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Business Setup in SHAMS Free Zone

Sharjah Media City: one of the lowest-cost UAE licences, open to media, e-commerce and 200+ general activities.

The Budget Benchmark

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) built its reputation on aggressive pricing: zero-visa licences from roughly AED 5,999 with the registered address included, issued within days, and despite the media branding the activity list spans consultancy, e-commerce, trading and services. It is the standard first licence for solopreneurs, content creators and lean online businesses that need UAE presence at minimum cost.

Setup is fully remote, share capital is declaratory, and up to five shareholders can join without personal presence.

SHAMS at a Glance
LocationSharjah
Starting priceAbout AED 5,999
Activities200+ incl. general
Visas0 to 6 packages
Ownership100% foreign
Timeline2 to 4 working days

Why Choose SHAMS

Maximum UAE presence for minimum annual spend.

Lowest Entry Cost

Among the cheapest legitimate UAE licences, renewals included.

Creator Friendly

Media, content, influencer and production activities licensed simply.

Fully Remote

Incorporate and renew from abroad without visiting the UAE.

Multi-Shareholder

Up to 5 shareholders on standard packages without extra process.

Minimal Paperwork

Passport, photo and application: no business plan for standard activities.

Upgrade Later

Add visas or migrate to a Dubai zone once revenue justifies the premium.

Setup Process at SHAMS

01

Package Selection

We match the right SHAMS licence type, activity list and visa package to your plan and budget.

02

Application & KYC

Passport copies, photo and application forms are submitted; we handle all authority correspondence.

03

Licence Issued

Fees paid and your SHAMS licence, lease and incorporation documents are released.

04

Visas & Banking

Establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, then bank account introductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Digital banks such as Wio and Mashreq NeoBiz onboard SHAMS companies routinely; traditional banks apply more scrutiny to budget zones. We match your profile to the right bank first.

Yes, visa packages from 1 to 6 are available; you do not need a Dubai licence to obtain UAE residence.

Mainly perception: some counterparties and banks prefer Dubai addresses. For online and international business it rarely matters; where it does, we say so and quote a Dubai alternative.

Yes. Most SHAMS incorporations complete without you visiting the UAE; biometrics for your residence visa are the main in-person step.

Start Your SHAMS Company

Get the current SHAMS package prices and a fixed all-in quote within 24 hours.