Launching Your Business Journey in a Creative UAE Free Zone
Here's your ultimate guide to setting up shop in Shams—from license costs to visa options and everything in between.
Shams, short for Sharjah Media City & Business In Meydan Free Zone is a dynamic free zone established in 2017. While 'media' is in the name, Shams caters to a wide variety of business activities—not just media-related fields. Whether you're a marketing pro, coder, e-commerce seller, or wellness coach, Shams likely has a license for you. Freelancers & consultants
Startup founders
SMEs looking for low overhead
International investors entering the UAE market
In short, if you want a quick, cost-effective, and 100% foreign-owned company, Shams is made for you. Company setup in 3–5 working days
No need for a physical office (unless you want one)
Multiple shareholders allowed
Wide range of business activities
Affordable visa and license packages
Just like other UAE free zones, Shams lets you own your business fully. No local sponsor, no silent partner—just you in control.
Let's be real—cost matters. Shams Free Zone offers some of the lowest license and visa fees in the UAE, making it ideal for bootstrappers and first-timers.
Choose from over 120+ business activities, including: Media and marketing
E-commerce
Consulting
IT and software development
Design and animation
Shams allows you to form: Shams LLC (FZ) – Limited liability, perfect for small teams
– Limited liability, perfect for small teams Branch – If you're expanding an existing business into the UAE
Pick a name that's: Available
Compliant with UAE naming laws
Reflective of your business
Submit your application and documents online. Shams has one of the simplest digital application systems among all UAE free zones.
You can opt for a zero-visa license or include 1 to 6 visas, depending on your needs. Visas are optional, so if you're operating remotely, you can skip them.
Let's talk real numbers.
Starting at just AED 5,750/year, you get: Business license
Company registration
Free zone address
Company documents
Ideal for remote founders or freelancers who don't need residency.
Here's a general idea of Shams Free Zone license cost: Visa Quota Approximate Cost (AED/year) 1 Visa AED 11,500–13,000 2 Visas AED 15,000–16,500 3–6 Visas AED 17,000–24,000+
Pricing includes basic desk access and license fees.
Usually valid for 2–3 years, the Shams visa cost for investors is: AED 3,500 to AED 4,200 (excluding medical and Emirates ID)
(excluding medical and Emirates ID) Add AED 1,200–1,500 for Emirates ID and medical screening
Planning to hire? Employee visas range from: AED 4,000–5,500 depending on role and nationality
depending on role and nationality Renewable every 2–3 years
Perfect for consultancies, marketing agencies, IT companies, and trainers.
Want to sell physical or digital products? This license lets you import/export goods globally.
Designed for managing other companies or investments.
Ideal for solo creatives, coaches, developers, and designers who want a UAE business identity without high costs.
You're not forced to rent an office unless you want to.
Great for companies with 0–1 visas. Affordable, flexible, and no long-term contracts.
Need privacy or space for your team? Shams offers dedicated offices from 10 sqm to 50+ sqm.
Bright, modern spaces for networking and productivity. Perfect for creative professionals and startups.
Make sure your activity aligns with what you actually plan to do. Picking the wrong one can lead to license issues later on.
Your visa quota depends on your license type and workspace. Don't assume you can get unlimited visas with a flexi-desk.
Shams is significantly cheaper than Dubai-based zones like IFZA or DMCC, especially for freelancers and startups.
Need to scale from one visa to five? Or upgrade from no office to a private space? Shams makes it easy to adjust as you grow.
If you're looking for a smart, low-cost, and flexible way to start your UAE business, then company formation in Shams Free Zone & business setup in RAKEZ Free Zone checks all the boxes.
With easy licensing, transparent pricing, and optional visa packages, Shams is perfect for modern entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and growing teams.
Want to avoid the bureaucracy and just focus on building your business? Start in Shams—you'll thank yourself later.
Typically 3 to 5 working days, assuming all documents are in order.
Yes! Shams allows 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local sponsor.
No. You can start with a flexi-desk or shared desk setup and upgrade later if needed.
Yes, Shams allows multiple related activities under the same license.
The 0-visa package starts at AED 5,750/year, making it one of the most affordable options in the UAE.
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