SHAMS company setup in Sharjah
SHAMS — Sharjah Media City Free Zone — started with media and creative businesses and now covers a broad range of consulting and trading activities, with flexible packages and online setup.
Who SHAMS suits
- Media, content, marketing and creative businesses
- Consultants and freelancers wanting their own company
- Small trading businesses
- Founders who don't need a Dubai address
Points to check before you apply
- Check whether your clients mind a Sharjah address
- Choose a package with the visas you actually need
- Confirm activity combinations before applying
- Corporate Tax registration is required from the start
How we help
We start with a short online meeting about your activities, clients, visas and banking. If SHAMS is the right fit, we prepare and submit the application, follow up on approvals, the establishment card and visas, prepare your bank account file and help with Corporate Tax registration. If another zone looks like a better fit, we'll tell you. Approvals are always decided by the free zone and government authorities.
After setup, our tax & accounting team at pbz.ae handles bookkeeping, VAT and Corporate Tax, including the yearly free zone 0% test — see SHAMS accounting & tax.
Free zone rules, packages and fees change. We confirm the current requirements and send a written, itemised quote before you commit.
Sources: official SHAMS website (shams.ae); Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Corporate Tax; UAE residence and family sponsorship guidance on u.ae.
Setup in four steps
Online consultation
We confirm your activities, visas and budget, and whether SHAMS is the right zone.
Documents
Passport copies, application forms and business details — mostly signed online.
Licence
The free zone approves your activities and issues the licence and establishment card.
Visas, bank & tax
Residence visas, bank account file and Corporate Tax registration.
Frequently asked questions
Is SHAMS only for media companies?
No. SHAMS began with media and creative activities but now offers a wide range of consulting, marketing and trading activities.
Can I set up SHAMS remotely?
Most of the process can be done online. You'll need to visit the UAE for residence visa steps if you apply for a visa.
Can a SHAMS company sponsor my family?
Once you hold a residence visa through the company, family sponsorship may be possible under the UAE's general rules, subject to salary and documents.
SHAMS or a Dubai free zone?
SHAMS can be a cost-effective choice when a Dubai address isn't important. If you need Dubai mainland access, a Dubai free zone may suit better. We compare them for your case.
Is SHAMS right for you?
Book a short online meeting. We'll compare SHAMS with one or two alternatives for your activity and send a written quote for the option that looks most suitable.