Quick Answer: A one-visa SHAMS setup totals roughly AED 24,000–28,500 over three years: about AED 12,000–13,000 in year 1 (zero-visa licence at AED 5,750 plus the 1-visa package uplift and residence visa), then two renewals assumed at the same package rate of AED 8,500–12,000 per year.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Reviewed by: UAE Free Zone Finder setup team.
This worked example applies the rules in our cost estimate methodology. Every figure traces to the published numbers on our SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) guide (Sharjah); the assumptions below are stated openly, and nothing outside the published package is included.
Assumptions
- Media, creative, digital or professional service activity.
- Zero-visa licence starts at AED 5,750/year; the 1-visa package starts from AED 8,500 (SHAMS guide).
- One residence visa at AED 3,500–4,500 including medical, Emirates ID and stamping.
- SHAMS does not publish a separate renewal price; we assume renewal tracks the licence package rate — the same assumption our guides apply to zones that renew “at the initial package rate”.
- Shared desk route; optional AED 100,000 share capital is not required.
Year 1 — Licence, Visa and Office
| Component | Estimate | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| Licence package (1 visa) | from AED 8,500 | SHAMS guide: zero-visa AED 5,750; 1-visa from AED 8,500 |
| Residence visa (medical, Emirates ID, stamping) | AED 3,500–4,500 | Per person, as published on the SHAMS guide |
| Year 1 total | ≈ AED 12,000–13,000 | Sum of the two published components |
Years 2–3 — Renewals
Licences are quoted annually (freelance permits from ~AED 5,750/year; full trade licences ~AED 11,500–14,000/year). We assume the 1-visa package renews at AED 8,500–12,000 per year; confirm the exact renewal invoice before year 2, and watch renewal date, desk validity and activity wording as flagged on our SHAMS guide and homepage shortlist.
| Component | Estimate | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2 renewal (assumed, same package) | AED 8,500–12,000 | Assumption — no separate renewal price published |
| Year 3 renewal (assumed, same package) | AED 8,500–12,000 | Assumption — no separate renewal price published |
3-Year Total
≈ AED 24,000–28,500
Notes and Exclusions
Media or regulated activities may need additional authority review. Visa eligibility depends on the selected package and establishment card. Corporate tax and VAT sit outside this estimate (see the methodology page).
- Excluded from every total: bank minimum-balance deposits and monthly fees, UAE Corporate Tax and VAT, extra visa allocations, office upgrades, mainland access arrangements, attestation/translation and any fines — see the methodology for the full list.
- Authority fees and packages can change without notice; reconfirm in writing at quote stage via a free quote.
- Cross-check this zone against alternatives in our 3-year cost examples hub or the independent cost comparison on our companion site.
All figures are indicative estimates drawn from UAE Free Zone Finder published guides and official free zone authority fee schedules. Authority fees, packages and requirements can change without notice — always confirm your exact quote with the authority before committing. This page is general guidance, not tax or legal advice.