What documents does a German national need to start a laundry services business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Germany passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Germany, attested documents via German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille, and a business plan for your laundry services venture.

How long does it take for a German citizen to set up a laundry services 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 Laundry Services business in Sharjah Media City?

The total setup cost for a Laundry Services 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 documents do I need to set up a Laundry Services business in SHAMS?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What business activities can I include on my SHAMS licence?

Your SHAMS licence can include laundry services 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.

Can I get a residence visa with my Laundry Services licence from SHAMS?

Yes, your laundry services licence from SHAMS entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 3 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,200.

What are the tax implications for a Laundry Services 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.

Laundry Services in Sharjah Media City for German nationals

Free ZoneServices

Laundry Services in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Laundry Services

As a German national looking to establish a Laundry Services business in Sharjah Media City, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Germany has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of German professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Sharjah's commercial laws, your Laundry Services business will benefit from budget-friendly from aed 6,150 and fast setup process. The SHAMS licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 6,150.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your laundry services setup in SHAMS. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why SHAMS for Laundry Services?

There are several compelling reasons why Sharjah Media City continues to attract laundry services entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers budget-friendly from aed 6,150, which is particularly valuable for laundry services 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 laundry services professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your laundry services 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 German nationals specifically, the Sharjah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large German 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 German Nationals

For German entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: German nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 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 laundry services business in SHAMS.

Banking for German Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your laundry services company in SHAMS: German nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong German-UAE trade relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand German business structures.

Document Attestation for German Nationals

Document attestation for German nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Germany, (2) Attestation by German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to laundry services businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Germany passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

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

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Completed application form for trade licence

7Detailed business plan or activity description

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

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 laundry services business plan and the best SHAMS licence options for German nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Germany through German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the laundry services 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. German nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your laundry services 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 German nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Laundry Services 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