What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a general contracting business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Egypt, attested documents via Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your general contracting venture.

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a general contracting 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.

How much does it cost to set up a General Contracting business in Sharjah Media City?

The total setup cost for a General Contracting 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.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a General Contracting 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my SHAMS General Contracting licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from SHAMS, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What are the annual renewal costs for a General Contracting business in Sharjah Media City?

The annual licence renewal for a General Contracting SHAMS company costs approximately AED 6,150, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

What business activities can I include on my SHAMS licence?

Your SHAMS licence can include general contracting 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.

General Contracting in Sharjah Media City for Egyptian nationals

Free ZoneConstructionRegulated Activity

General Contracting in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About General Contracting

The UAE continues to attract Egyptian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and SHAMS is one of the most popular jurisdictions for general contracting operations. Large Arab expatriate community (~400,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Sharjah Media City gives your General Contracting business access to Sharjah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Municipality before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up general contracting businesses in Sharjah Media City since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why SHAMS for General Contracting?

Choosing SHAMS for your general contracting business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers budget-friendly from aed 6,150, which is particularly valuable for general contracting 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 general contracting professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your general contracting 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 construction enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

For Egyptian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your general contracting business in SHAMS.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your general contracting company in SHAMS: Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Egyptian business structures.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Document attestation for Egyptian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Egypt, (2) Attestation by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to general contracting businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Signed application form from SHAMS authority

Regulatory Note: General Contracting is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Municipality 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 general contracting business plan and the best SHAMS licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Egypt through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the general contracting 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. Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your general contracting 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 Egyptian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

General Contracting in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750