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SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City)

The Middle East's Premier Publishing and Media Hub

Established

2017

Companies

500+

Location

Sharjah

About SPC

Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone is the first and largest publishing free zone in the Middle East, dedicated to supporting the publishing, printing, packaging, and media industries. Established as part of Sharjah's vision to become a global cultural and intellectual hub, SPC offers comprehensive facilities and services for companies in the publishing ecosystem.

Governing Authority:Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone Authority
Official Website

Interested in setting up in SPC?

Let's discuss your requirements and find the best solution for your business.

Key Industries

Publishing
Printing
Packaging
Media Production
Digital Content Creation
Educational Publishing

Ideal For

Publishing HousesPrinting CompaniesMedia AgenciesContent CreatorsEducational Technology CompaniesDigital Publishing Platforms

License Types & Costs

Publishing License

For book publishing, magazine publishing, and digital content publishing activities

Starting from

18,000

AED

Activities Allowed

Publishing of books, magazines, journals, digital content, and educational materials

Printing License

For commercial printing, digital printing, and specialized printing services

Starting from

16,000

AED

Activities Allowed

Commercial printing, digital printing, packaging printing, and related printing services

Media Production License

For media content creation, production, and distribution services

Starting from

20,000

AED

Activities Allowed

Media production, content creation, video production, and digital media services

Processing Time

5-7 working days

Annual Renewal

Same as initial license fee

Validity

1 year, renewable

Need help choosing the right license type?

Our experts can guide you through the licensing options and help you select the best fit.

Visa Information

Available for shareholders, directors, and employees of licensed companies

2 visas

Desk Space

4 visas

Private Office

10+ visas based on size

Warehouse/Production Facility

Investor VisaEmployee VisaDependent VisaDomestic Helper Visa
Processing:7-10 working days
Golden Visa Eligible

Estimated Costs

License Fee
From 16,000 AED
Visa (per person)
~4,500 AED
Office Space
From 8,000 AED/year
Estimated First Year Total
35,000 - 75,000 AED
Approximate

Costs vary based on license type, office space requirements, and number of visas needed

Want a detailed cost breakdown for your business?

Request a personalized quote tailored to your specific business needs.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • First and largest publishing-focused free zone in the Middle East
  • Specialized infrastructure for printing and publishing operations
  • Strong government support for cultural and intellectual initiatives
  • Access to regional and international book markets
  • State-of-the-art printing and production facilities
  • Comprehensive distribution networks
  • Regular industry events and networking opportunities
  • Duty-free import of equipment and materials
  • Strategic location in Sharjah's cultural district

Considerations

  • Limited to publishing and media-related activities
  • Smaller business community compared to major free zones
  • Less diverse industry presence
  • Limited public transportation connectivity

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose SPC?

100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
Zero corporate tax on qualifying income
Full repatriation of capital and profits
No currency or exchange restrictions
World-class infrastructure and connectivity
Streamlined business registration process

Best For

  • Publishing Companies
  • Printing Businesses
  • Media Production Houses
  • Content Creators
  • Educational Publishers

Not Ideal For

  • General Trading Companies
  • Technology Startups
  • Financial Services
  • Manufacturing (non-printing)
  • Food and Beverage Businesses

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