Begin Your Business Journey in a Dynamic Creative District

Thinking of launching your company in the UAE but overwhelmed by all the free zone options? Let’s simplify it. If you want affordability, speed, and flexibility, company formation in Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) is one of the best routes for startups, freelancers, and SMEs.

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Here’s your ultimate guide to setting up shop in Shams—from license costs to visa options and everything in between.

What is Shams Free Zone?

Overview of Sharjah Media City

Shams, short for Sharjah Media City & Business In Meydan Free Zone is a dynamic free zone established in 2017. While “media” is in the name, Shams caters to a wide variety of business activities—not just media-related fields. Whether you’re a marketing pro, coder, e-commerce seller, or wellness coach, Shams likely has a license for you.

Who Should Consider Shams?

Freelancers & consultants
Startup founders
SMEs looking for low overhead
International investors entering the UAE market

In short, if you want a quick, cost-effective, and 100% foreign-owned company, Shams is made for you.

Why Choose Shams Free Zone?

Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah Media City

Company setup in 3–5 working days
No need for a physical office (unless you want one)
Multiple shareholders allowed
Wide range of business activities
Affordable visa and license packages

100% Foreign Ownership

Just like other UAE free zones, Shams lets you own your business fully. No local sponsor, no silent partner—just you in control.

Cost-Effective Packages

Let’s be real—cost matters. Shams Free Zone offers some of the lowest license and visa fees in the UAE, making it ideal for bootstrappers and first-timers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Company Formation in Shams Free Zone

Step 1: Define Your Business Activity

Choose from over 120+ business activities, including:

Media and marketing
E-commerce
Consulting
IT and software development
Design and animation

Step 2: Choose a Legal Entity

Shams allows you to form:

Shams LLC (FZ) – Limited liability, perfect for small teams
Branch – If you’re expanding an existing business into the UAE

Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name

Pick a name that’s:

Available
Compliant with UAE naming laws
Reflective of your business

Step 4: Apply for a License

Submit your application and documents online. Shams has one of the simplest digital application systems among all UAE free zones.

Step 5: Visa Processing (Optional)

You can opt for a zero-visa license or include 1 to 6 visas, depending on your needs. Visas are optional, so if you’re operating remotely, you can skip them.

Shams Free Zone License Cost Breakdown

Let’s talk real numbers.

No Visa Package

Starting at just AED 5,750/year, you get:

Business license
Company registration
Free zone address
Company documents

Ideal for remote founders or freelancers who don’t need residency.

Packages with 1–6 Visas

Here’s a general idea of Shams Free Zone license cost:

Visa Quota	Approximate Cost (AED/year)
1 Visa	AED 11,500–13,000
2 Visas	AED 15,000–16,500
3–6 Visas	AED 17,000–24,000+

Pricing includes basic desk access and license fees.

Shams Visa Cost Explained

Investor Visa

Usually valid for 2–3 years, the Shams visa cost for investors is:

AED 3,500 to AED 4,200 (excluding medical and Emirates ID)
Add AED 1,200–1,500 for Emirates ID and medical screening

Employee Visa

Planning to hire? Employee visas range from:

AED 4,000–5,500 depending on role and nationality
Renewable every 2–3 years

Types of Licenses in Shams Free Zone

Service License

Perfect for consultancies, marketing agencies, IT companies, and trainers.

Trading License

Want to sell physical or digital products? This license lets you import/export goods globally.

Holding License

Designed for managing other companies or investments.

Freelance Permit

Ideal for solo creatives, coaches, developers, and designers who want a UAE business identity without high costs.

Available Facilities & Office Options

You’re not forced to rent an office unless you want to.

Shared Desk

Great for companies with 0–1 visas. Affordable, flexible, and no long-term contracts.

Dedicated Office

Need privacy or space for your team? Shams offers dedicated offices from 10 sqm to 50+ sqm.

Co-working Spaces

Bright, modern spaces for networking and productivity. Perfect for creative professionals and startups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong Business Activity

Make sure your activity aligns with what you actually plan to do. Picking the wrong one can lead to license issues later on.

Ignoring Visa Limitations

Your visa quota depends on your license type and workspace. Don’t assume you can get unlimited visas with a flexi-desk.

How Shams Compares to Other Free Zones

Pricing

Shams is significantly cheaper than Dubai-based zones like IFZA or DMCC, especially for freelancers and startups.

Flexibility & Scalability

Need to scale from one visa to five? Or upgrade from no office to a private space? Shams makes it easy to adjust as you grow.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a smart, low-cost, and flexible way to start your UAE business, then company formation in Shams Free Zone & business setup in RAKEZ Free Zone checks all the boxes.

With easy licensing, transparent pricing, and optional visa packages, Shams is perfect for modern entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and growing teams.

Want to avoid the bureaucracy and just focus on building your business? Start in Shams—you’ll thank yourself later.

FAQs

How long does it take to set up a company in Shams Free Zone?

Typically 3 to 5 working days, assuming all documents are in order.

Can I own 100% of my company in Shams?

Yes! Shams allows 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local sponsor.

Do I need an office to register in Shams?

No. You can start with a flexi-desk or shared desk setup and upgrade later if needed.

Can I operate multiple activities under one license?

Yes, Shams allows multiple related activities under the same license.

What is the cheapest license option?

The 0-visa package starts at AED 5,750/year, making it one of the most affordable options in the UAE.