Sharjah free zone, Shams
Set up your company in Shams Free Zone
Sharjah Media City, better known as Shams, is part of Sharjah City in the UAE. It was created in 2017 by the Sharjah Emirate government to spur creative and media businesses and make the city the centre of media excellence in the UAE. Its regulatory and policy initiatives make registration, setup and operation faster and easier, and as an entrepreneur you can live, innovate and sell your goods and services anywhere in the Emirate, with a friendly tax model that allows full repatriation of profits.
- 100% foreign ownership
- From AED 6,875
- Setup in 3 to 5 days
- Remote, no travel needed
Why Shams
Affordable Sharjah setup, done fast.
Shams packages license, registration and activities into one, cutting cost and red tape. It is a favourite for Entrepreneurs who want a low-cost UAE company with full ownership and a quick launch.
100% ownership
Own your company outright, with no local sponsor or partner.
Tax-free model
A tax-friendly environment with no personal income tax.
Full repatriation
No restrictions on repatriating your profits and capital.
Low cost
One of the most competitively priced free zones in the UAE.
One-stop shop
License, visas and government services.
Sell anywhere
Operate and sell across the Emirate and worldwide.
What Shams issues
Five licenses, packaged into one.
Shams bundles its license types so you can combine activities and cut costs. We match the right one to your business.
Media license
Social, audio-visual, journalism and media services.
Consultancy license
Custom consultancy in media and other services.
Trading license
Import, export, wholesale and retail of goods.
Freelance permit
For skilled individuals working without a physical office.
Industrial license
Manufacturing, production, logistics and distribution.
Shams packages these licenses together, making it easier and cheaper to trade. We confirm your exact activities before you apply.
What it costs
Shams Free Zone setup cost.
Indicative Shams packages by visa eligibility, each including the registration address and three business activities. We confirm a fixed, all-in quote before you commit.
| Package | First year | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-visa package | AED 6,875 | AED 6,875 |
| 1-visa package | AED 8,535 | AED 8,535 |
| 2-visa package | AED 10,185 | AED 10,185 |
| 3-visa package | AED 11,835 | AED 11,835 |
| 4-visa package | AED 13,485 | AED 13,485 |
- Other fees to expect:
- Immigration Card + E-Channel: AED 3,700. Residence visa is AED 3,750 per applicant, plus medical and Emirates ID (standard process AED 800, VIP process AED 1,250). An investor or partner visa adds AED 1,000.
- Setup takes 3 to 5 business days and can be completed remotely, so shareholders do not need to travel.
- Figures are indicative and exclude VAT. We confirm a final, transparent quote.
How we help
From activity to open for business.
- 01
Choose your package
We match your activities and visa needs to the right Shams tier.
- 02
Register remotely
We file your application, no travel required for shareholders.
- 03
License approval
We issue your trade license with your bundled activities.
- 04
Residence visa and banking
We assist with residence visas and corporate banking introductions once your company is established.
Why FZM
Dedicated Senior Advisor.
You will work directly with a Dedicated Senior advisor from day one. Your advisor will assess your requirements, identify the most suitable jurisdictions, manage the entire application process, and remain your long-term point of contact for ongoing guidance and support.
- From AED 6,875
- Indicative license
- 1,500+
- Companies formed
- 15+
- Years in the UAE
- 3 to 5 days
- Typical setup
Keep exploring
More on setting up in Sharjah.
Good to know
Shams questions, answered.
- What is Shams Free Zone best for?
- Shams (Sharjah Media City) was created in 2017 to spur creative and media business, and it is now one of the UAE's most affordable free zones. It is best for media and creative companies, consultancies, traders, freelancers and light industrial businesses that want full ownership and a low-cost, fast setup.
- How much does it cost to set up in Shams?
- Indicative Shams packages start at around AED 6,875 for a zero-visa package and rise to around AED 15,120 for a four-visa package, each including the registration address and three activities. Residence visas are extra at around AED 3,360 per applicant. Shams also runs monthly promotions, so ask us for the current offer. We confirm a fixed, all-in quote.
- Can I set up a Shams company remotely?
- Yes. Shams setup takes 3 to 5 business days and can be done remotely, so the presence of shareholders and directors is not required. We handle the application, license and visas for you.
- What license types does Shams offer?
- Shams offers media, consultancy, trading, freelance and industrial licenses, and it packages them together so you can combine activities and cut costs. We match the right combination to your business.
- Do I get 100% ownership in Shams?
- Yes. A Shams free zone company gives you 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor, a tax-free model with no personal income tax, and no restrictions on the repatriation of profits and capital.
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.