Shams Media City (Sharjah Media City Free Zone) or rather Shams Free Zone is one of the active free zones in the United Arab Emirates, and it is quickly becoming one of the most influential places of creative, digital, and service-oriented businesses.
Created in 2017 as an Emirati Decree, SHAMS is supposed to empower entrepreneurs in the media, technology, and consultancy industries, however, it has since become a multi-sector platform as it promotes over 120 business practices.
Being competitive in terms of setup costs, 100 percent foreign ownership and location, Shams Free Zone offers an easy to establish and cost-effective entry point to the UAE market.
It is the guide to everything you need to know to establish your company in Shams Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) whether you are a freelancer, a startup founder, or a global investor, including benefits and costs, license options, visa packages, etc.
What is the Shams Media City (SHAMS)?
Shams Free Zone, formally referred to as the Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), was launched so as to develop a global ecosystem in the media, digital and knowledge based industries.
Being within a 15 minutes range to the Dubai International Airport and 5 minutes to the Sharjah Airport, SHAMS gives investors the competitive advantage of Sharjah but access to the dynamic commercial markets in the UAE.
SHAMS is not confined to the media today but it is open to companies in areas of consultancy, trading, technology, marketing and e-commerce. Its free policies and open cost and distant establishment has made it one of the more attractive free zones to entrepreneurs and SMEs who are venturing into the UAE first.
The major advantages of establishing a Shams Free Zone
Establishing business in Shams Free Zone has a number of benefits that make it shine among the other free zones in the UAE.
To start with, the entrepreneurs have the pleasure of being fully foreign owned so that they can fully control their business without necessarily having a local sponsor. This freedom of ownership, together with full repatriation of profits and capital, forms a perfect background of international investors.
Cost efficiency is another big benefit. Shams Free Zone is also known to have one of the lowest costs of establishment of a business in the UAE, where license packages begin as low as AED 5,750 of a zero visa license. It is also very affordable but has a good reputation in terms of transparency, credibility and rapid turnaround times.
The process of setting up is fast and fully digital with investors taking not more than 3 to 7 working days to incorporate their business even when they are not in the UAE. This remote incorporation option has turned SHAMS into a popular locality to freelancers, digital nomads as well as world entrepreneurs.
Besides, Shams permits various activities on a single license, and therefore, businesses can incorporate trading, consultancy, and media services within a single firm. Such flexibility might not be available in other free zones in the UAE.
To further increase its attractiveness, SHAMS enjoys a tax free environment with 0% Â personal income tax and just 9% corporate tax, which also increases profitability. It is also strategically located within minutes of Sharjah International Airport and close to Dubai which has an easy access to international markets.
Lastly, Shams media city creates an environment of creativity. It hosts a variety of startups, press agencies, as well as technological innovators, which makes it an inspiring place to work and meet. SHAMS is also one of the best strategic options that can be chosen by entrepreneurs who need a cost-effective but dynamic base in the UAE.
Types of Licenses in Shams Free Zone
Shams Free Zone has five primary categories of licensing that are aligned to various business models:
- Service License: This is used by those professionals who provide consultancy or other specialized services like IT, HR, marketing, or education.
- Trading License: This concerns companies which deal in importing, exporting, distributing and selling products.
- Media License: It applies to companies that deal in advertising, publishing, film production, PR and content creation.
- Holding License: To investors that operate or own shares in other businesses.
Each license permits up to five activities and thus companies have an easy time increasing their activities under a single entity.
Business Activities Allowed in Shams Free Zone
Shams has over 120 business operations with a broad spectrum of business. Popular ones include:
- Advert and branding services.
- Web design and development
- E-business and internet trading.
- Digital marketing and SEO
- Photography and videography.
- Publishing, media production.
- Consultancy and training industry.
- Software development and mobile applications.
- Event management
- Product distribution, Import/Export.
The large activity list is such that not only the media business can take advantage of SHAMS infrastructure and incentives but also businesses of all other industries.
Step-by-Step Process to Set Up Your Company in Shams Media City
It is easy to establish a business in Shams Free Zone and this may be done remotely. Here’s how:
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Step 1: Select your business activity
Choose among the list of approved activities and determine the most suitable type of a license.
Step 2: Decide what kind of company do you have
Select either a Shams LLC (Limited Liability Company) or a Branch of an existing company.
Step 3: Choose and book your trade name
Make sure that the name that you have picked is within the UAE standards of naming and is not registered.
Step 4: Send application and documents
Offer copies of passports, photos and other documentation of all shareholders.
Step 5: Pre-approval and pay license fees
After this has been supported, pay your license and expenses.
Step 6: Get your license and incorporation papers
You are issued with an electronic license.
Step 7: Obtaining visas (where necessary)
Continue with immigration, medical testing, and processing Emirates ID.
Step 8: Open a business bank account in the UAE
When you receive your license, you may open a corporate bank account and start working.
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It normally consumes a period of between 3 to 7 working days depending on the availability of documents and time in approvals.
The cost of Shams Free Zone License in 2025.
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Package Type | Visa Quota | Starting Cost (AED) | Ideal For |
Zero-Visa License | 0 | 5,750 | Freelancers, consultants |
One Visa Package | 1 | 7,350 | Small businesses |
Two Visa Package | 2 | 8,950 | Growing teams |
Three Visa Package | 3 | 10,550 | Expanding SMEs |
Four Visa Package | 4 | 12,150 | Expanding SMEs |
Five Visa Package | 5 | 13,750 | Established companies |
Six Visa Package | 6 | 15,350 | Established companies |
Seven Visa Package | 7 | 16,950 | Established companies |
Eight Visa Package | 8 | 18,550 | Established companies |
Nine Visa Package | 9 | 20,150 | Established companies |
Ten Visa Package | 10 | 21,750 | Established companies |
To compare Shams Free Zone with other jurisdictions, visit our Free Zone Business Setup in UAE – Step-by-Step Guide
Shams free zone Visa and Immigration
Shams Free Zone offers dynamic visa choices in regard to investors, partners, and employees.
Investor or Partner Visa normally lasts two years and enables its holder to sponsor dependents. In the meantime, you can include employee visas depending on the package you choose. The visa fee is between AED 3,500 and AED 6,000, which includes medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
It is also important to add that the holder of an investor visa also has to visit UAE at least once within 12 months to maintain their residency status.
Documents Required for Shams Free Zone Company Setup
- The conventional documentation requirements are:
- Copy of the passport of all the shareholders and managers.
- Passport-sized photo (white back).
- Evidence of residence (utility bill or tenant contract)
- Business activity details
- Application form and specimen signature.
- In case of corporate shareholders: Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA, Board Resolution and Power of Attorney.
Everything is possible in digital form and e-signatures are welcome.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose Shams Media City
Shams Free Zone is the favorite among the entrepreneurs due to its simplicity, low cost, and global popularity. It offers the flexibility of remote registration, no requirement of paid-up capital and simple renewals.
The emphasis of the authority on encouraging creativity and technology oriented business has enabled it to emerge among the fastest developing business areas in the UAE. Regardless of whether you are starting up a consultancy, tech start-up, or global media house, Shams has the combination of innovation, infrastructure, and autonomy to enable your business to succeed.
Shams Free Zone vs. Other Free Zones in the UAE.
Although there are a number of free zones in UAE that serve startups, Shams is cheap and fast.
SHAMS is a better choice than other free zones because it is cheaper in license fees, the incorporation is quicker, and the combinations of business activities are more flexible to creative-oriented and service professionals.
Frequently Asked questions – Shams Free Zone Company Set up.
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- What is the time taken to obtain a Shams Free Zone license?
The time frame of receiving the documents is 3-7 business days.
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- Need to visit the UAE to set up a company?
No, any place in the world can do the process remotely.
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- Is it possible for me to open a corporate bank account using a Shams license?
Yes, the majority of major UAE banks do accept Shams licenses to open an account.
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- Is submission of audits compulsory in SHAMS?
Not, annual audit reports are not obligatory to most business activities.
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- Will I be able to upgrade my visa quota in future?
Yes, the increase in visa quota by the businesses is very easy to upgrade.
Conclusion
One of the most advanced and business-friendly free zones in the UAE is the Shams Media City (SHAMS). It is a blend of low start up cost, loose regulations and digitally driven environment – which is best suited to start ups, freelancers, and foreign investors.
Shams Free Zone is enhancing the status of Sharjah as a global business hub with a rapid incorporation process, a variety of types of licenses, and the full ownership perks.
In case you are willing to begin your business at Shams Free Zone, our specialists at ADAM Global will provide you with these end-to-end solutions including license registration and visa application, as well as banking and compliance.For a complete overview of how business formation works across all Emirates, explore our Business Setup in UAE – Complete Guide 2025
