Setting up your business in Shams Free Zone gives you the advantage of its strategic location near major ports and airports (approx. 35 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport and 20 minutes drive from Sharjah International Airport) connects you to both local and global markets effortlessly. Combine that with state-of-the-art facilities, and it’s clear why SHAMS is a top choice for business setup in the UAE.
We have created this guide to help you start your business as smoothly as possible in Dubai. We’ll guide you through each step, from choosing the perfect location to dealing with legal requirements and paperwork. You’ll be ready by the end to turn your business dream into reality in one of the most dynamic markets on the planet.
Shams Freezone, located in Sharjah, is among the most modern free zones in the UAE.
Gaining popularity among investors due to its proximity to Dubai.
Offers a broad range of activities, not limited to media.
Unique in having its activity list based on UN standards.
Allows remote company registration with minimal requirements.
Individuals as young as 19 can register a company.
Offers a flexible visa system, allowing up to 12 visas with a flexi desk.
Company renewals can be done remotely, with no audit requirements
Electronic documentation minimizes the risk of lost papers.
Medical insurance is a requirement for visa applications.
Certain limitations exist for women wishing to sponsor their children.
An attractive option for startups due to low costs and more visa allowances.
Without any Visa
With ONE Visa
SHAMS Free Zone is built for businesses like yours. Ready to take the next step? Get guidance from experts.
If you’re a creative professional or independent contractor, this one’s for you. It’s cost-effective and gives you the freedom to manage your work. Writers, designers, and artists can thrive with this flexible option.
Start by understanding your business activities. Are you offering services, selling products, or working as a freelancer? Think about your future plans, too. Will you keep things small or expand globally?
First Idea Consultant makes this process easy. Our team provides step-by-step assistance, ensuring you select the right fit. With flexibility and tailored options, you’ll find the support you need to succeed.
No matter the industry, First Idea Consultant has you covered.
| Category | Activity Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Media | 1811 | Printing of books, newspapers, maps, and other materials |
| 5911.01 | Motion picture, video, and television program production activities | |
| 5920.01 | Production of original sound recordings such as CDs and tapes | |
| 9040 | Development of digital and interactive games | |
| 9000.17 | E-gaming services & solutions | |
| Wholesale & Retail | 4530.01 | Wholesale and retail of vehicle parts and accessories |
| 4641.05 | Wholesale of clothing, including sports clothes | |
| 4711.01 | Retail sale of food items and beverages in non-specialized stores | |
| 4764.01 | Retail sale of games and toys | |
| 4791.02 | Online retail sales | |
| Services & Consultancy | 6201.01 | Design of software, databases, and web pages |
| 7320.01 | Market research and public opinion polling | |
| 7020.12 | Digital content management consultancy | |
| 7490.21 | Human resources consultancy | |
| 8211.01 | Provision of corporate administrative services | |
| Manufacturing | 1811.02 | Printing directly onto textiles, plastic, glass, metal, and ceramics |
| 1820.03 | Reproduction from master copies of software and data | |
| Information Technology | 5820.01 | Publishing of ready-made software including operating systems and applications |
| 6209.11 | IT security management | |
| 6311.01 | Provision of infrastructure for hosting and data processing services | |
| 6312.01 | Operation of web portals | |
| Professional Services | 7310.11 | Digital Marketing |
| 7410.03 | Activities of graphic designers | |
| 7420.01 | Photography for commercials and consumers | |
| 7490.08 | Security consulting | |
| Creative Arts | 9000.01 | Production of live theatrical presentations, concerts, and stage productions |
| 9000.12 | Performing arts management | |
| 9011 | Costume design | |
| 9062 | Film-making training | |
| Real Estate | 6810.01 | Buying, selling, and renting of real estate properties |
| 6820.11 | Real estate consultancy | |
| Construction | 4321.01 | Installation of electrical wiring and fittings |
| 4322.01 | Installation of heating, cooling, and air-conditioning systems | |
| 4329.01 | Installation of elevators, escalators, and automated doors |
Can’t find your desired activity? With SHAMS’ extensive range and expert guidance, we’ll help craft the perfect business solution for you—contact us today!
Your license is your gateway to operating legally. Fees start from as low as AED 5,750. It’s a small investment for a big opportunity. One thing that you should remember is that the cost can vary depending on your selection of business activities.
Want to sponsor yourself or your team? Our Visa package is affordable and covers all the essentials.
A single visa costs around 3,500 AED having a validity of 2 years. Hence, you can calculate the total visa cost by multiplying this figure with the total number of desired visas.
| Description | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Residence Permit | 1,600 |
| Emirates ID | 370 |
| E-channel Registration | 2,300 |
| Medical | 750 |
IFZA Free Zone license starts at AED 12,900.
Meydan Free Zone license starts at AED 12,500.
SHAMS pricing begins at just AED 5,750, offering incredible value for entrepreneurs on a budget.
With setup costs starting below AED 6,000, entrepreneurs save big compared to other free zones.
Visa packages are competitive, reducing one of the biggest operational costs.
Administrative services and support ensure a seamless, cost-effective process.
Get started today and keep more of your resources for what really matters—growing your business!
A copy of your passport having at least 6-months validity
Passport-sized photograph with a white background
Updated resume/CV
Three options for company business name
Chosen business activities
Entry stamp or UAE visa copy (if applicable)
Chosen business activities
Three options for company business name
Board resolution authorizing the setup in SHAMS
Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
Passport copies and photographs of shareholders
Here’s a quick breakdown of the process to set up your business in SHAMS Free Zone:
The type of business activity you choose will determine your license category. SHAMS offers various options, including media, trading, consulting, and more. Define your core offerings and pick the activity that fits
SHAMS provides flexible license options, such as service licenses, trading licenses, or industrial licenses. Office solutions include shared desks, dedicated office spaces, and even virtual offices for cost-conscious businesses.
Our all packages include the basic Flexi Desk option in a co-working space.
Once your business activity and office type are finalized, submit the collected documents to SHAMS authorities. Accuracy is key here—double-check your forms and paperwork to avoid delays.
After document submission, you’ll proceed with registration. SHAMS has simplified the process, allowing most setups to be completed electronically. Pay the applicable registration and license fees to confirm your application.
Once approved, you’ll receive your trade license, granting the legal authority to start operations.
You will also receive an Establishment Card (also known as an Immigration Card) as proof of business legally operating in UAE. This card is necessary for sponsoring your employees’ residence visas.
An entry permit is your ticket to stay and work in the UAE legally. If you’re on a tourist visa, you’ll need to switch to a residence visa. If you’re outside the UAE, come into the country, get your entry permit stamped, and then move forward with the residence visa process.
Don’t forget to submit all the required documents to keep things running smoothly.
Everyone applying for a residence visa must pass a medical checkup. It’s a simple process and one of the essential steps to ensure you’re healthy and ready to live in the UAE.
Your Emirates ID is like a key to your new life in the UAE. It’s a government-issued card that you’ll need for almost everything, from signing contracts to opening a bank account.
Visit one of the Emirates ID centers to complete your biometric procedures. This includes taking your fingerprints and a photo. It’s a quick step, but very important.
Once your medical results and biometrics are ready, you can complete the visa process. Keep in mind that health insurance is mandatory for your residence visa to be approved.
Once everything is done, you’ll receive your electronic visa by email. You can also access it through the UAEICP app for added convenience.
Your Emirates ID card will be delivered within 5-7 days. It’s your official identification in the UAE and a must-have for your business journey.
Once you receive your bank account details, you’re all set! Start managing and growing your business in the UAE.
The SHAMS setup process is one of the fastest in the UAE. Typically, it takes 2–5 working days to complete registration and receive your trade license. However, the timeline might vary depending on your business activity and the accuracy of the submitted documents.
SHAMS provides flexible workspace solutions to match your business size, budget, and operational needs. Here’s what you can expect:
Perfect for freelancers and startups on a budget, the shared desk option offers you access to a professional co-working environment without the high costs of a private office. This setup allows you to work in a shared space alongside dynamic entrepreneurs from different industries. It’s cost-effective and great for networking, but does come with limited privacy.
If flexibility is your top priority—perhaps you work remotely most of the time or only need a workspace occasionally—options like shared or dedicated desks are perfect. They’re light on your wallet and give you access to professional facilities without the commitment of a long-term lease.
On the flip side, if your work involves frequent in-person meetings, sensitive data, or team collaboration, investing in a dedicated office or even a customizable space makes more sense. These setups provide the seclusion and branding capabilities needed to project professionalism and safeguard privacy.
Picking the right office setup depends on your business model, budget, and priorities. Here’s how to weigh your choices:
Hot Tip? Familiarize yourself with VAT reporting—though it’s a streamlined process in SHAMS, staying on top of it helps you avoid penalties and maintain compliance.
Starting your business in SHAMS Free Zone doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The minimum cost of company formation begins at AED 5,750. This entry-level pricing makes SHAMS one of the most affordable free zones in the UAE. Plus, you get access to a business-friendly ecosystem with 100% foreign ownership, a simple registration process, and multiple visa options depending on your requirements. Keep in mind that your final costs may vary depending on additional services or specific business activities you select.
Yes, you absolutely can! SHAMS Free Zone allows you to register your business remotely. Shareholders aren’t required to be physically present in the UAE to complete the process. Instead, you can authorize the setup from anywhere in the world. This flexibility is perfect for international entrepreneurs who want a hassle-free way to tap into the UAE’s booming market without the need for immediate relocation.
SHAMS Free Zone is a hub for creativity and innovation, so it supports a wide range of business activities. These include media services, production, e-commerce, IT services, consulting, event management, and more. Surprisingly, over 120 activities can be combined under the same business license! Whether you’re launching a freelance media business or opening a tech company, SHAMS has a suitable setup option for your business model.
Speed is one of SHAMS’ biggest advantages. The company setup process usually takes between 2 to 5 working days. That’s it! This efficiency means you can begin your operations almost immediately after applying. Their streamlined online registration platform further simplifies the process, making SHAMS one of the fastest free zones in the UAE to start a business.
No, you don’t necessarily need a physical office to set up in SHAMS. They offer flexible options like shared desks or virtual offices, which are more cost-efficient if you don’t require a dedicated workspace. However, if your business needs private offices or customizable spaces, SHAMS has those as well. The freedom to choose your workspace ensures you only pay for what you really need.
From choosing your business activity to setting up your corporate bank account, we handle everything—licenses, visas, tax compliance, and more. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your business is backed by experts who understand every inch of the process.
SHAMS company formation starts from as little as AED 5,750. We offer packages tailored to your goals, ensuring you’re set up for success while staying budget-friendly.
Time is money, and SHAMS makes starting a business fast. With our streamlined approach, your company can be up and running in just 2-5 working days.
Need advice, have questions, or run into hurdles? Our team is always here for you. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized, 24/7 support to our clients.
Whether it’s evaluating whether SHAMS is the right jurisdiction for you or understanding which licenses to apply for, our consultants craft a custom approach based on your business’s unique needs. This way, you can avoid costly mistakes and start strong.
Call us at +971 56 500 6694 or +971 52 581 9500 to speak directly with a business setup expert.
Prefer email? Reach out at info@firstideasetup.com, and we’ll get back to you with clear, actionable advice that fits your specific needs.
Want to explore your options with a dedicated consultant? Visit our office at Crystal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, or schedule a consultation online for a one-on-one session that gets straight to solving your challenges.
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