What documents does a Bangladeshi national need to start a pharmacy business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for a Bangladeshi citizen to set up a pharmacy 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.

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

The annual licence renewal for a Pharmacy 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.

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

The total setup cost for a Pharmacy 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.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Pharmacy company in SHAMS?

Most of the setup process for a pharmacy business in SHAMS can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Is Sharjah Media City good for pharmacy 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.

What documents do I need to set up a Pharmacy 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. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by DHA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Pharmacy in Sharjah Media City for Bangladeshi nationals

Free ZoneHealthcareRegulated Activity

Pharmacy in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Pharmacy

The UAE continues to attract Bangladeshi entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and SHAMS is one of the most popular jurisdictions for pharmacy operations. Fourth-largest expatriate community in the UAE (~700,000), 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 Pharmacy 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 DHA before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up pharmacy 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 Pharmacy?

Choosing SHAMS for your pharmacy 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 pharmacy 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 pharmacy professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your pharmacy 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 healthcare enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Bangladeshi nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your pharmacy licence is issued by SHAMS, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Bangladeshi Business Owners

Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. For your pharmacy business in SHAMS, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Bangladeshi business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Bangladesh-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Bangladeshi Nationals

Bangladeshi nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for pharmacy), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to SHAMS.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Bangladesh passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Regulatory Note: Pharmacy is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from DHA 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 pharmacy business plan and the best SHAMS licence options for Bangladeshi nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the pharmacy 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. Bangladeshi nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your pharmacy 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 Bangladeshi nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Pharmacy 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