Quick answer
SHAMS Free Zone setup costs from AED 5,750 for a zero-visa media license in 2026. β Full setup including visa processing takes approximately 4β6 weeks.
- AED 11,000β13,420 for Starter Package with 1 investor visa
- E-Channel registration costs AED 2,280; visa processing takes 3β4 weeks
- License issued within 5β7 business days after approval
Best for: Media professionals, content creators, digital marketers, and freelancers.
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is one of the UAE’s most affordable and fastest-growing free zones, with company setup starting from just AED 5,750. Specifically designed for media, digital, creative, and tech businesses, SHAMS offers 100% ownership, zero tax, and rapid registration β all without requiring a physical office.
This complete 2026 guide covers everything: exact fees, license types, visa costs, comparison with alternatives, and a step-by-step setup process.
What Is SHAMS Free Zone?
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is a free zone established by the Government of Sharjah in 2017 to support media, creative, and knowledge-based industries. Despite the “Media City” name, SHAMS has expanded to cover a wide range of digital, tech, and consulting activities.
Key highlights:
- β 100% foreign ownership
- β 0% corporate and personal income tax
- β One of the cheapest UAE free zones from AED 5,750
- β No NOC required for UAE residents
- β Remote company registration available
- β Electronic document processing
- β Ideal for digital, media, and creative businesses
SHAMS Free Zone Setup Cost 2026 β Complete Breakdown
License Packages
| Package | Cost (AED) | Visas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media License (0 Visa) | 5,750 | None | Up to 5 media activities |
| Digital Company Package (0 Visa) | 8,050 | None | Media + digital activities |
| Starter Package (1 Visa) | 11,000β13,420 | 1 | License + investor visa |
| Business Package (3 Visas) | 18,000β25,000 | 3 | License + 3 visas + flexi-desk |
| Premium Package | 30,000β50,000 | 3β5 | Full desk + premium activities |
Visa and Immigration Costs
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Investor Visa (total) | 3,000β3,500 |
| Employee Visa (total) | 4,500+ |
| Establishment Card (2 Years) | 640 |
| E-Channel Registration | 2,280 |
| Medical Fee (Normal) | 365 |
| Emirates ID Application | 330 |
| Additional Visa Allocation | 1,600 |
| Change of Status (if applicable) | 700 |
Company Liquidation Cost
If you ever need to close your SHAMS company, liquidation takes approximately 3 weeks and costs around AED 2,000.
π‘ Noble Core Tip: SHAMS is one of the best-value free zones for content creators, consultants, digital marketers, and media professionals. The AED 5,750 zero-visa package is unbeatable for testing the UAE market without major upfront investment.
SHAMS License Types & Permitted Activities
Media License
The core SHAMS license, covering 5+ media and communications activities: publishing, broadcasting, advertising, media production, public relations, events, digital content creation.
Digital & Technology License
Covers IT services, software development, app development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, e-commerce, and tech consulting.
Creative & Arts License
Photography, videography, graphic design, animation, fashion design, interior design, and related creative industries.
Consulting & Professional Services
Management consulting, HR consulting, training, education, and professional advisory services.
Freelancer License
Individual professionals operating under their own name in media, digital, and creative fields.
Step-by-Step: How to Register in SHAMS Free Zone
- Select Your License Type & Activities β Choose the most appropriate SHAMS license category. List up to 5 activities. Consider combining media and digital activities for maximum flexibility.
- Choose Legal Structure β FZE (1 shareholder) or FZCO (multiple shareholders). No UAE sponsor required.
- Prepare Documents β Passport copy, recent photograph, proposed company names (3 options).
- Submit Online Application β Apply via SHAMS portal or through Noble Core Ventures. All documents submitted digitally β no physical visit required for the license.
- Company Name Approval β SHAMS approves your name within 1β2 business days.
- MOA Signing β Memorandum of Association issued and signed electronically.
- Pay License Fees β Pay online via bank transfer or card.
- License Issued β Receive your SHAMS trade license within 5β7 business days.
- Establishment Card Application β Apply for your Establishment Card (2-year validity for AED 640).
- E-Channel Registration β Register on the immigration portal (AED 2,280). Required before processing any visas.
- Visa Applications β Submit investor visa applications. Expect 3β4 weeks for full visa processing.
- Corporate Bank Account β Apply with your SHAMS license, MOA, and company documents.
β±οΈ Timeline: License in 5β7 days. Visa in 3β4 weeks. Full setup approximately 4β6 weeks.
SHAMS vs RAKEZ vs IFZA β Comparison 2026
| Feature | SHAMS | RAKEZ | IFZA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest License | AED 5,750 | AED 5,499 | AED 11,900 |
| With 1 Visa | AED 11,000 | AED 12,900 | AED 14,900 |
| Location | Sharjah | Ras Al Khaimah | Dubai |
| Best For | Media, digital, creative | Industrial, manufacturing, budget | SMEs, consultants, Dubai address |
| Activities | Media + digital focused | 500+ (all sectors) | 500+ (all sectors) |
| Dubai Presence | β | β | β |
| Establishment Card | AED 640 (2 yrs) | Included | AED 2,000β2,500 |
| No NOC Required | β | β | β |
Our Verdict: SHAMS is the go-to choice for media professionals, content creators, and digital businesses. RAKEZ edges it marginally on cost for non-media activities. IFZA provides the Dubai address advantage if client perception matters.
π Compare all UAE free zones | Cheapest UAE free zones
Who Should Set Up in SHAMS?
- Content creators, YouTubers, and social media professionals
- Digital marketers, SEO specialists, and performance marketers
- Graphic designers, photographers, and videographers
- PR and communications professionals
- Media production companies
- Consultants in marketing, media, and digital fields
- Freelancers wanting UAE company status and a residence visa
Frequently Asked Questions β SHAMS Free Zone 2026
How much does SHAMS free zone setup cost in 2026?
SHAMS setup starts from AED 5,750 for a zero-visa media license, or AED 11,000β13,420 for a package with one investor visa. Additional costs include E-Channel registration (AED 2,280) and visa processing fees.
Is SHAMS only for media businesses?
No. Despite the “Media City” name, SHAMS now covers a wide range of activities including digital technology, consulting, e-commerce, design, and professional services. It’s suitable for most knowledge-based businesses.
Can I set up in SHAMS without visiting Sharjah?
Yes. SHAMS fully supports remote company registration. All documents are submitted and processed electronically. You only need to be physically present in the UAE for the visa medical test and biometrics.
Do I need an NOC from my current employer to set up in SHAMS?
No. One of SHAMS’s key advantages is that UAE residents do not need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer to establish a SHAMS company.
What is the minimum share capital for SHAMS?
SHAMS formally states a minimum share capital of AED 150,000 for LLC structures, but proof of this capital is typically not required to be deposited. In practice, you don’t need to show bank evidence of this amount.
How many visas can a SHAMS company sponsor?
Visa allocation depends on your package. The zero-visa license allows no immediate visa quota, but you can upgrade. Packages typically include 1β5 visas. Additional visa allocations cost AED 1,600 each.
How long does SHAMS company registration take?
The license is typically issued within 5β7 business days of application and payment. Full setup including visa takes 4β6 weeks.
Can a SHAMS company operate outside of Sharjah?
Yes. SHAMS companies can operate remotely and serve clients across the UAE and internationally. Your company address will be in Sharjah, but your actual business operations can be location-independent.
Is SHAMS good for opening a UAE bank account?
SHAMS companies can open UAE bank accounts, but Sharjah-based free zones are sometimes viewed with slightly less credibility than Dubai ones by some banks. Noble Core Ventures helps facilitate bank introductions for SHAMS clients.
What happens when I renew my SHAMS license?
Annual renewal costs are similar to the initial license fee (starting from AED 5,750). The Establishment Card renews every 2 years for AED 640.
Ready to Set Up in SHAMS?
Noble Core Ventures handles SHAMS company formation end-to-end. From document preparation to license issuance, visa processing, and corporate bank account opening β we do it all.
π Explore all UAE free zones | Visa services | UAE freelance visa guide
π Ready to Set Up in SHAMS Free Zone?
Get expert help from Noble Core Ventures. We’ll set up your SHAMS company quickly, correctly, and at the best price.
π§ info@noblecoreventures.com | π +971 50 902 2955
Related: Meydan vs SHAMS vs RAKEZ.
Related: SHAMS vs RAKEZ.
Related: Sharjah free zone company formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SHAMS Free Zone setup cost in 2026?
SHAMS setup starts from AED 5,750 for a zero-visa media license covering up to five activities. A digital company package with no visa is AED 8,050, a starter package with one investor visa runs AED 11,000 to 13,420, and a business package with three visas and a flexi-desk costs AED 18,000 to 25,000. E-Channel registration adds AED 2,280 and the two-year establishment card AED 640.
How long does SHAMS company registration take?
The SHAMS trade license is typically issued within five to seven business days of application and payment, with company name approval taking one to two business days. Visa processing takes a further three to four weeks per person, so the full setup including a residence visa is approximately four to six weeks. All documents are submitted digitally, and registration can be completed remotely.
Is SHAMS only for media businesses?
No. Despite the Sharjah Media City name, SHAMS covers a wide range of activities beyond media, including digital technology, IT services, e-commerce, consulting, design, photography, and professional services. License categories span media, digital and technology, creative and arts, consulting, and a freelancer license for individuals. It suits most knowledge-based businesses, from content creators and marketers to management consultants and trainers.
Do I need an NOC or a visit to Sharjah to set up in SHAMS?
No on both counts. UAE residents do not need a No Objection Certificate from their current employer to establish a SHAMS company, which is one of the zone’s key advantages. Registration is fully remote with electronic document processing and MOA signing, so no physical visit is required for the license itself. You only need to be present in the UAE for the visa medical test and biometrics.
How many visas can a SHAMS company sponsor?
Visa allocation depends on your package. The AED 5,750 zero-visa license carries no immediate quota but can be upgraded, the starter package includes one investor visa, and business or premium packages typically include three to five visas. Each additional visa allocation costs AED 1,600. An investor visa totals roughly AED 3,000 to 3,500, while employee visas start from about AED 4,500 all-in.
Can a SHAMS company operate outside Sharjah?
Yes. SHAMS companies can operate remotely and serve clients across the UAE and internationally, since the registered address is in Sharjah but operations can be location-independent. For banking, SHAMS companies can open UAE accounts, though some banks view Sharjah free zones with slightly less credibility than Dubai ones. Annual renewal costs are similar to the initial fee, starting from AED 5,750.
