Sharjah Media City (Shams)
Media, creative, e-commerce — Sharjah, UAE
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Overview
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a popular free zone for media, creative, and e-commerce businesses. Known for budget-friendly packages and a wide range of activities, Shams attracts freelancers, content creators, digital agencies, and small businesses. It provides licenses for media production, digital marketing, consulting, and online commerce.
License Packages & Costs
| Package | Visas | Office | Total Year 1 | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shams Media Package — 0 Visa | 0 | Package-defined facility | AED 5,750 | Verified 2026-07-28 |
| Shams Trader Package | 0 | Package-defined facility | AED 6,500 | Verified 2026-07-28 |
| Shams Freelance Package — 1 Visa | 1 | Package-defined facility | AED 15,520 | Verified 2026-07-28 |
Business Activities (307)
The following 307 business activities are available in Shams, organized by category.
Consulting (39)
Design (13)
E-Commerce (10)
Education (22)
Freelance (16)
Logistics (23)
Media (27)
Professional Services (21)
Technology (41)
Trading (95)
Other Free Zones in Sharjah
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in Shams?
The lowest currently published package we verified at Shams is AED 5,750 for Year 1. The exact inclusions are listed in the table and linked official source; request a written quote before payment.
What business activities can I do in Shams?
Shams offers 307 licensed business activities across 10 categories, including Consulting, Design, E-Commerce, Education. Each activity requires a specific license type (commercial, professional, or industrial).
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Shams?
Free-zone structures generally permit up to 100% foreign ownership. Confirm the permitted structure, activity and any sector-specific approvals directly with Shams before applying.
How long does it take to get a license in Shams?
Processing time depends on the selected activity, required approvals, shareholder documents and the completeness of the application. Ask Shams for a current written estimate.
What visas can I get through Shams?
Contact Shams for current visa pricing. Eligibility, sponsorship, quota, duration and dependent options vary by authority and applicant; verify them with the relevant immigration authority and Shams.
Data sources and limits
Free-zone prices, activity lists and visa quotas change frequently. Use this page as a structured comparison layer, then verify the final package, renewal cost, visa allocation, office requirement and activity wording with the official authority or a licensed formation agent before payment.
Start Your Company in Shams
Ask a question about this Sharjah Media City guide or submit a documented data correction. We do not select or endorse formation agents.