What documents does a British national need to start a auto repair garage business in the UAE?

You will need a valid United Kingdom passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United Kingdom, attested documents via Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and a business plan for your auto repair garage venture.

How long does it take for a British citizen to set up a auto repair garage company in SHAMS?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Auto Repair Garage company in Sharjah Media City?

Yes, SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

Is Sharjah Media City good for auto repair garage start-ups?

SHAMS is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering budget-friendly from aed 6,150 and fast setup process. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 2,500 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

How much does it cost to set up an Auto Repair Garage business in Sharjah Media City?

The total setup cost for an Auto Repair Garage business in SHAMS starts from approximately AED 6,150 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,200 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What business activities can I include on my SHAMS licence?

Your SHAMS licence can include auto repair garage as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

What are the tax implications for an Auto Repair Garage business in Sharjah Media City?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in SHAMS may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Auto Repair Garage in Sharjah Media City for British nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Auto Repair Garage in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Auto Repair Garage

Setting up an Auto Repair Garage business in Sharjah Media City as a British citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to United Kingdom-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of British business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at SHAMS has been streamlined significantly, with most services licences processed within 2 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 6,150, making it one of the most affordable options in the UAE.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your auto repair garage business in Sharjah Media City. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why SHAMS for Auto Repair Garage?

Sharjah Media City is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for services businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers budget-friendly from aed 6,150, which is particularly valuable for auto repair garage operations. Additionally, fast setup process ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 2,500 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of SHAMS for auto repair garage professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your auto repair garage business for long-term success in the region. With Sharjah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, SHAMS remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For British nationals specifically, the Sharjah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large British business community.

Budget-friendly from AED 6,150

Fast setup process

100% foreign ownership

No physical office requirement

Media and creative focus

Visa Requirements for British Nationals

For British entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: British nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your auto repair garage business in SHAMS.

Banking for British Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your auto repair garage company in SHAMS: British nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. UK-regulated banking history is viewed favourably by UAE banks. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand British business structures.

Document Attestation for British Nationals

Document attestation for British nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in United Kingdom, (2) Attestation by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to auto repair garage businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid United Kingdom passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Completed application form for trade licence

5Relevant industry experience documentation

6Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

7Signed application form from SHAMS authority

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Regulatory Note: Auto Repair Garage is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from RTA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	6,150
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Flexi Desk	2,500
Shared Office	6,000
Private Office	15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 11,850

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your auto repair garage business plan and the best SHAMS licence options for British nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United Kingdom through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the auto repair garage licence application to SHAMS. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official SHAMS trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. British nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. British nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your auto repair garage business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including British nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Auto Repair Garage in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000