Set Up Your Creative Business in Shams Free Zone with DubaiSetupNow
If you're considering a startup in the UAE, Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) has set itself as the one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing places for entrepreneurs, creatives, media companies, start-ups and digital innovators. It is designed to enable the creative economy in the UAE and provide practical and affordable access to the UAE by providing affordable company formation packages, flexible visa requirements and 100% ownership for foreign investors.
Since its inception, Shams has attracted thousands of businesses from around the world and provides access to more than 200 licensed activities including those involved with media, marketing, publishing, tech, consultancies, IT services, telecommunications and professional services. This makes it an ideal environment for content creators, e-commerce businesses, advertising agencies, production houses, tech start-ups, and consultancies looking to grow in the UAE and abroad.
At DubaiSetupNow we always ensure that your Shams company setup is not only seamless and stress-free, but strategically aligned with your long-term planning for your business. Whether you are a freelancer interested in a low cost license, an SME bank, ready to expand into the Sharjah and Dubai markets, or a multinational brand exploring a regional headquarter in the UAE, we can tailor our end-to-end advice and assistance to rapidly get your business started
Why Choose Shams Free Zone Business Setup?
Shams Free Zone business setup provides numerous strong benefits to investors, helping to position it as one of the UAE’s most desirable business setup locations. Investors can establish companies with 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation, providing investors complete control of their investment. Shams also offers low starting cost license packages, appealing particularly to startups and freelancers looking to start with limited investment. The free zone has different visa options for owners, employees, and dependents which assists in building the team when the time is to grow, and directly supports foreign entrepreneurs setting up a UAE visa. Shams’ geographically strategic location within Sharjah allows for easy access to Dubai and other emirates and provides businesses with connectivity to regional and international markets. Shams supports many activity options of interests including but not limited to media, IT, telecom, consultancy, publishing, advertising, and creative services, making it an attractive and future-ready business destination for a multitude of diverse industries.
Licenses Offered in Shams Free Zone
- Service License
Ideal for businesses offering consultancy, professional services, and specialized activities. This license covers sectors like IT consultancy, marketing consultancy, management advisory, HR services, media representation, and training institutes, making it suitable for freelancers, agencies, and service-oriented companies.
- · Trading License –
Designed for companies engaged in import, export, distribution, and general trading of goods. Whether it’s consumer products, raw materials, electronics, or fashion items, this license allows businesses to access both UAE and international markets, making it a great choice for trading firms and distribution houses.
Industrial License
Perfect for manufacturing, processing, and packaging businesses. Companies involved in food processing, media equipment production, printing and packaging, or light manufacturing can benefit from Shams Free Zone’s cost-effective infrastructure and facilities.
- Holding License –
A specialized license that allows investors to manage assets, properties, and shares of other companies. It is often chosen by investment firms, family businesses, or multinational corporations that want to hold and manage subsidiaries under one umbrella structure.
Key Activities in Shams Free Zone
Shams is not just for media; it is a diverse free zone supporting multiple industries, making it one of the most flexible and opportunity-rich destinations for investors in the UAE.
1.Printing & Publishing
Shams Free Zone is an excellent hub for the printing and publishing sector, which includes the printing of newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, labels, advertising materials, and packaging. Additionally, the publishing of books, journals, directories, e-books, and periodicals is included that serves both the traditional print and new digital publishing sectors and includes a wide range of material.
2.Film, Media & Broadcasting –
A free zone known for being media friendly, Shams Free Zone covers motion pictures and TV, production, post-production, and film distribution, as well as cinema projection, TV programming, and radio broadcasting. Additional modern-day services such as online streaming, video-on-demand channels, and internet-based broadcasting services make Shams an ideal location for filmmakers, producers, and content creators.
3.Music & Creative Arts
Shams Free Zone also covers businesses engaged in music and music-related creative arts, providing licensing for sound recording, music publishing, event management, music live concerts, theatre operations, artistic performing arts, creative design, photography, and journalism. This will provide ample opportunity for artists, musicians, promoters, and creative agencies.
4.Advertising, Marketing & PR
With a focus on communication, Shams provides support for companies engaged in digital marketing, social media campaigns, online advertising and branding. Public relations consultancy, media buying, market research, media monitoring, and design services are included in Shams as well, making it a one-stop hub for advertising agencies and PR firms wishing to grow in the UAE.
5.IT, Telecom & Digital Services
In accordance with Dubai’s digital vision, Shams provides licenses for software development, computer programming, IT consultancy, app hosting, cloud management, data processing, and cyber security services. Shams also supports wired and wireless telecommunications, VOIP solutions, and satellite communication providers, making it a strong hub for tech startups and IT companies.
6.Consultancy & Professional Services
In addition to creative sectors, Shams provides opportunities for business consultancy, HR consultancy, management advisory, environmental consultancy, and training institutes. Additionally, it includes services based on translation, interpretation, patent brokerage, legal consultancy, and professional training, making it an appealing option for freelancers, advisors, and consulting firms.
Advantages of Shams Free Zone Company Formation
One of the main benefits of the Shams Free Zone is its reputation as one of the cheapest free zones in the UAE. This is particularly beneficial for start-ups, freelancers, and smaller businesses as it allows them to enter the market while keeping initial costs low. All investors can take advantage of the zero tax regime; there are no corporate taxes and personal income taxes, fully repatriating capital and profits means total freedom with finances.
Shams Free Zone also boasts an advantageous location in Sharjah, close access to Dubai, Sharjah International Airport, and key seaports in the UAE makes it well-suited for trade and logistics. There is a long list of activities available to companies, accommodating a wide range of business types including digital ones, content creating, IT companies, marketing agencies, and media production businesses. Shams Free Zone is unique with an easy and expeditious process that can also be executed same-day for licence issuance. This allows entrepreneurs the ability to set up their business and access a system quicker than for the other free zones.
Why Work with DubaiSetupNow?
DubaiSetupNow goes beyond the execution of paperwork to bring tangible value to your business. Our experts help you select the best combination of license and activity type that suits your business goals while ensuring your setup is in compliance and profitable. Our relationships with the Shams Free Zone authorities allow us to expedite application approvals, this alone can save you a lot of time! Beyond licenses, we provide comprehensive support with visa processing, corporate banking, and regulatory compliance, so you can devote all of your time to building your business! No matter you are a freelancer starting small ton SME's or Multinational planning to enter UAE, our packages will always be tailored for the stage of growth you're in and put you on a long-term plan for success.
Start Your Shams Journey Today
Shams Free Zone is more than just a free zone — it’s a launchpad for entrepreneurs, digital innovators, media professionals, and global brands who want to build their presence in the UAE. With affordable setup costs, diverse license options, over 200 business activities, and a future-ready ecosystem, it gives you the tools to grow locally and expand globally without limits.
At DubaiSetupNow, we make your Shams company formation simple, strategic, and stress-free. From choosing the right license and activity to handling visas, banking, and compliance, we manage the entire process so you can focus on building your vision.
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