Why Shams?
SHAMS Freezone Business Setup is built for Innovators & Entrepreneurs
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is one of the UAE’s fastest-growing freezones, designed for creators, consultants, and content-driven businesses. Here’s what makes Shams the right choice:
Why us?
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- 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of profits
- No corporate or personal income tax
- Low-cost licenses for a wide range of activities
- Strategic location in Sharjah, with access to Dubai
Your one-stop Solution for Shams Freezone business Setup
Initial Consultation
We guide you in selecting the most suitable business activity and license type based on your goals.
Trade Name Registration
Your preferred company name is reserved in compliance with Shams Freezone naming guidelines.
Application & Documentation
We prepare and submit all required documents to Shams authorities for swift processing.
Bank Account Assistance
We help you open a UAE corporate bank account with the right financial partner.
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What You’ll Need
Documents Required for Shams Freezone Business Setup
- Passport copy of shareholders
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Proof of residence/address
- UAE entry stamp or visa copy (if available)
- Business activity details
Frequently Asked Questions
SHAMS, or Sharjah Media City Free Zone, is a dynamic free zone in Sharjah (near Dubai) specializing in media, creative, and tech sectors, offering 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate taxes, full profit repatriation, and a quick setup process without physical office requirements. It's ideal for startups, freelancers, and SMEs due to its affordable packages. It has wide activity range (over 150 options like consulting and e-commerce), and efficient digital onboarding, making it a cost-effective alternative to Dubai zones for global entrepreneurs.
No. Shams supports over 200 activities, including consulting, trading, IT services, e-commerce, and more.
The process typically takes 5-7 business days from application to license issuance, with initial approvals in 1-2 days and visa processing adding 7-10 days. Remote digital submission minimizes delays, though regulated activities may require external nods, making it faster than mainland setups.
Yes. Shams offers visa-inclusive license packages, allowing you to apply for residence visas for you and your team.
No. Shams allows virtual setups, though physical spaces are available for larger teams or specific business needs.
The SHAMS setup process is streamlined and can be completed in 5-7 business days remotely: choose your business activity and structure (e.g., LLC or sole establishment), select a trade name, submit an online application with documents, pay fees, obtain initial approval, and receive your license. Post-license, apply for visas if needed, with no physical presence required during registration, allowing focus on operations like media production or trading
SHAMS offers four main license types: services for consulting and IT, industrial for manufacturing and production, trading for import/export and e-commerce, and holding for asset management and investments. You can combine up to three activities per license, with options tailored to creative industries like media and design, ensuring flexibility for over 150 approved activities without annual audits or minimum capital.
SHAMS allows up to six residence visas per company (investor, employee, or dependent), valid for 3 years, with processing in 7-10 days including medical tests and Emirates ID. No physical office is needed for visa eligibility, and applications follow license issuance; golden visa options are available for qualifying investors, supporting remote operations.
SHAMS provides 100% foreign ownership, no taxes or duties, fast 5-7 day setups, and no physical office requirement, making it more affordable and efficient than zones like DMCC or JAFZA. It supports creative sectors with specialized media facilities, unrestricted fund transfers, and easy visa quotas, ideal for international entrepreneurs seeking quick market entry
Annual renewals cost similar to setup fees, with no audits unless requested, and mandatory corporate tax filings (0% on qualifying income) under UAE rules. Update shareholder details as needed, renew visas every 3 years, and maintain records for economic substance compliance to avoid penalties.
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What is SHAMS Free Zone?
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is a modern UAE free zone built for media, creative, tech, and service businesses, offering super-fast digital company setup and flexible licensing near Dubai and Sharjah airports. It allows 100% foreign ownership, profit repatriation, and a low-cost entry without needing a physical office for many license packages. SHAMS provides 120+ approved business activities and a streamlined online process for rapid launch.
Benefits of SHAMS Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and quick Shams Freezone licensing with minimal paperwork.
- Low-cost entry packages and the option to start without renting a physical office to reduce startup costs.
- Wide range of activities across media, creative, tech, e-commerce, consulting, and services, with 120+ options listed by SHAMS.
- Strategic location: 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, helping with travel and logistics.
- Visa service flexibility and new bank account opening support, with user-friendly online applications and SHAMS support teams available.
What is the license cost of SHAMS Free Zone?
SHAMS free zone license cost is known for being affordable, with entry packages commonly known from about AED 6,000 for a zero-visa media license. You can reach out to the industry expert in setting up business in Dubai, such as Universus Consulting, to get information on current package details and a cost calculator to estimate the total setup based on license type, activities, and visas.
According to Market trends, the typical service ranges from AED 6,000 - AED 12,000+ for basic setups, with higher bundles for visa and immigration services. Visa-related costs (medical, Emirates ID, and processing) are additional services and vary by package and urgency.
What is the Validity of a SHAMS License?
A SHAMS license is generally issued for 1 year and renewed annually, with renewal totals varying by activity type, office location, and the requirement of a visa package.
The cost for such services can vary widely (e.g., AED9,000–AED20,000+), depending on the chosen package and add-ons. So, confirming the exact renewal quote with your business consultancy is best practice.
What sort of business can be set up in SHAMS Free Zone?
SHAMS supports more than 120 activities, including media production, advertising, design, IT, e-commerce, consulting, education, and other service sectors, enabling both creative and non-creative businesses to launch under suitable license categories. Entrepreneurs can combine activities within a license and set up as a new entity or a branch with defined document requirements.
SHAMS Business Setup: Simple Step-by-Step
- Choose activities and license type (e.g., media, service, commercial) using SHAMS’ activities list and packages.
- Get a real-time estimate using the SHAMS cost calculator to plan within our budget and visas.
- Prepare documents: passports, UBO forms, business plan, and for branches, parent company documents like Certificate of Incorporation and Good Standing.
- Apply online or let your agency do the rest.
- Receive incorporation documents (License, Certificate of Incorporation, MoA/AoA, Lease Agreement) and proceed with establishment/immigration cards.
- Process visas (entry permit, medical, biometrics), then apply for Emirates ID and open a corporate bank account.