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Shams Free Zone at a glance
| Full name | Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams) |
|---|---|
| Emirate | Sharjah (Al Messaned, Al Bataeh) |
| Established | 2017, by Emiri Decree of the Ruler of Sharjah |
| License from | about AED 5,750 (0 visas) |
| License + 1 visa | about AED 13,185 |
| Activities | Up to 5 on one license |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Workspace | Co-working space agreement included |
| Setup | Fully online, often within 1 to 2 working days |
| Known for | Media, creative, e-commerce and content businesses |
Shams Free Zone packages and license cost (2026)
| Package | Price (first year) | What is included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (0 visas) | about AED 5,750 to 5,760 | License, up to 5 activities, co-working agreement, MOA | Founders already on a UAE visa, or running the business remotely |
| Residence (1 visa) | about AED 13,185 | Starter + 1 investor visa + Emirates ID | Founders moving to the UAE |
Health insurance is extra. Additional visas and add-ons are priced separately.
Can I live in Dubai with a Shams visa? Yes. A UAE residence visa lets you live anywhere in the country, and many Shams company owners live and work in Dubai.
Shams Free Zone activities
Shams licenses a wide range of activities. Popular categories include media and content creation, publishing and printing, e-commerce and online trading, marketing and advertising, IT and digital services, consulting, events, and education and training services.
Up to 5 activities on one license means you can cover, for example, e-commerce, marketing and consulting without paying for a second license. Some activities need external approval, for example media content, education and health. We check your activities before you apply, and you can search activity codes in our activities finder.
How to set up a company in Shams Free Zone: 5 steps
- Choose your package and up to 5 activities. We match your business to the cheapest option that covers it.
- Reserve your trade name.
- Submit documents online: passport copies of all shareholders, a photo, and a UAE visa or entry stamp if you have one.
- Sign and pay. You receive your license, MOA and co-working agreement.
- Visas and bank account if needed: establishment card, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, then corporate bank account support.
Entityz handles all 5 steps. You sign digitally and attend the medical and biometrics appointments.
Get your Shams cost breakdown
Tell us your activities and how many visas you need. We will send a full Shams quote, plus the next best alternative.
Get My Free QuoteShams Free Zone reviews: pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Among the cheapest licenses in the UAE | A Sharjah address, not Dubai |
| Up to 5 activities on one license | Visa packages more than double the starting cost |
| Fully online, fast setup | Some banks ask more questions of low-cost free zone companies |
| Strong fit for media, creative and e-commerce | Selling on any emirate's mainland needs a separate arrangement |
Our honest view: Shams is one of the best-value choices for media, creative and online businesses, especially if you need several activities. If you want a Dubai address, Meydan costs about twice as much but may help with clients and banks.
Shams vs SPC vs Meydan
| Shams | SPC | Meydan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Sharjah | Sharjah | Dubai |
| License from | about AED 5,750 | about AED 5,750 | AED 12,500 |
| License + 1 visa | about AED 13,185 | about AED 13,000 to 13,200 | about AED 14,370 + visa processing |
| Activities per license | Up to 5 | Several, within the license type | Up to 3 |
| Best for | Media, creative, several activities | Lowest cost + Sharjah mainland access | A Dubai address |
Compare in detail: SPC Free Zone guide and Meydan Free Zone guide. Entityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Entityz is an independent business setup consultancy and is not Shams; for Shams' own portal visit shams.ae. Prices are market starting figures gathered in September 2026 and change from time to time. We confirm the current price for your activities and visas before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Shams Free Zone license cost?
A Shams license starts from about AED 5,750 a year with no visa. The Residence package, with 1 investor visa and Emirates ID, costs about AED 13,185.
What is Sharjah Media City (Shams)?
Shams is the Sharjah Media City Free Zone, established in 2017 by Emiri Decree of the Ruler of Sharjah. It licenses media, creative, e-commerce, consulting, IT and many other businesses, with 100% foreign ownership.
How many activities can I have on a Shams license?
Up to 5 business activities on one license.
Where is Shams Free Zone located?
In Al Messaned, Al Bataeh, Sharjah. Setup is fully online, so you do not need to visit to start.
Can I live in Dubai with a Shams Free Zone visa?
Yes. A UAE residence visa lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai.
Shams or SPC: which is cheaper?
Both start from about AED 5,750. Shams gives you up to 5 activities on one license. SPC offers a dual license with Sharjah mainland access. The better choice depends on your activities.
Is Entityz the official Shams website?
No. Entityz is an independent business setup consultancy and a direct authorized partner of Shams. For Shams' own portal, visit shams.ae. We help you choose, apply and set up.
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