Sharjah Media City
Shams Free Zone company setup with Instacorp
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a creative-first free zone that blends affordable licences, flexible workspaces and a supportive community for media, digital and service businesses. Instacorp handles the entire process – from free zone comparison to visas, banking and tax.
Shams key points
- Based in Al Messaned, Sharjah with more than 2 million m² of planned free zone area.
- Created by Emiri decree as a media and creative ecosystem, now home to a wide variety of service and trading companies.
- Designed as a digital-first authority that supports remote incorporation and electronic signatures.
- Offers affordable licence bundles with the ability to include multiple related activities on one licence.
- Backed by the government of Sharjah, providing a modern workspace community with events and training.
Why founders pick Shams
- 100 percent foreign ownership with no need for a local partner.
- Cost-effective licence pricing, especially for media and professional service activities.
- Multiple activities on one licence, reducing the need for additional approvals as you diversify services.
- Remote company setup options that keep travel optional until you need visas.
- Access to UAE residency visas for founders and talent, with straightforward renewals.
- Creative ecosystem with networking, training and shared production spaces.
Licensing scope
Shams licence types & activities
Media licences
Content creation, digital marketing, production, publishing, design studios, podcasting, audio/video services.
Services & consultancy licences
Business consultancy, IT and software services, education support, creative tech, training and coaching.
Trading licences
Wholesale, retail and e-commerce trading for selected goods categories with modest warehousing requirements.
Light industrial & support
Packaging, light production or back-office support functions where facilities are available and approvals granted.
Workspaces & facilities
- Shared and dedicated desks in collaborative workspaces with high-speed connectivity.
- Private offices and studios with access to printers, editing suites and meeting rooms.
- Event spaces, podcast rooms and media studios for campaign work or content production.
- Visa allowances that scale with the chosen facility package, making it easy to grow from solo to team setups.
Shams is ideal for
Media & content creators
Agencies, studios, production houses and independent creatives.
Digital services companies
Design, SEO, social media and creative tech teams operating remotely.
Freelancers & consultants
Legitimate, low-cost licence to serve UAE and international clients.
Boutique trading / e-commerce
Small-scale product businesses that need a compliant UAE entity without large warehousing.
Second licence seekers
Businesses adding a related line of business or testing new creative offerings.
Need heavy warehousing or port-side infrastructure? Instacorp will compare alternatives such as SAIF Zone, Hamriyah or Dubai-based options before you decide.
How Instacorp helps
Shams company setup with Instacorp
Free zone comparison & suitability
We benchmark Shams against other UAE free zones and mainland options for your budget, sector and hiring roadmap.
Licence & activity planning
Map your services to the Shams activity list, ensuring licence wording that banks, partners and advertisers will accept.
Application & incorporation
We prepare your documentation, submit through official portals, coordinate e-signatures and share every approval milestone.
Visa processing & Emirates ID
End-to-end coordination for owner and staff visas, medical tests, biometrics and Emirates ID issuance.
Banking, VAT & corporate tax
Bank-ready compliance packs, introductions (where appropriate) and federal VAT/corporate tax registrations with the Ministry of Finance and FTA.
Renewals & compliance
Licence, visa and tax renewal reminders plus support with Shams regulatory updates.
FAQs
Shams Free Zone FAQs
Can I set up a Shams company remotely?
Yes. Many zero-visa structures can be incorporated entirely online. You may need to travel later for residency visas, biometrics or certain banking appointments. Instacorp plans the process around your travel schedule.
How many activities can I include on a Shams licence?
Shams typically allows multiple related activities on a single licence, which is ideal for agencies offering a mix of services. We help you select compliant combinations so your licence mirrors your real operations.
Is Shams only for media companies?
No. Although it was founded as a media-focused free zone, Shams now covers a wide range of services, consultancy and selected trading activities. The ecosystem retains a creative feel but the licence list is broader.
How long does company formation take?
Incorporation can often be completed in around a week once documents are ready and approved. Visa and banking timelines depend on your structure, risk profile and chosen bank. You get a clear timeline before you start.
Do Shams companies register for VAT and corporate tax?
Yes. Shams entities follow the UAE’s federal VAT rules and Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 for corporate tax. Instacorp handles VAT registration when thresholds are met and ensures you are registered with the Ministry of Finance / FTA for corporate tax compliance.
Shams Online Setup
Set up your Shams licence without stepping into an office
Skip the repetitive phone calls and paper chasing. Instacorp’s portal handles your Shams licence, visas and banking logistics end-to-end so you always know what’s next and never have to repeat yourself to multiple agents.
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