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If you are looking for one of the most affordable, flexible, and fast ways to incorporate a company in the UAE Sharjah Media City Free Zone, commonly known as SHAMS is one of the top choices for entrepreneurs and small businesses in 2026.
With over 12,000 business registrations, SHAMS Sharjah is one of the fastest growing free zones in 2026 and a go-to free zone for entrepreneurs. Business packages start from AED 5,750 making it a good choice for startups and small businesses. Foreign investors can own 100% of their business in SHAMS without needing a local partner.
Silver Oak Auditing and Accounting Firm is an authorized agent for SHAMS Free Zone helping businesses register, incorporate, and operate in SHAMS quickly, correctly, and at the right cost.
Sharjah Media City SHAMS established in 2017 is one of the most affordable and competitively priced free zones in the UAE for company registration. It provides an ideal platform for startups and entrepreneurs by creating a supportive environment that encourages business growth.
Despite its name pointing to media, SHAMS is not limited to media businesses. SHAMS business setup is not limited to media only. It has expanded to four main license categories Service, Trading, Industrial, and Holding supporting a broad range of approved activities.
SHAMS is strategically located just 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. This gives businesses excellent access to two major international airports and easy connectivity to Dubai while keeping setup costs significantly lower than most Dubai free zones.
SHAMS business setup covers four main license categories Service, Trading, Industrial, and Holding.
Service License For professional service businesses consultants, IT companies, marketing agencies, accounting firms, HR consultants, legal advisors, education providers, and other service-based operations. This is the most popular license type in SHAMS.
Commercial / Trading License For businesses involved in buying and selling goods import, export, general trading, wholesale, and retail distribution.
Industrial License For businesses involved in light manufacturing, processing, and production activities within the free zone.
Holding License For businesses that want to use SHAMS as a holding company structure to own shares in subsidiaries or manage investments across multiple entities.
Freelancer Permit For individual professionals who want to work independently under their own name offering services legally in the UAE without setting up a full company.
SHAMS encompasses a wide range of media activities including publishing, broadcasting, film production, digital media, printing, book publishing, TV production, event management, photography, and more.
Beyond media, SHAMS supports businesses across:
The SHAMS Free Zone license cost starts from AED 5,750 for a basic license. Here is a clear breakdown of available packages:
Basic Package — From AED 5,750 per year The basic package starts at AED 5,750 for a zero-visa media and e-commerce license making SHAMS one of the most affordable free zone options in the UAE. Best for remote founders and digital businesses that do not need immediate UAE residency.
Zero Visa Package — From AED 8,050 SHAMS offers the best media and digital company license packages at the lowest cost for AED 8,050 for zero visa quota. Suitable for businesses that want a proper registered company without visa requirements.
One Visa Package — From AED 13,420 The most popular package at SHAMS free zone is the one-visa quota company at a fee of AED 13,420. Best for solo entrepreneurs and founders who need one UAE residence visa.
Multi-Year License Packages A large number of investors are opting for the 3-year license package at a discounted fee and 3-year visa so that no payment is needed for running the company for those years and any increase in fees will not affect them for that period. Multi-year packages are available for 2, 3, and 5-year terms.
Visa Costs
Total First-Year Cost A typical SHAMS company setup for a solo entrepreneur with one investor visa costs between AED 15,000 and AED 20,000 in the first year including license, visa, and related fees.
Contact Silver Oak for a complete and accurate cost breakdown based on your specific activity and visa requirements.
Free Zone Establishment — FZE Single shareholder structure ideal for solo founders and individual entrepreneurs who want full ownership and control.
Free Zone Company — FZC Multi-shareholder structure for business partnerships. A single shareholder company is permitted in SHAMS and the same person can be the shareholder, director, and person in charge of the company.
Branch of a Foreign Company An existing foreign company can incorporate a branch in SHAMS operating under the same legal identity as the parent company. All foreign documents must be properly attested before submission.
Step 1 — Choose Your Business Activity Select up to five activities from SHAMS’s approved list. Our team helps you identify the right activity combination for your specific business from the start.
Step 2 — Choose Your Package Select the package that matches your visa needs and budget, from the entry-level AED 5,750 basic package to multi-visa and multi-year options.
Step 3 — Choose Your Company Structure Decide between FZE for a single founder or FZC for a partnership. We advise on the best structure for your situation.
Step 4 — Reserve Your Trade Name The process of incorporation starts by filing an application for name approval along with the passport copy and passport-size photo of the shareholders and directors. We handle name availability checks and submission on your behalf.
Step 5 — Submit Documents Required documents include:
We prepare and organize everything on your behalf fully online with no physical visit required.
Step 6 — Pay Fees and Receive License The company formation process in SHAMS can be completed remotely within a time span of two working days. Once your fees are paid your license is issued digitally.
Step 7 — Apply for Visas Our PRO team handles all visa applications medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Medical tests can be done in Dubai no need to travel to Sharjah.
Step 8 — Open a Corporate Bank Account We help you choose the right UAE bank for your SHAMS company and prepare all required documentation for a smooth and successful bank account application.
SHAMS vs UAQ FTZ UAQ LYTE is slightly cheaper at AED 5,500. However, SHAMS has a stronger banking reputation, a more established track record with UAE banks, and a Sharjah address that carries more weight with some financial institutions. For businesses where banking is a priority, SHAMS is the better choice.
SHAMS vs Ajman Free Zone Ajman Free Zone is better suited for trading and manufacturing businesses. SHAMS is stronger for media, consultancy, e-commerce, and digital businesses. Both are comparably priced.
SHAMS vs RAKEZ RAKEZ has a wider activity list and stronger industrial infrastructure. SHAMS is slightly cheaper at the entry level and has a stronger track record for media, creative, and service businesses specifically.
SHAMS vs Meydan Free Zone Meydan offers a premium Dubai address and costs slightly more. SHAMS is more affordable and has the unlimited visa option a significant advantage for businesses planning to hire multiple staff. For cost efficiency and visa flexibility, SHAMS wins.
SHAMS vs IFZA Both are popular and similarly priced for mid-range setups. IFZA has a slightly broader general trading focus. SHAMS is stronger for media, creative, and service businesses with its established reputation in those sectors.
Our team gives you an honest comparison and recommends the right free zone for your business not just the cheapest option.
SHAMS free zone companies cannot trade directly in the UAE domestic market without a mainland arrangement. However, SHAMS companies can:
Our team helps you set up both your SHAMS free zone company and a mainland branch if you need local UAE market access.
Corporate Tax Companies in SHAMS Free Zone are fully exempt from corporate income tax on qualifying income and benefit from no personal income tax or import and export duties.
VAT Compliance If your SHAMS company meets the AED 375,000 annual turnover threshold, VAT registration is mandatory. We handle registration with the FTA and manage all quarterly VAT return filings.
Accounting and Bookkeeping We maintain accurate financial records for your SHAMS company throughout the year keeping your books organized, up to date, and compliant.
Annual License Renewal We track your renewal date and manage the full process unless you have chosen a multi-year package in which case renewals are handled automatically.
We Are an Authorized SHAMS Agent Silver Oak has a direct working relationship with SHAMS Free Zone authority giving our clients faster processing, priority handling, and a smoother overall setup experience.
Complete End to End Service We handle everything from activity selection and company registration to visa processing, bank account opening, VAT, corporate tax, accounting, and annual renewal all in one place.
Honest Transparent Pricing We give you a complete cost breakdown before you commit to anything. No hidden fees. No surprises. Just clear and honest numbers.
Ongoing Support Throughout the Year Our support does not stop when your license is issued. We continue to support you with accounting, bookkeeping, VAT, corporate tax, PRO services, and license renewal for as long as you need us.
SHAMS is one of the most affordable, flexible, and fast-growing free zones in the UAE, with packages designed for freelancers, consultants, media professionals, e-commerce businesses, and entrepreneurs at every stage.
As an authorized agent for SHAMS Free Zone, Silver Oak handles your complete company incorporation from license selection and registration to visa processing, bank account opening, and ongoing accounting, VAT, corporate tax, and compliance support.
Contact us today for a free consultation and a clear cost breakdown for your SHAMS Free Zone business setup, registration, or company formation.
Sharjah Media City — SHAMS established in 2017 is one of the most affordable and competitively priced free zones in the UAE for company registration. It provides an ideal platform for startups and entrepreneurs by creating a supportive environment that encourages business growth.
The SHAMS Free Zone license cost starts from AED 5,750 for a basic license. The most popular one-visa package costs AED 13,420. Multi-year packages are available for 2, 3, and 5-year terms at discounted rates. Contact Silver Oak for a complete and accurate quote.
Yes. SHAMS has 100% digital setup, you can complete the entire process online from application and payment to license issuance. You only need to visit the UAE if you require a residence visa for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
SHAMS allows up to five business activities under one license even across different sectors. Activities cover media, digital marketing, consulting, trading, e-commerce, IT, education, and much more.
With SHAMS you can have an unlimited number of visas without the need for offices if you need packages with many visas. This is one of SHAMS's biggest advantages over other UAE free zones.
Yes. The basic package allows up to five business activities under a single license.
The company formation process in SHAMS can be completed remotely within a time span of two working days.
The 2, 3, and 5-year business license packages enable clients to pay a one-time amount for the specific timeline and get the company license auto-renewed for the period. This removes the hassle of annual renewals and protects you from future price increases.
Yes. SHAMS companies can open corporate bank accounts with UAE banks. SHAMS has a strong banking track record and is well recognized by most major UAE banks. Silver Oak assists with the full bank account opening process.
Companies in SHAMS Free Zone are fully exempt from corporate income tax on qualifying income. To maintain the 0% rate, your company must qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person and meet all conditions under UAE corporate tax law. All companies must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority.
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