Sharjah Media City (Shams) offers the fastest, most affordable path for creative entrepreneurs and digital startups to secure a UAE trade license, residency visa, and 0% tax rate.
Business Activities
2000+
Foreign Ownership
100%
Corporate Tax Rate
0%
License Issuance
48 Hours
Visas on Shared Desk
Up to 6
Launched in 2017, Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a dynamic free zone dedicated to fostering creative and media entrepreneurship. It provides a cost-effective, flexible, and fully digital environment for freelancers, SMEs, and international companies to thrive in the UAE's vibrant economy.
Gain access to a comprehensive suite of benefits designed for maximum growth and operational freedom.
Launch your business with one of the most budget-friendly packages in the UAE. Zero-visa setups start from just AED 7,750.
Incorporate your company 100% online from anywhere in the world. Receive your official trade license in as little as 48 hours.
Secure up to 6 residency visas on a single shared desk facility, an unparalleled benefit for growing teams without high office costs.
Maintain complete control of your business. No local sponsor or partner is required, ensuring you retain all equity and profits.
Benefit from 0% corporate and personal income tax, allowing for full repatriation of your capital and profits without restriction.
Combine several business activities, including commercial and professional services, under a single, cost-effective trade license.
Launch your business with a clear, affordable investment. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Billed annually
Billed annually
AED Pricing
Launch your business with a clear, affordable investment. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Estimated first-year setup fees derived from landing page content.
Cost Phase Timeline
Active Phase 1
AED 1,100
AED 4,604
Shams offers a wide range of license types tailored to the needs of modern entrepreneurs and established companies.
Choose from over 2,000 activities. Here are some of the most popular choices by industry.
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Advertising & Digital Marketing | Media & Creative |
| Film & Video Production | Media & Creative |
| Animation and Graphic Design | Media & Creative |
| Software Development | Technology & Innovation |
| IT & Cybersecurity Consultancy | Technology & Innovation |
| E-commerce & App Development | Technology & Innovation |
| Management Consultancy | Professional & Consultancy |
| Marketing & PR Consultancy | Professional & Consultancy |
| Strategy Advisory Services | Professional & Consultancy |
Our fully digital process makes incorporation fast, simple, and transparent.
Phase 1 Focus
Choose your license type and activities. Submit digital copies of your passport and visa (if applicable) through our online portal.
Our team processes your application. You'll receive your official company license, Memorandum of Association, and other legal documents digitally.
We process your Establishment Card and guide you through the visa and corporate bank account opening process seamlessly.
You need a legitimate, tax-free business entity and UAE residency to serve global clients. Shams offers a dedicated Freelance Permit and affordable packages that can be set up entirely remotely and quickly.
Primary Benefit
Ultra-low-cost entry point for a full company license and residency eligibility.
You're launching a drop-shipping or digital product business on a budget. Shams provides a specialized E-commerce license with zero required capital, perfect for bootstrapping your venture.
Primary Benefit
Secure a legitimate UAE e-commerce license without a large upfront investment.
You seek a 0% tax jurisdiction with a fast, efficient, digital setup process. Shams' 100% remote incorporation and 48-hour license issuance are ideal for busy professionals.
Primary Benefit
Become operational and legally tax-exempt in just a matter of days.
Your small agency needs a professional base and multiple visas for your team without high overheads. Shams' unique offer of up to 6 visas on a shared desk provides residency for key staff at a fraction of typical costs.
Primary Benefit
Affordable visa allocation for your entire team without mandatory office rental.
See how Shams stacks up against other popular UAE free zones for creative and digital entrepreneurs.
| Feature Highlight | Shams | RAKEZ | IFZA, Dubai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Cost (1 Visa) | ~ AED 13,870 | ~ AED 16,000 - 18,000 | ~ AED 17,000 - 20,000 |
| License Speed | 1-2 Days | 2-5 Days | 2-4 Days |
| Max Visas on Shared Desk | Up to 6 | 1-2 | 1-3 |
| Industry Focus | Media & Creative | General Purpose / Industrial | General Purpose / Consulting |
| Warehouses Available | No | Yes | No |
| Remote Setup | Yes, 100% Online | Yes | Yes |
This comparison is for illustrative purposes. For precise details, consult the respective authorities.
Get your personalized quote and start your journey with the UAE's most dynamic hub for creative entrepreneurs.
