Business Setup In SHAMS- Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Business Setup In SHAMS Media City Free Zone

Why Should Businesses Utilize SHAMS- Sharjah Media City Free Zone?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has separated its geographical territory based on business licences into Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore. Company formation in Sharjah is one of the UAE’S seven Emirates and is positioned third after Abu Dhabi and Dubai for company setup.


Business setup in (SHAMS) Sharjah media city free zone, Sharjah, launched in 2017. The city is dynamic and has many cultures. The UAE trade-free zone attracts many foreign investors each year. It offers benefits, facilities for media activities, and high-quality services.


Despite being a media-free zone, SHAMS is home to various businesses engaged in service distribution, transformation, and reproduction. SHAMS is located a distance from Dubai International Airport, 15 minutes away, and Sharjah International Airport, 5 minutes away.


Its goal is to boost commercial activity in the United Arab Emirates. The SHAMS community provides a special setting where people may flourish, develop their abilities, and build relationships with others.

SHAMS Free Zone Business Activity List

SHAMS free zone offers various business activities to investors and entrepreneurs as follows:

  • Travel agency
  • Wholesale
  • Trading
  • Auditing and Bookkeeping
  • Information services
  • E-commerce, advertising, and publishing services.
  • Insurance and education services.
  • Science development and research.

Different Types Of Licences In Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Choose any business licence according to your business activity.

Trading License


This licence is valid for selling certain services and trading goods within SHAMS. It includes all the activities of importing and exporting goods, rendering services, and wholesale.

Industrial License


Within SHAMS, this license is valid and permits you to reproduce, produce semi-finished or fully finished goods, and transform and manufacture goods and products.

Service License


Under SHAMS, you can officially run these services- Distribution, reproduction, production, and transformation of services with the service license.

Holding License


For holding a license, trademarks, assets and stocks, and patents are mandatory within SHAMS.

Business Setup In SHAMS Media City Free Zone

Benefits Of Business Setup In Sharjah Media City Free Zone

  • With minimum or maximum investment, you can start a business in SHAMS according to your budget.
  • There is no personal income or company tax.
  • It offers 100% business ownership.
    SHAMS offers no down payment facility.
  • It offers no restriction of up to 6 visa permits based on your business need.
  • It is located in a profitable location, where two major international airports are nearby.
  • Physical attendance of the owner is optional for a company setup.
  • It provides a limited liability position for all companies.

SHAMS Free Zone Business Set Up Cost

The cost of obtaining a license from the Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) can vary depending on several factors such as the type of business activity, the type of license, the duration of the license, and any additional services you may require. However, to provide you with a general idea, here are some typical costs associated with obtaining a SHAMS license:

1. License Fee: The license fee is the primary cost associated with obtaining a SHAMS license. The fee can vary depending on the type of business activity you intend to conduct. SHAMS offers various types of licenses including trading, service, and freelance permits, each with its associated fee structure.
2. Registration Fee: There may be a one-time registration fee payable when setting up a company in SHAMS. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing your application.
3. Visa Costs: If you plan to apply for visas for yourself or your employees, there will be additional costs associated with visa processing, medical tests, Emirates ID, etc. These costs can vary depending on the number of visas required and other factors.
4. Office Space Rental: If you require physical office space for your business operations, you will need to factor in the cost of renting office space within the SHAMS free zone. The cost of office space can vary depending on factors such as location, size, and facilities.
5. Additional Services: SHAMS may offer additional services such as visa processing assistance, company formation assistance, legal services, etc., which may incur additional costs.

It’s important to note that these costs are subject to change, and it’s advisable to contact SHAMS directly or visit their official website to get the most up-to-date information on licensing fees and associated costs. Additionally, consulting with a business setup advisor or a legal expert familiar with SHAMS procedures can help you understand the complete cost structure and requirements for setting up your business in the free zone.

Office Facility In SHAMS

The SHAMS company development must find a location within this free zone. A Flexi-desk is not, by default, part of the setup package. To guarantee easy compliance with banking rules, it is advised to have one.


The following are the office facilities:

  • Dedicated office(owned or rented for a long term).
  • Flexi desk ( to reduce office space).
  • Shared office(multiple teams or companies under one roof).
  • Dedicated desk( rented out for some time).

Two Types Of Companies In The Sharjah Free Zone

Under the Sharjah free zone, two categories of companies formed as follows:

  • The SHAMS branch of the foreign company
  • The SHAMS limited liability company.

SHAMS Free Zone Business Set Up Processing Time

the processing time for obtaining a license from the Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS) can vary depending on several factors, including the type of license you are applying for and the completeness of your application. Generally, SHAMS aims to streamline its processes to facilitate quick setup for businesses. Here are some points to consider regarding the processing time:

  1. Preparation of Documents: The processing time can be influenced by how quickly you can prepare and submit all the required documents. Make sure you have all necessary paperwork in order before initiating the application process.
  2. Type of License: The processing time may vary depending on the type of license you are applying for. Different types of licenses may have different requirements and processing timelines.
  3. Review Process: Once you’ve submitted your application and documents, SHAMS will review them for compliance. The time taken for this review can vary depending on the workload of the free zone authority and the complexity of your application.
  4. Communication and Follow-Up: Keeping in touch with SHAMS and promptly responding to any queries or requests for additional information can help expedite the process.
  5. External Factors: Occasionally, external factors such as holidays, government regulations, or unforeseen circumstances may affect processing times.

While SHAMS aims to process applications efficiently, it’s advisable to check directly with SHAMS or consult their official website for the most up-to-date information on processing times. They may provide estimated timelines or updates on any changes in procedures that could affect processing times. Additionally, reaching out to a business setup consultant familiar with SHAMS procedures can provide you with insights and assistance in navigating the application process

 

Steps For Company Formation In SHAMS Free Zone

Choose Your Business Name


Be careful when choosing your business name; first, it should be unique without duplication. Second, it should match all rules in the application form without being offensive towards any caste or religion. It should be written in both English and Arabic.

Pick A Business Activity


Before choosing a business activity, please go through the SHAMS online site to decide which business activity you choose from the list it offers. Various business licence possibilities, including industrial, trade, holding, and service licences, are available on the website.

Choose A Office Location


There is no restriction in choosing a location in SHAMS free zone. But it is better to consider a few factors, such as budget, number of employees, etc. while choosing a location. Select whether you go with shared office space, dedicated office, flexi desk, or dedicated desk according to your business requirement.

Register For A Business License


After considering the above criteria apply for a business license for smooth and officially running business operations. Submit all the required documents as follows:

  • Your recent passport-sized images.
  • At least three name suggestions for the business.
  • The copy of the passport.
  • Copy of visa and entry stamp.

Submit the required documents for the branch

  • Certification of incorporation.
  • Memorandum and article of association
  • Certificate of valid trade license.
  • Power of attorney for the third party and board resolution giving signed authorisation.

Open A Bank Account


For smooth business transactions in the future, consider opening a bank account. This helps owners or entrepreneurs run businesses smoothly by making domestic and international transactions through banks without any hustles.

Documents Mandatory For Business Setup In Sharjah Free Zone


Submit the required documents for corporate shareholders.

  • Power of attorney for the third party and board resolution giving signed authorisation.
  • Certificate of valid trade license.
  • Board resolution for new branch setup.
  • Board resolution for the new company setup.
  • Memorandum and article of association
  • Certification of incorporation.

In the case of an individual shareholder, only power of attorney for the third party and board resolution giving signed authorisation is required.

Characteristics SHAMS Offers For Business Setup


Characteristics Of The SHAMS Company Setup

  • The free zone authorities’ policies and guidelines govern the businesses in SHAMS LLC.
  • The free zone authority is optional to receive the audited yearly accounts from Sharjah Media City LLC.
  • Sharjah Media City can be formed with as few as one shareholder or as many as 50.
  • The money raised by SHAMS LLC may be utilised to fund its operations. The capital amount’s initial investment is optional.
  • The shareholder may be a person or a corporation.

Characteristics Of The SHAMS Branch Office.

  • Only one manager is needed for the branch.
  • Typically, a branch is a division of the main firm.
  • It is optional to submit the audited financials to the FZ authorities.
  • They don’t have a minimum capital requirement.
  • There aren’t any unique implementation guidelines specific to the branch office in the free zone.
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