Free zone · Sharjah
Sharjah Media City (Shams) Company Setup
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a free zone in Sharjah, established in 2017 by Amiri decree, that licenses media, creative and business companies as well as independent professionals. It offers workspaces, meeting rooms, filming locations and a podcast studio, and suits creators, agencies and small businesses wanting a lower-cost UAE licence.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about Shams
- Emirate
- Sharjah
- Established
- 2017, by Amiri decree
- Serves
- Start-ups, SMEs, companies and independent professionals
- Focus
- Media, creative and general business
- Facilities
- Workspaces, meeting rooms, filming locations, podcast room, event spaces
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership
What is Shams and how does it work?
Shams was created to grow Sharjah’s media and creative economy, and its community ranges from freelancers and start-ups to SMEs and larger companies. Beyond the licence, it provides practical facilities that creative businesses use: production and filming locations, a podcast recording room, workshop and event spaces, and meeting rooms.
A Shams licence is a free zone licence, so the company trades inside the zone and internationally and needs a distributor or mainland presence for onshore customers. Media activities are also subject to UAE media regulation, and individuals promoting products on social media need an advertiser permit from the UAE Media Council.
Activities
What can a Shams company do?
- Media production and content creation
- Advertising, marketing and digital agencies
- Design, photography and creative services
- Publishing and events
- General business and consultancy services
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Shared and private workspaces
- Meeting rooms and event spaces
- Filming locations and a podcast recording room
Visas
How many visas can a Shams company get?
Visa entitlement depends on the licence package. Residence visas are processed through the zone and then follow the standard medical, Emirates ID and stamping steps.
Tax
How is a Shams company taxed?
Shams companies must register for UAE corporate tax. Qualifying income can be taxed at 0% if the company meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions; other taxable income is taxed at 9%. Freelance individuals should check whether their activity makes them a taxable person.
Good fit
Who is Shams best for?
- Content creators, influencers and freelancers
- Small media, marketing and design agencies
- Founders wanting a lower-cost UAE licence
- Creative teams needing production facilities
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Regulated finance, healthcare or education providers
- Physical trading businesses needing warehouses
- Shops serving walk-in mainland customers
Process
How to set up a company in Shams
-
01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
-
03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
-
05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
-
06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in Shams.
- 01
Confirm your media or creative activity is on Shams’s list.
- 02
If you advertise on social media, apply for the UAE Media Council advertiser permit as well.
- 03
Decide whether you need production facilities such as filming locations or the podcast room.
- 04
Check how many visas your package allows.
- 05
Register your brand name as a trademark if you build a public profile.
Frequently asked
Questions about Shams
What is Shams?
Shams is Sharjah Media City, a Sharjah free zone established in 2017 that licenses media, creative and business companies as well as independent professionals.
Can freelancers get a licence in Shams?
Yes. Shams serves independent professionals as well as start-ups and companies. Check that your activity is on the zone’s list before applying.
Do I still need a Media Council permit with a Shams licence?
If you promote products or services on social media from the UAE, you also need an advertiser permit from the UAE Media Council. The trade licence and the permit are separate.
Is Shams in Dubai?
No. Shams is in the Emirate of Sharjah. A Shams company can still work with clients across the UAE and abroad within free zone rules.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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