Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) business setup
Pricing for - Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)
About Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)
Shams Free Zone, also known as Sharjah Media City, is conveniently located only 5 minutes away from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
The zone offers service, trading, and industrial licenses for over 200 business activities, including bookkeeping, auditing, publishing, and wholesale services.
Prices start from AED 11,500
Average business setup time: 5-7 days
Benefits of setting up a company in - Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)
100% Business Ownership and Capital Repatriation
- As an expatriate, you can fully own the company and transfer all profits to your home country.
Incorporate From Anywhere
- Shareholders can now incorporate a new company in the UAE without being physically present.
On-site Services
- The company provides its clients with a range of on-site services, such as visa assistance, phone services, document translation, and attestation.
Wide Range Of Activities
- Shams allows multiple business activities under one license.
Strategic Location
- Shams is located just off the E88 and E611 highways, within reach of two major international airports.
Shams Business Activities
Shams Free Zone in Sharjah Media City accommodates various financial and professional business activities. Here are some of the most popular options:
Insurance Services
Information Services
Scientific Research and Development
Advertising
Trading
Education
Travel Agencies
Sports
Bookkeeping and Auditing
Broadcasting
Wholesale
HR
Publishing
Translation Services
Physical Presence Requirement
You don’t need to be physically present for your Business setup.
10 Reasons To Set Up In Shams Free Zone
1. Shams Free Zone has business benefits
- Competitive company setup fees
- Multiple business activities can be conducted under the same licence
- 100% foreign ownership is permitted
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- 0% corporate and personal income tax
- No currency restrictions
- 100% import and export tax exemption
2. Easy setup process
Setting up a business in Shams Free Zone is hassle-free as the authorities award the license within days, provided all the paperwork is filed correctly.
3. Flexible office arrangements
Shams provides a range of office and desk space options that can be customized as per your preference. It offers IT and tech support to make your work easier. Whether you require a dedicated private office, a shared hot desk, or a creative unit that can be used as a showroom or community area, Shams can provide the flexible space you need.
4. Shams Free Zone permits many business activities
Shams Free Zone allows for a wide variety of business activities to be conducted under a single license.
Contrary to popular belief, Shams Free Zone is not solely dominated by media companies; many other businesses, including those involved in trading activities, retailers, events and e-commerce companies, as well as management consultancies, operate within the free zone. The most common types of businesses found within Shams Free Zone are:
- Event management
- Trading (garment and automobile trading)
- e-commerce
- Film production/post production
- Graphic design
- Investment consultancy
- Business/project management consultancy
- Media
- Marketing
5. Multiple shareholders
It is possible to start a business in Shams with multiple shareholders. The maximum allowed number of shareholders is 50, and they can be individuals, corporate entities, or a combination of both. Physical presence in the UAE is not a requirement for the shareholders.
6. Multiple visas
Under the Shams flexi-desk package, up to six visas can be applied for by you, your shareholders, or employees.
7. Thriving business community
Shams hosts frequent seminars, networking events, and conferences where entrepreneurs can connect, share ideas, and collaborate, providing opportunities to meet new clients.
8. Free Education
Shams offers training and education programs for media professionals. Industry experts from across the world conduct various seminars and training sessions to help these professionals improve their skills.
9. Support services
Shams offers comprehensive support services in the free zone, including technical assistance and guidance on business operations. Additionally, new customers are provided with exposure on Shams’ website and social media platforms.
10. Strategic location
The location is easily accessible from both Sharjah and Dubai International airports. Now that you know why Shams Free Zone is the right place to set up your business, let’s look at how to do it.
Setting up in Shams Free Zone
To set up your own business, there are several steps that you need to take.
- Choose your business activity
- Decide on your company name
- Complete and file your registration paperwork with the relevant authorities
- Apply for your business license
- Open a bank account
- Apply for any visas that may be required
For your initial license application, you must meet with Shams officials. The free zone issues licenses for:
- Trading
- Industrial
- Service
- Holding
After obtaining your license, you must sign the official memorandum and submit passport copy photos. Your passport photos must comply with the UAE’s immigration criteria, which include wearing a coloured shirt against a white background, no glasses, visible piercings or jewellery, and no teeth or hair covering the face.
In addition to applying for employee visas, it is very easy to sponsor your dependents’ visa applications. Whether you need a visa for your spouse, child, maid, or driver, the process consists of four simple stages.
- Entry permit
- Status adjustment
- A medical fitness test
- Emirates ID registration and visa stamping
After obtaining your license and establishing your business in Shams Free Zone, the next step is to set up your corporate bank account, which is a quick and straightforward process.
Gulf Gateway CSP offers an in-house banking consultant who can guide you in selecting the best bank for your needs and can even schedule meetings for you if necessary. Once you have completed this step, you can start trading. The procedure for this process will vary depending on the type of license you have acquired and the nature of your business.
Therefore, before beginning any of these steps, it is always advisable to consult a company setup expert who can assist you with every aspect of the process, ensuring that the entire application takes no more than a few hours of your time.
Calculate your Business setup cost
Contact us
Call +971 56 866 3666 or fill out the form to schedule a consultation with one of our Business Setup Advisors.
Working Hours
Monday to Friday
9 am – to 6 pm
Saturday - Sunday
Off
Office Address
Office 908, 9th floor; Tamani Arts Office Building, Business Bay – Dubai
United Arab Emirates
If calling from outside the UAE, please contact us on
