Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)
2017
2K+
SPC
Physical Address
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, Al Zahia, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
About Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)
A specialized global hub for publishing and media with rapid setup and dual‑license capabilities
About Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone)
Established in 2017 as a visionary initiative by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) represents a groundbreaking development as the world’s first free zone dedicated exclusively to serving the global publishing industry. The free zone was conceived with a pioneering vision to create a specialized ecosystem where publishers, authors, literary agents, translators, illustrators, distributors, printers, and all book-related businesses could establish operations with strategic advantages in terms of industry-specific infrastructure, specialized services, and international market access. SPC Free Zone Authority, the governing body, has consistently focused on creating an environment that addresses the unique requirements of publishing professionals, establishing the zone as the premier destination for publishing businesses seeking to develop their operations in a dedicated industry hub with global reach and specialized support.
What distinguishes SPC Free Zone is its exclusive focus on the publishing industry and its comprehensive approach to supporting the entire publishing value chain. The free zone features purpose-built facilities designed specifically for publishing operations—from editorial offices and rights trading centers to printing facilities, warehousing solutions, and distribution networks—creating an integrated ecosystem where all aspects of publishing can be efficiently conducted within a single specialized environment. This industry-specific approach is complemented by specialized services including rights facilitation, translation support, printing coordination, distribution assistance, and international market access that address the unique operational requirements of publishing businesses. The zone’s strategic location in Sharjah, with its rich literary heritage and status as UNESCO World Book Capital 2019, creates a culturally significant environment for publishing professionals seeking to develop distinctive content with authentic perspectives and global appeal.
Publishing Industry Ecosystem
SPC Free Zone has developed a specialized publishing ecosystem supporting the complete spectrum of book-related activities—from content creation and editorial development to printing, binding, distribution, and retail operations. This integrated environment creates a dynamic community where publishing professionals and book-related businesses can establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative opportunities. The zone’s business model accommodates multiple publishing approaches—from traditional print publishing and digital publishing to specialized publishing services and book-related businesses, offering tailored solutions that align with specific publishing requirements and business objectives in today’s evolving literary landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes publishing excellence through a combination of specialized facilities, industry-specific services, and international market connections. This approach creates an environment where publishing professionals can focus on content development and market expansion while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive industry facilitation and global market access. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including business licensing, facility provision, industry networking, and administrative facilitation that enhances the capabilities of publishing enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and market-focused solutions designed specifically for publishing business development.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the SPC free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
E-commerce
Online trading and digital commerce
Education
Educational institutions and training
Media & Entertainment
Media production and entertainment
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose SPC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Publishing Industry Exclusivity
World's first free zone dedicated exclusively to the publishing industry, creating a specialized ecosystem for publishers, authors, and book-related businesses with industry-specific advantages and focused development.
Complete Publishing Value Chain
Comprehensive support for the entire publishing value chain from content creation and editorial development to printing, binding, distribution, and retail, enabling integrated publishing operations within a single specialized environment.
Industry-Specific Infrastructure
Purpose-built facilities designed specifically for publishing operations including publishing offices, editorial spaces, printing facilities, warehousing solutions, and distribution centers tailored to industry requirements.
Global Publishing Network
Strategic connections to international publishing markets, industry events, literary festivals, and book fairs, facilitating global market access and international rights trading for publishing businesses.
Specialized Publishing Services
Access to industry-specific services including rights facilitation, translation support, printing coordination, distribution assistance, and specialized publishing consultancy tailored to publishing business needs.
Literary Heritage Environment
Presence in Sharjah, UNESCO World Book Capital 2019, with its rich literary heritage, cultural emphasis, and commitment to publishing excellence, creating an inspiring environment for publishing professionals.
Publishing Business Support
Specialized business support addressing the unique requirements of publishing operations including editorial development, rights management, production coordination, and market distribution.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your publishing business without local partner requirements, giving international publishers full control over operations, editorial direction, and business development.
100% Repatriation of Capital & Profits
Full repatriation rights for capital investment and business profits without restrictions, providing financial flexibility and investment security for international publishing businesses.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, exemption from import and export duties for books and publishing materials, and absence of currency restrictions.
Intellectual Property Protection
Strong intellectual property protection framework with specialized support for copyright registration, publishing rights management, and content protection for literary works and publications.
Publishing Industry Networking
Regular industry events, publishing conferences, author sessions, and professional networking opportunities facilitating connections within the global publishing community.
Sharjah International Book Fair Integration
Strategic connection to Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the world's largest book fairs, providing exceptional market exposure, rights trading opportunities, and industry networking.
Translation Grant Access
Facilitated access to Sharjah's translation grant programs supporting the translation of works between Arabic and other languages, enhancing cross-cultural publishing opportunities.
Publishing-Focused Regulatory Framework
Progressive regulatory environment designed specifically to support publishing operations, content development, and literary business models with flexible approaches to evolving publishing practices.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 19-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)
Initial Consultation
1 day
Engage with SPC Free Zone consultants to discuss your publishing business objectives, editorial focus, and operational needs. This consultation addresses how your publishing venture can benefit from SPC's specialized ecosystem and identifies the optimal license type for your specific activities.
License Type Selection
1 day
Select the appropriate license type (Publishing, Printing, Distribution, or Service) based on your core publishing activities, operational focus, and business objectives within the publishing industry.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific publishing and book-related activities that align with your operational focus and business objectives, ensuring proper categorization within SPC's licensing framework.
Company Name Reservation
1-2 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Facility Selection
1-2 days
Identify and select your required facilities based on your publishing operations and budget considerations, choosing from publishing offices, editorial spaces, printing facilities, warehousing solutions, or distribution centers.
Document Preparation
2-3 days
Prepare and organize all required documentation including personal identification, publishing credentials, publication samples, and business information according to SPC Free Zone requirements.
Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with company information, shareholder details, and selected publishing activities to initiate the formal review process with SPC Free Zone Authority.
Document Submission
1 day
Submit required documentation including identification documents, publishing credentials, publication samples, and business information through the SPC application portal.
Application Review
2-3 days
Your application undergoes review by SPC authorities who evaluate publishing credentials, editorial focus, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the zone's publishing industry development strategy.
Initial Approval
1-2 days
Receive initial approval for your publishing business in SPC Free Zone, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific publishing activities.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Lease Agreement Signing
1 day
Formally execute the lease agreement for your selected facility, establishing the legal framework for your publishing premises in SPC Free Zone.
License Issuance
1-2 days
Receive your SPC Free Zone business license, officially authorizing your publishing company to operate within the free zone for specified publishing activities and operational functions.
Facility Handover
1 day
Take possession of your leased facility with formal handover of keys, access cards, and facility documentation, allowing you to begin preparation for your publishing operations.
Facility Setup
3-7 days
Prepare your facility for publishing operations including office setup, editorial workspace arrangement, equipment installation, and operational configuration according to your publishing requirements.
Immigration Card Issuance
2-3 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, editors, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your publishing team according to your visa allocation and operational requirements, with support from SPC's visa services department.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in the UAE, facilitating financial operations for your publishing business including royalty payments and international transactions.
Commencement of Operations
1 day
Launch your publishing business operations following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your publishing journey in SPC Free Zone.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (2 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Publishing profile
Comprehensive profile of your publishing business including publishing history, catalog information, market focus, and publishing specialization with details on previous publications and industry experience.
Permitted Activities
Book Publishing
Publication of books in various formats including hardcover, paperback, and digital editions across different genres, subjects, and reader segments
Magazine Publishing
Production and distribution of magazines, periodicals, and serial publications in print and digital formats across various subject areas and reader interests
Digital Publishing
Creation and distribution of digital publications including e-books, digital magazines, online journals, and electronic content for various platforms and devices
Academic Publishing
Publication of academic books, journals, research papers, educational materials, and scholarly content for educational institutions, researchers, and academic audiences
Children's Book Publishing
Specialized publication of children's books, picture books, young adult literature, and educational materials for young readers across different age groups
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, Al Zahia, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates