Sharjah Media City · Sharjah

Shams Free Zone

A low-cost UAE licence from Sharjah Media City (Shams) — a favourite of media, creative and online businesses, with 100% ownership and fast, remote setup at roughly half the cost of the Dubai zones, though Ajman and RAK go lower still.

Shams (Sharjah Media City)
100%YoursForeign ownership
8–10Up toVisas
3–5DaysTo set up
Flexi-deskOffice options
DistributorMainland access
The structure

Who Shams suits

A genuine UAE licence at a low price point, with 100% ownership and quick, remote setup. It's especially strong for media and online businesses — here's where it fits, and where it doesn't.

A strong fit for

  • Media & content creatorsProduction, film, publishing, influencers and studios.
  • Freelancers & solo foundersOne of the cheapest routes to a UAE licence and visa.
  • E-commerce & online sellersSell online across the UAE and abroad on a lean budget.
  • Marketing & creative agenciesDesign, advertising, PR and digital services.
  • Startups watching costKeep first-year setup low while you find traction.
!

Consider another route if

  • You specifically need a Dubai addressClients who expect a Dubai licence may prefer IFZA or Meydan.
  • You'll sell directly to the UAE mainlandYou'd still need a distributor or a mainland licence to invoice locally.
  • You run heavy industrial or warehousingRAKEZ and similar zones suit logistics and light industry better.
What it costs

Cost & what's included

Base
Costed for your setupFees vary by activity, visa count and office choice

A zero-visa licence, 100% foreign-owned. Your final figure depends on:

  • How many residence visas you need
  • Your business activity — or activities
  • Workspace: flexi-desk or a private office

We build a written quote around your exact setup, so you see the full breakdown before you commit — no surprises later.

Split payments Setup fees can be paid in instalments with Tamara. Your advisor confirms eligibility and terms with your quote.

What every Shams licence includes

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Business activities on one licence
  • Flexi-desk workspace & a Sharjah address
  • Digital company documents
  • Corporate bank account introduction (a Bizvisor service, not a zone inclusion)
At a glance

The essentials

Legal structure
Free Zone LLC, or a branch of an existing company
Business activities
Wide range across media, services, trading & consultancy
Activities included
One activity group plus four classes, or five classes — at no extra cost, per Shams' own activity page
Corporate tax
0% on Qualifying Income if you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions — adequate substance here, audited accounts, and staying within the de minimis limits. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9% with no AED 375,000 band. Fail the conditions and you fall into the ordinary regime: 0% to AED 375,000, 9% above
VAT
5% — register once turnover passes AED 375,000
Immigration
Establishment card + e-channel for visas
Licence renewal
Annual
Emirate
Sharjah
The honest view

Advantages & limitations

What works in its favour
  • Low entry cost — roughly half the price of the Dubai free zones.
  • 100% foreign ownership, with no local partner or sponsor.
  • Fast, remote setup — often within a few working days.
  • Media & creative friendly, with a broad, flexible activity list.
Worth knowing first
  • Sharjah, not Dubai — some clients still prefer a Dubai address.
  • Selling to the UAE mainland needs a distributor or a dual licence.
  • Not built for heavy industry or large-scale warehousing.
How it stacks up

Shams vs the alternatives

ShamsIFZASPCSRTIP
Starting costfrom 6,885from 12,900from 6,895from 5,510
Visa capacityUp to 8–10Up to 3Up to 8–10Up to 8–10
Best forMedia & creativeDubai servicesPublishing & tradingTech & research
LocationSharjahDubaiSharjahSharjah

In short: Shams is a low-cost, media-friendly Sharjah licence. Choose IFZA if you specifically need a Dubai address, SPC for publishing, or SRTIP for tech and research at an even lower price.

The process

From plan to trading in about a week

1
Get your planPackage, exact cost and timeline confirmed.
2
RegisterLicence issued with Shams (fast turnaround).
3
Card & visaEstablishment card and visa stamping.
4
Bank & go liveCorporate account intro — you're trading.
FAQ

Common questions

Ask AgentBiz

A Shams licence starts from AED 6,885 for a zero-visa package — mid-range in our line-up: cheaper than the Dubai zones, above Ajman Free Zone, SRTIP and RAKEZ. The entry price is zero-visa, so no establishment card is needed yet; it comes with the visa-bearing packages, and visas and extra activities are priced to your exact setup. we send a full written breakdown before you commit.

Yes. Shams is a free zone, so you keep 100% foreign ownership — no local partner or sponsor required.

Up to 8–10 depending on your package, with the flexi-desk included. Larger allocations are possible with additional office space and a business plan — we confirm your exact number before you commit.

No. Media and creative activities are its strength, but Shams also licenses trading, e-commerce, consultancy and many service activities.

Not directly. You'd sell to the mainland through a local distributor, or add a dual licence — we'll advise the cleanest route for your activity.

Usually just a few working days once your documents are in order, with visa stamping shortly after.

Yes. We prepare your application, match you to the right bank for your activity, and support you through onboarding.

Other routes

Consider instead

Not sure Shams is the one?

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