SHAMS Free Zone Business Setup

SHAMS Free Zone, officially Sharjah Media City Free Zone, is a dynamic business hub in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is designed for modern entrepreneurs, freelancers, & Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Launched in January 2017, it supports creative, tech, trading, and service-driven businesses looking for a fast and flexible setup.

SHAMS allows 100 % foreign ownership and a competitive tax environment, making it a highly attractive option for business setup in UAE. Its digital‑first setup (business license can be obtained in just 60 minutes), affordable packages, and business‑friendly policies continue to draw founders.

The Free Zone setup allows you to combine multiple business activities under a single license. Flexible workspace options, including virtual offices and flexi-desks, further make it easy to keep costs low while growing your business.

Strategically located just minutes from Sharjah International Airport and a short drive from Dubai, SHAMS provides excellent access to major markets in the UAE and the wider region. Its proximity to key transport hubs such as the Port of Sharjah makes trading, logistics, and international expansion simple and efficient.

Setting up a company in the SHAMS Free Zone works well for founders looking for speed, flexibility, and lower costs. Here are some of the major benefits:

• Quick and smooth company formation: The registration process stays simple and largely digital. In most cases, businesses get licensed within days, not weeks.
• Full foreign ownership: You own 100% of your company, which gives you clarity and control from day one.
• Flexible office options: You can start with a flexi-desk or shared workspace. This keeps costs low while meeting legal requirements.
• Wide activity options under one license: SHAMS supports media, e-commerce, consulting, tech, and service activities. This flexibility helps you adapt as your business grows.
• Easy access to residence visas: The Free Zone offers clear visa options for owners and employees, making team expansion easier over time.
• Corporate tax benefits: SHAMS Free Zone companies enjoy 0% corporate tax on profits up to AED 375,000, and only 9% on profits above that threshold. This favorable corporate tax framework helps businesses maximize savings and profitability.
• Ideal for online and remote businesses: Many SHAMS companies operate fully online. You can serve UAE and international clients without a physical storefront.
• Strategic and cost-friendly location: SHAMS offers proximity to Dubai while keeping operating costs lower. This makes Sharjah Free Zone company formation one of the most attractive options for startups and digital businesses.

You can also check out the cheapest Free Zone options in UAE to compare and plan your setup efficiently.

SHAMS Free Zone offers a clear and flexible licensing structure designed for businesses operating in the UAE. Some license types are:

Each SHAMS Free Zone license supports specific activities while allowing room to scale as business grows. Many entrepreneurs choose SHAMS because it lets them start small and expand without changing jurisdictions too soon.

If you are considering alternative setups, you can also explore a business setup in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone for additional options and advantages

SHAMS Free Zone allows a wide range of business activities that suit modern, digital, and service-driven companies. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to diversify under a single license, which is especially helpful for company formation in Sharjah.

Below are the key categories of business activities permitted in SHAMS:

• Media and Creative: Content creation, digital marketing, advertising, publishing, photography, film production, and influencer activities.
• E-Commerce and Online Trading: Online retail, marketplace selling, dropshipping, social commerce, and digital product sales.
• Professional and Consulting Services: Management consulting, IT services, business advisory, HR consulting, training, and coaching.
• Technology and Digital Services: Software and app development, web design, SaaS platforms, and IT support.
• Trading and Commercial Activities: General trading, import and export, distribution, and specialized trading of approved goods.
• Education and Training: Online education platforms, professional training, and skill development services.
• Events and Entertainment: Event management, talent management, and entertainment-related services.
• Light Industrial Activities: Approved packaging, assembly, and small-scale manufacturing.
• Freelance Activities: Independent professional services under an individual permit.
• Marketing and Advertising Services: Brand strategy, performance marketing, SEO, social media management, and campaign execution.
• IT and Technical Support Services: System maintenance, network support, cybersecurity services, and technical consulting.
• Publishing and Broadcasting Support: Digital publishing, podcasting, online broadcasting, and media distribution services.
• Business Support Services: Corporate services, back-office support, documentation services, and operational consulting.
• Design and Creative Production: Graphic design, UI and UX design, animation, motion graphics, and visual production.
• Content and Influencer Management: Talent representation, influencer coordination, content monetisation, and channel management.
• Research and Market Analysis: Market research, consumer insights, feasibility studies, and data analysis services.

This comprehensive list of SHAMS business activities makes it easy to expand, diversify, and grow your business efficiently in the UAE.

SHAMS Free Zone offers simple and flexible company structures, so you can choose what fits your ownership plan, business size, and long-term goals in the UAE.

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): This option works best if you are starting on your own. You register the company with a single shareholder and keep full ownership and decision-making power. Many startups, consultants, and owner-managed businesses choose this structure.
• Free Zone Company (FZC): An FZC suits businesses with two or more shareholders. Partners can be individuals or corporate entities. This structure works well for agencies, partnerships, and joint ventures that need shared ownership with clear legal protection.
• Branch of a Local or Foreign Company: If you already run a company in the UAE or overseas, you can open a SHAMS branch without forming a new legal entity. The branch operates under the parent company’s name and follows its approved activities.
• Freelance Permit: This option is ideal if you want to work independently without setting up a company. It is widely used by media professionals, creatives, consultants, and digital service providers who want a legal presence with minimal setup.

Each structure comes with its own rules for ownership, visas, and operations. Such benefits make SHAMS a top choice for anyone planning a business setup in the UAE Free Zone, offering a smart balance of affordability and regulatory ease.

For more specialized setups, you can also explore SPC Free Zone company formation for additional options.

SHAMS Free Zone has a straightforward documentation requirement, especially for standard company setups. Most applicants can complete the process with a small set of essentials, while a few cases may need extra paperwork.

Essential Documents

These documents apply to almost all SHAMS company registrations and form the core of the application.

• A passport copy of each shareholder and manager
• Recent passport-size photograph with white background
• Proposed company name for approval
• Selected business activities
• Completed SHAMS application and registration forms
• UAE visa copy or entry stamp, if already in the UAE
• Emirates ID copy for residents, if applicable

After you submit these documents, the authorities move forward with license processing quickly.

Additional Documents

These documents apply only in specific situations, such as branches, corporate shareholders, or visa applications.

• Certificate of Incorporation and constitutional documents for corporate shareholders
• Board resolution approving the SHAMS company or branch setup
• Parent company’s trade license for branch offices
• Power of Attorney (POA) for appointed managers or representatives
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you hold a UAE employment visa
• Additional approvals for regulated or restricted activities

Clear documentation is essential for anyone planning a business setup in Sharjah, whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or established company.

Here’s the step-by-step process to set up a company in the SHAMS Free Zone:

Step 1: Finalize Your Business Activity and License

Start by clearly defining what your business will do.

• Choose approved activities that match your actual operations.
• Select a business license that supports both current needs and future growth.
• Align activities carefully to avoid changes later.

This step sets the foundation for smooth approvals.

Estimated Timeline: 1 working day

Step 2: Submit Your Application Online

After confirming your activity and license, move to the application stage.

• Complete the SHAMS application through the online portal (ae).
• Provide business details, ownership information, and name options.
• Review everything carefully to prevent resubmissions.

A clean application helps speed up approvals.

Estimated Timeline: Same day

Step 3: Authority Review and Initial Approval

SHAMS reviews your application for compliance and accuracy.

• The authority verifies your business details.
• You may receive clarification requests if needed.
• Initial approval confirms you can proceed.

This is typically the longest step, but it remains straightforward.

Estimated Timeline: 2 to 4 working days

Step 4: License Issuance and Company Registration

Once approved, SHAMS completes the registration.

• Pay the required license and registration fees.
• Receive your trade license and incorporation documents.
• Your company becomes legally registered in the Free Zone.

You can now operate under a recognized UAE entity.

Estimated timeline: 1 to 2 working days

Step 5: Post-License Setup and Activation

After the SHAMS Free Zone license issuance, complete the remaining formalities.

• Apply for visa (residence or investor) if required.
• Arrange workspace solutions if needed.
• Open a corporate bank account and begin operations.

At this stage, your SHAMS company is fully active and ready to operate.

Estimated timeline: 1 to 2 working days (without visas) or 5 to 10 working days (with visas)

Thinking of setting up in SHAMS and want it done right the first time? Let SafeLedger help you choose the right license, avoid approval delays, and move faster from paperwork to operations. Contact us today!

The fees for setting up a business in SHAMS Free Zone range from AED 6,000 for a basic license without visas to AED 35,000+ for a full package.

Here’s a detailed view of typical SHAMS Free Zone expenses:

Note: All SHAMS Free Zone company setup costs are approximate and may vary based on business activity, office choice, number of visas, and any additional services or approvals required. Always confirm with SHAMS or an official business setup consultant before budgeting.

For more details and latest updates, check out SHAMS Free Zone license costs.

Setting up a company in the SHAMS Free Zone on your own can be time-consuming and stressful. SafeLedger makes the process seamless, guiding you at every step.

• Expert Guidance: SafeLedger helps you choose the right license and business activities and ensures your application meets SHAMS requirements.
• Faster Approvals: By handling submissions professionally, we minimize delays and avoid common pitfalls that can slow down your trade license approval.
• Tailored Solutions: Whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or multi-visa company, our experts customize packages to fit your business needs, budget, and growth plans.
• End-to-End Support: Beyond licensing, we assist with office solutions and corporate banking, giving you a fully operational setup.
• Compliance Assurance: SafeLedger keeps your business fully compliant with all Free Zone regulations, helping you avoid fines or legal issues down the line.

SafeLedger ensures a fast, compliant, and smooth SHAMS Free Zone company setup, so that you can start operating and scaling your business from day one.