Enjoy exclusive New Year setup package. Start Your Business Now
UAE
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UAE
-
India
Enjoy exclusive New Year setup package. Start Your Business Now
UAE
UAE
India
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE, known for its cost-effective business setup, wide range of business activities, and quick company registration process. Located in Sharjah and just 15 minutes from Dubai, Shams is ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups looking to establish a strong presence in the UAE media, creative, and digital industries — without the high cost of larger zones.
Shams Free Zone, officially known as Sharjah Media City, is one of the most dynamic and cost-effective free zones in the UAE. Strategically located just 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Shams offers a smart location for startups, freelancers, and established businesses alike.
Shams issues service, trading, and industrial licenses, and supports over 200 approved business activities, including:
Bookkeeping & Accounting
IT & Web Development
Marketing & Media
Publishing
Wholesale & Trading
Business Consultancy
License Types: Service, Trading, Industrial
Allowed Shareholders: Individual or Corporate
Visa Options: 0 to 6 visas
Office Options: Flexi-desk, shared workspace, virtual office
Minimum Share Capital: No paid-up capital required
Time to License Issuance: 5–7 working days
| Package Type | Starting Price (AED) | Visa Quota | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Visa Package | 11,500 | 0 | Trade license + establishment card |
| 1 Visa Package | From 15,500 | 1 | License + visa + medical + Emirates ID |
| Multi-Visa Package | Custom Quote | 2–6 | Tailored licensing & visa package |
Setting up your business in Shams Free Zone, also known as Sharjah Media City, offers a smart, affordable, and flexible way to establish your presence in the UAE. Here are the key advantages:
As a foreign investor, you can enjoy 100% ownership of your Shams Free Zone company—no local sponsor required. You also have the full right to repatriate all profits and capital back to your home country, with no restrictions.
Shams Free Zone makes it easy to start your business with a quick online registration process, no upfront capital deposit, and low setup costs—perfect for startups and entrepreneurs.
Shams Free Zone lets you set up your company from anywhere in the world—no physical presence in the UAE is required for shareholders during the incorporation process.
Shams Free Zone supports a broad selection of business activities and allows you to combine multiple activities under a single license, giving you flexibility to grow and diversify.
Shams Free Zone is conveniently located near the E88 and E611 highways, with easy access to both Sharjah International Airport and Dubai International Airport, making logistics and travel simple.
Shams Free Zone provides convenient on-site services for business owners, including visa processing, phone setup, document translation, and attestation, all in one place.
Shams Free Zone supports a wide variety of professional, commercial, and creative business activities. Whether you’re in finance, media, consultancy, or tech, Shams offers flexible licensing options to match your business goals.
Here are some of the most popular activities you can choose from:
You can set up your Shams Free Zone company remotely—there’s no need to be physically present in the UAE to complete the registration process.
Starting your company in Shams Free Zone is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Select the activity or activities that best match your business goals. Shams Free Zone offers licenses for a variety of sectors including Trading, Industrial, Service, and Holding.
Pick a unique and compliant company name that reflects your brand identity and follows UAE naming regulations.
Submit all required documents and applications to Shams Free Zone authorities. This includes the initial license application and signing the official memorandum.
Once your paperwork is accepted, your business license will be issued, allowing you to legally operate within the free zone.
After receiving your license, open a UAE corporate bank account. AB Nexis Corp offers expert banking consultancy and can help you choose the right bank and arrange meetings.
If required, apply for your employee and dependent visas. Sponsoring dependents like spouses, children, domestic staff, or drivers is a simple process involving:
Entry permit issuance
Status adjustment
Medical fitness testing
Emirates ID registration and visa stamping
You’ll need to meet with Shams officials for your initial license application.
Passport photos must meet UAE immigration standards: colored shirt, white background, no glasses or visible piercings, no teeth showing, and hair must not cover the face.
The exact process can vary depending on your business activity and license type.
Navigating the setup process is much easier with a company formation specialist. AB Nexis will guide you step-by-step, ensuring your Shams Free Zone business setup is fast, smooth, and hassle-free — saving you valuable time and effort.
Ready to launch your business? Contact us today for your free consultation!
