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.
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)
| Full Name | Sharjah Media City | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Shams | ||||||
| Emirate | Sharjah | ||||||
| Specialty | Media, creative, e-commerce | ||||||
| Notable | Budget-friendly media licenses | ||||||
| Website | www.shams.ae |
| License Fee (from) | AED 5,750 |
|---|---|
| Visa Cost Range | AED 3,800 - AED 5,000 |
| Total Year 1 (from) | AED 5,750 |
| Total Year 1 (to) | AED 15,000 |
License Packages & Costs
| Package | License Type | License Fee | Visa Cost (pp) | Visas | Office | Total Year 1 | Renewal Year 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shams Freelance (0 visa) | Freelance | AED 5,750 | AED 0 | 0 | Virtual | AED 5,750 | AED 5,750 |
| Shams 1 Visa | Professional | AED 5,750 | AED 3,800 | 1 | Flexi Desk | AED 9,550 | AED 9,550 |
| Shams 2 Visa | Commercial | AED 8,000 | AED 3,800 | 2 | Flexi Desk | AED 15,600 | AED 15,600 |
| Shams 3 Visa | Commercial | AED 12,000 | AED 4,000 | 3 | Shared Office | AED 27,000 | AED 27,000 |
Other Free Zones in Sharjah
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in Shams?
The cheapest package at Shams starts from AED 5,750 for Year 1, which includes the license fee, visa allocation, and office solution. Packages range up to AED 27,000 depending on office type and visa quota.
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?
Yes. All UAE free zones, including Shams, allow 100% foreign ownership. You do not need a local UAE partner or sponsor to set up your company.
How long does it take to get a license in Shams?
Most free zones complete the licensing process within 3-7 business days once all documents are submitted. Shams may offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
What visas can I get through Shams?
Visa costs at Shams range from AED 3,800 to AED 5,000 per person. You can sponsor yourself, employees, and dependents through your company. Investor visas (3 years) and employment visas (2-3 years) are the most common options.
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