Business Setup in Sharjah Media City
A Cost-Effective Free Zone for Media, Tech, and Digital Businesses in the UAE
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A Cost-Effective Free Zone for Media, Tech, and Digital Businesses in the UAE
Reviews
Starting a business in the UAE has never been easier or more accessible. Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is one of the UAE’s most exciting and budget-friendly free zones. The Free Zone is dedicated to nurturing creative, media, and technology enterprises. It offers an incredibly cost-effective platform, especially designed for entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs looking for 100% foreign ownership and full control over their venture.
At Shuraa Business Setup, we make your SHAMS business setup journey simple, transparent, and hassle-free. From choosing the right business activity and license type to handling documentation, visa, and banking, our experts take care of everything while you focus on your vision.
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) was established in 2017 and has since grown into one of the UAE’s fastest-developing business hubs. Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, SHAMS connects businesses to key markets in the Middle East and beyond. The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and no personal or corporate income tax, making it an attractive choice for global investors.
While SHAMS was initially established to nurture the media and creative industries, it has now expanded to include a wide range of sectors - such as IT, consultancy, e-commerce, trading, education, and marketing. The free zone is known for its simple company setup process, cost-effective packages, and modern infrastructure that caters to today’s fast-moving entrepreneurs.
Start your SHAMS company easily with Shuraa’s all-inclusive package that covers:
Trade license
Business name approval
Company registration
Up to 5 media activities
E-channel and establishment card
Dedicated support throughout the setup
Get your SHAMS license in just a few days!
Note: Prices may vary based on selected activities, visa requirements, and additional services.
Setting up your business in SHAMS comes with several benefits, including:
SHAMS offers flexibility with over 120+ approved business activities, such as:
Media production and content creation
IT and software development
E-commerce and digital marketing
Consultancy and professional services
Trading and import/export
Graphic design and animation
Event management and PR
SHAMS offers different types of business licenses to suit various industries and business models. Here’s a quick overview:
A Professional License is ideal for businesses that provide professional or service-based activities. This includes companies offering consultancy, marketing, IT support, education, design, photography, accounting, or any other service that doesn’t involve the physical trading of goods.
If your business involves buying and selling goods, both locally and internationally, you’ll need a Trading License. This license allows you to import, export, distribute, and sell physical products across different markets.
An Industrial License is required if your company is involved in manufacturing, production, or industrial operations. It allows you to produce, assemble, or process goods within SHAMS or the UAE.
The Holding License is for investors or companies that want to manage and control other companies, assets, or investments. This license type does not allow direct trading or production but is perfect for managing corporate structures or owning shares in other businesses.
For entrepreneurs who want to run online businesses selling products or services. This license allows you to operate e-commerce websites and digital stores legally within the UAE.
SHAMS provides a range of modern and flexible facilities designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies alike.
Dedicated Offices
Co-working Spaces
Shared Desk Facilities
Meeting Rooms and Conference Halls
Virtual Office Options
Creative Studios
Event Spaces
Business Support Centres
High-Speed Internet and IT Infrastructure
Storage and Logistics Facilities
Document requirements vary depending on the number and type of shareholders, as well as visa requirements.
Clear, colour scan or copy of a valid passport (minimum six months validity) for all shareholders, directors, and managers.
Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background and high resolution.
Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months.
UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents), or passport entry stamp or visa page copy (for non-residents).
Completed SHAMS application, onboarding, and KYC forms, provided during the online process.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration
Brief business or activity description or plan, typically 1 to 2 pages.
Three proposed company names.
Email addresses and contact numbers for all shareholders and managers.
Full names of both parents for KYC purposes.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current UAE sponsor, if the shareholder holds a UAE visa.
Special approvals are required only for certain regulated activities.
Certificate of Incorporation or Commercial License of the parent company.
Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
Board Resolution authorising the establishment of SHAMS or the opening of a branch.
Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Incumbency (if required)
Passport copies and KYC details of authorised signatories and directors.
For the most accurate and personalised document checklist for your specific business activity and structure, we recommend visiting www.shams.ae or contacting a licensed SHAMS business setup consultant, such as Shuraa Business Setup.
Setting up a business in SHAMS is efficient and cost-effective, particularly with Shuraa’s support. Below is a step-by-step overview of the process.
Start by selecting the business activity that aligns with your objectives. SHAMS offers over 120 approved activities across sectors such as media, IT, marketing, trading, consultancy, and education. Shuraa’s experts can assist you in choosing the most suitable option for your business and licensing requirements.
After finalising your activity, select the appropriate license type: service, trading, industrial, or holding. Choose a package that fits your budget and visa needs. Shuraa offers SHAMS packages starting from AED 5,750 to support new entrepreneurs.
Prepare and submit the required documents, including passport copies, photographs, visa details, and business name options. If you have questions about documentation or attestation, Shuraa’s team will manage these on your behalf.
Once your application is approved, SHAMS will issue your trade license and certificate of incorporation. Your business will then be officially registered and authorised to operate in the UAE free zone. The process is typically completed within a few working days.
If your package includes visa eligibility, Shuraa will manage the visa application, medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and related PRO services.
After your company is licensed, the final step is to open a corporate bank account in the UAE. Shuraa collaborates with leading local and international banks to help you select the right banking partner and guide you through the account opening process.
The cost of a SHAMS trade license starts from AED 5,750*.
The final price depends on factors like the number of visa quotas, office requirements, and business activity type.
For a personalized quote, reach out to Shuraa Business Setup and get the most affordable SHAMS package tailored to your business goals.
SHAMS trade license is typically valid for one year and must be renewed before the expiry date to avoid fines or interruptions in operations. With Shuraa Business Setup, you don’t need to worry about missing deadlines or paperwork. Our dedicated PRO and business setup team handles everything for you.
Share your current license details and company documents.
Update any changes in shareholders, activities, or company information.
Let Shuraa handle the submission and get your renewed license issued quickly.
The cost of renewing a SHAMS license generally starts from around AED 6,000 to AED 20,000, depending on your license type, number of visas, and any additional services required.
At Shuraa Business Setup, we go beyond just SHAMS business setup - we provide complete business support across all UAE jurisdictions.
Her's what we can help you with:
Quick renewals, amendments, and activity additions.
Smooth opening with top UAE banks.
End-to-end support for investor, employee, and family visas.
VAT registration, corporate tax, and bookkeeping via our experts at Shuraa Tax.
Flexi-desk, shared workspace, or full office options in prime Dubai areas.
Smooth and compliant closure of your company.
Consultation for expansion, marketing, and compliance.
With 26+ years of experience and over 100,000 businesses successfully launched, Shuraa is your trusted partner for starting and scaling in the UAE.
Shuraa Business Setup is the highest-rated business setup consultancy in the UAE, providing expert guidance and comprehensive service to help entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses seamlessly.
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SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is a dynamic free zone established in 2017 to support creative, digital, and media businesses. It’s located in Sharjah, just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the UAE.
SHAMS allows a wide range of business activities - from media, marketing, IT, and consultancy to trading, e-commerce, and education. You can choose one or multiple activities under a single license.
SHAMS business setup offers 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, zero personal or corporate tax, affordable packages, and quick company setup — often completed within just a few days.
You can start your SHAMS business with packages starting from AED 5,750, depending on your license type, activity, and visa requirements.
The process is fast. You can get your SHAMS trade license issued within 2–3 working days once all documents are approved and submitted.
No. SHAMS provides flexible options, including virtual offices, co-working spaces, and dedicated offices, so you can choose what suits your business best.
One conversation is all it takes. Connect with our experts for personalised advice on business setup and company formation in Dubai or across the UAE.
