Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is a young, fast-growing free zone focused on media, creative, and knowledge based industries but open to a wide variety of service and trading activities. It offers cost effective licensing with 100% foreign ownership and a strong creative positioning.
Key USPs
- Pioneering creative hub in Sharjah, launched in 2017.
- Competitive pricing and quick, largely digital setup.
- 100% foreign ownership with flexible business activities.
Step-by-Step SHAMS Setup Process
Creative-Focused Free Zone
Designed for media, digital, marketing, and knowledge-based industries.
Creative-Focused Free Zone
Designed for media, digital, marketing, and knowledge-based industries.
Cost-Effective Setup
One of the most affordable UAE free zones for startups, freelancers, and micro-businesses.
Cost-Effective Setup
One of the most affordable UAE free zones for startups, freelancers, and micro-businesses.
Quick & Digital Incorporation
Fast approvals with a largely online setup process.
Quick & Digital Incorporation
Fast approvals with a largely online setup process.
STEP-BY-STEP SETUP PROCESS IN SHAMS
SHAMS offers a simple and flexible setup model, especially attractive for creatives and service-based businesses.
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1. Choose License Type
Service, Trading, Industrial or Freelance.
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2. Define Structure
company or freelancer permit.
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3. Select trade name & submit KYC
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4. Choose package
visa or non-visa, flexi-desk or virtual setup.
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5. Approval, Payment & License Issuance
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6. Visa processing (if applicable)
Bank account opening.
We can help you position your activities correctly if you’re mixing media, tech, and consultancy services.
STEP-BY-STEP SETUP PROCESS IN SHAMS
SHAMS offers a simple and flexible setup model, especially attractive for creatives and service-based businesses.
We can help you position your activities correctly if you’re mixing media, tech, and consultancy services.
Company Types & Licenses
Company License
For multi shareholder entities
Freelancer / Sole Practitioner License
Ideal for individual creatives and professionals
License types
Service License
consulting, media production, marketing, design
Trading License
media equipment, e-commerce products, etc.
Industrial License
light industrial/production
Freelance License
individual media and creative professionals
Facilities & Benefits
Documents, Timelines & Costs
Documents
- Passport & photo of shareholders / freelancer
- Application forms and CV
- For companies: shareholder resolution and corporate docs if applicable
Timelines
- Standard SHAMS setups are often completed in 3–7 working days, depending on activity and package.
Costs (Indicative)
- Starting from AED 6,000
Who SHAMS is Ideal For
Our Packages
Perfect for creative professionals, freelancers, & media entrpreneurs.
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100% foreign ownership
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License issued as LLC
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Any 5 business activities
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No NOC required
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Flexi desk & Lease Agreement provided
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T&C APPLY
Ideal for entrpreneurs offering services across consultancy, trading, e-commerce, & more.
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100% foreign ownership
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License issued as LLC
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Any 5 business activities
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No NOC required
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Flexi desk & Lease Agreement provided
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T&C APPLY
Limitless Options with our All-Inclusive Packages
Obtain an ideal business license that caters to your needs at competitive rates starting from 5555
For service-based, trading or multi sector businness
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100% foreign ownership
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License issued as LLC
-
Any 5 business activities
-
No NOC required
-
Flexi desk & Lease Agreement provided
-
T&C APPLY
Perfect for creative professionals, freelancers, & media entrpreneurs.
-
100% foreign ownership
-
License issued as LLC
-
Any 5 business activities
-
No NOC required
-
Flexi desk & Lease Agreement provided
-
T&C APPLY
Ideal for entrpreneurs offering services across consultancy, trading, e-commerce, & more.
-
100% foreign ownership
-
License issued as LLC
-
Any 5 business activities
-
No NOC required
-
Flexi desk & Lease Agreement provided
-
T&C APPLY
FAQs
Yes, many consulting and service businesses also operate in SHAMS, as long as the activities are approved.
Many SHAMS packages do not require a full office; flexi-desk or virtual packages can be sufficient for license issuance.
Yes, you are allowed to invoice clients across all Emirates within the UAE.
Yes, you can update or change your business activities even after your company has been incorporated.
Yes, you can use your current UAE visa. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your existing sponsor is also not required.
No. You can own 100% of your company as an individual or through a corporate shareholder.
No, you may obtain an Import/Export Code from any port in the UAE.
Yes, you can apply for a Customs Import/Export Code directly from UAE Customs authorities.
