Business Setup
Sharjah Media City Freezone (SHAMS)
SHAMS Free Zone, officially known as Sharjah Media City, is one of the fastest-growing and most cost-effective destinations for Sharjah freezone business setup. Established under Emiri Decree No. 10 of 2016, SHAMS was created to support innovation, media, creativity, and entrepreneurship in the Emirate of Sharjah—widely recognised as the cultural capital of the UAE.
A SHAMS freezone business setup offers entrepreneurs and investors a flexible and affordable route to enter the UAE market. The free zone provides 100% foreign ownership, fast company registration, and a wide range of approved activities, making it ideal for startups, freelancers, SMEs, and international businesses. With modern infrastructure, flexible office options, and simplified regulations, Sharjah freezone company formation in SHAMS can be completed efficiently with minimal documentation.
Strategically located with easy access to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, SHAMS provides a collaborative business ecosystem designed to help companies grow and scale. Whether you are launching a creative venture, consultancy, or digital business, Sharjah freezone business setup in SHAMS delivers the right balance of affordability, flexibility, and long-term growth potential.
At KLOUDAC, we provide end-to-end support for SHAMS freezone company formation, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and hassle-free setup experience in Sharjah.
Business Activities Allowed in SHAMS
SHAMS Free Zone supports a wide range of business activities, making it suitable for startups, freelancers, and growing companies across multiple sectors:
- Media & Creative Services – advertising, content creation, publishing, production, and design
- Consultancy & Professional Services – management, business, marketing, and advisory services
- Digital Marketing & IT Services – software development, IT solutions, and online marketing
- E-commerce & Online Businesses – online trading, digital platforms, and service-based e-commerce
- Trading Activities – selected commercial and trading activities (subject to approval)
- Education, Events & Freelance Activities – training, coaching, event management, and freelance services
SHAMS License Types
Based on your chosen activity, SHAMS offers the following license options:
- Service License – for consultancy, professional, and service-based businesses
- Trading License – for approved commercial and trading activities
- Industrial License – for light manufacturing and industrial operations (subject to approval)
- Media License – for media, creative, and content-related businesses
Company Structures in SHAMS
Businesses registering in SHAMS can choose from the following legal structures:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – single shareholder company
- Free Zone Company (FZCO) – multiple shareholders
- Branch of a UAE Company – expansion of an existing local entity
- Branch of a Foreign Company – extension of an overseas company into the UAE
Step-by-Step SHAMS Company Formation Process
01
Business Activity Selection
Choose the appropriate SHAMS-approved business activity based on your services and long-term business goals.
02
Trade Name Reservation
Reserve a compliant trade name in line with SHAMS naming guidelines before proceeding with registration.
03
Application Submission
Submit the company incorporation application along with the required documents for review by the SHAMS authority.
04
Authority Approval
SHAMS reviews the application and issues approval once all regulatory and documentation requirements are met.
05
License Issuance
After approval and payment of applicable fees, the SHAMS business license is issued, allowing legal operation in the free zone.
06
Establishment Card & Immigration File
An establishment card and immigration file are created to enable visa sponsorship for investors and employees.
07
Visa Processing & UAE Bank Account Assistance
Process investor or employee visas and receive assistance with opening a UAE corporate bank account, subject to bank compliance.
Documents Required for SHAMS Business Setup
To complete SHAMS free zone company formation, the required documents vary based on the shareholder type.
1. Individual Shareholder
Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
UAE visa page copy (if applicable)
Emirates ID (if applicable)
Passport-sized photographs
Personal information sheet / application form
Three proposed company name options
2. Corporate Shareholder
Company trade license or certificate of incorporation
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Board resolution approving company setup and appointment of an authorized signatory
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) list
Incumbency certificate
Three proposed company name options
Passport copy of the company manager
UAE visa copy of the company manager (if applicable)
Emirates ID of the company manager (if applicable)
Why Choose KLOUDAC for SHAMS Business Setup?
- Experienced SHAMS business setup consultants
- End-to-end company setup & compliance support
- Accounting, VAT & Corporate Tax services under one roof
- UAE corporate bank account opening assistance
- Ongoing renewals and business advisory support
KLOUDAC makes SHAMS free zone business setup simple, compliant, and growth-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. SHAMS is highly suitable for startups, freelancers, and small businesses due to its affordable license packages and flexible setup options.
SHAMS company formation usually takes 5–10 working days, depending on document submission and approvals.
Yes. SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor.
No. SHAMS offers flexi-desk and shared office options, which are sufficient for company registration and visa purposes.
Yes. SHAMS-registered companies are eligible to open UAE corporate bank accounts, subject to bank compliance and due diligence.
Thinking of starting a business in Sharjah Free Zone?
Start your SHAMS free zone business with expert support from KLOUDAC.
