Company Formation in Sharjah Media City
Company Formation in Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) opens doors to the Middle East’s most dynamic markets while offering unparalleled flexibility for creative and media businesses. This world class media hub eliminates the traditional barriers of UAE company formation, allowing investors to establish their business without local partners, complex approvals, or excessive capital requirements. Whether you’re a startup founder, creative entrepreneur, or established enterprise, SHAMS provides tailored business solutions that adapt to your specific business needs.
Establish your business in one of the UAE’s most innovative and cost-effective free zones, designed specifically for creative entrepreneurs and media businesses seeking 100% foreign ownership with minimal bureaucracy.
Why Choose Sharjah Media City Free Zone for Your Business Setup?
SHAMS stands out among UAE free zones by delivering exceptional value and streamlined processes for modern businesses. Here’s what sets this media city free zone apart:
Complete control over your business without requiring local partners or sponsors, unlike mainland company registration options
Strategically located near Sharjah International Airport with direct access to Dubai International Airport, connecting your business to global markets effortlessly
Business setup packages starting from AED 14,300 with multi-year discount options, making it one of the most affordable free zones in the UAE
Support for over 200 business activities across media, technology, trading, and professional services under the same business license
Complete company formation within 3-7 working days, allowing you to start operations immediately
Zero personal income tax, full profit repatriation, and corporate tax exemptions for qualifying businesses in this business friendly environment
A panoramic view of a modern business district showcases towering skyscrapers and well-developed transportation infrastructure, symbolizing a thriving free zone environment ideal for creative entrepreneurs and media businesses. This strategic location, part of Sharjah Media City, offers tailored business solutions and a business-friendly atmosphere for company formation and registration.
How Company Formation Works in SHAMS Free Zone
The Sharjah Media City company setup process is designed for efficiency and convenience, allowing you to establish your business remotely without being physically present in the UAE.
Step 1: Select Your Business Structure and Activities
Choose between a Free Zone Company (FZC) for multiple shareholders or Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for single ownership. Select from 200+ approved business activities that can be combined under one business license, providing maximum operational flexibility.
Step 2: Submit Documentation and Application
Provide required documents including passport copies, address proof, and business plan. All company documents can be submitted remotely through digital channels, streamlining the entire company registration process for international applicants.
Step 3: Receive License and Begin Operations
Your business license, establishment card, and corporate documents are processed within one week. Simultaneously, visa processing begins for key stakeholders, enabling you to open a corporate bank account and commence business operations.
Step 4: Complete Banking and Compliance Setup
Establish your corporate bank account with major UAE banks and ensure compliance with local regulations. The free zone authority provides ongoing support services to maintain your business in good standing.
What Makes SHAMS Different from Other UAE Free Zones?
Sharjah Media City SHAMS launched in 2017 as the UAE’s newest media-focused free zone, incorporating modern infrastructure and innovative facilities designed for today’s business environment.
Only AED 150,000 divided into affordable share structures, making it accessible for startups and SMEs
State-of-the-art facilities supporting media training, content production, and technology-driven business activities
Unlike many free zones, SHAMS license renewal cost excludes mandatory annual auditing, reducing ongoing compliance expenses
Choose from shared desk facility options, dedicated desk arrangements, or dedicated office spaces based on your business type and growth stage
Complete company formation, license renewal, and even liquidation processes without requiring physical presence in the UAE
License Types and Business Activities in Sharjah Media City
Service and Professional Services License
Perfect for consultancy firms, media businesses, and professional services companies. This license covers media production, transformation, distribution services, and various creative activities. Ideal for businesses providing expertise, consultation, and media related activities to clients across different sectors.
Trading License
Enables comprehensive trading operations including import, export, wholesale, and retail activities. This license type supports e-commerce platforms, goods trading businesses, and companies looking to access regional and global markets through the free zone’s strategic location.
Industrial License
Designed for manufacturing, production, and transformation activities within the free zone. Companies involved in goods production, processing, and industrial operations can leverage SHAMS innovative facilities and business friendly environment for their manufacturing needs.
Holding and Investment License
Tailored for investment companies, UAE holding entities, and corporate structuring purposes. This license allows investors to hold equity in multiple businesses while benefiting from the free zone’s tax advantages and regulatory framework.
Required Documents for SHAMS Company Formation
The documentation process for Sharjah Media City free zone company formation is streamlined and investor-friendly.
Essential documents for all applicants include:
- 01
Colored passport copy with valid UAE entry stamp;
- 02
Home country address proof for all shareholders and corporate directors;
- 03
Passport-size photographs (digital format accepted);
- 04
Business plan outlining proposed activities related to your chosen license type.
Additional documents (may vary depending on business type):
- 01
Educational certificates for certain professional services;
- 02
Previous business experience documentation;
- 03
Specific industry certifications where required by the free zone authority.
For corporate shareholders:
- 01
Corporate registration certificates;
- 02
Memorandum and Articles of Association;
- 03
Board resolution authorizing the investment.
All required documents can be submitted digitally, allowing investors to complete the entire process remotely without being physically present during the initial company setup phase.
Visa Options and Immigration Services
SHAMS provides comprehensive visa packages supporting your entrepreneurial journey and business growth:
- Investor and Employee Visas: Up to 6 renewable visas available every three years, accommodating business owners, employees, and key stakeholders. Each new company can sponsor multiple visa types based on business needs and license package selection.
- Family Dependent Visas: Visa holders can sponsor spouses, children, and parents under specific conditions, making SHAMS an attractive option for foreign companies seeking long-term UAE residence.
Visa Processing Timeline:
- Entry permit application: 2-3 working days
- Medical examination and Emirates ID: 5-7 working days after arrival
- Final visa stamping: 1-2 working days
- Health Insurance Requirement: Mandatory health insurance must be arranged within ten months of visa issuance, with various coverage options available through approved providers.
Banking and Financial Services Setup
Establishing a corporate bank account is essential for business operations, and SHAMS license holders enjoy access to major UAE banking institutions: Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, RAKBANK, and other leading financial institutions offer corporate banking services to free zone companies.
Required banking documents:
- UAE trade license and establishment card
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Corporate directors’ passports and visas
- Business plan and financial projections
- Initial deposit requirements (vary depending on bank and account type)
Corporate bank account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks after receiving your business license, depending on the chosen bank’s due diligence requirements and your business activities.
Beyond basic banking, SHAMS companies can access business loans, trade finance, foreign exchange services, and investment products through UAE’s sophisticated financial sector.
Ongoing Compliance and Support Services
Maintaining your Sharjah Media City SHAMS business involves straightforward compliance requirements with expert consultants available to assist:
Annual obligations:
- License renewal (no annual audit required)
- Visa renewals every 2-3 years
- Corporate tax registration and filing
- VAT registration if annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000
Annual renewal fees start from AED 8,000 depending on your business activities and visa requirements, with multi-year renewal discounts available.
Available support services:
- PRO services for government interactions
- Accounting and bookkeeping assistance
- Legal consultation for business expansion
- Additional visa processing and amendments
- Business address and mail forwarding services
Start Your SHAMS Company Formation Today
Ready to establish your business in one of the UAE’s most innovative free zones? Sharjah Media City SHAMS offers the perfect combination of affordability, efficiency, and business flexibility for creative entrepreneurs and media businesses.
- No hidden fees.
- Complete transparency.
- Secure setup process.
Our expert consultants provide personalized guidance through every step of your company formation journey. From selecting the right business structure to completing visa processing, we ensure your Sharjah Media City business setup exceeds expectations.
Easily
With over 10 years of experience and more than 1,500 successful projects, ITA Business Consultants is your reliable partner for company registration in Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS). Our expert team of 200+ professionals helps entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses take full advantage of SHAMS’ flexible regulations, cost-effective setup options, and strategic benefits.
We guide you through every step of the registration process — from choosing the right business activity and preparing documentation to obtaining your trade license and visas — ensuring a smooth, compliant, and efficient setup.
Fill out the form to connect with our specialists and discover how we can simplify your SHAMS company formation journey. Let us help you establish your presence in one of the UAE’s fastest-growing creative and media hubs with confidence.
*This fee does not include the fees charged by the Free Zone.
Other options – upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions about SHAMS Company Formation
Complete business license issuance takes 3-7 working days. Visa processing adds another 10-14 days for those requiring UAE residence. Corporate bank account opening requires an additional 2-4 weeks.
Yes, SHAMS allows remote business operations. However, obtaining a UAE visa is recommended for corporate bank account opening and easier business management.
The nominal capital requirement is AED 150,000 divided into 150 shares, but no actual cash deposit is required. This represents the company’s authorized capital structure.
No, SHAMS does not require annual auditing for license renewal, significantly reducing ongoing compliance costs compared to other UAE free zones.
Yes, company liquidation can be processed remotely through authorized corporate agents, providing flexibility for international investors.
Most standard business activities require no external approvals. Specific sectors like healthcare, education, or specialized media content may require additional regulatory clearances.