Sharjah
SHAMS company setup
Low-cost licensing for media, creative and service businesses
Get a fixed quote
Four fields. We reply within one working day.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109
Ownership
100% foreign
Licence issued
2–4 working days
Activities per licence
Up to 5
Minimum share capital
None required
Physical office
Not required
Corporate tax
0% on qualifying income
About Sharjah Media City
Sharjah Media City — SHAMS — is one of the most affordable routes to a UAE trade licence. It was created for media and creative activities, but its permitted list now extends well beyond that into consultancy, technology and general services.
SHAMS is popular with freelancers, content creators, agencies and early-stage founders who need a legitimate UAE company and residence visa without a Dubai-level cost base. Licences are typically issued within two to four working days.
Being in Sharjah rather than Dubai occasionally matters during bank account opening, where some banks apply more scrutiny to northern-emirate licences. In practice this is manageable with the right preparation and bank selection.
Good fit for
- Freelancers and solo consultants
- Media, content and creative agencies
- Early-stage founders on a tight budget
- Businesses needing a residence visa at the lowest viable cost
Consider alternatives if
- Companies where a Dubai address is commercially important
- Businesses expecting difficulty with bank onboarding
- Activities requiring heavy industrial facilities
What it costs
The figures below cover the SHAMS licence and the related government fees. The biggest variable is visa count — each residence visa adds both an allocation cost on the licence and a per-person processing cost.
| Item | From |
|---|---|
| Licence only, no visa allocationOne of the lowest entry points in the UAE | AED 5,750 |
| Licence with 1 visa allocation | AED 11,500 |
| Licence with 2 visa allocations | AED 15,500 |
| Establishment card | AED 1,100 |
| Residence visa, per person | AED 3,500 |
These are indicative 2026 market ranges, shown so you can budget realistically. Government fees change and every case differs — we send a fixed written quote covering your exact activity, visa count and facility before you commit to anything.
Facility options and visa allowance
Shared workstation
Up to 2 visasThe standard package. No dedicated space.
Serviced office
Up to 6 visasA private office in the SHAMS building in Sharjah.
Popular activities
A selection of what SHAMS permits. The full list runs to hundreds of activities — ask us about yours.
- Media production and broadcasting
- Content creation and publishing
- Advertising and marketing
- Web design and development
- Management consultancy
- Photography and videography
- Event management
How long it takes
Typical timings with complete documents. Regulated activities needing external approval take longer.
Trade name and activity approval
1 working dayName options and chosen activities submitted to SHAMS.
Application submission
1 working dayShareholder documents and application form filed.
Licence issuance
1–2 working daysTrade licence and incorporation documents issued.
Establishment card
2–4 working daysRequired before visa applications.
Residence visa
10–15 working daysEntry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping.
What you need to provide
Everything on this list, for each shareholder and director.
- Passport copy for every shareholder and director (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-size photograph against a white background
- Proof of residential address dated within the last 3 months
- Three proposed trade names in order of preference
- Business plan — required for financial, consultancy and regulated activities
- Existing UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if you are already in the country
- No Objection Certificate from your current sponsor, if you hold a UAE residence visa
SHAMS questions
Is SHAMS only for media businesses?
No. The zone was founded around media and creative activities, but its permitted activity list now covers consultancy, technology, trading and a wide range of services. We will confirm your specific activity is permitted before you pay anything.
Will a SHAMS licence cause problems opening a bank account?
It requires more preparation than a Dubai licence, but it is entirely achievable. Success depends on presenting a credible business case, a clear source of funds and the right bank. We handle bank selection and application preparation as part of the service.
Can I live in Dubai with a SHAMS visa?
Yes. A UAE residence visa issued through any emirate permits you to live anywhere in the country. Many SHAMS licence holders live and work in Dubai.
Compare other free zones
Ready to set up in SHAMS?
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We'll send a fixed written quote with every government fee itemised.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109