Business Setup in SHAMS Free Zone
Starting a business in the UAE can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. If you’re an entrepreneur, startup founder, or business professional exploring business setup in Sharjah, one option stands out for its ease and advantages: Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams).
Launched in 2017, Shams Free Zone has quickly become a hub for creative and service-oriented businesses, offering 100% foreign ownership, affordable licensing, and a straightforward setup process.
Despite its name, Sharjah Media City Free Zone isn’t just for media companies – it welcomes a wide range of business activities from tech and e-commerce to consulting and trading.
With its entrepreneur-friendly policies and strategic location near Dubai, Shams provides an ideal launchpad for new ventures in the UAE.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Key benefits of Sharjah Media City Free Zone and why it’s ideal for startups and SMEs.
- Step-by-step process to register your company in Shams Free Zone, Sharjah.
- Insider tips on leveraging Shams Free Zone advantages (multiple activities, visa options, remote setup, etc.).
- How Corporate Business Services (CBS) can help streamline your Sharjah business setup (with free consultation and expert support).
Understanding Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone
Sharjah Media City Free Zone, commonly known as Shams Free Zone, is a government-backed free zone in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Established in January 2017 by an Emiri decree, Shams was created to foster growth in the media and creative industries.
However, today it has expanded far beyond media: Shams offers over 120 approved business activities ranging from IT and digital marketing to trading and consulting.
This means entrepreneurs from virtually any sector can find a home in Shams Free Zone.
Shams Free Zone is designed with the modern entrepreneur in mind. Investors from around the globe have been drawn to Shams – in fact, companies from more than 160 countries are registered here, reflecting its international appeal.
Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Shams Free Zone, Sharjah
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Like other UAE free zones, Shams allows 100% foreign ownership of your company.
- Cost-Effective Setup: Sharjah Media City Free Zone is known for low-cost business setup fees. It offers some of the most affordable license packages in the UAE, making it ideal for startups on a budget.
- Zero Taxes and Full Repatriation: Companies in Shams enjoy 0% corporate and personal income tax, as well as zero import/export duties on goods handled within the free zone.
- Multiple Business Activities on One License: Unlike some jurisdictions where you need separate licenses for different activities, Shams lets you combine multiple activities under a single license.
- No Physical Presence Required: Uniquely, Shams does not require you to be physically present in the UAE to incorporate your company.
- Modern Facilities & Infrastructure: Shams Free Zone offers a range of workspace options – from flexi-desk (shared office) setups to private offices – in a modern business center.
- Strategic Business Community: Being part of Shams places you in a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and creatives.
(Tip: With so many advantages on offer, the next step is understanding how to actually get your business up and running in Shams. In the following section, we outline the step-by-step process to set up a company in Sharjah Media City Free Zone.)
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Company in Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone
Setting up a business in Shams Free Zone is a relatively straightforward process. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the business setup in Sharjah Media City Free Zone:
1.Choose Your Business Activity and License Type:
Start by deciding what business activity (or activities) you want to conduct. Shams offers various license categories – Service, Trading, Industrial, or Holding – depending on your activity.
For example, if you plan to offer consulting services, you’ll need a Service License; if you are trading goods or running an e-commerce store, a Trading License would apply.
Ensure your chosen activity is within Shams’ list of permitted activities (with 120+ options, you’re likely covered).
2.Select and Reserve a Company Name:
Pick a unique name for your company that complies with UAE naming rules (no offensive words, avoid well-known trademarks, etc.).
You can check name availability and reserve the name through the Shams Free Zone authority.
3.Prepare the Required Documents:
Complete the Shams company application form and gather the necessary documents for all shareholders.
Typically, you will need:
- Shareholder(s) passport copies,
- Passport-sized photos,
- Proof of address, and a
- Brief description of your business plan or scope
If a shareholder is a UAE resident, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current sponsor/employer might be needed.
Shams may also require identification documents like Emirates ID (if applicable) or additional information depending on your business activity.
Having an experienced business setup consultant in UAE can help ensure all paperwork is correct and complete.
4.Submit Your Application For Initial Approval:
Submit the application form and documents to the Sharjah Media City Free Zone authority.
The free zone authority will review your application, and if everything is in order, they will issue an initial approval.
5.Pay the License Fee and Related Fees:
Once you have initial approval, you will receive an invoice for the license package you chose (and any add-ons like extra visas, if applicable).
Pay the required fees to proceed. Shams Free Zone has multiple packages (with different visa quotas, facility types, etc.), so ensure you pay for the package that matches your needs.
(At this stage, if you opted for a physical office or dedicated desk, you would sign the lease agreement for that facility as well.)
6.Receive Your Business License and Documents:
After payment and final processing, Shams will issue your company’s legal documents. These typically include the Business License, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum & Articles of Association (for an LLC), and share certificate.
Congratulations – you now officially have a company in Sharjah Media City Free Zone! The whole process from application to license issuance can be as quick as 5–7 working days in many cases.
7.Apply for Visas (if needed):
With your company established, you can initiate residency visa applications under your company’s sponsorship.
Shams allows you to apply for yourself (as the owner) and your employees’ visas as per your package quota.
The visa process will include entry permit issuance, medical test, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping in the passport. If you are not personally in the UAE yet, you can apply for an entry permit and then complete the rest of the steps upon arrival.
Remember, even visa-free packages can be upgraded later if you decide to hire staff and need visas.
8.Open a Corporate Bank Account:
Finally, you’ll want to open a UAE bank account for your new company.
With your Shams Free Zone company documents and visas in hand, you can approach local banks to set up a business bank account.
Banks will require documentation like your trade license, incorporation certificate, passport and visa copies of the company owners, and perhaps a business plan or invoices (depending on the bank’s KYC requirements).
Starting Your Business in SHAMS with CBS – Expert Support Every Step of the Way
Setting up a business in a new country can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This is where Corporate Business Services (CBS) comes in.
As a top-rated business setup consultancy in the UAE, CBS has been helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their companies since 2007.
We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified, Emirati-owned firm and a proud subsidiary of The Corporate Group (TCG) – credentials that underline our commitment to quality and local expertise.
How can CBS help you with a Shams Free Zone setup? In short, we provide end-to-end support to make your business journey seamless.
At CBS, we pride ourselves on a professional yet friendly approach. We understand that starting a business is a big step, and we’re here to encourage and guide you, not overwhelm you with jargon.
You’ll find our team responsive, approachable, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure your business gets the best possible start.
Connect with CBS for a free consultation today. We’ll help you turn the promising opportunities in Shams Free Zone or any Jurisdiction in Dubai and the entire UAE into a thriving reality.
(Contact us at +971 52 237 8190 or submit a request our via website form to get started. Your success is our business!)
