses, complete foreign ownership and lightning-fast setup in Sharjah Publishing City.
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What is SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) Free Zone?

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC) was established in 2017 under the Sharjah Book Authority as the world’s first free zone dedicated to publishing and media. While originally designed for authors, publishers, and content creators, SPC has grown into a dynamic business hub with over 1,500 permitted activities including consultancy, IT, e-commerce, and trading. Entrepreneurs can combine up to five activities under one licence, making it a versatile choice for diversified ventures. The free zone offers 100% digital incorporation with licensing in just minutes, no mandatory office space, and a strategic location near Dubai, ports, and airports—making SPC an ideal gateway for local and international expansion.

Benefits of SPC Free Zone Company Formation

Affordable Setup & Tax Advantages

SPC provides one of the most budget-friendly setups in the UAE with zero paid-up share capital requirements. Businesses enjoy 0% corporate tax below AED 375,000 profit, and zero customs duties on imports and exports, significantly lowering operational costs.

100% Foreign Ownership & Full Profit Repatriation

 Investors maintain complete control over their company with no local sponsor required. SPC permits total profit and capital repatriation, giving global entrepreneurs strategic independence while leveraging the UAE market.

Over 1,500 Permissible Activities

SPC allows an extensive range of activities across publishing, IT, consultancy, trading, media, and e-commerce. Investors can combine up to five activities under one licence, ensuring flexible operations and multiple revenue opportunities.

Prime Location & Accessibility

Situated in Sharjah with direct connectivity to Dubai, international airports, and seaports, SPC offers easy access to global markets. Investors benefit from Sharjah’s lower costs while remaining close to Dubai’s commercial ecosystem.

Fast & Fully Digital Setup

With SPC’s online platform, business licences can be issued in a few minutes to days. Investors save valuable time through simplified documentation, online submissions, and quick approvals.

Optional Office Space & Flexible Leasing

Unlike other zones, SPC does not require mandatory office leasing. Businesses can operate remotely or choose from flexi-desks, shared offices, and private workspaces as they grow.

Business Activities in SPC Free Zone

Publishing & Media

SPC is the world’s first free zone for publishers and remains a hub for content creation. Activities include book publishing, printing, digital platforms, film, media production, and advertising agencies. Its strong ecosystem makes it ideal for creative ventures.

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Consultancy & Professional Services

Licenses cover management, HR, IT, marketing, and training consultancy. These businesses operate flexibly with minimal infrastructure and optional office solutions. SPC is especially attractive for solo consultants and boutique firms.

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Trading & E-Commerce

SPC permits import, export, wholesale, retail, and online trade. Investors can use general trading or e-commerce licenses to diversify products and reach global customers. Its location supports smooth logistics and international growth.

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Technology & IT

From software development to cybersecurity, SPC supports a wide range of IT businesses. Digital setup and virtual operations make it cost-efficient for startups and scalable for established firms. It is a strong base for the UAE’s digital economy.

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Creative & Specialist Services

SPC hosts design studios, marketing agencies, training providers, and wellness businesses. Education, R&D, and niche creative activities are also supported. The flexibility allows entrepreneurs to innovate across multiple sectors.

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Types of Legal Entities in SPC Free Zone

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

An FZE is for a single shareholder, individual or corporate, offering 100% ownership and full profit repatriation. It is simple to manage and ideal for freelancers, solo consultants, or small firms wanting complete independence.

Free Zone Company (FZ Co.)

This entity is for two or more shareholders, making it suitable for partnerships and joint ventures. It combines shared resources with full foreign ownership, quick incorporation, and strong appeal for startups and global collaborations.

Branch Office

A branch lets an existing UAE or foreign company expand into SPC without forming a new entity. Operating under the parent company’s name, it enjoys SPC’s incentives while keeping full control with the parent business.

Types of Licences in SPC Free Zone

Service License

This licence is designed for businesses providing professional, consultancy, or advisory services. Service licences are popular with entrepreneurs and professionals because they don’t require heavy infrastructure or inventory, making them cost-efficient. They also allow flexibility to scale services based on client demand, whether operating locally or serving international markets.

Commercial License

A commercial license allows investors to engage in trade-related activities, including import, export, distribution, and retail. Businesses can focus on specific product categories or diversify their portfolio under one license. This license is particularly useful for companies aiming to leverage the UAE’s central logistics hub to distribute products across the GCC, Asia, and Africa.

E-Commerce License

As digital businesses surge globally, the e-commerce license empowers entrepreneurs to sell products and services online. Investors can target both local and global customers, to build strong online brands with minimal physical presence. This license is especially attractive to startups and SMEs seeking scalability.

General Trading LIcense

The general trading license offers maximum flexibility by allowing multiple product categories under one company. Businesses can trade in diverse goods without restrictions to a specific sector. This license is perfect for managing large-scale product lines. It reduces the need to obtain separate licenses for each category, streamlining operations and helping businesses quickly expand into new industries.

Step-by-Step SPC Company Formation Process

1. Step 1: Online Registration  

Create an account on SPC’s digital portal, select your license type, and review business activity options.

2. Step 2: Decide on Office Options  

Choose between remote operations, flex-desks, co-working spaces, or private offices depending on your business requirements.

3. Step 3: Fee Payment  

Pay registration and license issuance fees. Transparent pricing ensures no hidden costs or unexpected charges.

4. Step 4: Document Submission  

Upload personal or corporate documents online. Ensure clarity and compliance to avoid delays in approvals.

5. Step 5: License Insurance   

Once approved, collect your licence and incorporation documents. Most licences are ready within a few working days.

6. Step 6: Visa & Banking Setup   

Apply for residency visas and open a UAE corporate bank account. SPC supports investor visas and smooth financial on-boarding.

Documents Required for SPC Company Formation

For Individual Shareholders

For Corporate Shareholders

How DSA Helps

Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey from initial planning to long-term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on-ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.

Business Planning & Jurisdiction Comparison
Trade Name Reservation & Licensing Approvals
Legal Documentation, Drafting & Translation
Workspace & Tenancy Solutions
Bank Account Opening & Compliance Setup
Visa & Immigration Processing
PRO & Legal Documentation Services
Post-Incorporation Support & Growth Enablement

Why Choose Us?

At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates.

Extensive Experience

End-to-End Service

Transparent Pricing

Global Perspective

Personalized Approach

Comprehensive Network

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, SPC allows up to five activities under a single license, offering operational flexibility.

No, SPC does not mandate office space. You may opt for flex-desks or shared offices if desired.

Most licences are issued within minutes to a few days, depending on activity type and documents.

SPC offers 0% corporate tax below AED 375,000. Profits above this are subject to the UAE’s 9% tax.

Yes, SPC permits both local and foreign entities to register branches or representative offices.

Publishing, media, consultancy, IT services, trading, and e-commerce are among the most common.

Yes, SPC licences allow international imports, exports, and cross-border e-commerce operations.

No, SPC allows full remote incorporation through digital processes.

Yes, companies can apply for visas and sponsor employees based on office size and package.

Yes, SPC investors can apply for 2-year or 5-year residency visas depending on eligibility.