SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) Company Formation
Sharjah Media City, known as Shams, is a low cost free zone for media, creative and digital businesses, with freelance permits and a quick online setup.
- SharjahLocation
- 100%Ownership
- Media and creativeFocus
- Permits availableFreelance
About SHAMS, Sharjah Media City
Shams was launched in Sharjah in 2017 to support media, creative and digital entrepreneurs. It offers a wide range of activities beyond media, including e-commerce, services and trading, and is popular with freelancers and small teams.
Applications are online and licences can be issued quickly. We help you pick activities, visas and the right package and then register you for tax.
Authority
Sharjah Media City (Shams)
Best suited to
Content creators and freelancers; Media and marketing agencies; E-commerce start ups.
Benefits of SHAMS, Sharjah Media City
Affordable
Low licence costs.
Creative focus
Media and creative activities.
Freelance permits
Work as an individual.
Online setup
Digital application.
Ownership
100% foreign.
Mixed activities
Several activities on one licence.
Licence types available
Media licence
Media production and publishing.
Creative licence
Design and creative services.
Service licence
Business services.
Trading licence
Trading of goods.
E-commerce licence
Online sales.
Freelance permit
Individual freelancers.
Legal forms, visas and office
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms | Free Zone Establishment / LLC, Freelance permit |
| Visa allocation | Packages include a set visa count. |
| Office | Flexi desk options. |
How setup works
Activity and package
We match your activities to the zone’s list and choose a package and visa count.
Name and application
Trade name reserved and application filed with shareholder documents.
Licence issue
Initial approval, signing of incorporation documents and licence issued.
Establishment card and visas
Immigration card, entry permits, medicals and Emirates ID.
Bank, VAT and corporate tax
Bank account support, corporate tax registration and VAT where needed.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport size photographs on a white background
- Visa or entry stamp copy for UAE residents, or a visit visa page
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Short business plan or activity description (some zones)
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution and good standing, attested
SHAMS, Sharjah Media City packages
Starter, 0 visa
AED 14,999 indicative
- Business setup consultation
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- MOA drafting and attestation
- Commercial trade licence issuance
- Up to 3 business activities on one licence
- Government fee guidance included
Growth, 1 visa
AED 18,999 indicative
- Everything in the Starter package
- Professional licence issuance
- 1 investor/employee visa (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Dedicated relationship manager
- 1 free tax/VAT consultation session
Premium, 2 visas
AED 24,999 indicative
- Everything in the Growth package
- Industrial licence issuance
- Facility and site approval coordination
- 2 investor/employee visas (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Regulatory and environmental approval support
- Priority processing with dedicated relationship manager
Indicative Balance Brite package prices. Government fees change during the year, so we confirm everything in a written quote before you pay. Prices exclude 5% VAT where it applies.
Tax after setup
Free zone companies must register for corporate tax and file a return every year. If the company meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions (adequate substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited accounts, transfer pricing compliance and non qualifying revenue below 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower) it pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on the rest. VAT applies as normal unless the zone is a designated zone for goods. Corporate tax registration and VAT registration can be added to any package.
SHAMS, Sharjah Media City questions
Is SHAMS only for media companies?
No. It also licenses services, trading and e-commerce activities.
Can I get a freelance visa through SHAMS?
Yes, freelance permits with residence visas are available.
Can a free zone company trade with mainland customers?
It can sell to mainland customers through a distributor or agent, or by registering a branch or obtaining a mainland permit where available. Services to mainland clients are possible in many cases. Rules differ by zone and activity.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up?
Many free zones allow remote setup. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.
Speak to our setup manager about SHAMS, Sharjah Media City
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.