A consultancy license in Sharjah allows businesses to provide professional advisory services in areas such as management, marketing, education, finance, and technology.
Many entrepreneurs choose a Sharjah free zone for consultancy business setup because it offers:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Competitive license costs
- Tax benefits
- Fast company formation process
- Access to local and international markets
These advantages make Sharjah a practical option for professionals and companies looking to establish a consultancy business in the UAE.
Requirements for a Consultancy License in Sharjah Free Zone
The process of applying for a consultancy license in Sharjah free zone involves meeting specific eligibility criteria. Though the process is simple and straightforward, it needs necessary documents to ensure uninterrupted business setup.Â
Business Plan:
A business plan is the highlight of activities that your consultancy business will be implementing. It should include incorporation details, key offerings or services with clearly specified roles such as management consulting, IT Consulting, Financial Advisory, etc.
Shareholders and Directors:
The different types of consultancy setups in the Sharjah free zone are sole proprietorship, LLC and established branch office. Irrespective of the company structure, each setup requires a minimum of one shareholder or owner. It requires passport copies of all shareholders and directors involved in the setup.Â
Qualification Proof:
Depending on the consultancy segment like education, IT, media, etc, it is mandatory to validate expertise of shareholders by providing professional qualifications or industry-specific certifications.
Office Space:
In most cases, lease of an office space is included in packages of consultancy license Sharjah. Having said that, it is important to have official documents in place. You can provide proof of leasing or virtual space in the selected free zone like SRTI Park.Â
Application Form:
The application form for license should be filled, completed and submitted to the free zone authority to show expression of interest in setting up a consultancy and obtaining a Sharjah free zone consultancy license.
Activities You Can Do Under a Consultancy License in the UAE
A consultancy license allows you to provide professional advice and advisory services in a specific field. The exact activities depend on the license category and licensing authority.
Common consultancy activities include:
- Business consultancy
- Management consultancy
- Marketing consultancy
- Human resources consultancy
- IT consultancy
- Financial consultancy
- Education consultancy
- Engineering consultancy
- Real estate consultancy
- Legal consultancy (subject to approvals)
- Project management consultancy
- Corporate advisory services
- Startup consultancy
- Feasibility study services
- Training and professional development consultancy
Cost of a Consultancy License in the UAE
The cost of a consultancy license in the UAE typically ranges from AED 5,500 to AED 25,000+, depending on the jurisdiction and package selected.
| License Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Free Zone Consultancy License | AED 5,500 – AED 15,000+ |
| Mainland Consultancy License | AED 12,000 – AED 25,000+ |
The total cost may also include:
- Visa fees
- Emirates ID fees
- Medical test fees
- Establishment card fees
- Office or flexi-desk fees
The final cost depends on the business activity, number of visas required, and office space requirements. SRTIP free zone offer consultancy license packages starting from around AED 5,500.
Documents Required for a Consultancy License
The documents required may vary depending on the shareholder’s nationality and business structure. However, the standard requirements include:
- Passport copy of all shareholders
- Passport-sized photograph
- UAE visa copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents)
- Completed license application form
- Proposed company name
- Business activity details
Additional documents may be required for certain consultancy activities that require professional qualifications or regulatory approvals.
Once the documents are submitted and approved, the licensing authority can proceed with the company registration and license issuance process.
Process to Obtain a Consultancy License in Sharjah Free Zone
The process of obtaining a consultancy license in Sharjah free zone is dedicated to professionals seeking an easy approach. Here’s a step by step guide to navigate the process.
Define Business Activity
Even in a consultancy business, determining the specific activity is necessary. It includes key offerings and type of service like IT Consulting, Financial Consulting, Career or Education Consulting, etc.Â
Decide Your Business Structure
The type of consultancy setup is the legal structure that validates establishment of business. You can decide between sole proprietorship, LLC (in case of multiple shareholders) and Branch office.
Submit Application and Documents
Every free zone authority or business setup authority requires preparing and submission of the required documents. It includes passport copies of shareholders and directors, business plan and complete application form to the Free Zone authority.
Fee Payment
After submitting the application, the relevant free zone authority reviews the application. To complete the initial approval process, you will be required to pay the applicable fees which allows you to proceed with visa applications and other formalities.
Obtain the Consultancy License
After completing all steps and meeting compliance requirements, the Free Zone authority will issue the consultancy license, which will legitimate your business operations.
Conclusion
For consultants, obtaining a consultancy license in Sharjah Free Zone is an ideal option, especially for those planning to enter into entrepreneurship and establish a presence in the UAE. The optimistic business environment possesses minimal bureaucracy to make Sharjah Free Zones an excellent platform for growth and expansion of consultancy business.
If you are seeking support in meeting the required eligibility and embark on your consultancy business journey, SRTIP Accelerator can provide you complete support and a structured license approach in Sharjah free zone.Â
Connect with our team and make it a smart choice for your consultancy setup in Sharjah.









