How much does SHAMS company setup cost in 2026?

SHAMS starts from AED 5,750/year for a freelancer permit or company license. It is the most affordable UAE free zone for media, creative and digital businesses.

What activities can a SHAMS company do?

SHAMS permits media, creative, digital, publishing, advertising, marketing, software, e-commerce, consulting and professional services.

How many visas does SHAMS allow?

SHAMS allows up to 6 visas per license. The standard package includes 1 to 2 visas. Additional visas cost from AED 4,500/year.

Is SHAMS good for freelancers?

Yes. SHAMS offers a freelancer permit from AED 5,750/year allowing sole practitioners to legally work in UAE with a UAE residence visa option.

How long does SHAMS company registration take?

SHAMS registration takes 1 to 3 working days — one of the fastest in the UAE with online document submission and digital license issuance.

Sharjah Free Zone

SHAMS

Sharjah Media City company setup guidance with licensing, visa, office, renewal, banking readiness and post-incorporation support.

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At a glance

Authority Sharjah Media City

Emirate Sharjah

Support Licence, visas, renewals, banking readiness

Quick Answer: SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) free zone company formation costs AED 5,750–12,500 in 2026, making it one of the cheapest free zones in the UAE. A zero-visa license starts at AED 5,750/year. Setup takes 3–5 business days. SHAMS is designed for media, publishing, e-commerce, freelancers, and content creators.

SHAMS Free Zone — Key Facts at a Glance (2026)

Factor	Details
Zero-Visa License	From AED 5,750/year
1-Visa Package	AED 8,500 – 9,500
2-Visa Package	AED 10,500 – 12,500
Visa Quota	0 – 6 visas
License Types	Media, Publishing, Technology, Service, E-Commerce
Setup Time	3 – 5 business days
Minimum Share Capital	No minimum required
Office Requirement	Virtual office included in all packages
Location	Sharjah (approx. 15 min from Dubai)
Best For	Freelancers, media, content creators, e-commerce
Corporate Tax	0% (qualifying free zone entity)

How to Set Up a Company in SHAMS — Step by Step (2026)

Select your business activity — SHAMS covers media, publishing, technology, e-commerce, and general services.
Choose your visa package — Zero-visa (AED 5,750) for solopreneurs; 1-visa package (from AED 8,500) for those needing UAE residency.
Submit your application — Apply directly on the SHAMS portal or via a registered agent. Processing: 1–2 business days.
Pay the license fee — AED 5,750–12,500 depending on package. Virtual office address in Sharjah included.
Receive your trade license — Issued within 3–5 business days of payment and document submission.
Apply for UAE residency visa (optional) — Investor visa costs AED 3,500–4,500 including medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
Open a UAE bank account — SHAMS license accepted at Mashreq, Wio, Emirates NBD, and other UAE banks.

COMPANY SETUP IN SHARJAH MEDIA CITY

Overview

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) was established in January 2016 by His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi to create a regional media hub. Launched in 2017, SHAMS aims to be a world-class center for media and creativity, fostering an environment for innovative entrepreneurship.

Advantages

SHAMS offers a vibrant ecosystem with innovative services and specialized facilities for the creative and media industries. Benefits include legal independence in licensing, a holistic community-centered approach, up to 6 visas on a shared desk, no age restrictions for investor visas, 100% foreign ownership, and 0% corporate or personal tax.

Requirements:

A minimum share capital of AED 100,000 is optional. A manager must be appointed on the company's residence visa, requiring entry to the UAE at least once every six months.

Facilities:

SHAMS provides dedicated and shared desks and offices, designed to cater to client needs. Shared workspaces promote collaboration, ideal for startups.

Licensing Categories

Service License: For production, transformation, and distribution of services.
Trading License: For selling goods within SHAMS or importing/exporting.
Industrial License: For production, transformation, and manufacturing of goods.

Company Types

SHAMS LLC: With 1-50 shareholders, either individuals or corporate entities, capital contribution optional.
Branch of Foreign Company: Extension of the parent company, no capital requirement.
Branch of Locally Incorporated Company

Features:

SHAMS LLC: No requirement to file audited annual accounts.

Branch Office: No minimum capital, extension of the parent company, only a manager required.

Frequently Asked Questions — SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)

What is SHAMS free zone and who is it for?

SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is a free zone designed for media, technology, and creative businesses. It is especially popular with freelancers, content creators, digital marketers, and media companies seeking an affordable UAE licence.

How much does a SHAMS licence cost?

SHAMS is one of the most competitively priced free zones in the UAE. Freelance permits start from approximately AED 5,750 per year and full trade licences from around AED 11,500–14,000 annually.

Can I get a UAE visa with a SHAMS licence?

Yes — standard SHAMS packages include 1–2 UAE residence visas, with additional visas available. This allows you to legally reside in the UAE under your SHAMS-licensed company.

What activities are permitted under SHAMS?

SHAMS permits media production, digital content creation, advertising, e-commerce, software development, consulting, publishing, and event management — among the most flexible activity lists for creative and digital businesses.

How does SHAMS compare to IFZA or Meydan for startups?

SHAMS is generally the most affordable of the three, ideal for budget-conscious startups. IFZA offers a Dubai Silicon Oasis address with more activity options, while Meydan provides a central Dubai address. All three offer 100% foreign ownership and UAE residence visas.