Launch your UAE company in a zone purpose-built for media and digital businesses — and equally friendly to services, trading and e-commerce. SHAMS focuses on a quick, online process and founder-oriented pricing.
100% foreign ownership; online application and issuance
Multiple activities under a single license
Visa quotas available; shared desk models allow larger allocations (up to 12 visas) in practice
Speak with an expert to select the right Free Zone and obtain your SHAMS license without hassle
SHAMS is a Sharjah free zone launched in 2017 as a creative hub. Today it covers a broad activity list beyond media, while keeping costs low and processes streamlined — making it a popular choice for first-time founders and lean teams.
A creative ecosystem with straightforward rules, fast digital onboarding, and pricing that helps you start small and grow.
The entire process is fully digital and can often be completed within a few weeks — with dedicated support from Sharjah Media City Free Zone and your setup partner.
Choose your business activity
Reserve your company name
Document Preparation
Choose and lease your workspace
Get your ready-to-use license
SHAMS issues clear license categories covering creative, service, trading and industrial models.
| License Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Service License | Professional/consultancy services (media, marketing, IT, education support, etc.). |
| Commercial License | Import, export, and trade of approved goods. |
| Holding License | Asset/share holding and corporate structuring needs. |
| Industrial License | Light manufacturing, assembly, packaging; supported by AFZ warehouses and storage. |
Transparent, fixed pricing — clear scope, no hidden fees or surprise add-ons
Seamless banking access — pre-cleared KYC and trusted partner banks
Multilingual delivery — legal & business guidance in English, Russian, Arabic, French, Azerbaijani, Turkish, Urdu, and Filipino
Global mindset — regional execution supportedby cross-border experience (UAE, UK, CIS --> Worldwide)
If you have any questions, submit an application and ask the expert any questions you may have.
Yes. Most company types — including freelancers and startups — can be registered fully online.
With a complete file, SHAMS typically issues within days; we share a timeline once we confirm your activity list and any pre-approvals.
Yes, if both activities are approved under your license category. We structure the set so it's acceptable for licensing and banking.
Yes — you can upgrade packages and facilities to increase your visa quota. We'll plan the path so banking and immigration remain aligned.
Office 3610, Platinum Tower, Cluster I, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, P.O. Box 337674, United Arab Emirates
Monday - Friday
Avon House, Avonmore Road, Kensington Village, London, England, W14 8TS
Sunday - Thursdayy
BM Morrison Partners Villa 9, English Yard 43, Mammad Araz St. AZ1106, Baku Republic of Azerbaijan
Monday- Friday
