Sharjah Free Zone
SHAMS Free Zone Company Setup 2026 | Sharjah Media City Guide
Sharjah Media City company setup guidance with licensing, visa, office, renewal, banking readiness and post-incorporation support.
At a glance
Quick Answer: SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) free zone company formation costs from AED 5,750 for a zero-visa Media Package on Shams' own offers page, with visa packages priced separately, making it a cost-conscious UAE free zone option. Shams runs time-limited offers, so confirm the current price. Setup timelines vary by document readiness, activity selection, authority review and payment clearance. SHAMS is designed for media, publishing, e-commerce, freelancers, and content creators.
Planning your budget? See the worked SHAMS 3-year total cost example — year 1 licence, visa and office costs plus years 2–3 renewals, built from this guide’s published figures with assumptions stated.
SHAMS Free Zone — Key Facts at a Glance (2026)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Zero-Visa License | From AED 5,750 (Media Package offer, zero visa; term per offer) |
| 1-Visa Package | Varies by package; Shams lists a Freelance Package with one visa at AED 15,520 |
| 2-Visa Package | Varies by package; confirm with Shams |
| Visa Quota | 0 – 6 visas |
| License Types | Media, Publishing, Technology, Service, E-Commerce |
| Setup Time | Varies by document readiness, activity and authority review |
| 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% may apply to qualifying income if QFZP conditions are met; 9% may apply otherwise |
Source: Shams offers page, checked 21 Oct 2026. Media Package AED 5,750 (zero visa), Trader Package AED 6,500, Freelance Package AED 15,520 (one visa), shown as time-limited offers; Shams' packages page lists features without prices. Indicative only; confirm with the zone. How we source prices.
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 (Media Package from AED 5,750) for solopreneurs; a visa package for those needing UAE residency (price varies; confirm with Shams).
- Submit your application — Apply directly on the SHAMS portal or via a registered agent. Processing: 1–2 business days.
- Pay the license fee — the amount depends on the package and current offer. Virtual office address in Sharjah included.
- Receive your trade license — Timelines vary by document readiness, selected activity, authority review and payment clearance.
- Apply for UAE residency visa (optional) — Investor visa costs are priced separately by Shams; medical tests are paid to the medical centre.
- Prepare your UAE bank file — SHAMS companies can apply to UAE banks, but approval and timing depend on bank KYC, activity, shareholder profile and submitted documents.
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 corporate tax treatment that depends on UAE tax rules, qualifying income, substance and compliance status.
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. Shams lists a Media Package at AED 5,750 (zero visa), a Trader Package at AED 6,500 and a Freelance Package with one visa at AED 15,520 on its offers page; these are time-limited offers, so confirm current prices.
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 a cost-conscious option for budget-aware startups. IFZA offers a Dubai Silicon Oasis address with more activity options, while Meydan provides a central Dubai address. All three can support 100% foreign ownership and UAE residence visa routes, subject to authority and immigration requirements.
Also in Sharjah: See the SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City) guide for a media and creative industries alternative.
How we source these figures: where a free zone publishes a price we record it with its source page and the date we read it; other figures are planning estimates and are marked as such. Figures are indicative, not quotations, and can change — see how we source prices, or report a correction if you spot an error.
SHAMS Visa Quota and Tax Treatment
SHAMS visa quota scales with the package you choose: zero-visa entry packages suit non-resident owners, while visa-inclusive and office-based packages unlock larger quotas for teams. If you expect to sponsor employees later, it is usually cheaper to plan the quota before incorporation than to upgrade afterwards.
On tax: SHAMS companies are subject to UAE corporate tax like any other business. A SHAMS entity that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from 0% on qualifying income, subject to substance and activity conditions — confirm your position with a tax adviser before you rely on it.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Reviewed by: UAE Free Zone Finder setup team.
For group structures, see our guide to setting up a holding company in SHAMS.