- Service License – Allows businesses to provide professional and specialized services as their primary activity. This includes delivering services and using related goods to support those services.
- Industrial License – Permits activities related to production, processing, assembly, and manufacturing of goods within the free zone, subject to regulatory approvals.
- Trading License – Authorizes the import, export, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of goods within SHAMS or internationally. It also covers activities related to the movement and sale of products.
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Sharjah Media City
Sharjah Media City is a well-established free zone in the Emirate of Sharjah, offering a wide range of business activities at competitive license fees. Within a short period, SHAMS has attracted companies from over 160 countries. Its headquarters is located in Sharjah, with a service office in Dubai to support client requirements.
SHAMS is recognized for cost-effective license packages starting from AED 8,050. Company formation can be completed remotely within approximately two working days.
The incorporation process begins with company name approval, along with submission of passport copies and passport-size photographs of shareholders or directors. A single shareholder company is permitted, and one individual can act as shareholder, director, and person in charge.
Single shareholders are eligible for an investor visa under the company, while multiple shareholders may apply for partner visas. Visa processing is completed after company incorporation, with residence visas generally issued for three years and renewable as per regulations.
Capital Requirement in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) – Companies incorporated in SHAMS Free Zone require a minimum share capital of AED 150,000. The standard structure consists of 150 shares with a nominal value of AED 1,000 per share.
The legal structure is a Limited Liability Company (LLC), where shareholders’ liability is limited to the value of their shares in the company. Proof of share capital is not required to be deposited or submitted to the free zone authority, allowing investors to complete company registration by paying the applicable license fee.
Advantages of Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
- Company setup packages start from AED 8,050 (without visa)
- Wide range of approved business activities
- Eligibility for up to 6 visas under selected shared desk packages
- No security deposit requirement
- No age limit for investor visas
- No mandatory physical presence in the UAE for incorporation
- Option to appoint corporate directors and corporate managers
- Simple and fully online registration process
- Company documents issued within a few working days
- Limited liability company structure
- Strategic location, approximately 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport
Benefits of a Free Zone Company in Sharjah
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in Sharjah free zones
- Full customs duty exemption on import and export of goods (as per applicable regulations)
- Exemption from certain state-imposed commercial taxes and duties, subject to UAE laws
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits without restrictions
Types of Licenses in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Documents Required for Company Setup in Sharjah Media City
SHAMS requires minimal documentation for company formation.
Basic Documents:
- Passport copy of the shareholder
- Passport-size photograph
- Completed application form
In addition, the selected business activity to be listed on the license and the shareholder’s address details must be provided.
Our team supports the complete process, starting from company name approval. For certain nationalities, passport copies may be submitted in advance for initial pre-approval.
Documents Issued After Incorporation – Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Upon successful company registration, SHAMS issues a complete set of corporate documents, enabling shareholders to proceed with corporate bank account opening and business operations.
Documents Provided:
1
Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
2
Trade License (showing license number, company name, registered address, business activities, shareholders, and person in charge)
3
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
4
Share Certificate
5
Occupancy Agreement (equivalent to a tenancy contract)
Most Popular Package – Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
The most selected package in SHAMS Free Zone is the One Visa Quota Company package priced at AED 13,420. Many investors also prefer the 3-year license package offered at a discounted rate along with a 3-year visa. This option allows business owners to avoid annual renewal payments during the selected period and protects them from any increase in government fees within that timeframe.
Sharjah Media City Freezone Visa Quota and License package cost
The Multi-Year License Package from Sharjah Media City is suitable for investors planning long-term operations. It helps reduce administrative effort by eliminating yearly renewal procedures and ensures cost stability over the chosen duration.
The 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year business license packages allow investors to make a one-time payment and receive automatic license validity for the selected period, offering convenience and financial predictability.
| License packages | Actual packages Cost in AED | Discounted price (License Fee) in AED | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year | 2-Year Package | 3-Year Package | 5-Year Package | ||
| 0 Visa | 11,500 | 8,050 | NA | ||
| 1 Visa | 16,775 | 11,743 | 23,485 | 35,228 | 54,519 |
| 2 Visas | 18,375 | 12,863 | 25,725 | 38,588 | 59,719 |
| 3 Visas | 19,975 | 13,983 | 27,965 | 41,948 | 64,919 |
| 4 Visas | 21,575 | 15,103 | 30,205 | 45,308 | 70,119 |
| 5 Visas | 23,175 | 16,223 | 32,445 | 48,668 | 75,319 |
| 6 Visas | 24,775 | 17,343 | 34,685 | 52,028 | 80,519 |
Immigration Card & Visa Cost in SHAMS
| DESCRIPTIONS | FEE |
|---|---|
| Immigration Card (3 Years) Cost | AED 1,575 |
| E-channel registration | AED 2,525 |
| Employment Visa – 2 years | AED 3,416 |
| Investor / Partner Visa – 2 years | AED 3,416 |
| Change of Status | AED 997.50 |
| Medical (urgent) | AED 685 |
| Additional allocation of visas | AED 1,600 |
Timelines for various Immigration Processes
The investors of the newly registered company at the Sharjah Media City Free Zone will be able to process their Residence Visas within the below-specified timelines.
| TYPE OF TRANSACTION | TIMELINE |
|---|---|
| Entry Visa (Normal) | 4-5 working days |
| Entry Visa (Priority) | 1-2 working days |
| Entry Visa (Resubmission) | 1-2 working days |
| Residence Visa (Normal) | 4-5 working days |
| Residence Visa (Priority) | 1-2 working days |
| Residence Visa (Resubmission) | 1-2 working days |
| Residence Visa Cancellation (Normal) – Investor/Partner | 3-4 working days |
| Residence Visa Cancellation (Priority) – Investor/Partner | 2 working days |
| Residence Visa Cancellation (Normal) – Employee | 3-4 working days |
| Residence Visa Cancellation (Priority) – Employee | 1-2 working days |
| Entry Visa Cancellation (Normal) – Investor/Partner | 3-4 working days |
| Entry Visa Cancellation (Priority) – Investor/Partner | 1-2 working days |
| Entry Visa Cancellation (Normal) – Employee | 3-4 working days |
| Entry Visa Cancellation (Priority) – Employee | 1 working day |
| Entry Visa & Residence Visa Cancellation (Resubmission) | 1-2 working days |
PRO Services in Sharjah Media City
Our PRO Services in Sharjah Media City cover a comprehensive range of administrative coordination and document clearing requirements for businesses operating in the Free Zone.
Our trained and experienced professionals regularly coordinate with relevant government departments to manage submissions, approvals, and compliance procedures efficiently and accurately.
PRO Services Package in Sharjah Media City Includes:
- Preparation and submission of company formation application forms
- Document attestation and certified legal translation
- Chamber of Commerce, notary, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation
- Company Establishment Card processing and immigration clearances
- Residence visa and Emirates ID processing for investors and employees
- Sponsorship visa cancellation and company de-registration
- Customs registration and required approvals for trading activities
- Trade license amendments and renewal
- Shareholder documentation, Memorandum of Association drafting, and PO Box registration
- Financial audit coordination and report preparation
- Additional compliance and administrative support as required
Contact B2B Group of Consultants for structured and reliable company formation and PRO support in SHAMS Free Zone.