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Sharjah Media City Free Zone
(SHAMS)
Sharjah Media City Free Zone
Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) is located in Sharjah near the University of Sharjah and acts as a catalyst for creative and media businesses to grow and thrive.
Sharjah Media City Free Zone, also known as Shams, is a dynamic and innovative free zone established in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Located in the emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Shams has quickly become a leading hub for creative and media businesses
Key Elements
Location and Size:
1
Situated in Al Messaned, Sharjah
2
Spans 2 million square meters
3
5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai
Business Focus:
- Primarily caters to media and creative industries
- Offers over 120 business activities
- Allows a combination of different activities on the same license
Licensing Options:
- Service License
- Trading License
- Industrial License
Benefits for Businesses
Cost-Effective Setup:
- One of the most affordable free zones for company registration in the UAE
Offers competitive packages, starting from 5,750 AED for a zero visa package
Ownership and Tax Benefits:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Tax-free environment
- No restrictions on profit repatriation
Visa and Residency:
- Flexible visa options
- Packages available with up to 6 visas
Infrastructure and Support:
- World-class facilities and services
- Dedicated team for investment promotion and assistance
Unique Offerings
Freelance Packages:
Special packages for freelancers in media activities, including company setup, office space, and visa allocation
Film Commission:
Shams is launching its own Film Commission to attract film shooting projects
Workshops and Networking:
Regular workshops, seminars, and exhibitions for knowledge enhancement and networking opportunities
Sharjah Media City Free Zone is committed to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating a thriving ecosystem for media and creative businesses. Its strategic location, cost-effective solutions, and industry-focused approach make it an attractive destination for both startups and established companies looking to expand their presence in the UAE and beyond
The company registration process in Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) is straightforward and can be completed remotely within 7 days
Here's a comprehensive overview of the process:
Choose Your Business Structure
SHAMS offers three types of business structures:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) for individuals
- Limited Liability Company for shareholders
- Branch Company
Select Your License Type
SHAMS issues four types of licenses:
- Service License: For production, reproduction, transformation, and distribution of services
- Trading License: For selling, importing, and exporting goods
- Industrial License: For production, reproduction, transformation, and manufacturing of goods
- Holding License
These licenses cover over 120 business activities; you can combine multiple activities under one license.
Document Preparation
Gather the required documents, which may include:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Board resolutions (for establishing a new company or branch)
- Certificate of good standing
- Valid trade license
- Passport copies of shareholders, directors, and company secretary
- UAE visa copy of the General Manager
Name Approval
Apply for company name approval, passport copies, and photos of the shareholders.
License Application
Submit your license application along with the required documents to SHAMS authorities.
Pay Fees
License costs in SHAMS start from AED 5,750 but may vary depending on your business type.
Additional fees may include:
- Immigration Card (3 Years): AED 1,575
- E-channel registration: AED 2,525
Receive Company Documents
Upon successful registration, SHAMS will issue a complete set of company documents, including:
Trade License
Share Certificate
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
Certificate of Formation
Lease Agreement
Additional Information
- The registration process can be completed 100% remotely, whether you’re in the UAE or abroad
- A minimum capital of AED 150,000 is required for company incorporation in SHAMS
- The free zone offers multi-year license packages for long-term planning
- No annual audit report is required for license renewal
Alpha Equity MC business setup consultant can efficiently register your company in the Sharjah Media City Free Zone.
Cost Estimate for basic Company Setup in Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS), approximately AED 6,750 (USD 1,838)