SHAMS Free Zone License Cost: Complete Guide for 2026

SHAMS license costs vary based on business activity, office type, and visa requirements.

Here is a clear breakdown of the main expenses to help you plan your budget:

Note: Your business activity and office choice affect the SHAMS License Cost and annual renewals. Choosing wisely helps save costs and stay compliant.

SHAMS Visa-Inclusive License Packages

SHAMS Free Zone offers visa-inclusive packages that combine your trade license, office space, and UAE resident visas.

Your team size and business needs determine the most suitable package:

Tip: Start with a smaller visa package if you plan a gradual expansion. This approach can help reduce initial costs.

Read more about securing a Free Zone Visa in Dubai and the documents required for your team.

Renewing your business license is essential to continue operations in SHAMS Media City.

• Annual License Renewal: Covers the license, government approvals, and administrative support, typically AED 7,500 – AED 12,000 per year.
• Office and Facility Renewal: Flexi-desk, virtual, or private offices cost around AED 5,000 – AED 15,000 annually. Shared offices can lower expenses.
• Visa Renewal: Resident visas require renewal, including government fees, medical tests, and Emirates ID, costing AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 per visa.

Fact: A startup in SHAMS Media City with a flexi-desk and two visas spent about AED 14,500–AED 18,500 in its first year, including costs for visa renewal in Dubai.

Read more about company formation in UAE and how your office choice and visa quota can impact the overall SHAMS Free Zone license cost.

The base SHAMS License Cost covers trade license and office options. However, several additional charges can increase the total cost of business set up in UAE:

• Corporate Bank Account Setup: Opening a corporate bank account costs around AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 and may require a minimum balance. Comparing banks can help you choose one with lower fees.
• Legal Translation and Document Attestation: You may need to notarize, attest, or translate documents like contracts, Power of Attorney (PoA), and shareholder agreements. Costs range from AED 500 – AED 1,500 per document. Visa-related documents may also require MOFA attestation.
• Public Relations Officer (PRO) Services: PRO services, which handle document submission, approvals, and license renewals, typically cost AED 2,000 – AED 4,000 per year and prevent processing delays.
• Office Fit-Out and Utilities: Leasing a private office adds AED 3,000 – AED 10,000+ for interior setup, furniture, internet, electricity, and facility management. Flexi-desk options can reduce these expenses.
• Insurance: Health insurance for employees is mandatory, and some businesses may need liability or property coverage. Costs usually range from AED 1,500 – AED 4,000 per year.

Fact: A startup in SHAMS Free Zone chose a flexi-desk with PRO support and a corporate bank account. Beyond the base license fee of AED 7,500, the company incurred additional costs totaling approximately AED 6,000 – AED 7,500 in its first year.

SHAMS Free Zone offers different license types tailored to specific business activities, each with options for legal structure:

• Service License: For production, reproduction, and distribution of services. Ideal for consultancy, media, and professional service providers.
• Trading License: Allows the movement, wholesale, and retail sale of goods. Suitable for import-export and commercial trading businesses.
• Industrial License: For production, re-production, and manufacturing of goods. Best for factories or product-based enterprises.
• Holding License: For owning standalone assets, property, or shares in other companies. Useful for investment and asset management.
• Legal Structure: Options include a Shams LLC (independent entity) or a Shams Branch (of a parent company).

Choosing the right license type and legal structure ensures full regulatory compliance within SHAMS Free Zone.

SafeLedger supports business setup in Free Zone with end-to-end services:

• Expert Guidance & Compliance: SafeLedger carefully reviews your business documents to meet SHAMS Free Zone regulations. This prevents delays and errors in registration and visa approvals.
• Personalized Setup Solutions: Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, small team, or growing firm, SafeLedger advises on license type, office packages, and visa quotas to optimize your SHAMS License Cost.
• Time-Saving & Streamlined Process: SafeLedger handles company registration, office setup, document attestation, and visa processing, saving you time. You can track progress at every step.
• Transparent Pricing: SafeLedger provides clear estimates for license fees, office costs, visas, and additional services. There are no hidden charges, allowing you to plan your budget confidently.
• Reliable Support & Renewals: From queries to license renewals, PRO services, and compliance updates, SafeLedger ensures your business remains fully operational and compliant.

Over 100+ entrepreneurs partner with SafeLedger for SHAMS Free Zone setup, completing registration faster, avoiding legal issues, and reducing overall costs.