Sharjah Media City Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Sharjah Media City Free Zone for Business Setup?

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is one of the youngest and most dynamic free zones in the UAE, which has quickly gained popularity among entrepreneurs. Its location in the emirate of Sharjah is advantageous because it combines access to major transport routes and more affordable conditions than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The zone is focused on media, technology, and creative industries, but it is also possible to open a company for other types of business.

Thanks to government support and simple procedures, Sharjah Media City is becoming a practical choice for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective platform for development.

About Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Sharjah Media City Free Zone was established in 2017 by the government of the Emirate of Sharjah as a specialized project for the development of media, creative industries, and technology. Since its launch, it has been positioned as one of the most accessible and flexible free zones in the UAE, attracting startups, freelancers, and international companies thanks to its low registration costs and transparent conditions. SHAMS is not part of a large logistics hub, but it relies on government support and Sharjah's strategic location, which provides access to regional and international markets. The zone has quickly established a reputation as an innovative and open business cluster.

Business Activities Allowed in Sharjah Media City Free Zone

The Sharjah Media City free zone permits a wide range of business activities, making it a versatile platform for companies in various fields. The main focus is on the creative and media sectors: film and video production, graphic and web design, publishing, advertising and marketing, and social media management. Licenses are also available for trading, consulting, IT services, and education.

Most standard activities do not require additional permits, but specific areas, such as medical or educational services, may require external approvals from the relevant authorities. A unique feature of SHAMS is the ability to register companies with very low authorized capital and conduct freelance activities under simplified schemes, which sets the zone apart from other free economic clusters in the UAE.

Step-by-Step Sharjah Media City Free Zone Company Formation and Registration

Registering a company in Sharjah Media City is a straightforward process if you determine the format of your business in advance and prepare a basic package of paperwork. Below is a sequence of steps from selecting a license to issuing incorporation documents and activating an account. We will look at what certificates and corporate forms will be needed, how online submission is done without visiting the UAE, the timeframe for consideration, and practical nuances that allow you to avoid returning the application and unnecessary costs. We will also cover name verification and online payment of fees.

Required Documents and Timeline

To register a company in Sharjah Media City Free Zone, an investor needs to collect a standard package of documents. All files are submitted online, no notarisation is required, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the process.

Required documents:

• passport copy of all shareholders and director;
• a passport-size colour photograph on a white background;
• copy of visa entry stamp or valid UAE visa (if available);
• copy of Emirates ID for residents;
• proof of residence address - most often a utility bill or bank statement not older than three months;
• a completed application form with the chosen licence;
• statutory documents of the new company.

Processing time:

It usually takes 1-2 working days to prepare and upload documents. Company name verification and pre-approval takes another 1-2 days. After payment of the fee, the licence and incorporation documents are issued within 3-5 working days. On average, it takes about a week from the application to the receipt of the licence, if the documents are correct.

Remote Registration Option

One of the key advantages of Sharjah Media City Free Zone is the possibility of fully remote company registration. This is especially convenient for entrepreneurs who want to save time and avoid traveling to the UAE.

The whole process is as transparent as possible: documents are submitted online via the official portal or with the support of an accredited agent. After uploading the package, the applicant receives a confirmation email. The chosen company name, licence approval and payment of government fees are then verified.

If desired, the client can contact an accredited agent who will help fill out the forms and interact with the zone administration. As a result, the license and incorporation documents are delivered by e-mail within a few working days. This solution makes it possible to open a company from anywhere in the world.

Types of Licenses and Costs in Sharjah Media City Free Zone

In Sharjah Media City Free Zone, companies can register as a limited liability company (LLC) or a branch of an existing structure. This choice provides flexibility for startups and international players. Depending on the business direction, three main types of licenses are available.

• Service License – suitable for consultants, IT experts, educators, marketers, and other professionals. It gives a legal base to deliver and expand services, covering a broad spectrum of modern business activities.
• Trade License – ideal for people working in wholesale, retail, import or export. It also extends to digital products and services linked directly to sales, making it a popular option for e-commerce ventures.
• Light-Industrial License – designed for companies engaged in production, processing or assembly. It allows businesses to work with raw materials, upgrade existing goods and manage the full cycle up to distribution.

The cost of licenses at SHAMS is considered one of the most competitive in the UAE, and a transparent payment system with no hidden fees makes budgeting predictable. On average, minimum packages start at a few thousand dirhams per year, allowing you to start a business with a moderate investment.

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Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

Sharjah Media City Free Zone offers flexible packages that can be tailored to suit the company's objectives and number of visas.

• Media Package - starting from AED 5,750 per annum, includes a business licence with a choice of up to 5 media activities.
• Standard Package - from AED 6,875 per year, allows you to register a company with any 5 media activities of your choice.
• Media Package with Visas - from AED 7,350, includes visa and flexi-desk licence.
• Standard Package with Visas - from AED 8,475, also includes visa and co-working space.
• General Trading Business - a separate solution from AED 573 per month, aimed at trading companies that need to get to market quickly with minimal investment.

Visa costs (health check, Emirates ID, insurance) are added to each package - on average AED 3,500-4,000 per person, as well as a one-off e-channel activation fee of around AED 2,000.

The total cost depends on the selected package and number of visas, while the price structure remains transparent, making budget planning easier.

Sharjah Media City Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?

SHAMS is not suitable for all types of businesses. Below are the main criteria that will help you understand who this zone is best suited for and who should consider alternatives.

SHAMS is suitable for:

• Freelancers and self-employed professionals (design, marketing, IT, content).
• Consulting companies and educational projects.
• Online retailers and traders working in e-commerce.
• Startups with limited budgets that value flexibility and low license costs.
• Investors registering holding structures.

Not suitable for:

• Manufacturing enterprises (SHAMS does not have industrial space).
• Companies for which direct VAT registration is critical.
• Businesses from “high-risk” jurisdictions - registration may be denied.
• Sectors requiring strict special permits (e.g., medicine or finance).

Thus, SHAMS is a practical choice for creative, digital, and commercial activities, but not for large-scale manufacturing or licensed financial services.

Conclusion

Sharjah Media City Free Zone was established as a convenient platform for entrepreneurs who value speed of launch, affordability and flexible terms and conditions. Simple online registration, clear rates and the ability to start with a minimal package make SHAMS attractive to startups, consultants, freelancers and creative industries. Also, firms are exempt from taxes if QFZP requirements are met.

For those planning manufacturing projects or working in highly regulated areas, other zones are better to consider, but for businesses in the service, education, media and IT sectors SHAMS does offer great prospects.

The next step is to assess which licence and visa package will suit your business model. Seek advice to structure your company, calculate costs and avoid mistakes at the start. Professional support will help speed up the registration process and give you confidence that your business will start operating without delays.