SHAMS: company setup
Sharjah Media City
Updated on 29 October 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Why this zone
The cheapest entry point to a UAE licence. Relevant to test an activity, or for a creative freelancer who does not need a visa immediately.
What to watch for
The headline price excludes the visa. And an entry-level licence impresses no bank: if account opening is your main objective, this is not the right zone.
Fee breakdown
All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €3,460 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
Suited activities
- Media and creative
- Audiovisual production
- Digital services
- Freelance activity
Banking
Emerging. That is the trade-off for the low price: banks know it less well.
Setting up in SHAMS: the steps
- Scoping and choice of zone
- Name reservation and initial approval
- Licence issue
- Visa and identity
- Tax and bank account
Steps from our catalogue for the United Arab Emirates, recorded on 21 September 2026. Details and documents to provide →
SHAMS: what is specific to it
- SHAMS is the free zone of Sharjah Media City: media, creative and online services. Source: shams.ae (to be checked)
Where these figures come from
- Emirate (Sharjah): shams.ae (to be checked)
- Office, visas and setup time: our catalogue, recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked with the zone.
- Banking: our assessment, not an authority's data.
SHAMS free zone: frequently asked questions
How much does a SHAMS licence cost?
From €2,693. All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €3,460 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
How long does company setup in SHAMS take?
1 to 2 weeks (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Which emirate is SHAMS in?
Sharjah — Sharjah Media City.
What office does a SHAMS company need?
Virtual office accepted (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
How many visas with a SHAMS company?
Optional depending on the package (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Can a SHAMS company open a bank account?
Emerging. That is the trade-off for the low price: banks know it less well. No account can be guaranteed.
Which activities are allowed in SHAMS?
Media and creative · Audiovisual production · Digital services · Freelance activity.
What should I watch out for in SHAMS?
The headline price excludes the visa. And an entry-level licence impresses no bank: if account opening is your main objective, this is not the right zone.