Sharjah Media City (Shams Free Zone)

Sharjah Media City Free Zone, commonly known as SHAMS, is a progressive free zone established in January 2017 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the media and creative sectors, SHAMS is strategically located in the emirate of Sharjah, just 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and approximately 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, providing excellent connectivity to major business hubs across the UAE.

SHAMS Free Zone offers numerous competitive advantages including: 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor requirement, 0% corporate and personal income taxes, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, cost-effective setup packages starting from just 5,750 AED, streamlined and efficient registration process, minimal documentation requirements, multiple business activity options on a single license, flexible facility options including flexi-desks and shared workspaces, and a strategic location with excellent connectivity to major UAE business centers. These benefits make SHAMS particularly attractive for startups, SMEs, and creative entrepreneurs looking for an affordable entry point into the UAE market.

SHAMS Free Zone offers several license categories to accommodate diverse business activities: Service License (for management consulting, accounting, marketing, and professional services), Media License (for publishing, production, digital media, advertising, and creative services), Trading License (for e-commerce, import/export, and retail/wholesale activities), and Industrial License (for light-industrial operations related to media production). Each license type allows for multiple business activities to be registered under a single license, providing operational flexibility for businesses in the creative and service sectors. SHAMS is particularly known for its support of digital businesses, content creation, and e-commerce operations.

SHAMS Free Zone provides various facility options to accommodate different business needs and budgets: Flexi Desk (shared workspace included in most license packages, offering a hot desk arrangement), Dedicated Desk (fixed workspace in a shared environment with personal storage), Shared Office (economical option for teams requiring multiple workstations in a communal setting), and Private Office (fully-furnished exclusive office spaces of varying sizes). These flexible workspace solutions allow businesses to establish a physical presence in the UAE without the significant overhead costs associated with traditional office leases, making SHAMS an ideal choice for digital businesses and creative startups.

The company formation process in SHAMS Free Zone involves several straightforward steps: 1) Initial Consultation to determine optimal license type and activities, 2) Trade Name Reservation (submission of three name options for approval), 3) License Application Submission with required documentation, 4) Initial Approval and payment of applicable fees, 5) Lease Agreement execution for your selected facility option, 6) License Issuance (typically within 2-3 business days), 7) Establishment Card processing, 8) Visa Applications for investors/employees as required, and 9) Corporate Bank Account Opening. Working with a business setup consultant like Evolve UAE significantly streamlines this process by handling documentation, government liaisons, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the setup journey.

Visa allocation in SHAMS Free Zone depends on the license package selected. Basic packages start with options for 0-6 visa eligibility quotas, with additional visa quotas available based on facility type and size. SHAMS offers several visa types including Investor/Partner visas (valid for 2-3 years), Employee visas, Family/Dependent visas, and Service visas. The cost for investor and employee visas is approximately 3,360 AED for a 2-year validity period. A notable benefit is that SHAMS visa holders can live anywhere in the UAE and are not restricted to residing in Sharjah, offering flexibility for business owners and their families.

The basic documentation required for company formation in SHAMS Free Zone includes: Colored passport copies of all shareholders and directors (with 6+ months validity), completed application forms, business plan (for certain activities), passport-sized photographs with white background, and bank reference letter (for some nationalities). For corporate shareholders, additional documents such as certificate of incorporation, board resolution, and articles of association may be required. All documents must be in English or Arabic, or accompanied by legal translations. No NOC (No Objection Certificate) is required for UAE residents, making SHAMS an accessible option for those already in the UAE looking to establish their own business.

SHAMS Free Zone is known for its cost-effective business setup options. License packages start from approximately 5,750 AED (for zero visa quota), with standard packages ranging from 8,050-13,420 AED depending on visa quota requirements. Additional costs include Immigration Card (1,575 AED for 3 years), E-channel registration (2,735 AED), visa processing fees (3,360 AED per visa for 2 years), Emirates ID (371 AED), and medical testing fees. Facility costs are typically included in the license packages for basic flexi-desk options, with upgrades available for dedicated desks, shared offices, or private offices at additional costs. Compared to other UAE free zones, SHAMS offers one of the most affordable entry points for business setup.

While SHAMS Free Zone does require some form of physical presence, most license packages include a flexi-desk arrangement as standard, which satisfies the minimum office requirement in the UAE. This flexi-desk option provides a business address and occasional workspace access without the need for a dedicated physical office, making it ideal for digital businesses, online service providers, and e-commerce companies. For businesses requiring more substantial facilities, SHAMS offers dedicated desks, shared offices, and private offices of various sizes. This flexibility makes SHAMS an attractive option for remote businesses, freelancers, and startups looking to establish a UAE presence with minimal overhead costs.

SHAMS Free Zone companies can conduct business with UAE mainland entities, government organizations, and other free zones without restrictions. However, if a SHAMS company wishes to provide services directly to the public in mainland UAE or establish a physical office/branch in the mainland, additional approvals or a separate mainland license would be required. Many businesses adopt a dual licensing approach, maintaining both free zone and mainland licenses to maximize operational flexibility. Evolve Consultancy can provide strategic guidance on the optimal structure for your business based on your target market, operational requirements, and long-term objectives in the UAE market.

SHAMS Free Zone accommodates a wide range of business activities across several sectors, with a particular focus on media and creative industries. Permitted activities include: Media Services (digital marketing, publishing, production, broadcasting, advertising), IT & Technology (software development, app creation, web design, IT consulting), Professional Services (management consulting, accounting, HR services, business advisory), E-commerce & Trading (online retail, import/export, distribution), Creative Services (graphic design, content creation, photography, videography), Education & Training (online courses, training programs, educational content development), and various other service-based businesses. Multiple activities can be registered under a single license, providing operational flexibility for diverse business models.