The free zone is one of the UAE's most vibrant and fastest-growing free zones, established to foster creativity and innovative ideas across industries. Located in the emirate of Sharjah,
the ever-growing and dynamic hub for businesses, Shams provides world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly environment with its unique licensing packages.
The free zone is one of the UAE’s most vibrant and fastest-growing free zones, established to foster creativity and innovative ideas across industries. Located in the emirate of Sharjah, the ever-growing and dynamic business hub, Shams provides world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly environment with its unique licensing packages.
Shams is designed for entrepreneurs, startups, and companies big and small across media, technology, e-commerce, and other sectors. The free zone is known for its affordable business setup packages, easy registration process, and modern facilities built to enable growth and cooperation.
Whether you are establishing a media production company, an e-commerce platform, or a professional services offering, Sharjah Media City has the tools, resources, and support network you need to make your business a success story across the UAE and beyond.
Yes, Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a free zone in Sharjah, UAE. And it explicitly aims to support businesses in the media, entertainment, technology, and creative sectors.” They provide a range of business setup options, including flexible office spaces, media licenses, e-commerce licenses, and more. Sharjah Media City offers many advantages to businesses, including 100% foreign ownership, exemption from taxation and customs duties, and modern infrastructure. Startups and established ventures in the media and creative sectors should consider it as an ideal place.
If we talk about entrepreneurship, what is considered the perfect location is a free zone for your business setup based on the wants of the zone to operate. Both will bring you closer to the market for overall growth, just like Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams), which consists of several business setup solutions that help entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large enterprises set up their businesses in the UAE. So, let’s take you through the steps of starting in the Sharjah Media City Free Zone:
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Sharjah Media City has different types of businesses based on their nature. These cover various industries, from media to e-commerce to consulting to tech startups and more. Choose your activity and apply for a relevant business license in a field such as media, commercial, or service.
☑️ Select the Business Structure: Multiple business structures are permitted within Sharjah Media City.
☑️ Sole Proprietorship: For individuals working on a business solo.
☑️ LLC—Limited Liability Company: For a business with multiple partners.
☑️ Branch Office: This is for foreign companies wishing to open a Free Zone branch desiring to open a Free Zone branch.
☑️ Freelancer: For professionals providing services under their company. Select the structure that aligns with your business objectives.
It is now time to choose a unique name for your business. The name should comply with Sharjah Media City rules and local naming standards. Check for name availability and apply for name approval from the Free Zone authorities.
☑️ You will have to submit a few documents, which usually include: To continue with the business setup process,
☑️ A copy of your passport (if you are the business owner and shareholder).
☑️ Liberation address (e.g., utility bill).
☑️ Business plan (depending on the type of license)
☑️ A copy of your Emirates ID (if applicable) is needed.
☑️ All documents should be current and adhere to the Free Zone’s guidelines.
Sharjah Media City offers flexible office solutions between a physical office space and a virtual office. You can also choose a "Flexi Desk" package to establish a business without a physical presence and work remotely. The Free Zone also provides modern, flexible, and affordable office space accommodating each business requirement.
Once your name is approved and your documents are prepared, you can commence your application for your business license. It's a streamlined process, and you can get your license in just a few days, depending on your business and documents.
If you intend to employ employees, Sharjah Media City provides business owners and employees visa services. You can apply for multiple visas depending on your office place and requirements. Each visa is tied to the company’s license and must be renewed annually.
After the companies are formed, you must open a corporate bank account. With many banks across the UAE, establishing a business account to handle your finances is a simple exchange with Sharjah Media City.
It is essential to adhere to the guidelines established by the Sharjah Media City Free Zone Authority and ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations. This means staying on top of renewals, filing necessary financial paperwork, and complying with business conduct standards;
Once you have secured a business license, office space, and bank account, the next stage is to commence your operations in the Sharjah Media City Free Zone. Take advantage of the free zone's strategic location, regulatory framework, and access to a burgeoning entrepreneurial environment.
Shams, lying between Dubai and Ajman, has become one of the most dynamic environments across the UAE for businesses in the media, entertainment, technology, and creative industries since opening as a media-free zone. It has evolved over the years to become a center for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises seeking to set up in the UAE.
Shams provides a wide range of office space options for companies of all types and sizes, delivering personalized solutions perfectly tailored to individual businesses' requirements. Shams offers a physical environment to grow, whether you are a start-up, an established business, or a freelancer.
Strategic Location: The office spaces directly access key transportation links, including road and air, for local and international client and supplier connectivity.
Also, the UAE government has launched several projects to foster growth in the media industry. As seen in free zones such as Sharjah Media City, home to Shams, and Dubai Media City, offering 100% ownership and exemptions or adding incentives such as licensing made simple. The government of Zimbabwe has dedicated itself to improving infrastructure, media regulations, and broadcasting conditions, persuading media firms to set in motion and expand.
With the rapid development of digital technologies, social media platforms, etc., digital media businesses are booming in the UAE. Digital Transformation Of Traditional Media Companies The growing fields of content creation, digital marketing, and online advertising have broadened the media ecosystem, offering businesses new growth opportunities.
Spaces like Dubai Media City and Sharjah Media City are media-free zones that have proven lucrative for media companies to establish themselves and grow. In addition, it provides customized solutions to media companies, such as flexible office spaces, production facilities, and business services in these free zones. These free zones facilitate international media companies' establishing a presence in the UAE by providing an affordable and streamlined company registration process.
☑️ Various Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships
The UAE media is booming, with more businesses joining through collaboration and partnerships. Media companies are striking deals with tech companies, ad agencies, and others in the sector to produce great content at a greater scale. The GC's role reflects not only the need for UAE-based media to act in all areas of the industry but also to work with international media and global streaming services to grow the sector and form cross-border opportunities and partnerships.
☑️ Rising demand for localized content
Its multicultural society is leading to more demand for localized content in the UAE and an expansion of viewership in the region. Local vanity media companies are expanding their reach. That has led to a surge in Arabic-language movies, series, and digital content, opening new avenues for content creation and distribution-focused businesses.
☑️ Technological Advancements
Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 5G networks are ultra-modern technologies that the UAE is continually utilizing. This technology has proven to be incredibly useful in the media industry. They are using these advancements to provide immersive experiences and engage with their audiences in exciting new ways. The Evolution of the Media Industry: Technology and Growth Evolving technologies have opened up new avenues for the growth of media businesses, especially in immersive media, gaming, and digital marketing.
☑️ Production and Production Facilities for Content
The UAE has significantly invested in advanced media production facilities, studios, filming locations, and post-production services, attracting global media giants seeking high-quality production capabilities. Moreover, foreign films being produced in the UAE have allowed for better access to ease of obtaining permits and approvals to be part of the film production process, in addition to the access to world-class talent that the UAE has become known for; it has made the UAE a hotspot and prime location for media companies to set up their production arms.
☑️ Increasing Media Consumption
The United Arab Emirates, in particular, has seen an enormous increase in the demand for media content, from video streaming to online news and digital entertainment. As the country’s digital infrastructure expands and high-speed internet access continues to become more widely available, media companies have an ever-growing audience to serve. The surge in media consumption, particularly on mobile devices, has led companies to embrace new content formats, including mobile apps, podcasts, and interactive media.
☑️ Media Events and Conferences
Many media-related events and conferences are held in the UAE, including the Dubai International Film Festival, the Abu Dhabi Media Summit, and an Arab Media Forum. These events garner media attention from all over the world and facilitate networking, innovations, and partnerships. Through attending such events, media companies can attract visibility, learn new trends, and network with industry players, which allows them to grow both on regional and international scales.”
Sharjah Media City (Shams) has several licensing options and types of companies suited to different business requirements. Several licenses and company formations are available for entrepreneurs carrying out their business.
✔️ This is great for the breadth of industries involved in media creation, advertisement, and publishing.
✔️ It is great for content creators, filmmakers, and media agencies.
✔️ This is for import/export or retailer trading businesses.
✔️ This is perfect for people who want to set up regional or global trading operations.
✔️ Allows businesses to exchange products and services online.
✔️ Ideal for startups as well as established e-commerce stores.
✔️ Designed for businesses that have assets, shares, or properties.
✔️ Best For Investors and Asset Managers
✔️ For offering professional services like consultancy, IT, or education.
✔️ Ideal for freelancers and agencies.
☑️ An account ideal for medium- to larger companies is a Limited Liability Company.
☑️ Provides 100% foreign ownership and limited liability protection.
☑️ Shams Branch
☑️ For companies seeking to establish a base in the UAE.
☑️ It functions as part of the parent company without needing a separate legal entity.
☑️ Allows people to function as independent contractors
☑️ It is a great option for writers, designers, and consultants.
The seamless initiation of a business in the Shams-free zone is extensively attributed to our octane system. First, we conduct a consultation to analyze the business needs and identify the optimal option for the company and the type of license based on that. Yes, once your business license is approved, you’re issued a business license and can operate it immediately. In addition to business registration, we provide other services such as visa applications, office setup, and UAE bank account opening.
The first one is Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), which provides a simple process and affordable prices for a company setup that works. First, choose the appropriate business activity and license type, such as media, e-commerce, professional services, etc. The SHAMS jurisdiction offers 100% ownership for foreign nationals, flexible licensing, and different forms of companies, including single-shareholder SHAMS LLCs, multi-shareholder SHAMS companies, and freelancer permits.
The bureaucratic baggage is relatively low, and the approval process is very quick in SHAMS, which makes the complete company setup process hassle-free. Businesses also enjoy zero corporate taxes, total profit repatriation, and leading-edge facilities designed for growth and innovation. SHAMS is here to back your business with a supportive ecosystem, whether you are a freelancer, startup, or an established enterprise, to help you excel in a competitive market.
SHAMS Free Zone also provides a full range of visa services to help start-ups, freelancers, and companies establish their presence in the UAE. As a business owner, you will never need to deal with complicated and lengthy visa applications. The SHAMS visa ensures fast-tracked approvals and a hassle-free experience for you and your employees. There are different visa options, such as employment visas, investor visas, and dependent visas, serving various business needs.
In the free zone, visa quotas depend on the type of license and office space you select, with packages offering one or more visas. Visas that suit your business operation requirements are available to businesses that operate virtually or with physical offices. SHAMS also takes the hassle out of registering for medical tests, getting an Emirates ID, and getting a visa stamped, providing a seamless experience for business owners and their employees. SHAMS Free Zone offers flexible visa solutions and expert guidance so businesses can get their workforce into the UAE and on to growing their operations.
Flexi Desk
The Flexi Desk is an affordable solution for entrepreneurs and freelancers who do not need a physical office but still require a registered business address. One such choice is a virtual office, which allows you to have a professional business presence and access to various business services, including mail handling and telephone answering.
Private Offices
Private offices are offered in a variety of sizes depending on your team's needs for companies seeking a dedicated space. Ideal for an efficient work environment, the furnished offices are equipped with modern facilities. Private office space suits physical businesses with the flexibility to grow.
Co-Working Spaces
Shams offers co-working spaces for small businesses, startups, and freelancers. These spaces give access to quality infrastructure such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and common areas. Co-working spaces encourage community and collaboration, making them ideally suited to agile teams and entrepreneurs.
Warehouses & Industrial Units
Warehouse and industrial units are designed for businesses in the manufacturing, logistics, or e-commerce industries. These spaces are designed to have storage facilities that can accommodate large inventory or production needs, making them ideal for businesses whose needs go beyond office space.
Virtual office options are available forVirtual office options are out there for those who want to run their business remotely. They work with startups, or you can register your business and operate virtually withting from an esteemed address within the Shams Free Zone. There are also options for additional services like phone forwarding, mail forwarding, and on-demand access to meeting rooms.
Setting up a business at Sharjah Media City Free Zone is simple and productive for entrepreneurs and companies who want to set up their business in the UAE. Following these steps will have your business started in no time, with all the tax advantages, flexible office space, and access to other local companies you could want! Whether you’re starting a startup or growing an established business, Sharjah Media City is home to the best, world-class environment to promote the success of your business.
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+971 565 046252
info@wegrowcapital-middleeast.com
320 -Dar Al Wuheida Building - Deira - Dubai.
