Why Choose SHAMS Free Zone: Insights into Sharjah Media City Free Zone Companies and Benefits

SHAMS Free Zone (Sharjah Media City Free Zone) is located in the Emirate of Sharjah, a 30-minute drive from Dubai. The free zone positions itself as a cradle nurturing creative professions and media start-ups. It is a large business center that provides all the necessary infrastructure for activities in the media sector, such as producing photo, video, and audio content, conducting interviews, and editing, as well as a wide selection of working spaces—from shared desks to large individual offices. SHAMS is an excellent opportunity to open a company at an affordable price, and gradually grow it under favorable conditions with good customer support. Company formation is available not only in the media industry but also in the trade and services sectors. IT companies often choose SHAMS to establish business in the UAE as well.

Advantages of setting up a company in SHAMS Free Zone

• A very competitive price for a media or e-commerce license without a visa—starting from 5,750 AED.
• An affordable option to obtain a trade or services license in the Emirate of Sharjah. Other options are Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone among others.
• Completely remote registration.
• Customer-oriented approach.
• A wide selection of co-working spaces and offices for companies of different sizes.
• Ready infrastructure for creating high-quality content and boosting sales.
• Visa allocations depend on the package and facility setup. SHAMS indicates up to 20 visas per license, and the practical quota is approved case-by-case.    
• You can start your business from the age of 18 (subject to the authority’s requirements).
• No routine reporting is typically required by the free zone authority for day-to-day administration. However, companies must still keep proper accounting records and meet UAE tax compliance requirements.

Types of licenses and business activities in SHAMS

Although SHAMS stands for Sharjah Media City Free Zone and positions itself as a business space designed to support creative professions and media, its capabilities are actually much broader.

In SHAMS, you can also establish the following types of licenses:

• General Trading license – and trade a wide range of goods within the UAE.
• Trading license – and trade specific categories of goods listed in your license.
• Service license – and offer professional services.
• Consultancy license – and provide consultations in one or several expert areas.
• E-commerce license – and sell goods and services through online platforms, including marketplaces, social media, and your own website.

You can include up to 5 different activities in your license. This offers a significant advantage over other registration authorities, where each type of activity may require a separate license, and makes the entrepreneurs prefer SHAMS over other Sharjah free zones. This option is particularly convenient for new entrepreneurs who want to explore various fields to see what works best and what is most profitable.

The list of available activities is extensive and can be found on the free zone’s website or by consulting with your business consultant in Dubai. 

Media license

Since the free zone emphasizes supporting media businesses, let's focus on this type of license and the related business activities.

Please note:prices are indicative and depend on the package options and current tariffs at the moment of application.

With a media license, you can create your own unique media product:

• Conduct interviews
• Stream live content
• Record audio and video podcasts
• Record music
• Conduct photo and video shoots
• Make reels
• Produce films
• Record webinars
• Edit videos
• Write scripts, and much more

The SHAMS business center is equipped with all the necessary hardware and software. You don’t need to worry about organizing each stage of your media production separately—everything is already provided at SHAMS.

You can learn more about other types of licenses and activities available in SHAMS Free Zone.

Customer-focused approach to SHAMS company formation

In SHAMS, everything is set up with the client’s convenience in mind. It is one of the newest and most modern free zones in the UAE, aiming to simplify the company formation process as much as possible, from submitting documents to maintaining the license and liquidating the company.

The entire business registration process is conducted electronically. You do not need to come to Sharjah to submit your registration application—you can be anywhere in the world. Similarly, you can live anywhere in the UAE or abroad and manage your business remotely, giving you the freedom and flexibility to enhance your entrepreneurial experience.

If you purchase a package with visa allocations, you will need to visit the free zone to undergo a medical examination and biometrics. Personal presence is also required to open a personal or corporate bank account.

Documents and timeframe

To obtain a license in Sharjah Free Zone, you will need a minimum set of documents:

• A passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
• Contact details: phone number and email address
• Documents confirming the type of business activity you will be engaged in

The licensing process is often fast and can be completed within a few business days, depending on the package and internal approvals. If you are applying for a visa, timelines vary by case and can extend further. Emirates ID delivery timelines can also fluctuate.

Company set-up: Step-by-step guide

Thus, the entire procedure can be broken down into a few simple steps:

1. Submit your application online.
2. Upload the required documents.
3. Make the payment.
4. Receive your license, company registration documents, and establishment card.

If a visa is required:

1. Obtain an entry permit.
2. Arrive in the country.
3. Change your visa status.
4. Undergo a medical examination and provide biometric data.
5. Receive your residence visa.
6. Obtain your Emirates ID.