Authorised partnerExpo City Dubai Free Zone
FromAED 9,020per year · freelance permit with visa
- Business Hub 2: 4 visas, AED 17,570
- Standard 6 Visa Package: AED 22,080
- Partner pricing on every package
Home / Free Zones / SHAMS
Sharjah Media City: one of the lowest-cost UAE licences, open to media, e-commerce and 200+ general activities.
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.
An authorised Expo City Dubai Free Zone channel partner, DMCC specialists based in JLT, and Dubai mainland setup experts. If one of these fits your business, we can usually set you up faster and for less.
Authorised partnerMaximum UAE presence for minimum annual spend.
Among the cheapest legitimate UAE licences, renewals included.
Media, content, influencer and production activities licensed simply.
Incorporate and renew from abroad without visiting the UAE.
Up to 5 shareholders on standard packages without extra process.
Passport, photo and application: no business plan for standard activities.
Add visas or migrate to a Dubai zone once revenue justifies the premium.
We match the right SHAMS licence type, activity list and visa package to your plan and budget.
Passport copies, photo and application forms are submitted; we handle all authority correspondence.
Fees paid and your SHAMS licence, lease and incorporation documents are released.
Establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, then bank account introductions.
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Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is one of the UAE's lowest-cost places to hold a licence. Here is what SHAMS itself publishes about its packages, and what the prices usually look like.
| SHAMS cost item | Typical 2026 figure (AED) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Entry licence, no visa | from ~5,750 | Quoted |
| Licence with 1 residence visa | ~11,500 – 14,000 | Quoted |
| E-channel deposit | ~5,000 (refundable) | Quoted |
| Activities per licence | Up to 5 | Official |
| Maximum visas per licence | Up to 50 | Official |
Online stores, dropshipping and digital services can be licensed in SHAMS by choosing e-commerce activities within the licence's activity allowance, subject to approval. To sell online you'll also need a corporate bank account for your payment gateway, and customs registration if you import goods. We map the right activity codes so your gateway and bank approve the business first time.
Banks look at your activity, shareholders and expected transactions more than the free zone itself. Have a short business plan, your licence, lease, passports and, ideally, a residence visa ready. Our bank account service prepares the file and matches you to a bank that accepts your profile.
Comparing SHAMS with other low-cost zones? See the cheapest free zones in the UAE, compared.
Get my SHAMS quote on WhatsAppDigital 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.
Get the current SHAMS package prices and a fixed all-in quote within 24 hours.