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Company Formation in Sharjah Media City

Launch Your Media Business in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) – A Creative Hub for Innovation

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone, established in 2017, is one of the UAE’s most dynamic and cost-effective free zones for creative, digital, media, and technology entrepreneurs. Strategically located just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, SHAMS offers world-class connectivity and accessibility for investors worldwide.

Created under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, SHAMS is more than just a business hub, it’s a thriving ecosystem built for innovation. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or global enterprise, SHAMS provides one of the most affordable and flexible platforms for business setup in the UAE.

By opting for company formation in SHAMS Free Zone, entrepreneurs enjoy 100% ownership, full repatriation of profits, 0% corporate and personal taxes, and low-cost business licenses that cover over 2,000+ business activities from media production and marketing to IT services, consultancy, trading, and e-commerce.

At The Capital Zone, our experts streamline the entire SHAMS business setup process from documentation to licensing, helping you register your company quickly, remotely, and compliantly.

Key Benefits of SHAMS Free Zone Company Formation

Setting up a business in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) offers unbeatable advantages for local and international investors:

  • 100% Foreign Ownership: No local partner or sponsor required.
  • Tax-Free Zone: 0% corporate and personal income tax; 100% profit repatriation.
  • Affordable Licensing: License packages starting from AED 5,750 for zero-visa setup.
  • Fast Registration: Company formation and trade license issuance within 5–10 business days.
  • Remote Setup: Full digital registration process; no need for physical presence in the UAE.
  • No Paid-Up Capital Requirement: Minimum share capital AED 150,000 declared, not deposited.
  • Multiple Activities Under One License: Combine different business activities under one trade license.
  • Flexible Visa Quota: Up to 6 visas under shared-desk facilities.
  • No Age Limit for Investor Visa: Open for entrepreneurs of all ages.
  • Access to Networking & Training: SHAMS hosts regular workshops, expos, and training sessions.
  • Strategic Location: Proximity to Dubai and Sharjah Airports ensures easy access to global markets.


These features make SHAMS one of the most preferred UAE free zones for freelancers, content creators, marketing agencies, e-commerce startups, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

Types of Licenses Offered in SHAMS Free Zone

SHAMS provides a range of license types catering to nearly all industry categories. You can operate multiple business activities under a single license, which helps save cost and simplifies operations.

  1. Service & Consultancy License
    For companies engaged in providing professional or creative services—such as IT consulting, design, marketing, digital media, or management consultancy.

  2. Trading License
    For businesses that import, export, distribute, or sell goods (wholesale or retail). It’s also ideal for e-commerce and online sellers.

  3. Industrial License
    For companies involved in manufacturing, production, or transformation of goods.

  4. Holding License
    For entities established to hold shares in other companies or assets, manage subsidiaries, or own intellectual property rights.

  5. Freelancer Permit
    For individuals working independently in creative or professional fields such as photography, design, or content creation.

Legal Entity Types in SHAMS

Sharjah Media City Free Zone allows two primary company structures:

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A separate legal entity with its own identity. The liability of shareholders is limited to their share capital.

Ideal for: Startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs seeking independence, limited liability, and the ability to apply for multiple visas.

Required Documents for LLC:

  • Passport copies of shareholders/directors
  • Emirates ID (if resident)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Completed SHAMS onboarding form
  • Business plan and UBO declaration
Branch Office

A branch of an existing UAE or foreign company. The branch is legally dependent on its parent company and shares the same name and activity. 

Ideal for: International firms or mainland UAE companies expanding their footprint.

Documents Required:

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association of parent company
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Board Resolution to establish a branch
  • Passport copies of directors and managers

Step-by-Step Process for Company Formation in SHAMS Free Zone

Setting up a company in SHAMS is straightforward and fully digital. With The Capital Zone managing the process, you can operate your business in as little as one week.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity & License Type

Select your preferred activities from SHAMS’ approved list and determine the right license category.

Step 2: Decide on Legal Structure

Choose between a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Branch Office based on your business model.

Step 3: Submit Documents Online

Upload required documents via SHAMS’ digital portal (passport, photo, name choices, business plan, etc.).

Step 4: Receive Initial Approval & Pay Fees

Once documents are verified, SHAMS issues initial approval, and you pay the license and registration fees.

Step 5: Collect License & Incorporation Documents

You receive your Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, MoA, and Lease Agreement digitally.

Step 6: Obtain Establishment Card

The establishment card contains visa quotas and company registration details (issued in 3–5 days).

Step 7: Apply for Visas

Investor and employee visa applications are processed via SHAMS’ immigration system. Up to 6 visas are allowed depending on your package.

Step 8: Medical, Emirates ID & Residency Visa

Complete biometrics and medical tests for your Emirates ID and residence visa.

Step 9: Open Corporate Bank Account

We assist in opening your UAE corporate account for business operations.

Timeline for SHAMS Business Setup

Process

Normal Duration

Priority Service

Company Registration

3–5 days

1–2 days

Trade License Issuance

5–7 days

3 days

Establishment Card

3–5 days

2 days

Visa Application & Issuance

5–10 days

3–5 days

Overall, your company formation in SHAMS Free Zone can be completed within 7–10 working days, depending on documentation.

Cost of Company Setup in SHAMS Free Zone

SHAMS is one of the most affordable free zones in the UAE.

Package Type

Cost (AED)

Inclusions

Zero Visa Package

5,750 – 7,500

Trade license only

One Visa Package

8,000 – 9,500

License + Establishment Card + 1 visa

Three Visa Package

11,000 – 13,500

License + Flexi-desk + 3 visas

Six Visa Package

14,000 – 16,000

License + Shared Office + 6 visas

Additional costs:

  • Visa processing: AED 3,500 – 4,500 per person
  • Emirates ID & medical: AED 1,000 – 1,500
  • License renewal (yearly): Similar to setup cost
  • Multi-year packages (2–5 years): Up to 20% discount


The Capital Zone offers customized packages to help you reduce setup and renewal costs while ensuring full compliance.

Common Challenges in RAKEZ Company Formation

After your company is registered, you must maintain compliance with UAE laws and SHAMS regulations:

  1. Corporate Tax Registration:

    • 0% tax for Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP).
    • 9% corporate tax for non-qualifying income above AED 375,000.

  2. VAT Registration:

    • Required if annual taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000.
    • 5% VAT applies to domestic sales.

  3. Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Filing:

    • Mandatory for all companies to declare ownership structure.

  4. AML/goAML Compliance:

    • Required for businesses classified as Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).

  5. License Renewal:

    • Annually (or multi-year discounts available).

  6. Visa & Facility Renewal:

    • Ensure visa quotas and office spaces are aligned with license terms.

Our SHAMS Company Formation Services Include

Business Licensing

We assist with obtaining SHAMS licenses for a wide range of activities, including media production, digital marketing, advertising, and creative services. Our team ensures that your business complies with SHAMS regulations and licensing requirements.

Company Registration

We manage the entire company registration process, ensuring all required documentation is prepared and submitted to SHAMS authorities for a smooth and efficient incorporation process.

Office and Flexi-Desk Solutions

SHAMS offers cost-effective flexi-desks, shared workspaces, and private offices for media and creative companies. We help you find the ideal office solution that meets your business requirements and budget.

Affordable Setup Packages

SHAMS provides affordable business setup packages, making it an attractive location for startups, freelancers, and small businesses. We assist you in taking advantage of these cost-effective options to minimize setup costs.

Visa and Residency Support

We assist with visa applications for business owners, employees, and their dependents, ensuring compliance with UAE residency regulations and streamlining the relocation process.

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Why Choose Us

At The Capital Zone, we specialize in free zone business setup across the UAE, with SHAMS being one of our top client destinations. We provide complete end-to-end support from business planning and document preparation to visa assistance and tax compliance.

Our Expertise Includes:

  • License and business activity guidance
  • Fast company registration (100% remote)
  • Assistance with visas and Emirates IDs
  • Office and facility selection
  • Corporate bank account opening
  • Tax, VAT, and accounting compliance
  • Annual renewals and expansion planning


With our deep knowledge of SHAMS policies and UAE free zone laws, we ensure a smooth, transparent, and compliant setup for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHAMS offers businesses in the media and creative industries 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and affordable setup packages. Its focus on the creative sector makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking for a media-friendly environment.

SHAMS is perfect for businesses in media production, advertising, digital marketing, publishing, and creative services. We help you select the appropriate license for your business activities.

The company formation process in SHAMS typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity of your setup and the required documentation.

Yes, SHAMS is a great option for freelancers and startups due to its flexible workspace options, affordable setup packages, and focus on supporting creative enterprises.

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