Evolve Consultancy

Sharjah Media City (Shams Free Zone)

Start & Evolve Your Business in Shams Zone With Ease.

Unleash Your Creative Potential

Established in 2017, Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) has rapidly evolved into a premier hub for media, creative, and innovative businesses in the UAE. Strategically located just 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, SHAMS offers entrepreneurs and investors an ideal environment to grow their business with cost-effective packages, modern infrastructure, and streamlined processes. As your trusted business setup consultants, Evolve UAE provides comprehensive support for establishing and operating your business in SHAMS Free Zone, ensuring a smooth path to success in the UAE's vibrant creative economy.

100% Foreign Ownership
0% Corporate & Income Tax
Multiple Visa Options
Cost-Effective Packages

Business License Types

Service License

Consultancy, management, marketing & PR services

Media License

Publishing, production, broadcasting & digital media

Trading License

E-commerce, retail & wholesale activities

Our Comprehensive SHAMS Solutions

Evolve Consultancy offers end-to-end business setup and support services for Sharjah Media City Free Zone, tailored to your creative and entrepreneurial ambitions

Company Formation

Expert handling of your SHAMS free zone company registration from start to finish, with streamlined documentation processing that can be completed in as little as 2-3 business days with minimal paperwork requirements.

Facility Selection

Guidance in selecting the ideal workspace option in SHAMS, including flexi desks, dedicated desks, shared offices, and private office spaces to suit your business needs and budget constraints.

Visa Processing

Comprehensive visa services including investor visas, employee visas, and dependent visas with professional assistance in medical testing, Emirates ID application, and visa stamping to ensure full immigration compliance.

Bank Account Setup

Facilitation of corporate bank account opening in UAE's leading banks with a high success rate, preparation of necessary documentation, and advisory on the most suitable banking options for media businesses.

License Selection

Strategic consultation on choosing the optimal license type for your business—service, media, trading, or industrial—ensuring it aligns with your specific activities while maximizing operational flexibility.

Document Authentication

Professional handling of all document legalization, attestation, and authentication requirements for SHAMS free zone setup, including coordination with UAE government authorities and embassies.

Legal Compliance

Ensuring your business meets all SHAMS regulatory requirements and free zone policies, including proper company documentation, approvals, and legal structure in accordance with latest UAE regulations.

Activity Selection

Expert guidance in selecting and registering the most appropriate business activities under your SHAMS license, covering media, consultancy, e-commerce, and creative service operations to maximize business opportunities.

License Renewal

Proactive management of your SHAMS license renewals with timely reminders, document preparation, and submission services to ensure business continuity and compliance with updated regulations.

PRO Services

Dedicated Public Relations Officer (PRO) support for handling government transactions, document processing, and administrative procedures, saving you valuable time and ensuring smooth operations.

Accounting & Tax

Professional accounting, bookkeeping, VAT, and corporate tax services specifically tailored to SHAMS businesses, ensuring full compliance with the UAE's financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Business Expansion

Strategic advisory for scaling your SHAMS-based business, including activity additions, employee visa increases, transition to larger office spaces, and potential expansion to UAE mainland or other free zones.

Why Choose Evolve Consultancy for Your SHAMS Free Zone Business

Cost Optimization

We help you leverage SHAMS's cost-effective packages while ensuring they fully meet your business requirements and future growth plans.

Rapid Processing

Our established relationships with SHAMS authorities and streamlined procedures enable fast business setup timeframes, often within 2-3 business days.

Industry Expertise

Our consultants possess specialized knowledge of media, creative, and digital business requirements in the UAE regulatory environment.

End-to-End Support

From initial consultation to ongoing operational support, we provide comprehensive assistance throughout your SHAMS business journey.

Ready to establish your business in SHAMS Free Zone?

Contact our consultants for a personalized setup strategy tailored to your creative business vision and budget

Schedule a Consultation

Your SHAMS Journey With Evolve

We navigate the Sharjah Media City Free Zone setup process with precision and expertise, handling all complexities while you focus on your creative vision

1

Strategic Consultation

Our experts analyze your creative business vision, operational requirements, and budget constraints to formulate a customized SHAMS setup strategy. We outline the most suitable license types, facility options, and cost structures to align with your short and long-term objectives.

Business activity assessment
License type recommendation
Budget & timeline planning
2

Trade Name & License Selection

We assist in selecting and registering a unique trade name for your SHAMS business, guiding you through the approval process. Our team helps you choose the optimal license type (Service, Media, Trading, or Industrial) based on your specific business activities, ensuring maximum operational flexibility.

Trade name reservation
License category optimization
Business activity registration
3

Facility Selection & Lease Agreement

We guide you through SHAMS workspace options, including flexi desks, dedicated desks, shared offices, and private office spaces based on your operational needs and budget. Our team handles the facility selection process, negotiates favorable lease terms, and ensures all facility-related documentation meets SHAMS requirements.

Workspace option assessment
Lease agreement processing
Facility documentation
4

Documentation & Application Submission

We prepare and compile all required documentation for your SHAMS application, including company formation documents, shareholder information, and KYC requirements. Our team ensures meticulous preparation of all paperwork, submits the complete application to SHAMS authorities, and follows up diligently to secure rapid approval.

Document preparation & verification
Application submission
Authority liaison & follow-up
5

Visa Processing & Establishment Card

We handle the complete visa application process for investors, employees, and dependents as applicable. Our team manages each step of the process, including medical testing, Emirates ID applications, visa stamping, and establishment card issuance to ensure full compliance with UAE immigration regulations.

Investor & employee visa processing
Emirates ID application
Establishment card issuance
6

Banking & Financial Setup

We facilitate corporate bank account opening for your SHAMS company, introducing you to suitable banking partners in the UAE. Our team prepares all necessary banking documentation, arranges meetings with bank representatives, and provides guidance throughout the account opening process to establish a solid financial foundation.

Bank selection assistance
Account opening documentation
Banking relationship establishment
7

Operational Launch & Ongoing Support

Once your SHAMS free zone company is fully established, we provide comprehensive support to ensure smooth operations. Our team remains available for license renewals, visa extensions, compliance assistance, and strategic business growth advisory to help your creative enterprise thrive in the UAE market.

Operational guidance
Annual renewal management
Ongoing compliance support

Efficient Setup Timeline

The complete SHAMS free zone setup process typically takes 5-7 business days, with expedited options available for urgent requirements

Cost-Effective Packages

SHAMS offers some of the most affordable business setup options in the UAE, with customizable packages starting from AED 5,750

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about establishing and operating a business in Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS)

What is Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) and where is it located?

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.

What are the main benefits of setting up a business in SHAMS Free Zone?

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.

What types of licenses are available in SHAMS Free Zone?

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.

What are the facility options available in SHAMS Free Zone?

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.

What is the process for setting up a company in SHAMS Free Zone?

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.

How many visas can I obtain with a SHAMS Free Zone license?

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.

What documents are required for SHAMS Free Zone company formation?

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.

What are the costs associated with setting up in SHAMS Free Zone?

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.

Is a physical office required in SHAMS Free Zone?

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.

Can a SHAMS Free Zone business operate in mainland UAE?

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.

What types of business activities are permitted in SHAMS Free Zone?

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.

Still have questions?

Our consultants at Evolve are ready to provide personalized answers to your specific inquiries about SHAMS Free Zone business setup

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