Shams company formation
Create From Sharjah.
Licences for Media and Freelancers.
Set Up With an Accredited Partner.
Shams (Sharjah Media City) licenses media, creative and many professional activities, with lean flexi-desk packages that suit freelancers and small agencies.
Licence packages from AED 5,750
* Indicative starting price for a licence package. Visas, workspace, renewals and government fees vary, and we show government fees at cost. Your written recommendation gives an all-in figure.
Why shams
A Sharjah free zone
for media and creative work.
Shams (Sharjah Media City) licenses media, creative and many professional activities, with lean flexi-desk packages that suit freelancers and small agencies. Packages range by activity, visas and workspace, and we match them to your plan.
Get Your Setup Plan →Create.
Publish.
Freelance.
Grow.
Who shams suits
Shams is often the right fit for.
If Shams isn't the right fit, we'll say so and recommend another zone.
Freelancers
Independent creative and media work
Content Creators
Digital media and influencers
Small Agencies
Marketing and design studios
Consultants
Professional services on a lean budget
Your shams setup
From your Shams licence
to an operating company.
- 01
UAE Business Launch
For founders establishing a Shams company.
- Activity selection
- Name reservation
- Shams licence and incorporation
- Establishment card
- Investor visa
- Bank account preparation
- 02
UAE Business Plus
For owners who want ongoing support after establishment.
- Everything in Launch
- Family and employee visas
- Accounting and tax coordination
- Renewals and amendments
- Workspace upgrades
- 03
Freelance & Creative
For independent professionals and creators.
- Freelance or company option
- Media activity review
- Investor visa
- Banking coordination
- VAT registration check
Licence & structure
Which Shams licence?It depends on your activities.
Shams licenses media, creative and professional activities, and some media activities may need content approvals. Visa allocation depends on your package and workspace. We confirm the right combination before you apply.
Check Your Activities →- Licence Type
- Approvals
- Shareholders
- Visa Allocation
- Workspace
- Renewal Cost
- Tax Position
- Banking Fit
How shams compares
Shams alongside two alternatives.
| Shams (this zone) | SPC Free Zone | Creative City Fujairah | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Sharjah | Sharjah | Fujairah |
| Known for | Media and creative zone, popular with freelancers | Publishing-city zone with a wide range of commercial activities | Low-cost media and creative zone on the east coast |
| Typical fit | Media & creative, consulting & services | Media & creative, consulting & services, trading | Media & creative, consulting & services |
| Workspace options | Flexi-desk | Flexi-desk | Flexi-desk |
We're accredited across all UAE free zones, so the comparison is about fit, not commission.
One relationship
Your Shams licence
is the start of the journey.
Visas, banking, tax registration and renewals follow. CTG manages each step with one team.
The CTG approach
A structured path into Shams.
Step 1: Understand
Your activities, customers, visas and workspace needs.
Step 2: Advise
Shams confirmed as the right fit, or an alternative recommended.
Step 3: Establish
Name, activities, approvals and Shams licence.
Step 4: Activate
Establishment card, visas, bank file and tax registration.
Step 5: Support
Renewals, changes and compliance as you grow.
Common questions
Shams setup,
answered.
How much does a Shams company cost?
Licence packages start from AED 5,750. Your total depends on activity, visas, workspace and renewal rates, and government fees are charged at cost. Your written recommendation gives an all-in figure.
What is Shams?
Shams is Sharjah Media City, a Sharjah free zone for media, creative and professional businesses, including freelancers.
Can I set up a Shams company from abroad?
Incorporation can often start remotely. You'll need to be in the UAE for visa medicals and biometrics, and banks may ask to meet you.
Do I need a physical office?
It depends on your activity and visa needs. We match the workspace to your plans.
How many visas can a Shams company get?
It depends on your package and workspace. Your written recommendation sets out the allocation.
Does a Shams company pay corporate tax?
It's within the UAE corporate tax system. Qualifying income can be taxed at 0% if the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions are met, and other income at 9%.
Shams insights
Make informed decisions before you establish.
Begin your UAE strategy
Is Shams right for your business?
Answer six questions and we'll confirm whether Shams fits, or which zone does.
PrivateStructuredAdvisor-Led