Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone
Sharjah Media City SHAMS Free Zone is a leading center for innovative services, catering to startups, SMEs, and established businesses. Designed to serve as a world-class hub for those aiming to develop their ventures in the media and creative industries, SHAMS offers a dynamic, forward-thinking community that opens the doors to innovative entrepreneurship.
SHAMS FreeZone provides:
- A comprehensive business setup solution.
- Featuring state-of-the-art commercial office complexes.
- Customizable creative units.
- Hospitality services.
- Community-centric residential areas.
This holistic approach ensures businesses of all sizes can access the facilities and support they need to thrive.
SHAMS sets a high standard for service excellence. It offers specialized facilities tailored for the media and creative sectors and smart, innovative services that foster growth and success. SHAMS creates an environment where businesses can flourish by prioritizing localized content and nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
With a mission to make creative entrepreneurship accessible to everyone, SHAMS is dedicated to supporting startups, SMEs, and established companies as they expand locally and internationally. This vibrant initiative connects with and empowers the talented individuals who join its thriving community.
Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS)
A Prime Destination for Global Investors
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is rapidly emerging as one of the Emirate’s most dynamic free trade zones. SHAMS offers diverse company licenses and is ideal for investors looking to establish and expand their businesses in the UAE’s thriving market.
For entrepreneurs in the media, digital, and creative sectors, SHAMS provides highly attractive company formation packages, starting at just AED 8,050 for a zero visa quota license. These competitively priced packages make launching a business within the Free Zone easy and affordable.
Investing in company formation at SHAMS offers numerous advantages for foreign investors. With access to over 2,000 business activities, modern office spaces, and a straightforward setup process, SHAMS stands out as a popular choice. Key benefits include 100% foreign ownership, low-cost business licenses, and a strategic location near Sharjah International Airport, facilitating seamless global trade and operations.
SHAMS continues to be one of the most cost-effective Free Zones in the UAE, offering a comprehensive and competitive business setup solution that appeals to a wide range of international investors.
SHAMS Company Formation for Global Entrepreneurs
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) offers investors a variety of cost-effective and affordable packages for company formation, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs. Whether based in the UAE or abroad, your company registration in SHAMS can be completed online, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The registration process is swift, typically taking just seven days.
Types of Business Licenses in SHAMS
Select the Business activity in the SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah Media City provides investors with affordable and efficient company formation packages, making it a preferred Free Zone for entrepreneurs. Company registration processes can be done remotely with us, whether in the UAE or abroad, usually within seven days.
By carefully selecting the appropriate business activity and corresponding license type, you can maximize the potential of your venture in the SHAMS Free Zone.
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) offers over 2,000 diverse business activities across various license types, providing investors with numerous options to establish their companies. Choosing the right business activity is essential for aligning your company with the appropriate license type, whether service, trading, or industrial.
Service License:
The SHAMS service License is the ideal choice for businesses focused on providing services. This license allows entrepreneurs to offer services to other companies and consumers within the Free Zone and globally. SHAMS provides a variety of specialized service licenses, including those for consultancy, media, eCommerce, marketing, and more, making it a versatile option for service-oriented businesses.
Trading License:
The Trading License from SHAMS allows investors to import and export goods within the UAE, GCC, and internationally, allowing them to expand their business footprint and participate in global trade.
Industrial License:
For those looking to get involved in manufacturing, assembling, repackaging, or transforming goods, the Industrial License from SHAMS is the right fit. This license is designed for businesses that require robust infrastructure and streamlined procedures to set up manufacturing units. SHAMS offers the necessary support and facilities to ensure a smooth setup process for industrial activities.
Facilities Available in SHAMS
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) offers four distinct facilities and provides:
- Flexible and functional workspaces.
- Making them ideal for startups.
- SMEs.
- Established companies are looking to thrive in a collaborative environment.
Dedicated Desk
The Dedicated Desk option provides entrepreneurs an assigned workspace to focus on their core business activities while benefiting from networking opportunities. This adaptable space is ideal for work, meetings, and collaboration. The modern, aesthetically pleasing setup creates a productive and enjoyable atmosphere, helping investors to scale their businesses efficiently.
Shared Desk
The Shared Desk option offers a flexible, cost-effective workspace shared with like-minded individuals. This option is perfect for investors who frequently have on-site client meetings, as it allows them to choose any available desk, providing mobility and reducing overall setup costs. SHAMS offers attractive business license packages that offer the option to rent a shared desk daily, monthly, or yearly.
Dedicated Office
The Dedicated Office option provides a private, lockable workspace tailored to the needs of individual entrepreneurs or small teams. Whether a single desk or a group of desks, this option offers privacy and a focused environment for business operations. It’s an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to maintain confidentiality while fostering collaboration within a small team. SHAMS also offers fully customizable offices, including Shell and Core options, allowing investors to design a workspace that aligns with their business goals.
Shared Office
Shared office space is a cost-effective solution that offers more privacy than a shared desk while keeping company setup and annual rent costs low. This option balances privacy and networking opportunities, making it an attractive choice for businesses looking to optimize their workspace while maintaining budget flexibility.
Company Formation in SHAMS
When forming a company in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), investors have two primary options: SHAMS LLC and SHAMS Branch. Each structure offers distinct advantages tailored to different business needs.
SHAMS LLC (Limited Liability Company) Advantages:
1. SHAMS LLC (Limited Liability Company)
Advantages:
- Operates as an independent entity
- Eligible to obtain a business license
- Can sponsor employees
- Entitled to open a business bank account
SHAMS LLC is a separate legal entity, meaning that the company’s liabilities are confined to the business itself and do not extend to the personal assets of its shareholders. This separation ensures that any debts, contracts, or obligations incurred by the company remain the responsibility of the business, protecting the personal assets of the owners and shareholders.
2. SHAMS Branch
Advantages:
- Eligible to obtain a business license
- Can sponsor employees
- Entitled to open a business bank account
A SHAMS Branch operates as an extension of an existing parent company. The branch’s profits, benefits, and gains are directly attributed to the parent company, as are its liabilities, debts, and expenses. The branch office allows the parent company to maintain all control and benefit from the branch’s operations while keeping the legal and financial responsibilities connected to the parent entity.
Comprehensive Business Setup Services
Based in the UAE, we offer end-to-end services for establishing businesses across all Free Trade Zones, including offshore company formation. We have already assisted over 1,000 companies in setting up operations in the UAE and provide expert guidance and support.
Key Benefits of SHAMS Trade License:
- Company setup costs start from AED 8,050
- No physical presence is required in the UAE for registration
- No NOC (No Objection Certificate) needed to incorporate your company
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- 100% free transfer of funds
- There are no restrictions on capital repatriation
- 0% import or re-export duties
- 0% personal income tax
- Hiring foreign employees has no restrictions or policies.
- All documentation issued within two days
- No paid-up share capital or annual audit required
- Streamlined, digital, and cost-efficient processes
By choosing SHAMS, investors can take advantage of a business-friendly environment that facilitates easy company formation, tax benefits, and complete foreign ownership. Our professional team is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your business goals with the best business solutions and comprehensive support.
We provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to form an Ajman Free Zone company.
License Type License Package Cost - Services / Consultancy / Trading
Immigration Card & Visa Cost
Descriptions Fee in AED
- Immigration Card fee for 3 Years 1,575
- E-channel Registration 2,525
- Visa cost per visa valid for two years 3,416
- Medical (*Urgent) 690
- Additional allocation of visas 1,680
- Additional AED 350 for VIP Medical Services with pick and drop.
The period for Entry Permit & Residence Visa
Below are:
- The entry permit.
- Residence Visa.
- Entry Visa Cancellation.
- Residence Visa Cancellation processing timelines for both normal and priority applications.
Transaction Types Processing Period
- Entry Permit Normal 3 – 4 working days
Priority 1 working days - Residence Visa Normal 3 – 4 working days
Priority 1 working days - Residence Visa Cancellation – Investor/Partner/Employee Normal 3 – 4 working days
Priority 1-2 working days - Entry Visa Cancellation – Investor/Partner/Employee Normal 3 – 4 working days
Priority 1-2 working days - Resubmission – Entry Permit / Residence Visa / Cancellation Normal 3 – 4 working days
Frequently Asked Questions
Shams provides cost-effective company setup packages, with fees varying based on company structure, business type, activities, and visa eligibility.
Shams Free Zone offers various business facilities, including dedicated desks, shared desks, dedicated offices, and shared office space. Expert consultants are available to guide selection and provide details.
The Shams company setup timeframe typically ranges from 1-3 business days for a new standard license application without external approvals.
To obtain a visa with Shams Free Zone or your company, complete your company setup, issue a company license, and register your E-Channel. Creation Business Consultants can initiate the UAE visa process, which typically requires a copy of the passport, photo, entry stamp, and employment contract details.
Shams free zone offers 120+ business activities, including media, consulting, services, manufacturing, and trading, with the flexibility to combine certain activities under the same Shams business license.
Shams offers various amenities, including dedicated desks, shared desks, and shared offices, all equipped with Wi-Fi, printer access, and a meeting room for clients and business needs.
Shams offers over 120 business activities, including media, wholesale, retail, services, and consultancy, with the flexibility to combine activities under the same license, subject to approval.
The cost of renewing a Shams license depends on factors such as the chosen package, office type, number of visas, and business activities, and failure to do so may result in fines.
The company liquidation requirements of Shams include resolution, Shams cancellation forms, and original company documents to close a Shams-free zone company.
The cost of a resident visa in Shams free zone companies varies based on the type of visa application, whether it's inside or outside the country.
Establishing a company in the Shams free zone does not require a UAE local partner, as shareholders can enjoy 100% foreign ownership.
A Shams business license allows operating within free zone authority and internationally/offshore, but it requires appropriate licenses for each emirate. It is valid for free zone companies and international/offshore operations.
Investing in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) does not require being a UAE resident. However, it is recommended that the General Manager apply for a UAE residency visa for better banking facilities and economic substance.
Shams Media City does not offer a Chamber of Commerce certificate with licenses; obtaining one is subject to approval.
Shams is a free zone in Sharjah, not offshore, offering competitively priced business setup packages.
Shams has reduced the rejection rate of investor visa applications, with certain nationalities requiring pre-approval before company formation.
Setting up a company in Shams doesn't require an office space, as a flexi desk option is available in visa packages.
Yes, do not require a NOC from your existing sponsor.
Yes. License holders can apply for visas for family dependents.
A company can upgrade its license package by applying for an amendment, which requires payment of the difference between the current and new packages.
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