Start Your Business Journey in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone
Set up your media, creative, or consultancy business effortlessly at SHAMS Free Zone, the UAE’s fastest growing hub for innovators.
Book a Free ConsultationWhy Choose SHAMS Free Zone for Your Business?
Setting up a company in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone is straightforward, affordable, and puts you in full control of your venture. You benefit from 100% foreign ownership, meaning your business and profits are entirely yours. Enjoy zero corporate and personal taxes as well as cost-effective packages designed for SMEs, start-ups, and creative professionals.
Licences cover over 120 business activities, offering maximum flexibility for media, consultancy, tech, or e-commerce—without needing a physical office. SHAMS is just minutes from Sharjah International Airport, giving your business excellent connectivity across the UAE and beyond. Prime Setup UAE handles your paperwork, banking, and visa process, allowing you to focus on what matters most: growing your business and seizing new opportunities in one of the region’s most dynamic free zones.
Cost of Starting a Business in SHAMS Free Zone
The cost of setting up a business in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone is among the lowest in the UAE, making it a top choice for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and creatives. Licence packages begin at just AED 5,750—including essentials such as the business licence and shared desk access. For those seeking more flexibility or additional visas, comprehensive packages range from AED 7,350 to AED 16,000.
Most packages cover:
- Business licence with multiple activities
- Use of co-working space
- Flexibility to combine different business types under one licence
- Quick company formation, often in 2–5 days
- Access to up to 6 visas for staff or partners
- Remote setup available—no need for physical presence
Six Advantages of Ajman Free Zone Company Setup
Here are six key advantages of setting up a company in SHAMS Free Zone:
Flexible and Cost-Effective Setup
SHAMS offers some of the most affordable business packages in the UAE, starting from as little as AED 5,750. There are no hidden fees, and companies can be formed quickly without a local sponsor, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and start-ups.
100% Foreign Ownership and Profit Repatriation
Business owners retain complete control—SHAMS allows for full foreign ownership and total repatriation of profits and capital, with no restrictions on currency or transfers.
Wide Range of Business Activities
With over 120 approved business activities—ranging from media and technology to consultancy and trading—SHAMS Free Zone covers nearly every sector, letting businesses diversify and grow with ease.
No Corporate or Personal Taxes
Enjoy 0% corporate and personal income tax, plus exemption from import and export duties. This tax-free environment means entrepreneurs retain more of what they earn.
Modern Infrastructure and Flexible Workspace
SHAMS provides access to contemporary co-working spaces, private offices, and virtual office options. Businesses can scale up or down as needed without being tied to a physical office requirement.
Simple, Fast, and Fully Digital Process
Company formation is hassle-free, streamlined, and can be completed in just a few days—even remotely. There’s no requirement for physical presence in the UAE, and Prime Setup UAE handles all documentation, licensing, and ongoing support for a smooth start.
SHAMS Free Zone Company Formation Process
Here are the key steps for the SHAMS Free Zone company formation process
Step 1 – Choose Your Business Activity and Licence
Select your desired business activities and the most suitable licence type for your venture. SHAMS supports a wide range of activities across media, tech, consultancy, and trading.
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Step 1 – Choose Your Business Activity and Licence
Select your desired business activities and the most suitable licence type for your venture. SHAMS supports a wide range of activities across media, tech, consultancy, and trading.
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Step 2 – Decide on Company Structure
Pick the legal structure for your business, typically as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or as a branch of an existing company. This choice determines your shareholding and document requirements.
Step 3 – Submit Application and Documents
Complete the online application and prepare the necessary documents, including passport copies, proposed company names, and confirmation of business activities. This stage can be completed remotely with support from Prime Setup UAE.
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Step 3 – Submit Application and Documents
Complete the online application and prepare the necessary documents, including passport copies, proposed company names, and confirmation of business activities. This stage can be completed remotely with support from Prime Setup UAE.
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Step 4 – Make Payment and Review
Pay the required registration and licensing fees. The SHAMS Authority will review your application and documents for approval.
Step 5 – Receive Company Documents
Once approved, receive your official Certificate of Incorporation, Trade Licence, Lease Agreement, and other core company documents—often within just a few working days.
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Step 5 – Receive Company Documents
Once approved, receive your official Certificate of Incorporation, Trade Licence, Lease Agreement, and other core company documents—often within just a few working days.
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Step 6 – Establishment Card and Visas
Acquire your establishment card, then apply for UAE residence visas for yourself and your team as needed, guided by the support team every step of the way.
Step 7 – Bank Account and Launch
Open a corporate bank account with your new documentation. Your company is now ready to operate from SHAMS Free Zone—fully compliant, tax-free, and positioned for growth.
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Step 7 – Bank Account and Launch
Open a corporate bank account with your new documentation. Your company is now ready to operate from SHAMS Free Zone—fully compliant, tax-free, and positioned for growth.
We begin with a personalised consultation to understand your business goals and recommend the ideal setup.
Discovery Call
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Our experts prepare and verify all documents to ensure error-free submission and fast approval.
Documentation & Compliance
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From bank account setup to visa processing, we get your operations ready — with continued support even after launch.
Business Launch
Types of Licences in SHAMS Free Zone
Here are the main types of licences available in SHAMS Free Zone:
Service Licence
This licence allows entrepreneurs and professionals to offer a broad range of services—including consulting, marketing, education, IT, creative work, and more. It is ideal for those whose main business activity is the production, transformation, or distribution of services, and even enables the use of goods in service delivery.
Industrial (Light-Industrial) Licence
Designed for companies involved in manufacturing, production, packaging, or transformation of goods. The industrial licence lets companies manage every stage of the production cycle, giving full legal authority for operational activities across the UAE.
Trading Licence
Perfect for businesses engaged in the buying, selling, import, and export of physical goods. The trading licence covers wholesale, retail, and related services, providing flexibility to operate both locally and internationally from SHAMS Free Zone.
Holding Licence
This specialised licence is for those wanting to hold shares, assets, or stakes in subsidiary companies, whether inside or outside the UAE. It is commonly used for group structures and investment management.
E-Commerce Licence
Ideal for businesses planning to operate online stores or digital marketplaces. The e-commerce licence lets entrepreneurs legally run web-based or mobile app ventures from SHAMS.
Freelance Permit
Designed for creative freelancers—artists, writers, designers, and consultants—who wish to operate using their own name rather than setting up a company brand. This flexible, cost-effective permit is popular among solo professionals in media and the arts.
Documents Required for SHAMS Company Setup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for SHAMS Free Zone
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is a free zone in Sharjah designed specifically for creative, media, digital, and consulting businesses. It offers 100% foreign ownership and flexible licensing options.
Yes, SHAMS allows full foreign ownership with no local sponsor required, giving you complete control over your business.
No, residency in the UAE is not necessary to establish a company in SHAMS Free Zone. Remote setup options are available.
SHAMS offers different licences including Service, Trading, Industrial, Holding, E-commerce, and Freelance Permit tailored to fit various business activities.
The setup process is quick and can often be completed within 2 to 5 working days after submission of all required documents.
No physical office space is required. SHAMS supports virtual office options and flexible workspace solutions.
Typical documents include passport copies, proof of residence, business plan, application forms, and depending on activity, special approvals. Full details can be provided to assist you.
Yes, SHAMS Free Zone companies can operate within the UAE and internationally without restrictions.
Businesses meeting the mandatory registration threshold must register for VAT. SHAMS offers assistance to ensure compliance.
Yes, SHAMS provides visa services, and you can sponsor dependents and employees according to your licence package.