Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone
Sharjah Media City Authority, Sharjah
Description
Shams Free Zone is a vibrant hub for creative and media businesses, offering a range of business activities, flexible licensing options, and modern infrastructure to support entrepreneurs and established companies.
| Emirate | Sharjah |
| Website | https://www.shams.ae/ |
| Contact Email | info@shams.ae |
| Contact Info |
Phone: +971 6 514 0000
Address: P.O. Box 121611, Sharjah, UAE
|
| Year Established | 2017 |
| License Types | Service License, Trading License, Industrial License, Holding License |
| License Cost | AED 5,750.00 - License packages start from AED 5,750 for a zero-visa allocation. Costs vary based on the number of visas and office space requirements. |
| Formation Cost | AED 5,750.00 - Formation costs start from AED 5,750 for a basic package with zero visa allocation. |
| Minimum Capital Requirement | No minimum share capital requirement. |
| Allowed Business Activities | Media, Consultancy, E-commerce, Trading, IT Services, Marketing, Event Management |
| Company Legal Structures | Limited Liability Company (LLC), Branch of a Foreign Company |
| Restricted Activities | Activities conflicting with UAE laws and Islamic morals |
| Investor Visa Cost | AED 2,530.00 - An investor visa costs approximately AED 2,530, including medical tests and Emirates ID issuance. |
| Employee Visa Cost | AED 2,530.00 - Employee visa costs are similar to investor visa costs, approximately AED 2,530 per visa. |
| Maximum Visas per Company | 12 |
| Processing Time (Days) | 1 days - Company formation can be completed in as little as one working day, depending on the completion of required documentation. |
| Visa Processing Time | 5 days |
| Physical Office Required | No |
| Office Space Options | Co-working Spaces, Dedicated Offices, Shared Desk Facilities |
| Office Space Cost | AED 5,750.00 - Office space packages start from AED 5,750 for a co-working space with zero visa allocation. |
| Virtual Office Available | Yes |
| Bank Account Assistance | Yes |
| Bank Account Cost | AED 2,000.00 - Assistance with bank account opening is provided; costs vary by bank and account type. |
| Partner Banks | Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, RAKBANK |
| Governing Laws | Subject to UAE federal laws and regulations. |
| VAT Registration Required | Yes |
| Corporate Tax Applicable | No |
| Annual Audit Required | Yes |
| Renewal Fees | AED 5,750.00 - Renewal fees start from AED 5,750 for a zero-visa allocation package. |
| Renewal Processing Time | 1 days |
| Business Restrictions | Prohibited from engaging in activities outside the scope of licensed operations. |
| Ownership Structure | 100% foreign ownership allowed. |
| Import/Export Restrictions | No No restrictions; businesses benefit from 100% import and export tax exemption. |
| Benefits | Cost-effective business setup packages, Modern infrastructure and facilities, No currency restrictions, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, Strategic location with access to regional markets |
| Drawbacks | Specific focus on media and creative industries may limit suitability for some business types. |
| Specific Compliance Requirements | Compliance with UAE labor laws, Adherence to Shams Free Zone regulations and guidelines |
