Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)

Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)

About Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)
Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) is a fast-growing free zone located just 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, offering excellent connectivity for regional and international business.

Shams provides a wide range of license types, including:
  • Service Licences
  • Trading Licences
  • Industrial Licences

With over 200 permitted business activities, Shams is ideal for entrepreneurs and SMEs involved in:
  • Bookkeeping & Auditing
  • Publishing & Media
  • Wholesale & Trading
  • Business Consultancy and more

Shams stands out for its affordability, flexibility, and quick company formation process.

Setup cost starting from AED 11,500
Estimated setup time: 5-7 days

Key Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)
100% BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL REPATRIATION
As an expatriate, you can own 100% of the company and remit all profits to your home country.
INCORPORATE FROM ANYWHERE
Shams allows shareholders to incorporate a new company without the need to be present in the UAE.
FAST AND AFFORDABLE
Shams offers quick and easy online registration with no deposit required.
ON-SITE SERVICES
Offers on-site services to its clients including visa, phone, document translation and attestation.
WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
Shams welcomes a wide range of business activities and allows for multiple activities under one licence.
STRATEGIC LOCATION
Shams is located just off the E88 and E611 highways, within reach of two major international airports.
Permitted Business Activities in Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)
Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) welcomes a range of financial and professional business activities. Here are some of the most popular options:
  • Insurance Services
  • Information Services
  • Scientific Research and Development
  • Advertising
  • Trading
  • Education
  • Travel Agencies
  • Sports
  • Bookkeeping and Auditing
  • Broadcasting
  • Wholesale
  • HR
  • Publishing
  • Education and Professional Training Services
Shams Free Zone Company Formation: Everything You Need to Know
Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) is one of the UAE’s most dynamic and cost-effective free zones for startups, SMEs, and creative entrepreneurs. Located just 20 minutes from Dubai, Shams offers flexible licensing, fast setup, and a vibrant ecosystem for media, tech, trading, and consultancy businesses.
Whether you're building a solo venture or a multi-partner company, Shams provides the tools, freedom, and infrastructure to scale your business in the UAE.
10 Reasons to Set Up in Shams Free Zone
1. Business-Friendly Benefits
Shams offers a host of advantages, including:
• Competitive setup fees
• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• 0% corporate and personal income tax
• 0% import/export duties
• No currency restrictions
• Multiple business activities under one license

2. Fast and Easy Setup
With streamlined processes and digital systems, Shams makes it easy to get started. Once all paperwork is in order, your business license can be issued in just a few days.

3. Flexible Office Solutions
Whether you need a flexi-desk, private office, or creative studio, Shams offers tailored workspace packages with full tech support.

4. Wide Range of Business Activities
Shams is open to a diverse range of sectors — from trading and consultancy to media and e-commerce. Common activities include:
• Event management
• E-commerce
• Graphic and web design
• Film production & post-production
• Investment consultancy
• Trading (garments, auto parts)
• Marketing and media services
• Business/project management consultancy

5. Multiple Shareholders Allowed
Up to 50 shareholders (individuals or companies) can own a Shams entity. Shareholders do not need to be physically present in the UAE.

6. Visa Options
The Shams flexi-desk package allows for up to 6 UAE residency visas for owners, employees, or partners.
7. Vibrant Business Community
Shams regularly hosts seminars, networking events, and conferences — helping founders collaborate, innovate, and grow together.

8. Education & Training
Shams offers media-specific training sessions led by global experts to help professionals upskill and stay competitive.

9. Support Services
From technical guidance to promotional support, Shams assists new businesses by featuring them on its website and social media.

10. Strategic Location
Shams is conveniently located between Dubai and Sharjah, with easy access to both international airports and major highways.

How to Set Up a Business in Shams Free Zone
  1. Choose your business activity
  2. Reserve your company name
  3. Submit application and documents
  4. Receive your trade license
  5. Apply for visas (if required)
  6. Open a corporate bank account
Required Documents:
• Passport copies of shareholders
• Passport-sized photo (per UAE immigration standards)
• Signed application forms
• No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
Once licensed, you’ll sign the official Memorandum and Articles of Association and proceed with visa applications (if needed).

Visa Sponsorship Made Easy
Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, child, domestic worker, or driver, the process is clear-cut and includes:
  1. Entry permit
  2. Status adjustment
  3. Medical fitness test
  4. Emirates ID & visa stamping
Ready to Launch?
With expert help, the Shams setup process can take just a few hours of your time. Our consultants will:
• Help you select the right license
• Assist with paperwork and approvals
• Handle visa and banking procedures
Shams Free Zone: Where Creative Business Meets Smart Infrastructure.
Contact Us
By submitting this form, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy, and I consent to the processing of my personal data.