SHAMS Overview
Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) was established in 2017 by the Sharjah Government for media, consulting, trading, and service businesses. Under the Sharjah Media Council, it supports digital businesses, startups, e-commerce, and IT firms. SHAMS offers multi-activity licensing with a single license and serves as a cost-effective alternative to some Dubai free zones. Companies can open UAE corporate bank accounts, operate internationally, and may qualify for 0% corporate tax on eligible income under the UAE Corporate Tax regime.
Is SHAMS Free Zone a Good Option for Company Formation?
SHAMS offers one of the most attractive and cost-effective business setups in UAE
Low-cost setup
SHAMS provides lower license and setup costs than many UAE free zones, making it ideal for startups and small businesses forming a UAE company.
Multi-Activity License
SHAMS allows multiple business activities under a single license, including commercial, professional, media, consulting, and trading activities.
Fast Incorporation
Complete business setup within 3-5 working days. Streamlined digital processes for quick license issuance.
Flexible Workspace
Flexi Desk included in all packages. Upgrade to dedicated desks, private offices, or Shams Studios for media production.
Strategic Location
Minutes from Sharjah International Airport. Excellent connectivity with access to major UAE banks and international markets.
Up to 20 Visas
No minimum capital requirement, no mandatory audit for many licenses, and flexible visa allocation up to 20 per license.
List of Shams Freezone Business Activities
SHAMS supports a wide range of business activities across media, commercial, professional, and industrial sectors
Media & Creative
- Video production & photography
- Digital content creation
- Podcast production
- Animation & broadcasting
- Social media management
Trading Activities
- Wholesale & retail trade
- Import/export operations
- General Trading License
- Online trading platforms
- E-commerce operations
Service & Consultancy
- Management consulting
- IT & software development
- Marketing & design
- HR advisory services
- Financial advisory
Industrial
- Light manufacturing
- Assembly & packaging
- Warehousing & storage
- Raw material processing
Construction
- Project management consulting
- Engineering services
- Architectural consulting
- Technical inspection
Multi-Activity
- Up to 5 activities included
- Combine commercial & service
- Cross-category options
- Additional activities available
License Types Available in Shams Freezone
Choose the right license type based on your business activities and requirements
Service & Consultancy
For IT, marketing, HR, and advisory services
- Consulting services
- IT & software
- Marketing & design
Media or Standard
Media License
For production, broadcasting, and podcasting
- Video production
- Content creation
- Studio access
Media Package
Trading
For import, export, and e-commerce operations
- Import/export
- Online trading
- Distribution
Standard Package
Industrial
For manufacturing and assembly operations
- Light manufacturing
- Assembly
- Processing
Custom Pricing
What types of companies can be formed in SHAMS Free Zone?
Choose the right company structure for your business needs
SHAMS LLC
Independent legal entity with liability limited to shareholder capital. Both standard packages issue the license directly as an LLC.
- License issued as LLC from day one
- Separate legal identity from shareholders
- No mandatory minimum share capital
- Personal asset protection
- Eligible for up to 20 UAE residency visas
Requirements:
Passport copies, completed application form, three proposed company names, selected activity codes
SHAMS Branch Company
An extension of an existing company operating under the parent entity’s name. No separate share capital required.
- LNo share capital required
- Maintains parent identity
- Centralized control
- Test UAE market demand
Required Documents:
Parent company certificate, board resolution, memorandum and articles, branch manager passport copy
| Structure | Shareholders | Best For | Capital Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHAMS LLC | 1 or more | New businesses, startups, entrepreneurs | No minimum |
| Branch of Existing Company | Same as parent | Corporate expansions, international brands | No share capital |
SHAMS Freezone License Cost & Fees 2026
Transparent pricing with no hidden charges. Start your business from AED 5,760
License Fees
| Media Package | AED 5,760 |
| Standard Package | AED 6,885 |
| Installment (Monthly) | AED 480 |
| Additional Activity | AED 1,000 |
Visa Costs
| Investor Visa (2-3 years) | AED 4,320-5,720 |
| Employee Visa | AED 3,750-4,500 |
| Visa Renewal | Every 2-3 years |
| Max Visas per License | Up to 20 |
Additional Costs
| Establishment Card | AED 1,575 |
| E-Channel Registration | AED 2,500 |
| E-Channel Renewal | AED 1,200 |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory |
Year 1 Cost Breakdown
License Fee (Media)AED 5,760
Establishment CardAED 1,575
E-Channel RegistrationAED 2,500
Investor Visa & FeesAED 4,320-5,720
Year 1 TotalAED 14,155-15,555
Year 2+ Renewal Costs
License RenewalAED 5,760-6,885
Establishment CardAED 1,575
E-Channel RenewalAED 1,200
Health InsuranceAs per UAE law
Annual Renewal~AED 8,500+
30-50% lower than Dubai free zones
How Does SHAMS Compare to Dubai and Other UAE Free Zones?
See how SHAMS compares to other UAE free zones in terms of cost, speed, and flexibility
| Factor+ | SHAMS | SPCFZ | RAKEZ | IFZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| License Cost | AED 5,760 | AED 6,875 | AED 7,250 | AED 7,500 |
| Visa Allocation | Up to 20 | Up to 6 | Up to 3 | Up to 3 |
| Media Facilities | Shams Studios | Limited | No | No |
| Setup Time | 3-5 Days | 5-7 Days | 5-7 Days | 5-7 Days |
| Installment Option | Yes (AED 480/mo) | No | No | No |
| Banking Partners | Emirates NBD, Invest Bank | Limited | RAK Bank | Limited |
What documents are required to set up a company in SHAMS Free Zone?
Prepare these documents for a smooth and fast registration process
Personal Documents
- Passport copy (colored, valid 6+ months) for all shareholders and managers
- Visa copy or Entry Permit if inside UAE
- Emirates ID for residents
- Digital passport photo with white background
- Proof of address (utility bill, tenancy contract, or bank statement dated within last 3 months)
Business Documents
- Completed SHAMS application form
- Three proposed company name options
- Selected business activity codes
- For Branch: Parent company certificate, board resolution, MOA
Documents Received After Registration
- Trade License
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Share Certificate
- Establishment Card
- Registration Certificate
Document Quality Requirements
- All documents must be clearly scanned with no shadows or blurred areas
- Colored copies where specified
- Uploaded following digital procedures
- Submitted promptly to avoid processing delays
Shams Freezone business setup process
Complete your SHAMS business setup in 9 simple steps. SHAMS company formation typically takes 3–5 working days.
Select Package & Activities
Choose Media Package (AED 5,760) for creative work or Standard Package (AED 6,885) for consulting and trading.
Choose Structure
New businesses choose LLC. Existing companies choose Branch structure.
Submit Documents
Juriszone reviews all submissions before sending them to SHAMS for approval.
Receive License
SHAMS issues your trade license and company registration certificate.
Establishment Card
Obtain Establishment Card required before any visa application (1-2 days).
Entry Permit
Apply for Entry Permit valid for 60 days (2-3 working days).
Medical & Biometrics
Complete medical test and biometric submission at approved UAE center.
Emirates ID
Receive Emirates ID mandatory for banking and government services (3-5 days).
Bank Account
Open corporate bank account with Emirates NBD or Invest Bank.
What Visa Options Are Available in SHAMS Free Zone?
Comprehensive visa solutions for you and your family. Both packages support up to 20 visas.
Investor / Partner Visa
Valid up to 3 years for shareholders of SHAMS companies.
- Costs AED 4,320-5,720
- Renewable with ability to sponsor dependents
- Requires medical test, Emirates ID biometrics
- Approved medical insurance required
Employee Visa
2-3 year validity based on employment contract.
- Employment contract required
- Aligned with UAE labor standards
- Medical insurance coverage required
- No NOC required from SHAMS
Dependent Visa Support
Sponsor your family members in the UAE.
- Sponsor spouse, children, parents
- Minimum salary requirements apply
- Submit passport copies, Emirates ID, proof of accommodation
- Medical insurance coverage required
Processing Timeline
Fast and efficient visa processing options.
- Entry Permit: 2-5 days
- Medical + Emirates ID: 3-5 days
- Final stamping: 5-7 days
- VIP processing: 24 hours (AED 1,500-2,000)
What Workspace and Office Options Are Available in SHAMS Free Zone?
Choose from a range of workspace solutions tailored to your business needs
INCLUDED
Flexi Desk
Shared workspace access, business address, limited visa quotas, digital meeting rooms.
- Business address included
- 1-3 visa quota
- Meeting room access
- Satisfies economic substance
UPGRADE
Dedicated Desk
Fixed private workstation assigned exclusively to you.
- Fixed private workstation
- Enhanced visa quota
- Professional environment
- Additional cost applies
UPGRADE
Dedicated Office
Fully private enclosed workspace for teams of three or more.
- 24/7 secured access
- Private workstations
- Higher visa quotas
- Full privacy for your team
MEDIA ONLY
Shams Studios
Professional filming and photography space for content creators.
- Professional filming space
- Photography facilities
- Access to Sharjah Art Foundation
- Included in Media Package
MEDIA ONLY
Podcast Room
Dedicated audio recording space for podcast production and voice-over work.
- Audio recording space
- Podcast production
- Voice-over work
- Audio journalism
AMENITIES
On-Site Amenities
Additional facilities available within the free zone.
- FitGro Gym access
- Al Fayy Restaurant
- Minutes from Sharjah Airport
- Air Arabia hub connectivity
What banks work with SHAMS companies?
SHAMS companies can open corporate bank accounts in the UAE. Shams’s reputation as a trusted Free Zone Authority helps businesses obtain banking support.
Partnered Banks
Emirates NBD
Invest Bank
Mashreq
RAKBank
ADCB
WIO
Required Documents
- Trade License
- Establishment Card
- Memorandum & Articles
- Colored passport copies
- Visa copies
- Emirates ID (residents)
- UBO Declaration
- Proof of address
JurisZone Advantage
- 92% first-time approval rate
- Direct banking relationships
- Document preparation support
- Application guidance
- Fast-track processing
- Multi-bank options
Timeline
- Initial review: 1-2 days
- Document submission
- Bank compliance check
- Account activation
- Online banking setup
- Debit card delivery
Registration, Licensing & Compliance
Stay compliant with UAE regulations and maintain your business in good standing
Naming Policy Rules
- Names must not include offensive or inappropriate terms
- Must not violate religious or political norms
- Must not reference government authorities
- Must reflect business identity accurately
- Ensures all legal entities maintain professional corporate identity
KYC & AML Requirements
- UBO declarations mandatory
- Due diligence checks
- Shareholder verification
- Activity-based compliance rules
- SHAMS works with UAE government systems to maintain transparent records
Renewal Requirements
- Annual Trade License renewal
- Annual Establishment Card renewal
- 2-3 year visa renewals
- Renewals ensure company remains active and compliant
External Approvals
- Sharjah Media Council (licensing)
- Sharjah Municipality (civil compliance)
- SEDD (commercial standards)
- Sharjah Police (security)
- Federal Tax Authority (corporate tax)
Why Choose Juriszone for SHAMS Free Zone Company Formation
Trusted by over 200 SHAMS companies with 92% first-time banking approval
200+
SHAMS Formations
92%
Banking Approval Rate
4.2
Days Average Setup
What We Provide
- Full activity classification aligned to Sharjah Media Council guidelines
- End-to-end documentation preparation and submission
- Direct banking access through Emirates NBD and Invest Bank partnerships
- Corporate tax registration and FTA compliance support
- Annual license and visa renewal management
“Juriszone handled everything from license to bank account. We were operational in under 6 weeks. The banking process was the part we feared most, but they got us approved with Emirates NBD on the first application.”
Digital Marketing Agency
Dubai
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Frequently Asked Questions
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