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Free zone · Sharjah

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) company setup

One of the cheapest free zones, ideal for media, creative and freelance-style businesses.

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Key facts

License starting fromAED 5,750
First year with 1 visa (indicative)from AED 14,725
Residence visa (each, approx.)AED 3,800
Establishment cardAED 1,500
Typical setup time3–7 working days
OfficeNo office needed for 0–1 visa packages
Visas in standard packagesUp to 6
Trade on UAE mainlandVia distributor / branch
Government contractsGenerally no
AuthoritySharjah Media City

Best for

Media, marketing, consultancy, freelancers, e-commerce on a budget

Advantages and things to consider

Advantages

  • Very low entry cost
  • Fast online setup
  • Wide range of media and service activities

Consider

  • Sharjah address
  • No mainland trading
  • Some banks are stricter with low-cost zones

Example first-year cost — 1 shareholder, 1 visa

Indicative, from our current price list. Your own estimate is calculated from your answers in the online setup.

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) — trade license & registrationAED 5,750
Establishment / immigration cardAED 1,500
Residence visas × 1 (entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID)AED 3,800
Professional service fee (end-to-end setup, PRO & document handling)AED 3,500
VAT 5% (on our services only)AED 175
Estimated totalAED 14,725

Documents you’ll need

Documents are checked automatically the moment you upload them in the online setup.

How to set up in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) with NexFounder

  1. Answer a few questions online — about 15 minutes.
  2. Get your recommendation and an itemised estimate by email.
  3. Upload passports and photos — checked instantly.
  4. A consultant calls you, then you pay securely.
  5. We handle the trade name, approvals, license, establishment card and visas while you track every step.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to set up a company in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)?

The Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) license starts from AED 5,750. With one residence visa, the establishment card and our service fee, a typical first year starts from about AED 14,725 (indicative). Your exact total is calculated in the online setup and confirmed in your estimate.

How long does Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) company setup take?

Typically 3–7 working days, depending on your business activity and how quickly documents are provided.

Can a Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) company trade with customers in the UAE mainland?

Not directly. Free zone companies trade inside the free zone and internationally; selling to UAE mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a mainland branch.

How many residence visas can a Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) company get?

Standard packages allow up to 6 visas; larger offices can allow more. Each visa costs about AED 3,800 including entry permit, medical and Emirates ID.

What documents are needed for Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)?

Passport copy (valid 6+ months), passport-size photo. UAE residents also provide their Emirates ID. The online setup shows exactly what each shareholder needs.

Can foreigners own 100% of a Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) company?

Yes. Free zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits.

Set up in Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Get a personal recommendation and your estimate in about 15 minutes.

Start online setup →

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Prices are indicative starting fees in AED from our current price list and may change; government fees are charged at actual cost. Last updated 2026-09-27.