SHAMS Free Zone Company Setup
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About SHAMS
Launched in 2017, Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone is among the UAE’s most dynamic business hubs. Designed to promote creativity, media, and entrepreneurship, Shams has emerged as a free zone for business owners on the lookout for a cost-effective, flexible, and modern business setup solution. Though Shams primarily has a reputation for being a media industry free zone, it caters to a wide range of industries, including IT, marketing, and general trading. With affordable pricing packages and virtual office options, Shams business setup makes entering the UAE efficient and accessible.
Why Choose SHAMS Free Zone?
- Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider business setup in the UAE in Shams Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Affordable licensing packages
- Over 120 business activities to choose from
- Quick company formation
- Modern, digital ecosystem
- Up to five business activities in one license
- Obtain a true LLC name, no ‘FZ’ tag required
3 Simple Steps
Your SHAMS company formation explained in three (3) simple steps
Step 1
Initial consultation
Step 2
Application preparation
and submission
Step 3
Business license
issuance
Client Testimonials
“Fantastic service, all queries answered quickly and efficiently and in an easy to read manner so I could understand what was required every step of the way. Highly recommend this service.”
Pricing Packages
Get in touch with us to receive a customized quote for your company formation
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- Up to 50 shareholders
- E-commerce, professional, media, and other types of licenses
Timeline
Here is the timeline for Shams Free Zone company formation
Day 1: Application Submission
Submit your signed business setup application along with all required documents to officially begin your Shams company registration.
Days 2 to 5: Review and Verification
Your chosen company name is reserved, and all required documents are reviewed and approved by Shams during this period.
Day 6: Trade License Issuance
Your Shams trade license is issued. A digital copy is provided so you can immediately commence business activities.
Note: Processing times may vary and are subject to compliance checks.
SHAMS Free Zone Licenses
Shams offers multiple business license options and business activities to help you find the right requirements for your business venture.
1. Service License: This license permits businesses in professional or consultancy-based services to operate freely. It is perfect for marketing agencies, IT services, and design firms.
2. Trading License: A trading license allows companies to engage in the buying, selling, import, and export of goods.
3. Industrial License: Businesses that procure an industrial license can engage in light manufacturing, assembling, or packaging activities and simultaneously benefit from Shams’ efficient logistics support.
Shams supports a wide range of industries to permit entrepreneurs and companies to operate across diverse sectors, including:
- Media and creative industries
- Printing and publishing
- Technology and IT services
- Real estate and financial services
- Marketing and design
- Construction
- Hospitality and event management
- Education and research
- Maintenance services
The Steps to Set Up a SHAMS Company
While Shams is a UAE free zone located in Sharjah, the process of setting up your company here follows a structure similar to Dubai Free Zone company formation. You can start off by selecting the package that suits you the best based on your specific requirements. InZone offers multiple packages for all Shams trade licenses and business activity types.
1. Select your business activity: We will help you narrow down your business activity from a list of over 120 activities.
2. Select your company name: We will help ensure that your company name meets compliance requirements.
3. Submit all documents: Provide copies of all documents required, including passports, business plans, and other application forms.
4. Receive initial approval: This is usually granted and processed digitally through a portal.
5. Sign incorporation documents: Finish up with the signing and get your license.
6. Apply for visas and open a bank account: The InZone team will be happy to assist you with this.
Documents Required for a SHAMS Free Zone Company
Individual Shareholder(s):
- Passport copy
- Passport-sized photo (digital)
- Residence visa copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
Corporate Shareholder(s):
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Certificate of Incumbency or equivalent (issued within the last 3 months)
- Memorandum of Association
- Board Resolution
- Passport copy, visa copy, and Emirates ID of the company manager (if applicable)
Why Set Up With InZone?
InZone offers a host of unparalleled advantages to secure your trade license, whether it is a Dubai trade license or a trade license for any other jurisdiction.
- Efficient licensing: Experienced liaison with the authority to avoid rejections and reduce back-and-forth.
- Dedicated support manager: You can count on our expertise and complete cooperation from compliance to corporate tax in the UAE, to renewals within both a Dubai Free Zone and free zones in other jurisdictions.
- Comprehensive business solutions: Extending our services beyond business setup in the UAE, we also offer banking, accounting, and bookkeeping services and visa services, all under one convenient umbrella.
- With over 30,000 clients successfully set up across the UAE, InZone helps you start and scale your business with absolute peace of mind.
Key Features
These are the key features of Shams Free Zone
| Affordable Setup | Shams Free Zone offers one of the most cost-effective company formation options in the UAE |
| Repatriation of Funds | Your capital and profits are your own, as they can be repatriated without any deductions |
| Ownership | Non-UAE nationals can fully own a Shams Free Zone company |
| Location | Conduct business from Sharjah, an innovation-driven emirate located right next to Dubai |
| Time Zone | Convenient world time zone: GMT+04:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to some of the most common questions related to Shams Free Zone company setup in Sharjah.
Shams offers one of the most reasonable costs to open a company in UAE. View details of various packages available by scrolling up this page.
No, you do not need a local sponsor to set up a company in Shams. One of the many benefits in setting up a company in Shams is having 100% ownership of the company.
The timeframe in setting up a company in Shams is 5-6 working days after you have signed and submitted the application forms and the required documents. Any further process for the visa issuance is outlined in our Timelines section above.
Shams offers number of activities relating to media, broadcasting, public relations, consultancy and advertising. There are a variety of sub-sectors of these activities which you can choose from when finalizing the activity for your company set up.
You do not necessarily need an office space for you to set up a company in Shams. This is one of the main advantages of setting up a company in Shams. A flexi desk option is available in packages with visas.
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