SHAMS Free Zone(Sharjah)
Sharjah Media City Freezone
(SHAMS)
Prices starting fromAED 5,750
If you want a free zone that keeps company formation simple, digital, and flexible, consider
Sharjah Media City. Shams Free Zone was established in 2017 as a free zone focused on
media and creativity in the UAE. Located in Al Messaned, Sharjah, the zone supports
startups, SMEs, freelancers, and growing businesses with licensing and post-setup
requirements.
Our 2026 setup guide will explain the reasons why SHAMS Sharjah is attractive for
entrepreneurs and how A&A Associate can assist you in setting up your business.
What Makes SHAMS Free Zone Different
With over 12,000 business registrations, Shams Sharjah is one of the fastest growing free
zones in 2026 and a go-to free zone for entrepreneurs:
- 100% digital setup
You can complete the process online, from application and payment to license
issuance. - Up to 5 activities on one license
SHAMS allows up to five business activities under one license, even across different
sectors. - 100% foreign ownership
You do not need a local partner to register a company in SHAMS. - No NOC needed
As a UAE resident, you can start your business in SHAMS without submitting a No
Objection Certificate from your current sponsor. - LLC name without ‘FZ’
It also allows registration as an LLC without the ‘FZ’ designation, which gives the
company name a more standard commercial feel. - Visa flexibility
Companies may apply for up to 20 visas per license, depending on the activity and
office.
The Leading Business Activities in SHAMS Sharjah
The name Sharjah Media City points to media, and it is still identified like that. But Shams
business setup is not limited to media-only. In fact, it has expanded to four main license
categories: Service, Trading, Industrial, and Holding.
The free zone supports a broad range of approved activities, including:
- Consultancy
- Media
- Trading
- E-commerce
- Service-based businesses
- Freelancer-style ventures
- Startup and SME operations
At A&A Associate, our consultant will help you with activity selection so you can set up in
the right direction.
A Step-by-Step Process for SHAMS Business Setup
If you want to learn about basic business license cost in Shams free zone, it starts from AED
5,750.
Step 1: Once you partner with A&A Associate, you get free consultation on how to
finalize the activity or combination of activities to add on the license. SHAMS allows up to
five.
Step 2: SHAMS offers business setup packages for different business types and goals.
We help you choose the package: zero visa, one visa or multi-visa package.
Step 3: At Shams free zone, you can register company with digital process, so our team
will help you get it done fast. With our support, you can get through registration, payment,
and license issuance online.
Step 4: If you need investor or employee visas, the company must have a valid e-
channel, immigration card, and visa allocation. Our post-setup services support the process
from entry permit or status change to medical test, health insurance, residence visa, and
Emirates ID.
Documents Required for SHAMS Company Formation
Starting a company in SHAMS is quite straightforward, but you still need to submit a few key
documents as part of the registration process. The document requirement can change
depending on your business activity and whether the shareholder is an individual or a
company.
- Client On-Boarding Form
- Authorized Signatory Form
- Declaration of Compliance: Legal & Regulatory
- Your Business Plan, if required for the activity or shareholder profile
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner Form, especially in cases of corporate shareholders
- Pre-approval forms, if the activity requires them
Other documents for checking identity and verification:
- Passport copies
- KYC verification, either online or in person
- Screening and due diligence checks, including background checks, passport checks, and client history review
These requirements are part of the standard process to verify the applicant, review the
proposed activity, and complete the compliance checks before the license is issued.
Compliance Requirements in Shams Free Zone
Corporate Tax
Free zone companies are not automatically outside UAE Corporate Tax. The Ministry of
Finance states that juridical persons established in a UAE free zone are within the scope of
Corporate Tax. A free zone person who is considered under category of a Qualifying Free
Zone Person can benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income. All taxable
persons, including free zone persons, must register for Corporate Tax.
VAT
Businesses that meet the mandatory UAE VAT threshold are required to register for VAT. In
addition, 5% VAT applies to certain products and services offered within the free zone.
UBO Compliance
SHAMS also requires companies to submit and maintain Ultimate Beneficial Ownership
information in line with UAE federal law.
You must consider these points because a company setup is not only about getting the
license but also religiously following the compliance requirements.
Partner with A&A Associate for Setting Up in Shams Free Zone
We are the UAE’s largest business advisory with expert consultants handling business of all
sizes across the country. Your Shams business setup is quite convenient with us. We will also
provide post-business setup services in Sharjah Media City.
Shape the future of your business with Sharjah media city or SHAMS. The freezone was established in January 2016 by the supreme council member and ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi by virtue of Emiri decree, no 10 of 2016. SHAMS or Sharjah media city freezone is located in the emirate of Sharjah, popularly known as the cultural capital of UAE. Sharjah media city was launched in the year 2017 with a vision to accompany media and creativity in the region. It has a unique mission to inspire business growth with creative entrepreneurship in the region. The SHAMS community provides a vibrant eco-system with great innovation where people live, learn and co-create. We can help you with company setup in SHAMS.
Business operations in the freezone requires a minimum share capital of AED 100,000 for all the business entities based in SHAMS but it’s optional as well. If you prefer to have share capital, then SHAMS will provide a bank letter to open bank account in the name of proposed business entity. Once, license is issued, utilize the capital amount for operational purposes. While choosing the capital option, the incorporation process may go longer.
In certain cases, a manager needs to be appointed who requires a resident visa of the company under the sponsorship of free zone authority. To validate the visa, the manager should enter the country at least once in six months.
Freezone Locations
Benefits of Company Setup in SHAMS
- Allow allocation of up to 6 visas on shared desk facility
- They don’t require initial deposits
- Get investor visas with no age limitations
- Get the ability to appoint corporate directors
- The companies will have limited liability
- Get 100% repatriation of profits and capital
- Get complete foreign ownership
- Free from corporate or personal tax
- Strategically located, 5 minutes from Sharjah Airport and 25 minutes from Dubai airport.
Facilities in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Sharjah Media City provides four facility options including shared desk, dedicated office, dedicated desk, and shared office space designed to serve clients. SHAMS community caters their needs and requirements, once the community is developed.
Structuring of Business Operations in the Freezones
The business operations in a Free Zone can be structured in either one of the following ways:
SHAMS LLC
(with one or up to
50 shareholders)
Part or branch
of a foreign
company
Part of a locally
incorporated
company
Features of Company Setup in SHAMS
- Sharjah media city can be incorporated with one or maximum 50 shareholders
- The shareholder can be either individual or corporate entity
- Capital requirement for SHAMS LLC is around AED 100,000. The capital contributed for SHAMS LLC can be used to run their operations. Initial deposit of capital amount is optional.
- Sharjah media city LLC need not file its audited annual accounts to the free zone authority.
- The companies in SHAMS LLC are regulated by the rules and regulations of the free zone authority.
Features of Branch Office
- Branch is usually an extension of the parent company
- They don’t require any minimum capital
- The audited financials are not required to be submitted to the FZ authority.
- The branch office has no special implementation rules and regulations in the free zone.
- The branch requires only a single manager
Sharjah media city freezone aims to build an innovative business hub for media industry. It supports a wide range of businesses who wish to embark in their entrepreneurial journey in UAE. Get a creative workspace in Sharjah media city to foster your business requirements!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of SHAMS?
SHAMS stands for Sharjah Media City free zone. The free zone mainly houses businesses in the media and technology industries.
Is SHAMS free zone good?
The SHAMS free zone is a cost-effective choice for entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in Sharjah, with modern infrastructure and a streamlined licensing procedure.
How much does Sharjah Freezone company cost?
Getting a license in a Sharjah free zone can cost around AED 5,500 to AED 10,000. The SHAMS free zone license costs AED 5,750.
How long does it take to get a visa for SHAMS free zone?
It takes around 1 week to get a visa for Sharjah Media City free zone. You can only get a visa after your trade license has been approved.
What is the minimum share capital for SHAMS?
There is no minimum share capital for SHAMS free zone. This makes it a cheaper business setup option than the mainland.
What are the benefits of SHAMS Freezone?
The Sharjah Media City free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax exemption, and the ability to repatriate your profits and capital. It is also one of the cheapest free zone in the UAE.
How to start a business in Sharjah free zone?
Business setup in a Sharjah free zone starts with getting initial approval from the relevant authority, applying for a trade license, and then opening a bank account.
Is UAE residency required to open a company in SHAMS?
No. UAE residency is not required to establish a company there.
Can I open a SHAMS company if I already have a UAE visa?
Yes. You can register a company using your existing visa, and no NOC is required from your
current sponsor.
What is the limit to add activities under one SHAMS license?
It is interesting that you can add up to five business activities under one license even if they
are from different sectors.
How many visas can a SHAMS company get?
The maximum you can get is up to 20 visas per license which also depends on the business
activity. Also, it also depends on the office space you choose.
Do SHAMS companies need VAT registration?
Only if they meet the mandatory VAT registration threshold under UAE law.
Is SHAMS only for media businesses?
No. SHAMS also supports activities like consultancy, trading, and e-commerce, in addition to media-related businesses.