New Freezone Incentives—Up to 30% Fee Reduction for Startup

Government-Regulated UAE Free Zone

SHAMS Free Zone Company Formation in Sharjah

Sharjah Media City, better known as SHAMS, is one of the UAE's more practical free zones built by the Sharjah government specifically for media, e-commerce, consulting, tech, and general service businesses. If you're setting up as a freelancer, a small consultancy, or an early-stage startup, SHAMS is worth a serious look: it allows 100% foreign ownership across most eligible activities, and the registration process is handled almost entirely online, without the paperwork bottlenecks that trip up founders elsewhere. What makes it a good fit for service and online businesses in particular is the flexibility on licensing and office space. You're not locked into an expensive physical setup from day one. There are options that work whether you're a solo operator testing the market or a growing team that needs room to scale.

Estimate Setup Costs

2017

Established

100%

Foreign Ownership

Digital setup process

Online Registration

Quick Overview

Everything You Need to Know About SHAMS Free Zone

What is SHAMS Free Zone?

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) was established in 2017 by an Emiri Decree in Sharjah.
Free zone regulated by the government and specializes in media, digital, creative, technology, and services firms.
The free zone supports remote and online company registration for a wide range of business activities.

Who can benefit

Freelancers and independent professionals
Digital marketing agencies
E-commerce businesses
Consultants and coaches
Content creators and media professionals
IT and software startups
International entrepreneurs seeking a UAE business base

Business Activities Available in SHAMS

Media and advertising
E-commerce
IT and software services
Consulting and professional services
Design, photography, and video production
Education and training related activities
Other approved service activities

Visa eligibility

Packages are available with or without UAE residency visas.
Visa allocation depends on the selected package and facility type.

Processing time

Standard licence issuance is commonly completed within 1–3 working days for straightforward applications.
Visa processing requires additional time for immigration, medical, and Emirates ID procedures.

Required documents

Passport copies of shareholders and directors
Passport-size photographs
Completed application form
Selected business activities
Proof of address may be required in some cases

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Freezone Cost Calculator

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Business Activity

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Visa Requirement

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Office Type

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Why SHAMS?

Why Choose SHAMS Free Zone for Business Setup in Sharjah

Digital Registration

Many setup steps can be completed online, making SHAMS convenient for overseas applicants.

Flexible Licence Options

Choose a licence that matches media, e-commerce, consulting, or technology activities.

100% Ownership

Own your UAE free zone company without a local shareholder requirement.

Creative & Digital Focus

Popular with content creators, marketers, designers, developers, and online businesses.

Sharjah Location

Operate from a government-regulated free zone within the UAE business ecosystem.

Suitable for Startups

A practical option for entrepreneurs starting with a small team or a single founder setup.

Available Licence Types

Types of SHAMS Free Zone Licences

Media Licence

Used for activities related to advertisement, content creation, photography, videography, design, and many more creative fields.

Service Licence

Designed for consultancy, marketing, IT services, management services, and other such professions.

Trading Licence

A licence for trading activities that are allowed by SHAMS on their list of regulations.

E-commerce Licence

Designed for businesses that sell products or services online through websites, marketplaces, social media platforms, or other digital channels.

Registration Process

How to Set Up a Company in SHAMS Free Zone

Choose Your Business Activity

Choose the business activities that most closely align with the services or goods you want to provide via your SHAMS Free Zone company.

Select the Right Licence

Choose the SHAMS licence and package that fits your business model, visa needs, and workspace requirements.

Submit Your Documents

Submit passport copies, passport-size photographs, and a completed application form.

Receive Approval & Company Documents

Once approved, SHAMS issues your trade licence and incorporation documents, and you're ready to operate in the UAE.

Workspace

Workspace Solutions in SHAMS Free Zone

Flexi Desk

Ideal for freelancers, consultants, and start-ups looking for an affordable SHAMS office setup with access to a shared workspace and essential business facilities.

From AED 5,750