SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) Company Formation
Set up your business in SHAMS — Sharjah's media, creative, freelancers, and content businesses. 100% foreign ownership, fast licensing, and competitive packages.
About SHAMS
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is one of the UAE's leading free zones, located in Sharjah. It is particularly well-suited to media, creative, freelancers, and content businesses, offering tailored licence packages, modern infrastructure, and streamlined setup.
As an authorised channel partner, we handle the entire SHAMS setup process for you — from activity selection through licence issuance and visa stamping.
Why this is the right option
Affordable freelance permit
From AED 5,750
Media-focused
Built for content creators, marketing, and publishing
Quick setup
Licence in 2–4 working days
Modern co-working
Premium facilities in Sharjah
0% corporate tax
On qualifying media activities
Dual-licence options available
Dual-licence options available
Documents required
- Passport copy of all shareholders (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proposed company name (3 options)
- Brief business activity description
- Visa page / entry stamp copy (if in UAE)
How it works, step by step
- 01
Initial consultation
Tell us your activity, goals, and budget. We recommend the right jurisdiction.
- 02
Document collection
We share a clear document checklist and collect everything via secure upload.
- 03
Application & approvals
Our team files the trade name reservation, initial approval, and licence application.
- 04
Licence issuance
Trade licence + MOA are issued. We hand over originals digitally and by courier.
- 05
Banking & visas
Bank account introduction and visa processing handled in parallel where possible.
Starting from AED 5,750
Indicative starting price for a basic SHAMS package with 0–1 visa quota. Final cost depends on activity, visa quota, and office package.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find what you need? Our consultants are happy to answer any specific questions.
Ask a ConsultantHow long does the whole process take?+
Typical timelines are 3–10 working days from receipt of complete documents, depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
Do I need to be in the UAE during setup?+
For most setups, no. Many steps can be done remotely. Emirates ID biometrics and bank visits require a short visit.
Can I have 100% foreign ownership?+
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities and is standard across all UAE free zones.
What ongoing costs should I budget for?+
Annual trade licence renewal, office/flexi-desk fee, immigration card renewal, and visa renewals (every 2–3 years).
Do you help with bank account opening?+
Yes — we introduce you to UAE banks and EMI providers and assist with KYC documentation. Final approval rests with the bank.
Ready to start your UAE journey?
Speak with a consultant. No obligation. We respond within 1 business day.