SHAMS Business Setup in Sharjah
Sharjah Media City, known as SHAMS, is a free zone established by the Government of Sharjah in 2017.We help you identify the right licence, prepare accurate documents, and set up your SHAMS company with a clear plan from the start.
Licence From AED 8,050
One of the most affordable free zone licence packages in the UAE, with over 2,000 business activities available under one licence.
100% Foreign Ownership
No local sponsor required, zero corporate tax and zero personal income tax on qualifying income, with full repatriation of capital and profits.
Setup in 1 to 2 Weeks
Completed through a digital portal, with remote company registration available without visiting Sharjah in person.
Up to 6 Visas
Packages include up to 6 visas with options to increase as needed, plus flexi desk, shared office and private office choices.
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Why Choose SHAMS Free Zone
SHAMS was established by the Government of Sharjah in 2017, primarily for media, creative, digital, and technology businesses. Over time it expanded to include trading, consulting, and industrial activities.
It combines one of the lowest licence costs in the UAE with a fully digital setup process, making it a practical entry point for founders who want a credible UAE company without a heavy upfront investment.
Sharjah Media City
A media-first free zone that now serves trading, consulting and industrial activities.
- One of the most affordable free zone licence packages in the UAE, starting from AED 8,050
- Over 2,000 business activities available under one licence
- 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
- Zero corporate tax and zero personal income tax on qualifying income
- Full repatriation of capital and profits
- Setup completed in 1 to 2 weeks through a digital portal
- Located near Sharjah International Airport and close to Dubai Airport
- Flexi desk, shared office, and private office options available
- Media production services and creative infrastructure within the zone
- Up to 6 visas per package with options to increase as needed
- No mandatory annual audit for most SHAMS setups
- Remote company registration available without visiting Sharjah in person
Who Should Set Up in SHAMS
SHAMS suits founders who want a low cost, fast, and flexible UAE licence. These are the licence types and company structures available, and the businesses that most commonly choose the zone.
Licence Types Available in SHAMS
6- Service Licence: consultancy, management, IT, media, marketing and other professional service activities. The most popular licence in SHAMS.
- Trading Licence: importing, exporting and distributing tangible goods across a wide range of product categories.
- Media Licence: advertising, journalism, broadcasting, media production, PR agencies and social media businesses.
- Industrial Licence: manufacturing and production activities, including production, logistics and distribution operations.
- Freelance Permit: individual professionals offering services from a range of approved activities without registering a formal company.
- Consultancy Licence: professional advisory services including business, marketing, finance, legal and management consulting.
Company Structures in SHAMS
3- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): single shareholder company, suitable for solo business owners and individual investors.
- Free Zone Company (FZCO): two or more shareholders, suitable for partnerships and joint ventures.
- Branch Office: extension of an existing UAE or foreign company into the SHAMS free zone.
Media and Content Creators
Advertising agencies, content studios, video producers, broadcasters, and PR firms looking for a media hub with affordable costs.
Consultants and Service Providers
Management consultants, HR professionals, marketing agencies, business advisors, and training providers.
IT and Technology Companies
Software developers, web designers, app developers, digital marketing agencies, and tech startups.
Freelancers and Solo Entrepreneurs
Individual professionals in creative, tech, consulting, or digital fields who want a UAE company without high costs.
E-Commerce Businesses
Online retailers, dropshipping operations, and digital service providers selling to customers worldwide.
Traders and Product Businesses
Companies engaged in importing, exporting, and distributing goods looking for a cost effective UAE licence.
Our Process for SHAMS Company Setup
A clear, six step route from confirming your activity to receiving your licence and completing post-licence compliance.
Activity and Licence Review
We confirm your business activity is covered under SHAMS and identify the correct licence type and package for your needs.
Trade Name Reservation
We reserve your chosen company name with SHAMS following UAE naming regulations.
Document Preparation
Our team reviews and prepares passport copies, KYC details, shareholder information, and all supporting documents.
Application Submission
We submit your licence application through the SHAMS digital portal and coordinate with the authority on your behalf.
Licence Issuance and Workspace
We arrange your workspace (flexi desk or private office), collect your licence and company documents.
Post-Licence Support
We assist with visa processing, establishment card, bank account opening, VAT, corporate tax, payroll, and annual renewal.
SHAMS Application Checklist
Having these ready before you apply keeps your SHAMS application moving without avoidable delays.
Passport copies of all shareholders
UAE visa copy or last UAE entry stamp if available
Proposed company name options
Business activity details
Shareholder and director information
KYC and UBO details
Preferred workspace type (flexi desk, shared, or private office)
Number of visas needed
Parent company documents if applying as a branch
Why Work With Us for SHAMS Setup
SHAMS offers structured packages that bundle the licence, workspace, and visa allocation together. Costs vary based on the number of visas and workspace type, so choosing the right package matters.
As company setup consultants in Dubai, we match the package to your activity, visa needs and budget, then handle the application end to end.
Package Selection Guidance
We help you choose the right SHAMS package based on your activity, visa needs, and budget.
Document Accuracy
Our team reviews all application details before submission to reduce errors and approval delays.
Cost and Facility Clarity
We help you understand all licence, visa, workspace, and renewal costs upfront so you can plan accurately.
Compliance After Setup
We support accounting, VAT registration, corporate tax, payroll, and licence renewal after your company is formed.
Zero Visa Package
Starting from AED 8,050. Includes a trade licence and flexi desk access. Suitable for businesses that do not initially need UAE residency visas.
Starter Package
Includes the licence and a small number of visas. Suitable for solo founders or small teams. Pricing varies by activity and visa quota.
Standard Package
Includes up to 6 visas and suitable workspace. Best for growing teams and businesses that plan to sponsor employees.
Custom Package
For businesses needing a higher visa quota or private office space. SHAMS accommodates requirements beyond the standard packages.
Compare SHAMS With Other Northern Emirates Free Zones
SHAMS is one of several affordable Northern Emirates options. Compare it with the neighbouring free zones and mainland routes before you commit.
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Register for UAE corporate tax and keep your SHAMS company compliant with FTA requirements after incorporation.
SHAMS Business Setup FAQs
What is SHAMS free zone?
SHAMS stands for Sharjah Media City. It is a free zone established by the Government of Sharjah in 2017, primarily for media, creative, digital, and technology businesses. Over time it expanded to include trading, consulting, and industrial activities.
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