SHAMS Free Zone Business Setup: Licenses, Freelance Visas and Costs
Sharjah Media City free zone business setup allows entrepreneurs to establish a company in Sharjah Media City. This UAE free zone was established in 2017 by an Emiri Decree. It supports media, creative industry, technology, consultancy, and other approved businesses. Applicants can select a company license or explore a freelance permit, based on how they plan to operate.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET license #909402
- 100% foreign ownership
Why founders choose SHAMS, and When Another Zone Fits Better
SHAMS provides the operating base in Sharjah for founders who require the approved business license without committing to conventional private offices. Its business activity options and workspace arrangements can fit different business activities. Here's why founders choose SHAMS free zone business setup
Why founders choose SHAMS
- Flexible activities: SHAMS lists services, media, consultancy, and trading activities. The combination may depend on the approved activity catalogue.
- Online application: It allows applicants to select the activities, submit documents, and pay through the application process.
- Ownership: Foreign investors can own 100% of an eligible company.
- Workspace choices: Offices, shared desks, and other facilities may be available as per the selected package.
- Creative business environment: Sharjah Media City supports your creative industry and media business, including content production and related services.
When Another Zone Fits Better
- Your business model and location also matter when choosing the right free zone for business setup. If you require a Dubai-based setup, then you should compare Meydan and IFZA.Meydan →IFZA →
- Businesses that need industrial facilities can easily assess the SAIF Zone, and commodity traders may consider the other specialist jurisdictions.SAIF Zone →
It makes the Sharjah Media City free zone suitable for freelancers, digital agencies, content creators, consultants, ecommerce operators, and small trading businesses. Applicants must match the proposed activity to a suitable license before submitting the application.
Quick Answer Box
Avyanco helps you understand the appropriate license, legal structure, office arrangement, and visa requirements before applying. We also explain the corporate tax obligations, documentation, and applicable government charges.
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
License from: Media license starts from AED 5,750* with no visa allocation, Standard license from AED 6,875*. A Media package with one investor visa costs approximate AED 12,810*
Activities: May allow five business activities, subject to activity compatibility and the selected package.
Timeline: Online application in about 60 minutes, License issued in 1 to 2 days, Visas completed in 1 to 3 weeks
Tax: 0% on qualifying income if QFZP conditions are met, standard 9% applies to non-qualifying taxable income.
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
SHAMS Free Zone License Types and Activities
Service License
This license covers IT services, consultancy, marketing agencies, software development, and professional advisory work.
- Sharjah Media City provides flexible licensing categories around key operational sectors. You must select the correct classification to ensure that your business can stay compliant and provide opportunities for commercial growth.
- Companies can choose 1 activity group with up to 4 classes, or combine up to 5 individual business activities under one license. Some regulated operations, such as publishing houses, specialized media outlets, or telecom services, require external approvals from regulatory bodies like the UAE Media Council before final issuance.
Trading / E-Commerce License
This SHAMS free zone license authorizes the importing, exporting, selling, or distributing of physical goods online or through wholesale channels.
- Sharjah Media City provides flexible licensing categories around key operational sectors. You must select the correct classification to ensure that your business can stay compliant and provide opportunities for commercial growth.
- Companies can choose 1 activity group with up to 4 classes, or combine up to 5 individual business activities under one license. Some regulated operations, such as publishing houses, specialized media outlets, or telecom services, require external approvals from regulatory bodies like the UAE Media Council before final issuance.
Media License
Media license consists of digital content creation, film production, graphic design, publishing, and broadcasting.
- Sharjah Media City provides flexible licensing categories around key operational sectors. You must select the correct classification to ensure that your business can stay compliant and provide opportunities for commercial growth.
- Companies can choose 1 activity group with up to 4 classes, or combine up to 5 individual business activities under one license. Some regulated operations, such as publishing houses, specialized media outlets, or telecom services, require external approvals from regulatory bodies like the UAE Media Council before final issuance.
Holding License
A holding license allows the business to hold assets, shares, and equity stakes in subsidiary companies in the UAE.
- Sharjah Media City provides flexible licensing categories around key operational sectors. You must select the correct classification to ensure that your business can stay compliant and provide opportunities for commercial growth.
- Companies can choose 1 activity group with up to 4 classes, or combine up to 5 individual business activities under one license. Some regulated operations, such as publishing houses, specialized media outlets, or telecom services, require external approvals from regulatory bodies like the UAE Media Council before final issuance.
SHAMS Limited Liability Company (LLC)
SHAMS LLC is formed by 1 to 50 individual or corporate shareholders. This legal entity gives limited liability protection without any minimum share capital. It allows trade name registration without mandatory "FZ" corporate suffixes.
- Our legal experts help you choose between the two different corporate structures to set up the business in Sharjah Media City.
- Note that the Sharjah Media City company formation uses the standardized LLC structure that accommodates single-owner solopreneurs and multi-shareholder partners within a single corporate framework.
- Consult with the Avyanco team to analyze your corporate structure and prepare your registration documents.
Branch Office
It is referred to as the official entity extension of a foreign corporation or existing UAE company. It shares the full legal personality and financial liabilities with the parent entity and involves the appointed branch manager.
- Our legal experts help you choose between the two different corporate structures to set up the business in Sharjah Media City.
- Note that the Sharjah Media City company formation uses the standardized LLC structure that accommodates single-owner solopreneurs and multi-shareholder partners within a single corporate framework.
- Consult with the Avyanco team to analyze your corporate structure and prepare your registration documents.
Freelance Permit
The SHAMS freelance permit allows independent specialists, creators, and consultants to provide professional services and invoice clients legally in the UAE. To apply for the SHAMS freelance visa, you must have the annual freelance permit and complete residency processing. If you want to explore the wide national pathways and compare these options with UAE freelance visa options, you can review how individual permits compare to business setups, as mentioned below.
- Want to secure your work permit and residency? Apply for your freelance permit with Avyanco today.
SHAMS LLC
The SHAMS freelance permit allows independent specialists, creators, and consultants to provide professional services and invoice clients legally in the UAE. To apply for the SHAMS freelance visa, you must have the annual freelance permit and complete residency processing. If you want to explore the wide national pathways and compare these options with UAE freelance visa options, you can review how individual permits compare to business setups, as mentioned below.
- Want to secure your work permit and residency? Apply for your freelance permit with Avyanco today.
SHAMS Free Zone Visa Options and Quota
Free zone entity setups support employee, investor, and family residency visas. Residence visa validity and renewal terms may depend on the visa category and current ICP/GDRFA requirements. Visa allocations may depend on the office package and selected facility.
| Workspace option | Visa allocations |
|---|---|
| Zero-Visa Flexi Desk | 0 visa allocations (designed for remote founders). |
| Shared Desk / Flexi Desk | Up to 12 visa allocations. |
| Dedicated Office Space | Higher quotas may be available with dedicated premises, upon SHAMS approval. |
Choose the right workspace facility package with Avyanco and plan your team expansion smoothly in SHAMS.
SHAMS vs SPC vs Meydan at a Glance
You must compare the SHAMS free zone jurisdictions to select the right operational base for your business.
| Comparison metric | ZoneSHAMS | ZoneSPC Free Zone | ZoneMeydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Sharjah | Sharjah | Dubai |
| License cost, no visa | From AED 5,750* for the Media package, Standard from AED 6,875* | From AED 5,750*, for selected activities/packages | From AED 12,500* |
| Activities per license | Up to 5 activities, subject to package and activity compatibility | Up to 5 business activities under one license | Up to 3 business activity groups, additional activities cost extra |
| Suits to | Media, digital, creative and freelancer-oriented company setups | Publishers, professional services, e-commerce, general trading, and freelancers | Dubai-based service firms, solopreneurs and consultants who need the LLC |
You can check our guides for SPC Free Zone, Meydan, or explore the pathways for business setup in free zone jurisdictions. Let our experts build the custom jurisdiction for your business.
SHAMS Company Formation: Six Steps from Name to License
Avyanco manages the key stages of the SHAMS company formation, from job selection to trade name approval and license issuance. Our experts help you identify the requirements, prepare documents, and coordinate the application with SHAMS
- 1
Business activity and package selection
We evaluate your proposed business activities, shareholder structure, workspace requirements, and visa requirements to determine the right license package.
- 2
Trade name approval
We guide you through the trade name approvals and check that the proposed names fulfill the applicable naming requirements.
- 3
Application and KYC
We can coordinate the SHAMS company registration procedure and prepare the identification, business, and ownership documents.
- 4
License issuance
Next, we guide you through the payment process and coordinate the further steps once the SHAMS approves your application.
- 5
Immigration registration
Further, we also assist you with the e-channel and establishment card that is necessary for visa applications.
- 6
Visa and banking support
Our team also coordinates the residence visa formalities and prepares your corporate account application. It allows you to operate the business account and run operations seamlessly in SHAMS.
One partner-led team, start to finish
Licence, bank account, visas and tax handled by one named advisor, with government fees and our fee always shown separately.
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“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
How Avyanco Handles your SHAMS setup
Avyanco operates under DET license #909402 and guides international entrepreneurs through successful company formations in the UAE. Our advisors manage every stage of incorporation, from activity checks to name approvals and visa processing.
Licensing & filings
- Determine your business activities
- Prepare the registration files
- Manage the e-channel portal filings
Banking
- Coordinate your application for the corporate bank account
Tax
- Manage the official tax registrations
Documents required for SHAMS Company Setup
Avyanco helps you to prepare the documents essential for the SHAMS business setup as per your ownership structure and business activities. The authority may request the additional documents, as follows as
- Valid passport copy
- Recent photograph
- UAE visa page or entry stamp
- Contact details and application forms
- Portfolio or professional evidence
- Parent company's certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum and articles of association
- Board resolution or authorization
- Ultimate beneficial ownership details
- Parent company and authorized signatory documents
What SHAMS costs in year one
At Avyanco, we provide you with a clear SHAMS free zone cost breakdown and allow you to budget accurately without hidden costs. Initial fees may depend on whether you need the zero visa package or visa allocations.
Cost Example (1 Shareholder, 1 Investor Visa, Shared Desk)
(excluding health insurance and optional bank account assistance) *Indicative, subject to change
The companies registered in Sharjah Media City are categorized under the federal tax legislation administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Our tax team ensures that your business entity stays compliant. A QFZP may pay 0% on Qualifying Income and 9% on non-qualifying taxable income. QFZP status requires an entity to meet the strict substance, activity, income and compliance conditions. Small Business Relief: Qualifying entities with revenues up to AED 3,000,000 in a tax period may elect the Small Business Relief to reduce tax burdens, subject to FTA guidelines.
QFZP rules explained →5% mandatory VAT registration applies once the taxable domestic sales exceed AED 375,000 within a 1-year period. Voluntary registration is available at AED 187,500. SHAMS is not a Designated Zone for VAT purposes, so the standard domestic VAT rules apply.
Not a Designated ZoneSHAMS estimated costs in year one
| Cost Item | Fee Basis | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Media License (No Visa) | Annual | 5,750* |
| Standard License (No Visa) | Annual | 6,875* |
| License Package with 1 Visa Allocation | Annual | 12,810* |
| Freelance Permit | Annual | 5,750* |
| Establishment Card + E-Channel Portal | Annual / One-time | 2,920* |
| Visa per Person (Medical, EID, Typing) | One-time | ~4,500* |
| Shared Desk / Flexi Desk Workspace | Annual | Included in package |
Check our full SHAMS cost breakdown or review our comprehensive company formation packages to get the detailed package pricing. Our experts deliver you the accurate quote before the company setup starts. Pay for the SHAMS free zone package by using the convenient installment options through the UAE banking partners.
Corporate Tax and VAT for SHAMS companies
For the VAT filings, tax registration, and QFZP eligibility reviews, you can work with our tax consultants for Corporate Tax registration and QFZP review services.
Questions founders ask about SHAMS
Is the SHAMS a good fit for freelancers?+
Yes, Sharjah Media City free zone is suitable for freelancers. It gives cost-effective freelancer-oriented company license packages to content creators, digital marketers, and consultants who are seeking for the legal operational base.
How long does SHAMS company registration take?+
The SHAMS business registration may take 1 to 2 weeks. Initial trade name approval and corporate registration may take 1 to 3 business days.
Can I get a SHAMS freelance visa without forming a company?+
You may get the SHAMS visa without form the company. By securing the visa, you can obtain personal residence status and provide professional services under your own name.
How many SHAMS free zone visas can a shared desk hold?+
A standard shared desk or flexi desk agreement supports between 1 and 6 visa allocations. By holding the SHAMS visa allocation tier, you can allow growing teams to expand without renting physical office space.
Can I complete the SHAMS company setup without visiting the UAE?+
Yes, you can complete the SHAMS business setup without visiting the UAE. But you need to complete the visa process by visiting the UAE for medical fitness tests and Emirates ID biometrics.
Does an LLC name without "FZ" change anything legally?+
No, the LLC incorporated in this jurisdiction provides the full limited liability protection, no matter what the trade name is. You can easily complete the Sharjah Media City company formation by submitting the standard commercial identity without the mandatory "FZ" corporate suffixes.
What does SHAMS charge to renew?+
The annual renewal fees may depend on the license package, visa allocations, workspace arrangement, and any applicable government fees. You can keep your SHAMS free zone license active by renewing the flexi desk lease and government registration files each year.
Will my SHAMS company pay 0% or 9% Corporate Tax?+
The company is subject to 9% tax on net profits above AED 375,000. To achieve the 0% rate, you need to meet the strict Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions. You can consult our corporate tax team to get more advice on onshore business activities or formation in Sharjah mainland.
Start your SHAMS application
Register your business in SHAMS with Avyanco. Submit your details below to get a custom package quote and speak to our corporate advisory team. We guide you with the SHAMS free zone business setup and ensure total transparency and dedicated account management.
- Get a custom package quote
- Speak to our corporate advisory team
- Total transparency and dedicated account management
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision 100/2023 (QFZP) · Ministerial Decision 265/2023 (qualifying activities) · Federal Decree-Law 8/2017 (VAT) · Sharjah Media City (shams.ae) · Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae). *QFZP 0% applies to qualifying income only, subject to the conditions above. *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of Sharjah Media City and not affiliated with any UAE government agency. SHAMS rules, fees, package inclusions, visa quotas, QFZP eligibility and Corporate Tax positions are set by the relevant authorities, vary by case and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with SHAMS and the Federal Tax Authority, or with us, before acting.