SHAMS: Sharjah Media City Free Zone Company Formation
- Sharjah Media City Company Setup from 5,750 AED
- SHAMS Free Zone Company Registration from 1-2 working days
- Residence visa validity varies from 1, 2, or 3 Years
Disclaimer: For the most current information on pricing, packages, and requirements, visit the official SHAMS Free Zone website or contact SHAMS directly. JSB can also assist you with the same.
About SHAMS Free Zone
SHAMS is ideal for entrepreneurs in the early startup stages seeking affordable business setup options.
Because SHAMS provides a range of activities in the media and services industries, it is especially appealing to creative people looking for opportunities to advance in these fields.
One of SHAMS’s main advantages is its flexible visa allocation mechanism, which permits an infinite number of visas to be granted to business owners and staff.
SHAMS is strategically located just 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
Remote company registration is possible, and electronic document processing streamlines corporate processes and saves time.
Another way to start a business in the Dubai Emirate would be to register a DTEC company in this free zone for media.
Is SHAMS suitable for your business?
— Yes If
- If you are currently employed in the UAE, you can establish your SHAMS company without requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer.
- Visa-free packages start at 5,750 AED if you are looking for a cost-effective option to launch a business or if you have recently relocated to the Emirates.
- You may find unique activities not available in other free zones, as well as activities that aren’t limited to the media. The United Nations standard ISIC 4, which is used in customs globally, is followed when designing business activities.
- With SHAMS, you can have an infinite number of visas without the need for offices if you need packages with many visas.
- SHAMS is a 30-minute drive from Dubai if you’d like to live there but think it would be too costly to launch a business there. A corporation can be remotely registered with SHAMS, and all paperwork is completed online. It is not necessary to physically visit the free zone.
— No If
- Sharjah is regarded as a more conservative emirate. Sharjah’s more conservative immigration policies may present additional requirements for family sponsorship. If so, you might want to consider registering your business in Dubai, which has a more accommodating immigration policy.
- Free zones like Hamriyah Free Zone, Umm Al Quwain Free Zone, RAKEZ Free Zone, or JAFZA Free Zone are better options if you have a sizable manufacturing business that needs land, warehouses, and production facilities.
Corporate Tax Compliance for SHAMs Business Setup
1. Mandatory Registration & Filing Requirements
All free zone companies, including SHAMS entities, must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) regardless of their eligibility for a 0% tax rate. Registration deadlines depend on the month of license issuance, with penalties of AED 10,000 for late submission.
2. Annual Compliance Obligations
Free Zone companies must maintain audited financial statements and file corporate tax returns within 9 months of their financial year-end. All records must be kept for 7 years and be readily accessible for FTA review.
3. Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) Status
To benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, SHAMS companies must meet specific conditions, including:
- Maintain adequate economic substance in the free zone
- Derive income only from qualifying activities (manufacturing, processing, trading, logistics, etc.)
- Comply with arm’s length pricing principles
- Ensure non-qualifying revenue does not exceed AED 5 million or 5% of total revenue
4. Tax Rates & Non-Qualifying Income
While qualifying income is taxed at 0%, any non-qualifying income is subject to 9% corporate tax. Companies failing to meet QFZP requirements face standard tax rates on all income.
5. Adequate Substance Requirements
To maintain QFZP status and qualify for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, SHAMS companies must demonstrate adequate economic substance in the free zone, including:
- Adequate physical assets within SHAMS Free Zone
- Full-time qualified employees physically present in the free zone
- Operating expenditures commensurate with core income-generating activities
- Performance of core value-adding activities within the free zone
QFZP entities must maintain comprehensive transfer pricing documentation and ensure all transactions with related parties comply with arm’s-length pricing principles as per Federal Tax Authority requirements.
Key Compliance Note:
The UAE corporate tax regime, effective from June 1, 2023, applies to all free zone entities. Companies should verify their qualifying activities with the FTA to ensure continued tax benefits.
SHAMS Company Formation Process
You can do company formation in SHAMs remotely, which typically takes 1-2 working days.
Step 1:
Choose the license option that best fits your needs from the SHAMS free zone. Selecting the incorrect activity, registration authority, or location might result in mistakes during company registration, which can cause issues when opening a bank account or getting a resident visa; thus, it is essential to examine the matter carefully.
SHAMS provides a free online cost calculator on their official website to help you estimate setup costs based on your selected business activities and requirements.
Step 2:
Get the required files ready and upload them. SHAMS requires minimal documentation:
- Passport with a 6-month validity
- Personal details like phone number and email
- Three company name options
- Confirmation of business activity
Registration can be completed entirely online without physical presence. At this stage, you must also pay all registration and processing fees.
Step 3:
Get the company’s license and registration paperwork, specifically
- Certificate of incorporation
- Trade license
- Lease agreement
- MoA and Articles of Association
Step 4:
Get an establishment card, which gives your business the ability to sponsor residence visas and contains information about it.
Step 5:
Get an entrance permit. You must convert your tourist visa to a residence visa after the entry permit is granted. If you are not in the United Arab Emirates, you must enter the country, get your entrance permit stamped, and then complete the remaining steps of the residency visa application process by providing the required paperwork.
Step 6:
Undergo a medical checkup.
Step 7:
Apply for an Emirates ID.
Step 8:
Finish the biometrics process at an Emirates ID center.
Step 9:
You can complete the visa procedures after you receive the results of your biometrics and medical test. Keep in mind that obtaining health insurance is necessary for the approval of a residence visa. You will receive an email with your electronic visa. It is also available through the UAEICP app.
Step 10:
Receive your Emirates ID in 5-7 days.
Step 11:
Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account.
Step 12:
Receive your account credentials and begin operating your company in the United Arab Emirates.
All of the companies’ paperwork is in electronic format. You don’t have to worry about losing the originals when printing them. The documents can always be checked on the SHAMS website to ensure their authenticity.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!
We'd Love To Hear From You
contact us
Find us Here
Office 2505, 25th Floor, Regal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE P.O Box 27614
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com
Send Your Inquiry
SHAMS Licenses & Cost
The most basic (and least expensive) bundle for a Sharjah Media City business setup is 5,750 AED. Up to five media activities are available for selection, and you can upgrade to a plan that includes visas.
| TYPE OF License: | COST, AED |
|---|---|
|
Zero-visa Media and E-commerce License |
5,750 |
|
1 Media and E-commerce License |
13,437 |
|
1 Visa Trading/Service License (Up to 6 Visas) |
15,162 |
SHAMS Sharjah Media City is a free zone with competitive pricing. The cost of a zero visa package that includes a variety of media and IT activities starts at 5,750 AED. You can get the following in Sharjah Media City:
- a service license,
- a trade license, and
- e-commerce license.
Payment Options
SHAMS offers flexible payment solutions to make company formation accessible:
- Interest-free installments through Tabby
- Flexible payment plans via partner banks
- Pay-as-you-go options for startups
SHAMS Business Activities
Despite its name, the Media Free Zone is not solely associated with the media industry.
| TYPE OF ACTIVITY | ACTIVITY DETAILS |
|---|---|
|
Media |
Shams covers everything from publishing and broadcasting to making movies and digital media. For example, here you can find such activities as printing, book publishing, video and television program production, event production and management, photographic activities, and many others. |
|
Wholesale & Retail |
Wholesale and retail activities thrive with a diverse range of options, including the wholesale of food, electronics, construction materials, and more. You can retail computers, textiles, furniture, and pharmaceuticals, meeting a wide range of consumer needs and preferences. |
|
Services & Consultancy |
You are offered a wide array of services and consulting activities to choose from, including repair of machinery and electronics, industrial equipment installation, and construction services like electrical and plumbing installations. It also encompasses transportation support, food service activities, financial services, real estate activities, and a variety of professional and technical consultancy services ranging from accounting to environmental engineering and sustainable mobility. |
SHAMS allows businesses to combine up to five different business activities under a single license, even if these activities span different industries and sectors.
SHAMS Facilities
Some banks accept flexi-desks for the opening of bank accounts, and SHAMS licenses include them. The company documentation is included with the lease agreement for the flex desk.
The SHAMS facilities are as follows in general:
| Facility type | Description |
|---|---|
|
Flexi-Desk (Shared Desk) |
It is a workspace arrangement where multiple individuals or teams use the same desk space at different times. Our collaborative workstations are perfect for bringing people together and boosting networking opportunities. They’re designed with a modern, functional style that not only looks great but also helps professionals be more productive. Plus, sharing desk space keeps things flexible and cost-effective, which is a win-win for everyone involved. |
|
Dedicated Desk |
Your personalized space awaits within a community of motivated individuals, fostering new ideas and connections. Enjoy the benefits of a consistent workspace, access to amenities like meeting rooms and office equipment, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. |
|
Shared Office |
Discover our shared office facility in Shams Free Zone, designed to foster collaboration and innovation among diverse professionals. Enjoy flexible workspaces equipped with modern amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere, ideal for networking and expanding your business horizons. |
|
Dedicated Office |
Access your dedicated office space where productivity thrives. In these private areas, you’ll find the perfect setting for focused work, ensuring enhanced privacy and security for your business endeavors. |
SHAMS Visa Costs
SHAMS offers one of the most versatile visa allocation systems; your organization is eligible for an infinite number of visas.
The Hamriyah Free Zone visa is an additional method of obtaining several visa slots in Sharjah.
Furthermore, you have the option to increase your package whenever you choose.
SHAMS visa costs (AED):
| SHAMS FEES (AED) | VISA | MEDICAL CHECKUP | EMIRATES ID |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Investor/Partner/Employee |
2,200 |
637.5 |
330 |
Standard SHAMS residence visas are typically issued for 2 years, though visa validity can vary from 1, 2, or 3 years depending on the visa category and sponsor requirements.
You must obtain health insurance when you apply for a resident visa under the SHAMS free zone license.
Visa Compliance Requirements
Residence visa holders must maintain physical presence in the UAE and cannot stay outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days, or their residence visa will be automatically cancelled. Exemptions apply to certain long-term visa categories.
UAE residents are granted grace periods of up to 6 months (depending on resident category) after residence permit cancellation or expiry to regularize their status or depart the UAE.
SHAMS Company License Renewal
Similar to the setup, company renewal can be completed remotely. The authority does not demand audit reports.
Setup fees and renewal fees are identical.
Monthly fines will begin to increase if you fail to renew the company on time. After the first month, there is a 1,100 AED fine. Each of the upcoming months will cost 100 AED.
SHAMS Company Amendments
Any changes made to Sharjah Media City are relatively simple. These include changes to the company’s shareholding structure, license operations, etc. Most of them cost 2,000 AED, and you don’t have to be there in person to participate.
During the renewal, license amendments will be free.
SHAMS Company Liquidation
It takes roughly three weeks for a corporation to be liquidated by the Sharjah Media City Free Zone authorities.
The liquidation will cost 2,000 AED.
Conclusion
Establishing a company in SHAMS (Sharjah Media City Free Zone) is a strategic choice for entrepreneurs seeking a cost-effective, streamlined, and supportive business environment in the UAE.
With its straightforward setup process, 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and access to a growing media and creative community, SHAMS is an ideal destination for startups, freelancers, and media professionals.
FAQs
The basic package starts at AED 5,750 for a zero-visa media and e-commerce license, making SHAMS one of the most affordable free zone options in the UAE.
Yes, SHAMS allows you to combine up to five different business activities under a single license, even across different industries like media, trading, and consultancy.
No, SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership without requiring a local sponsor or partner, giving you complete control of your business.
Company formation in SHAMS typically takes 1-2 working days once all required documents are submitted and fees are paid.
Yes, SHAMS offers unlimited visa allocation. Your company can sponsor investor, employee, and dependent visas with no quota restrictions.
No, SHAMS offers flexi-desk packages that include a business address accepted by UAE banks, so you don't need to rent a dedicated office space.
Yes, SHAMS companies are eligible to open corporate bank accounts with UAE banks. Most banks accept flexi-desk arrangements for account opening.
You need minimal documentation: a valid passport (6 months validity), personal contact details, three company name options, and confirmation of your business activity.
Yes, SHAMS offers a unique advantage where you can register as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) without the "FZ" designation, providing a more mainland-like business presence.
SHAMS companies qualifying as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to 9% corporate tax.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!
We'd Love To Hear From You
contact us
Find us Here
Office 2505, 25th Floor, Regal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE P.O Box 27614
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com