What documents does a Pakistani national need to start a real estate development business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for a Pakistani citizen to set up a real estate development company in Sharjah DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Real Estate Development company in Sharjah DED?

Most of the setup process for a real estate development business in Sharjah DED 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.

How much does it cost to set up a Real Estate Development business in Sharjah Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Real Estate Development business in Sharjah DED starts from approximately AED 7,500 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,500 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 Real Estate Development business in Sharjah DED?

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 RERA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Real Estate Development business in Sharjah Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Real Estate Development Sharjah DED company costs approximately AED 7,500, 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 are the tax implications for a Real Estate Development business in Sharjah Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Real Estate Development in Sharjah Mainland for Pakistani nationals

MainlandReal EstateRegulated Activity

Real Estate Development in Sharjah DED

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Real Estate Development

As a Pakistani national looking to establish a Real Estate Development business in Sharjah Mainland, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Pakistan has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Pakistani professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a mainland entity regulated under Sharjah's commercial laws, your Real Estate Development business will benefit from cost-effective setup and adjacent to dubai. The Sharjah DED licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 7,500.

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

Why Sharjah DED for Real Estate Development?

There are several compelling reasons why Sharjah Mainland continues to attract real estate development entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective setup, which is particularly valuable for real estate development operations. Additionally, adjacent to dubai ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 4,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade across the UAE further enhances the appeal of Sharjah DED for real estate development professionals. Furthermore, industrial areas available positions your real estate development business for long-term success in the region. With Sharjah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Sharjah DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established real estate enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Cost-effective setup

Adjacent to Dubai

Trade across the UAE

Industrial areas available

Growing business hub

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Business visa or residence visa can be sponsored by the company once incorporated. Once your real estate development licence is issued by Sharjah DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Pakistani Business Owners

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

Document Attestation for Pakistani Nationals

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

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

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

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

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

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

Regulatory Note: Real Estate Development is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from RERA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	7,500
Visa Package (per visa)	3,500
Ejari Office	8,000
Co-Working	4,000
Private Office	15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 19,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your real estate development business plan and the best Sharjah DED licence options for Pakistani nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the real estate development licence application to Sharjah DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Sharjah DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your real estate development business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Pakistani nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including real estate development.

Real Estate Development 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