SPC
Sharjah
- Price
- fromAED 5,923Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~3 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: E-commerce sellers, Small traders
View packages →
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
SharjahEst. 2017Updated Oct 2026
Setup time
~2 working days
Visa quota
Up to 6
Activities
Up to 5 per licence
Office
Virtual office, Flexi-desk, Shared office
Renewal from
AED 5,923
SHAMS overview
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is one of the most affordable ways to own a UAE company. It started as a media free zone, but today it licenses hundreds of activities across media, consulting, e-commerce and general trading.
Setup is fully online and can be very quick — often 1–3 working days for the licence. A no-visa licence is a popular choice for freelancers and online sellers who do not need UAE residence yet, and you can add visas later.
SHAMS is a strong fit for content creators, influencers, digital marketers and small agencies who want a legal company at a low yearly cost.
Best for
- Freelancers and content creators
- Media and marketing agencies
- Low-budget startups
SHAMS packages & prices
Buy online and upload your passport straight away, or request a tailored quote.
Prices are “from” estimates and subject to free zone fees. Confirm the final quote with our advisor before you pay.
Typically included
- Trade licence (1 year)
- Flexi-desk facility
- Certificate of formation & Memorandum of Association
- Freezone King setup & document handling
- Establishment card
- 2 visa allocations
Not included
- Visa medical test & Emirates ID fees (per person)
- Bank account opening (optional add-on)
- Corporate tax registration (optional add-on)
Licence types & activities
Commercial / Trading Licence
Buy, sell, import and export goods.
Service / Professional Licence
Sell your skills and services.
E-commerce Licence
Sell online from your own store or marketplaces.
Freelancer Permit / Licence
Work for yourself, legally, with a visa.
Media Licence
Content, publishing, film and influencers.
Activity categories available
Not sure your exact activity is allowed? Search 50+ activities or ask an advisor.
Visa & office options
SHAMS companies can sponsor up to 6 residence visas, depending on the office you choose. In most free zones, a flexi-desk supports a small number of visas, and larger quotas need a shared or private office. The investor (owner) visa usually counts towards the quota.
Available office options in SHAMS: virtual office, flexi-desk, shared office. If you expect to hire, choose a package with room to grow — upgrading later is possible but often costs more than starting with the right setup.
Minimum share capital: no fixed minimum for most activities.
Documents required
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Current UAE visa or entry stamp (if in the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (UAE residents)
- Proof of residential address (some zones)
- Short business profile or CV (some activities)
You can upload these securely after checkout.
Setup steps & timeline
- Day 0Choose your package & pay online
- Day 0–1Upload passport & photo; we reserve your company name
- Day 1–2Initial approval, licence & incorporation documents issued
- +3–5 daysEstablishment card & visa entry permit
- +5–10 daysMedical test, Emirates ID & visa stamping
- Anytime afterBank account opening & corporate tax registration
SHAMS pros & cons
Pros
- One of the lowest-cost licences in the UAE
- Very fast online setup
- Wide range of media and service activities
- Freelancer-friendly packages
Cons
- Sharjah address, not Dubai
- Banking can be harder for brand-new, low-turnover companies
- Visa quota depends on package
Location
SHAMS FAQs
Is SHAMS good for influencers?
Yes. SHAMS offers activities for social media influencers, content creation and digital marketing at low cost.
Can I live in Dubai with a SHAMS visa?
Yes. A UAE residence visa from any emirate lets you live anywhere in the UAE.
How much does a SHAMS licence cost?
SHAMS packages start from an estimated AED 5,923 for a licence without visas. Visa packages cost more. Annual renewal is estimated from AED 5,923. Confirm the latest fees with our advisor before you pay.
How long does SHAMS company setup take?
Around 2 working days for the licence once your documents are complete. Residence visas usually take 1–3 more weeks.
How many visas can a SHAMS company get?
Up to 6 visas, depending on the package and office type you choose.
Can foreigners own 100% of a SHAMS company?
Yes. Free zone companies can be 100% foreign-owned.
Does SHAMS allow crypto activities?
SHAMS is not usually chosen for crypto. Consider DMCC, RAK DAO, DWTC or ADGM for Web3 businesses.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in SHAMS?
Usually not for the licence — it can be done online. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Compare SHAMS with other zones
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Best for: Budget traders, E-commerce sellers
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RAKEZ
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UAQ FTZ
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