Sharjah Publishing City Company Setup 2026 | SPC Free Zone Guide

COMPANY SETUP IN SHARJAH PUBLISHING CITY

Welcome to Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)

Sharjah Publishing City, located in the cultural heart of the UAE, is a specialized free zone dedicated to the printing and publishing industries. Managed by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, SPC offers an ideal environment for publishers and entrepreneurs. Covering 400,000 square meters, SPC provides state-of-the-art facilities, including premium office and storage spaces.

Benefits of Establishing a Business in SPC

Cost-Effective Office Spaces:

• Starting at AED 1,350 per square meter, offices are available in both furnished (AED 1,550/sqm) and unfurnished options.
• Sizes begin at a minimum of 25 square meters, complete with utilities, parking, and cleaning services.

Warehouse Options:

Prefabricated warehouses vary in size and cost:

• 125 sqm (22 sqm office + 103 sqm storage) for AED 15,000/year
• 190 sqm (integrated office and storage space) for AED 110,000/year
• 400 sqm (integrated office and storage space) with pricing confirmed by the authority

Quick Licensing and Legal Benefits:

• Business licenses can be issued within 24 hours.
• Options for Commercial Business Licenses and Professional/Service Licenses.
• SPC offers facility and lease options for eligible businesses. Exact terms depend on the package, authority approval and current free zone rules.
• Simplified legal processes for business setup.
• Full ownership of assets and profit repatriation.

Tax and Employment Advantages:

• Tax and customs treatment depends on the selected activity, qualifying status, transaction type, documentation and UAE tax/customs rules. Confirm treatment with a qualified advisor.
• Legal capacity to hire a full international workforce.
• Support for local sponsorship and electronic visa channels for employees.

Strategic Location and Support

Sharjah Publishing City is strategically positioned, providing easy access to global markets and a supportive infrastructure for the publishing industry. The SPC team offers comprehensive support services to facilitate a smooth business setup process, ensuring your venture's success from day one.

Empower Your Publishing Business with SPC

At Sharjah Publishing City, we are committed to fostering a thriving environment for the publishing community. Our extensive resources, strategic location, and supportive services make SPC the ideal choice for publishers and entrepreneurs looking to expand their horizons.

Explore the full potential of Sharjah Publishing City and discover how we can assist you in achieving your business goals by visiting UAE Free Zone Finder - Sharjah Publishing City.

Frequently Asked Questions — Sharjah Publishing City

What is Sharjah Publishing City and what industries does it serve?

Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) is the world's first free zone dedicated to the publishing and book industry. Located in Sharjah — the UAE's cultural capital — it serves publishers, authors, printers, distributors, digital content creators, and education technology companies.

How much does a Sharjah Publishing City licence cost?

SPC offers competitive pricing for publishing and creative businesses. Trade licences typically start from approximately AED 10,000–16,000 per year. Packages are tailored for individual authors, small publishers, and large publishing houses alike.

Can non-publishing businesses set up in Sharjah Publishing City?

While SPC's primary focus is publishing and creative industries, it also permits a range of complementary activities including digital content production, e-learning, media, design, and technology services relevant to the knowledge economy.

What events and networking opportunities does SPC offer?

SPC businesses benefit from close ties to the Sharjah International Book Fair — one of the world's largest book fairs — as well as the broader Sharjah cultural ecosystem. This provides significant networking, distribution, and visibility opportunities for publishers.

Does Sharjah Publishing City provide UAE residence visas?

Yes — SPC offers UAE residence visas as part of its business packages. Standard packages typically include 1–2 visas, with additional visa allocations available. Companies can sponsor employees and family members through their SPC licence.