Seamless Company Setup in SHAMS Sharjah Media City ENQUIRE NOW SHAMS HEADER

Business

Setup in
SHAMS

The Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) was launched in 2017 as a dedicated hub for media and creative industries. Strategically located in Sharjah but with easy access to Dubai, SHAMS has quickly become a cost-effective destination for entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, and SMEs.

While its core focus is on media, content creation, and creative services, SHAMS offers more than 200 business activities across sectors, including consultancy, trading, and e-commerce. With affordable packages and simplified processes, it’s one of the most flexible free zones for new businesses in the UAE.

Awesome Image
Awesome Image
Awesome Image

Advantages of Setting Up in SHAMS

  • Creative Industry Focus – Tailored for media, advertising, and digital businesses.

  • 100% Foreign Ownership –Investors keep full control.

  • Affordable Packages –Lower setup costs compared to many other Dubai/Sharjah free zones.

  • 200+ Activities – Wide activity range covering creative, service, and trading sectors.

  • Fast Setup – Licences can be issued in just a few days.

  • Flexibility for Entrepreneurs – Freelancers, SMEs, and startups all catered for.

  • Location –Close to Dubai while benefiting from Sharjah’s cost advantages.

Steps to

Set Up in SHAMS

  • Select Licence & Activities – Choose from media, service, trading, or consultancy categories.
  • Choose Company Structure – FZE, FZC, or Branch.
  • Reserve Trade Name – Submit name options for approval.
  • Initial Approval – Get confirmation of activities and shareholders.
  • Lease Office / Facility – Shared workspaces, offices, or virtual desks available.
  • Documentation – Submit MoA/AoA, application forms, and shareholder details.
  • Obtain Licence – SHAMS issues the trade licence.
  • Visa Processing – Apply for investor, employee, or dependent visas.
  • Bank Account Opening – Consultycs prepares a banking-compliant file.
Business Structures

in SHAMS

Business Activities in SHAMS

Media & Creative

  • Film and video production
  • Broadcasting and publishing
  • Advertising and marketing agencies
  • Graphic design and animation
  • Photography, event management, and content creation

Service & Consultancy

  • IT and software consultancy
  • Business and management consulting
  • Marketing, branding, and PR consultancy
  • HR and recruitment services

Trading

  • Import/export of consumer goods
  • Distribution and wholesale trade
  • E-commerce and online retail

Industrial (Light Manufacturing)

  • Packaging of goods
  • Printing and media-related production
  • Small-scale creative product manufacturing

Holding Activities

  • Asset management and investment holding structures

✓ Thank You!

Your request has been submitted successfully. We'll get back to you shortly.

  • Non-binding & confidential

    Let's Connect
    For A Free Consultation

What You Get

  • 🗸 Fast response within 1 business day
  • 🗸 Free discovery call with our expert

🔒 Your Privacy Matters

We will never share your details with any third-party

This forms collects your name, contact number, and email address so that we can contact you and provide a quote for our services. Please check our Privacy policy to see how we protect and manage your submitted data.
Awesome Image

Why Consultycs?

SHAMS is built for speed and flexibility, but the right licence choice makes the difference. Consultycs helps you:

  •   Select activities that match your business goals
  •  Get fast approvals without errors or delays
  •   Access banking and visa support with minimal hassle
  •  Build a structure that works for today and scales for tomorrow

Types of Licences in SHAMS

Service License

Awesome Image
For professional and consultancy services.

Industrial License

Awesome Image
For light manufacturing and production.

Trading License

Awesome Image
For import, export, and distribution of goods.

Holding License

Awesome Image
To manage and control other companies’ assets.

Media Licence

Awesome Image
For advertising, publishing, production, and creative activities.

Frequently Asked Any Questions

  • Is SHAMS only for media companies?
    No. While SHAMS was created for media, it now supports over 200 activities including trading, consultancy, and e-commerce.
  • How affordable is SHAMS compared to other free zones?
    SHAMS is one of the most cost-effective free zones in the UAE, especially for startups and freelancers.
  • How long does it take to set up a SHAMS company?
    Licences are usually issued within a few working days.
  • Can I sponsor employees under SHAMS?
    Yes, visa quotas depend on your chosen office or workspace package.
  • What industries succeed in SHAMS?
    Media, creative, digital services, consultancy, and small trading companies benefit most from SHAMS.