Sharjah Media City
SHAMS Free Zone Company Formation
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is a Sharjah free zone known for low-cost licences, quick setup and a broad activity list covering media, creative and general business. Our Sharjah team handles everything for you.
Quick answer
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is a Sharjah free zone offering affordable licences for media, creative, consultancy, e-commerce and trading activities, with 100% foreign ownership and flexi-desk options. Licences are often issued within a few working days. Visa allocations depend on the package selected.
Why SHAMS?
SHAMS gives freelancers, creators and SMEs an inexpensive way into the UAE market. Multiple activities can be combined, and procedures are simple and largely online. As a Sharjah-based team, we handle any visits to SHAMS for you.
- Among the lowest licence costs in the UAE
- Wide activity list beyond media
- Multi-activity licences
- Freelance and content-creator options
Popular SHAMS activities
- Content creation, influencer and social media services
- Marketing, advertising and PR
- Event management
- Consultancy and business services
- E-commerce and general trading
- Photography, film and design
Key benefits of SHAMS Free Zone
Budget friendly
Ideal for first-time founders.
Media expertise
Licences tailored to the creative economy.
Fast issuance
Simple applications, quick approvals.
Flexible activities
Combine several activities.
Local support
Our Sharjah office is nearby.
Full ownership
100% foreign ownership.
How the process works
Package & activity planning
We compare SHAMS licence packages by activity, number of visas and office type, and recommend the most cost-effective option.
Application & name reservation
We prepare the SHAMS application, reserve your company name and submit shareholder KYC documents.
Pre-approval & payment
Once the authority gives initial approval, we arrange payment of the licence, registration and facility fees.
Company documents
The authority issues the licence, certificate of incorporation, share certificates and the MOA/AOA, which are usually signed digitally.
Establishment card & visas
We open the immigration file, then handle entry permits, medicals, Emirates ID and residence visas for owners and staff.
Bank account & compliance
We introduce you to suitable banks and set you up for VAT, corporate tax and annual renewal reminders.
Documents usually required
- Passport copy of each shareholder and director (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photograph with a white background
- Current UAE visa or entry stamp copy (for residents and visitors in the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (UAE residents)
- Home-country address proof (utility bill or bank statement)
- Short business profile or CV, where the free zone requests it
- Corporate shareholders: attested incorporation documents and board resolution
Requirements can vary by authority, nationality and activity. We confirm the exact list for your case before anything is submitted.
Why clients choose DocTrust
Transparent pricing
Every quote separates government fees from our service fee. No surprise add-ons.
Fast turnaround
We prepare, type and submit applications correctly the first time, so files are not rejected and delayed.
One point of contact
One consultant handles your file from the first call until the licence, visa or certificate is in your hands.
All 7 emirates
We are based in Sharjah and work with mainland, free zone and federal authorities across the UAE.
SHAMS Free Zone: common questions
Can influencers get a licence in SHAMS?
Yes. SHAMS offers media and content-creation activities. UAE content creators who advertise may also need the UAE Media Council advertiser permit, which we can advise on.
Is SHAMS only for media companies?
No. Despite its name, SHAMS licenses many consultancy, trading and service activities.
How many visas come with a SHAMS licence?
It depends on the package. Options range from no visa to several visas with larger facilities.
Speak to a SHAMS Free Zone specialist
Share a few details and a DocTrust consultant will reply with the right approach, a list of documents and a written quote, usually within one business day.
- +971 50 515 2636
- +971 50 501 2460
- Chat on WhatsApp
- info@doctrust.ae
- Office 03, Ground Floor, Building 1371, Muwaileh Commercial, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Talk to a DocTrust consultant today
Get a clear plan, a written cost breakdown and a realistic timeline, with no obligation.