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Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is a pioneering free zone in the UAE, established in 2017 and designed to empower creative, media, digital, and technology enterprises. Strategically located near both Sharjah and Dubai international airports, SHAMS offers cost-effective business setup solutions tailored to startups, SMEs, freelancers, and established companies. With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, SHAMS provides a flexible and supportive environment featuring easy company formation, a variety of office options including flexi-desks, and access to regional and global markets.
Key Benefits
Leverage SHAMS Free Zone’s creative ecosystem, affordable setup costs, and business-friendly policies to accelerate growth and innovation.
✅ 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits
✅ Competitive and low-cost licensing packages starting from AED 5,750
✅ No need for a physical office to start your business (flexible office solutions)
✅ Fast and fully digital setup process with licenses issued within a few days
✅ Multiple visa options tailored to business size and package chosen
✅ 0% personal and corporate income tax
✅ No restrictions on hiring foreign employees
✅ Access to a vibrant creative community fostering collaboration and networking
✅ Strategic location near Dubai and Sharjah airports for global access
Ideal For
Creative entrepreneurs and freelancers
Media and digital content creators
Tech startups and IT service providers
Consultants, agencies, and marketing firms
E-commerce businesses and online retailers
Professional service providers
We handle it all – so you don’t have to.
Business Setup Process in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
1. Initial Consultation and Business Activity Selection
Choose your business activity from a broad list that includes media production, IT services, consultancy, trading, e-commerce, and creative professions. Your choice determines your license type and setup approach.
2. Choosing Company Type and License
Decide on the company structure and appropriate license:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZC) depending on shareholders
- Freelance Permit for individual professionals
- Types of licenses include Service, Trading (standard and general), Industrial, Holding, E-commerce, and Freelance licenses
3. Company Name Registration and Documentation
Register a company name following SHAMS guidelines and submit necessary documents such as passport copies, business plan (if applicable), visa copies, and application forms via SHAMS digital portal.
4. Application and License Issuance
Submit your application and fees online. Licensing is typically completed within 5 to 10 business days, enabling swift business commencement.
5. Office Solutions and Facility Options
Choose from flexible office options including flexi-desks, smart offices, or executive offices. Physical office space is optional depending on your license type and visa requirements.
6. Visa Processing
Apply for UAE residence visas for investors, employees, and dependents with SHAMS’s streamlined visa services. Visa quotas depend on the business package and office solution selected.
7. Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Use your trade license and visas to open corporate bank accounts in the UAE with banks familiar with free zone company requirements.
8. Finalizing Setup and Commencing Operations
Complete all formalities, licensing, visas, bank account opening, and start operations. SHAMS provides ongoing support for compliance, renewals, and business enhancement.
Licensing Options to Choose From
License Type | Description | Ideal For |
Service License | Professional, consultancy, media, IT, marketing, and creative services | Consultants, agencies, tech firms |
Trading License | Import, export, distribution, and trading of physical goods | Niche product traders |
General Trading | Broad trading across multiple product categories | Retailers, wholesalers, marketplace sellers |
Industrial License | Manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and processing of goods | Light industrial and production businesses |
Holding License | Managing other companies and investments | Investment firms and holding companies |
Freelance Permit | Individual professionals offering specific services under their own name | Freelancers, solo entrepreneurs |
E-commerce License | Conducting business online including digital sales and services | Online retailers and digital service providers |
Ownership and Tax Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with no local partner required
- 0% corporate and personal income tax
- Full repatriation of capital and profits without restrictions
- No import or export duties within the free zone
- No currency or fund transfer restrictions for international business
- Multiple visa options including investor, employee, and family visas
- No requirement for physical office presence for most licenses
- Competitive licensing fees with flexible payment packages
Conclusion
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is an innovative, cost-effective free zone dedicated to nurturing creative, media, and tech enterprises in the UAE. It offers a highly flexible business setup process with fast licensing, affordable packages, a variety of license types, and multiple visa options designed to support startups, freelancers, and growing companies. Located strategically near Dubai and Sharjah airports, SHAMS facilitates seamless regional and global connectivity. SHAMS’s supportive ecosystem and collaborative environment make it an ideal base for entrepreneurs seeking to launch or expand their media, digital, and professional service ventures.
Why Choose MenaHerald for Your SHAMS Company Formation?
Let MenaHerald guide your Sharjah Media City business setup with expert help in licensing, documentation, office leasing, and visa processing.
Why Choose MenaHerald?
✓ End-to-end company formation support
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✓ Expertise in SHAMS regulations and free zone procedures
✓ Ongoing compliance and renewal assistance
Get Started Today — Speak to a Specialist Now!
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