Renting an Office in Sharjah
Attesting the lease
| Lease type | Attestation fee |
|---|---|
| Commercial | 5% of the annual rent, at least AED 500 |
| Investment | 3% of the annual rent, at least AED 1,000 |
| Residential | 4% of the annual rent |
| Each extra year or unit | AED 100 |
Source: Sharjah Municipality: Lease contract attestation service1
- The landlord must have the contract attested within 15 days; late attestation carries a penalty of twice the fee.
- Subleasing is allowed only to licensed legal entities with the landlord's written approval.
- Commercial leases also carry VAT at 5%.
Source: Sharjah Municipality: Tenancy contract template; Federal Tax Authority: VAT FAQ on real estate5,11
The 2024 rent law
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| First increase | No increase within 3 years of the start of the lease, unless both parties agree |
| Later increases | After an increase, no further increase for 2 years; later increases follow the fair rent |
| Eviction | Not before 5 years for commercial, industrial and professional leases (3 years for residential), except for the reasons listed in the law |
Source: Sharjah Official Gazette: Law No. 5 of 2024 on leasing real estate; WAM: Sharjah Ruler issues law on leasing real estate; Sharjah24: New Sharjah tenancy law2,3,4
The office market
Savills describes Sharjah's office sector as moving from a low-cost alternative to a more demand-led business hub. Demand is strongest for mid-market and Grade A offices, occupancy is improving and rents are rising steadily in well-located, higher-quality buildings.6
Savills expects moderate growth in 2026, supported by structural demand and limited Grade A supply, with medium-term performance depending on how quickly new buildings are delivered and let.6
Free zone offices in Sharjah
| Option | What is offered |
|---|---|
| SRTIP | Setup in 7 to 10 working days; zero-visa package AED 5,500, two-visa package AED 17,795; Maktabi coworking; SME offices of 20 to 27 sq m with up to 8 visas |
| Sheraa Startup Studio | A studio programme for 20 start-ups, with a free first-year SRTIP licence and coworking access |
| Shams | Packages from AED 5,750; up to 12 visas on a shared desk facility; no need to be in the UAE to incorporate |
Source: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park: Go global from Sharjah; Sheraa: Sharjah Startup Studio; Sharjah Media City (Shams): Home; Shams: Cost calculator7,8,9,10
Free zone prices change often and packages differ in what they include. Ask each authority for a written quote that lists the licence, the desk or office and the visa allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to attest an office lease in Sharjah?
5% of the annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500, paid to Sharjah Municipality.
Sources
- Sharjah Municipality: Lease contract attestation service
- Sharjah Official Gazette: Law No. 5 of 2024 on leasing real estate
- WAM: Sharjah Ruler issues law on leasing real estate
- Sharjah24: New Sharjah tenancy law
- Sharjah Municipality: Tenancy contract template
- Savills: Sharjah Industrial and Office Market Report Q1 2026
- Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park: Go global from Sharjah
- Sheraa: Sharjah Startup Studio
- Sharjah Media City (Shams): Home
- Shams: Cost calculator
- Federal Tax Authority: VAT FAQ on real estate
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.