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Free zone · SharjahCompany setup in SHAMS, Sharjah Media City.
A Sharjah free zone that began with media and creative businesses and now licenses a wide range of service, trading and e-commerce activities, with a fully online setup.
SHAMS, the Sharjah Media City Free Zone, was created for media and creative businesses and has since broadened its activity list to cover consultancy, services, trading, e-commerce and holding structures. The setup process runs online from application to licence.
It is a popular choice for founders, freelancers and small teams who want a UAE company without a large office commitment. We help you pick the right activities and package, prepare the documents and follow the application through.
Why open your business in SHAMS.
Fully online process
Application, payment and licence issuance are handled online, so much of the setup can be completed remotely.
Far more than media
Media and creative activities sit alongside consultancy, services, trading and e-commerce.
Several activities on one licence
Combine related revenue lines, such as media, consultancy and e-commerce, under a single licence.
LLC company names
SHAMS companies typically carry the LLC suffix rather than FZ-LLC or FZE, which some owners prefer for how it reads to clients and banks.
Packages with or without visas
Entry packages without a visa quota for founders who do not need residency, and higher tiers that add residence visas.
A short drive from Dubai
Based in Sharjah, within easy reach of Dubai and both cities' airports.
Licences and structure
SHAMS issues licences to limited liability companies and to branches of existing companies. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities, and a company can have one shareholder or several.
Some media activities carry additional requirements under federal media rules. If your activity is one of them, we flag it at the start so there are no surprises later.
Documents you will need
The typical starting list is below. The authority may ask for more depending on your activity, and we tell you exactly what applies before you gather anything.
- Passport copies for every shareholder and manager
- A recent passport-size photograph of each
- Proof of residential address
- Current UAE visa page or Emirates ID, if you are already in the UAE
- For a corporate shareholder: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, and a board resolution approving the new company
Each free zone sets its own rules, activity lists and visa quotas, and these change from time to time. We confirm the current position with the authority before you commit to anything.
How setup works.
Brief
A short conversation about what the company will do, how many visas you need, your timeline and where your clients are.
Structure
We map your business to the right licence type, activities and workspace, and confirm the current requirements with the authority.
Application
We prepare your documents, submit the application and follow up on approvals, so you are not chasing anyone.
Licence and visas
Licence issued, then establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, with help preparing for your bank account.
Questions we are asked.
Can I set up without visiting the UAE?
Much of the process is online and can be done remotely. If you want a residence visa, you will need to be in the UAE for the medical test and biometrics.
Do I need a visa package?
No. There are packages without a visa quota for founders who do not need UAE residency, and packages that include visas if you do.
Can I combine different activities?
Yes, several activities can sit on one licence. We help you choose a combination that matches how you actually earn.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the package, activities and number of visas. Tell us what you need and we will send a written quote.
Is SHAMS only for media companies?
No. It started with media, but its activity list now covers consultancy, services, trading and e-commerce as well.
Get a quote for SHAMS.
A few quick questions, then we come back with the right route and a written quote.