SHAMS – Ventures Biz

UAE Business License

You get complete foreign ownership, attractive tax advantages, and an easy company formation process. Business activities are usually restricted to the Free Zone area or overseas markets.

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Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone Company Registration

SPC Free Zone, headquartered in Al Zahia, Sharjah, is one of the UAE’s newest and most vibrant free zones. Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ) caters specifically to publishers, authors, and media or IT businesses, offering licenses for activities like publishing, printing, e-commerce, and consultancy. Its prime location, just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, combined with business-friendly regulations, makes SPC Free Zone an attractive destination for entrepreneurs aiming to grow their presence in the Middle East and beyond.

Ventures Biz’s skilled professionals make SHAMS Free Zone company formation easy, offering customized solutions to help your business grow in this dynamic hub. Connect with our team today to start your journey toward establishing a successful company in Sharjah Media City.

About SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), launched in 2017 in the UAE, is a fast-growing free zone focused on supporting media and creative sectors. It serves as a hub to encourage and develop innovative business ventures, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and startups in Sharjah. Anyone looking to establish a company through the SHAMS Portal must first obtain a license from the SHAMS Free Zone Authority. This license is designed to accommodate a wide range of professionals and businesses, including freelancers, entrepreneurs, and companies, with a special emphasis on media, technology, and creative industries.

A major benefit of setting up a company with SHAMS is that the entire registration process can be done online, making it very convenient for global entrepreneurs and investors. The process is quick, usually completed within three to seven days. At Ventures Biz, you get full support for SHAMS Free Zone company formation, providing complete guidance and assistance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free registration experience.

Advantages Of SHAMS Free Zone)

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) provides multiple benefits for businesses, making it a preferred choice for entrepreneurs and investors.

Cost-Effective Setup: Starting a business in the SHAMS Free Zone is budget-friendly, offering some of the most affordable license options in the UAE, making it suitable for startups and businesses of all sizes.
Wide Range of Business Activities: SHAMS allows companies to engage in multiple industries under one license, giving flexibility and variety to entrepreneurs.
Visa Flexibility: Businesses can obtain up to six visas with the shared desk package, providing better staffing options.
No Security Deposit: There’s no requirement for a deposit to launch your company, which lowers initial costs.
Investor-Friendly Age Policy: There’s no age limit for investor visas, opening doors to investors of all age groups.
Remote Company Formation: You can register your company without being in the UAE, an advantage for overseas entrepreneurs.
Corporate Leadership Options: SHAMS permits the appointment of corporate directors and managers, allowing more control and flexibility in management.
Quick and Easy Online Registration: The application process is simple and fully online, allowing fast and smooth registration.
Fast Documentation: Company formation documents are issued within a few days, helping you start operations quickly.
Limited Liability Protection: Shareholders enjoy limited liability, keeping personal assets safe.
Prime Location: SHAMS is strategically located—just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 5 minutes from Sharjah Airport—ensuring excellent connectivity.
Full Foreign Ownership: Investors can own 100% of their business without needing a local sponsor.
Customs and Tax Benefits: No import/export duties or corporate taxes apply, helping maximize profits.
Full Capital Repatriation: Investors can repatriate all profits and capital without restrictions.
Learning and Networking Opportunities: SHAMS conducts workshops, networking events, and training sessions to help businesses grow and connect.
Remote Incorporation for Shareholders: No physical presence is needed for shareholders to establish a company, making it highly convenient.
Free Training: Businesses can take advantage of free skill-building sessions to stay updated with market trends.
Exhibition Benefits: Companies get complimentary space at key industry exhibitions like GITEX Expo and Seamless Middle East for increased visibility.

SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)Free Zone License Types

SHAMS Free Zone provides multiple license options to meet diverse business requirements. Each license is tailored to specific types of business activities.

Service and Consultancy License

The service and consultancy license is designed for companies involved in creating, modifying, delivering, or distributing services. It’s especially well-suited for businesses operating in the media and related industries.

Trading License

A trading license is ideal for companies involved in buying, selling, importing, or exporting products within the free zone. It includes activities such as goods movement, wholesale and retail operations, as well as services connected to the products being traded.

Industrial License

The industrial license is designed for companies involved in activities such as producing, processing, converting, and manufacturing products.

Holding License

The Holding License is meant for companies whose primary purpose is to own shares or stakes in other businesses.

SHAMS Free zone License Packages

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) provides adaptable business license options for Service, Consultancy, and Trading companies, with packages that cater to different visa requirements and license terms. Investors can choose the number of visas needed, from none up to six. SHAMS also offers cost benefits on long-term licenses, with 2-, 3-, and 5-year plans available at discounted rates. Visa packages include access to a shared desk facility, while non-visa packages exclude Immigration cards and workspace costs. These flexible solutions let businesses tailor licenses to their needs and save more with extended commitments.

SHAMS Free Zone License & Business Activities

SHAMS provides more than 120 different business activities, allowing entrepreneurs to mix and match multiple activities under one license. This flexibility supports a wide range of business models across various industries. Here are some of the main activities offered:

Media-Related Activities:

Manufacturing: Activities include printing and duplicating recorded media.
Information and Communication: Covers publishing (including software), film, video, and TV production, audio recording, music publishing, broadcasting, telecom services, IT programming, consulting, and related information services.
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: Encompasses advertising, market analysis, creative and design services, and photography-related work.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation: Includes creative arts, entertainment services, gaming and e-sports, and media training programs.

Wholesale & Retail Trade:

Manufacturing:

Construction:

Transportation and Storage: Logistics, warehousing solutions, and support for postal and courier services.
Accommodation and Food Services: Dining establishments, mobile food outlets, and catering for events.
Financial and Insurance Services: Banking, insurance, reinsurance, and related financial support activities.
Real Estate Services: Property management, leasing, and real estate development.
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services: Legal, accounting, consultancy, architecture, engineering, and technical testing solutions.
Administrative & Support Services: Leasing and rental, recruitment services, travel and tourism operations, office administration, and back-office support.
Education: Training, educational assistance, and other learning services.
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Sports, leisure, and recreational activities.
Other Service Activities: Membership organizations, computer and gadget repairs, and personal care services.
Consultancy Services: Comprehensive consulting solutions across multiple industries.

Business Entity Types in Sharjah Media City Free Zone

SHAMS Free Zone allows the setup of two main types of companies or business entities for company formation in Sharjah.

1. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A SHAMS Limited Liability Company (LLC) operates as an independent legal entity, ensuring a clear separation between the company and its owners or shareholders. In this structure, any contractual obligations or liabilities rest entirely with the company, not its shareholders. Likewise, the assets belong solely to the company and are not considered the personal property of its shareholders.

Benefits of a SHAMS LLC:

Requirements for Establishing a LLC through SHAMS Portal:

To establish an LLC in the SHAMS Free Zone, the following documents and procedures are required:

SHAMS Compliance may request additional documents as needed

2. Branch

A SHAMS branch functions as an extension of its parent company rather than as an independent legal entity. This means that all earnings, advantages, and profits generated by the branch are attributed directly to the parent company. Likewise, any expenses, obligations, debts, or liabilities of the branch are borne by the parent company.

Advantages of Establishing a SHAMS Branch:

Setting Up a SHAMS Branch: Required Documentation

To set up a branch under SHAMS jurisdiction, the required documents and steps are as follows:

Incorporation certificate of the parent company
Parent company’s Articles of Association/Incorporation
Parent company’s shareholding register and valid business license
Recent Certificate of Good Standing or Incumbency (issued within the last 90 days)
Board resolution issued by the parent company
Identity proofs of ultimate beneficial owners, directors, and managers
Completed onboarding form, submitted through the SHAMS Portal
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration form, filed via the SHAMS Portal
Comprehensive business plan
Any additional documentation required by SHAMS Compliance

Facilities Available in SHAMS Free Zone

SHAMS Free Zone provides four tailored facility options to meet diverse business needs:

1. Dedicated Desk

This dedicated workspace enables entrepreneurs to concentrate on key business activities while leveraging networking prospects. Its flexible setup accommodates work, meetings, and collaboration. Designed with modern functionality, it offers the perfect environment for business growth.

2. Shared Desk

A budget-friendly choice, the Shared Desk setup provides an open and adaptable workspace that fosters collaboration with professionals from diverse fields. Members can use any available seat instead of a designated desk, making it suitable for individuals often engaged in external meetings. SHAMS offers convenient rental plans—daily, monthly, or yearly—along with appealing business license bundles.

3. Dedicated Office

This secure, private office setup is tailored for individuals or small teams, offering both confidentiality and shared work opportunities. The Dedicated Office fosters concentrated business activities and empowers entrepreneurs to plan strategically, particularly when aiming to expand their team and drive growth.

4. Shared Office

The Shared Office provides greater privacy compared to a shared desk while remaining a cost-effective option for reducing setup and rental expenses. It blends affordability with a professional, collaborative atmosphere, making it perfect for networking and sustainable growth.

SHAMS provides fully customizable spaces and Shell & Core Offices, enabling investors to tailor their work environment according to their specific business goals and requirements.

Capital Required for SHAMS Business Setup

To set up a company in SHAMS Free Zone Authority, UAE, businesses must meet a mandatory capital requirement. The minimum share capital is AED 150,000, which is allocated into shares to define the company’s equity structure.

The total number of shares that make up this capital is 150, each with a value of AED 1,000.

Procedure for SHAMS Free Zone Company Formation

The procedure for forming a company in the SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) Free Zone involves the following steps:

Step 1: Select Business Activities and License Type

Decide on the business activities you plan to conduct and select the suitable license provided by SHAMS Free Zone. Choosing correctly is essential, as mistakes in activity, licensing authority, or location may cause issues with company setup, bank account approval, or visa processing.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Structure

Choose the legal framework for your business in SHAMS Free Zone. For company setup in Sharjah Media City, you can register as either:

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

SHAMS company formation in Sharjah Media City can be completed remotely with minimal paperwork. The necessary documents are:

The necessary documents may vary based on the selected business structure. Consult Ventures Biz experts for guidance and complete support with SHAMS Free Zone Company Setup.

Step 4: Obtain License and Registration Documents

After approval, SHAMS Free Zone Authority will issue the following documents for your company setup in Sharjah Media City:

Step 5: Acquire the Establishment Card

The establishment card contains essential company details, including visa quotas. It is typically issued within 3-5 working days.

Step 6: Apply for an Entry Permit

If you are outside the UAE, you must travel to the country within 60 days of your entry permit being issued in order to complete medical examinations and biometrics for your visa. If you are already inside the UAE, your status will be updated from your current tourist or residence visa.

Step 7: Complete Medical Examination and Visa Processing

Complete the medical examination and provide the required documents for your residence visa. The quota of visas granted is based on the chosen registration package and company setup.

Step 8: Receive Your Emirates ID

Once your residence visa is approved, you can apply for your Emirates ID, which usually takes 5-7 working days for processing and issuance.

Step 9: Open a Corporate Bank Account

The final step is to set up a corporate bank account in a UAE-based local or international bank for smooth business dealings.

Ensure to follow these steps to complete the SHAMS Business Setup successfully.

Documents Receivable After Company formation in Sharjah Media City

After the completion of SHAMS Business Setup, you receive these important documents:

Certificate of Incorporation: Legal evidence that your company has been registered.
License: Displays key company information such as name, address, and type of activity.
Memorandum of Association: A document defining the company’s structure and regulations.
Share Certificate: Document confirming ownership of shares in the company.
Occupancy Agreement: Rental contract verifying the company’s official business premises.

Types of Visas

When establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone, entrepreneurs are required to apply for visas either before or during the SHAMS setup process. Each company in this zone is eligible for up to six visas, which are renewable every three years, providing long-term stability for both owners and employees. SHAMS Free Zone offers two main categories of visas for business operators.

A key condition for securing resident visas in the SHAMS Free Zone is mandatory health insurance. Applicants must already have valid coverage or commit to obtaining it within ten months of submitting their visa application.

Timelines to Obtain Entry Permit & Residence Visa

The time required to process Entry Permits, Residence Visas, as well as Entry and Residence Visa Cancellations in the SHAMS Free Zone depends on the selected service level.

These timelines provide flexibility for applicants, allowing them to choose between standard and expedited processing based on urgency.

Streamline SHAMS Free Zone Company Registration with Ventures Biz

At Ventures Biz, we help entrepreneurs and companies set up their businesses in the SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) Free Zone. Our experts guide you through every stage—from choosing the right business activity and getting your trade name approved to submitting all required documents. We also take care of post-setup services like visa processing and opening a UAE bank account. With our assistance, you can complete the registration process smoothly, even from abroad, and launch your business in this thriving, business-friendly hub.