Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) is a 10-minute drive from the Sharjah International Airport and a 20-minute drive from the Dubai International Airport. Being located in the 3rd largest emirate, after Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it offers entrepreneurs ample opportunities for business growth. 

SHAMS started its operation back in January 2017 and is one of the significant developing free zones in the UAE. Upon its operation, its primary focus was to build itself as the most prominent and reliable free zone for Media and Creative business. After achieving this milestone, SHAMS expanded its activity list and provided various activities to attract customers worldwide. 

This free zone is actively involved within the market. SHAMS frequently organizes events for companies, providing an interactive platform that its customers can use as a marketing tool.

One of the main benefits of establishing a company in SHAMS is that it provides a corporate license with six visas without a need to have an office space. This free zone’s sound and transparent approach provides the most satisfactory solution to clients looking to operating a business inside the UAE or internationally.

Benefits of SHAMS:

• 100% ownership of the business
• No capital requirement
• 100% import and export tax exemption within the Free Zone
• The license can be obtained within 48 hours
• Offers a wide range of offices, warehouses, and lands
• Access to the full range of activities
• Allocation of up to 6 visas on a shared desk facility
• Streamlined visa process
• No physical presence of the shareholders
• No requirement of NOC from the existing sponsor
• Located 10 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport

Types of license available:

• General trading license
• Commercial license
• Industrial license
• Service license
• Holding license
• FreeLancer license

OBTAINING LICENSE IN THE SHAMS:

Company incorporation in SHAMS starts with choosing the suitable activity as per the list provided by the Free Zone Authority. After the business activity is selected, the next step is to choose a trading name. Usually, three business names are provided to the free zone in a sequence manner. Suppose a name is not similar to any other already established trade name; in that case, such shall be approved by the free zone authorities.

Upon choosing all the above and after providing the documents, including but not limited to: 

• A passport copy 
• Visa page copy 
• Entry stamp
• Memorandum
• Article of Association

Post submission of these documents, the file is processed for security approval. Upon reviewing the documents provided, it is at the sole discretion of the free zone authority to accept or reject the applications.

Once initial approval is received, and the license fee is paid, the free zone issues the license. 

Obtaining a license takes approximately 3 to 4 working days from the day all the documents were submitted to the Freezone. 

From our experience, professional attitude, and transparent services, we can assist you in acquiring a free zone license more efficiently. For details or inquiries about our value-added services, kindly contact us at info@awsadvocates.com or call us at 045547635.