Why Choose Shams Free Zone?
?
Experience seamless setup and exclusive business advantages.
Quick and easy setup to get started fast.
Flexible packages tailored to your needs.
100% foreign ownership – no local partner needed.
Set up remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Shams Free Zone – An Overview
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a dynamic free zone in the UAE, designed to foster creativity, media, and business innovation. It offers a streamlined setup process with a broad range of business activities, allowing 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits. Shams provides state-of-the-art facilities, including media production services, co-working spaces, and training programs to support entrepreneurs and creative professionals. With a vision to become a leading global media hub, Shams connects talent with opportunity through networking events, workshops, and specialized business support services.
Types of Business Licenses in Shams
Choose from flexible license options designed to suit a wide range of business activities.
Service License
Ideal for service-oriented businesses such as consultancy, media, IT services, and marketing.
Trading License
Perfect for companies involved in selling, importing, exporting, or distributing goods and products.
Industrial License
Suitable for light manufacturing and industrial activities like packaging and product assembly.
Build your dream. Skip the delay.
Why Wait Months? Start your Business in Days with Shams!
Shams Workspace Solutions
Choose from flexible and professional spaces designed for productivity and collaboration.
Shared Desks
A dynamic co-working space that fosters networking and innovation. Ideal for freelancers and entrepreneurs looking for flexibility in a collaborative setting.
Dedicated Desks
A reserved workspace that offers consistency and focus within a professional environment. Work alongside like-minded individuals while maintaining your personal space.
Private Offices
Secure, fully serviced office spaces that provide privacy and exclusivity, perfect for businesses that require a focused and professional setting.
Meeting Rooms
Well-equipped, modern spaces designed for brainstorming, presentations, and client meetings, ensuring a seamless and professional experience.
How it Works?
Launching your business in Shams is a seamless process with these 3 steps:
Get a Quote
Receive a customized business setup plan based on your needs.
Register Your Business
Submit your application and complete the necessary registration steps.
Start Operating
Receive your business license and begin operations smoothly.
Process for Shams Company Setup
Streamlined steps to establish your business quickly and efficiently in the Shams Free Zone:
1. Decide on the Legal Structure
Select a suitable legal entity, such as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or a Free Zone Company (FZCO).
2. Select Your Business Activity
Choose from the permitted business activities offered by Shams across media, consultancy, trading, and more.
3. Choose an Office Space
Pick a workspace that fits your needs—shared desk, dedicated desk, private office, etc.
4. Secure Approvals (if applicable)
Depending on your activity, some business categories may require initial approvals from relevant authorities.
5. Apply for Your Business License
Submit the required documents and apply for the appropriate license type: service, trading, or industrial.
6. Receive Your License and Lease
Once processed, receive your official Shams business license along with your office lease agreement.
Note: The process may vary depending on your business activity and regulatory requirements.
Residence Visa Process for Shams Free Zone Companies
The visa application process consists of the following steps:
Step 1: Application for Establishment Card and E-Channel Registration
Apply for the Establishment Card, which is a prerequisite for any visa application. Complete E-Channel Services registration (mandatory in all Emirates except Dubai).
Step 2: E-Visa Application
Submit the e-visa application along with the required documents:
- Passport copy
- Business license
- Current visa or cancellation document (if already in the UAE)
- Company Establishment Card
- Passport-size photo (with a white background)
Step 3: E-Visa Issuance and Entry to the UAE
- If outside the UAE, you can enter using the e-visa.
- If you're inside the UAE, an e-visa with Change of Status will be issued to proceed with the visa process.
Step 4: Medical Test
To complete your medical fitness test, submit the following:
- Original passport
- Copy of Change of Status confirmation (if within the UAE)
- Copy of the e-visa
- Passport-size photographs
Step 5: Emirates ID Biometrics Registration
Documents required for the biometrics appointment:
- Original passport
- Copy of Change of Status confirmation (if applicable)
- Copy of the e-visa
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical test result
- Emirates ID application form
- Health insurance policy (mandatory in all Emirates except Dubai)
Step 6: Issuance of Residence Visa and Emirates ID
UAE residence visas are now issued digitally and are no longer stamped in passports.
The Emirates ID acts as official proof of residency.
Required documents:
- Emirates ID application
- Stamped medical test result
Step 7: Emirates ID Issuance
Once all steps are complete, your Emirates ID will be issued, confirming your legal residency in the UAE.
Documents Required for Shams Free Zone Company Formation
Prepare the following documents for your Shams Free Zone company setup:
For Individual Shareholders:
- Passport copy of shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- UAE entry stamp, visit visa copy, or residence visa copy
- Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Proof of address for shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- Passport-sized photograph of shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- KYC documents and sanctions form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
- Trade license (if the company is already established)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Board Resolution
- Certificate of Incumbency / Good Standing
- Documents for each individual shareholder as listed above
- Note: Document requirements may vary depending on specific cases.
Documents Provided by Shams Free Zone Upon Submission of the above-mentioned documents:
- Business License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Shared-desk Agreement (if applicable)
Our Banking Partners
We work closely with the following banks for opening bank accounts for our clients
