Launch Your Dream Business in Shams Free Zone

How to Launch Your Dream Business in Shams Free Zone?

If you are planning to start your business in the UAE, the Shams Free Zone business setup can be one of the smartest choices in 2025. This free zone is located in Sharjah Media City, known as Shams, and offers flexibility and affordability for businesses. It also provides a fast-tracked company formation process for entrepreneurs, startups, and global investors. If you are in media, trading, consultancy, or e-commerce, Shams Free Zone provides a modern business environment with less paperwork and more support. 

At Flyingcolour Business Setup, we help aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality with seamless business formation services. We have years of experience in the UAE free zone company formation and provide proper guidance to our clients with documentation, licensing, visas, and compliance. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to launch your dream business in Shams Free Zone.

What is Shams Free Zone?

Sharjah Media City (Shams) was established in 2017, and its main purpose is to attract creative, tech-savvy, and innovative entrepreneurs to Sharjah. Over time, Shams has grown into a complete free zone with more than 120 business activities. The main business activities of Shams Free Zone are media, trading, consultancy, IT services, education, marketing, and design. 

Shams offers 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal tax. You can quickly set up your business starting from AED 5,750, and it makes it one of the most affordable and investor-friendly zones in the UAE. 

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Shams Free Zone

If you want to set up a company in Shams Free Zone, it comes with many strategic and financial benefits, such as:

• 100% Foreign Ownership: There is no need for a local sponsor or a UAE national shareholder to start a business. 
• Affordable Packages: The Cost of a business license is less compared to the other UAE free zones. 
• Quick Setup: Fast formation of the company and license can be issued within 2 to 3 working days. 
• Wide Range of Business Activities: You can choose from over 120 permitted business activities across the various industries. 
• No Tax: There is low personal income tax, and corporate tax on most business activities under the UAE rules. 
• Possibility of Virtual Office/Shared Office Spaces: This is perfect for freelancers and small digital entrepreneurs!
• Up to 6 Visas on a Single License: The business owner can get 6 types of visas, including investor and employee visas. 

Types of Licenses in Shams Free Zone

Shams Free Zone offers four types of business licenses, and these licenses are depends on the nature of your business activity:

• Service License: It is for service providers such as consultants, IT firms, media agencies, and freelancers. 
• Trading License: This license is used for buying, selling, or distributing goods. 
• Industrial License: It is for the manufacturing or light production (off-site) services. 
• Holding License: This type of license is used to manage the subsidiaries and assets. 

Each license type covers a different business activity, and under one license, you can pursue one business activity. It helps to make the process more flexible and cost-efficient. 

Steps by Step Guide to Starting a Business in Shams Free Zone

1. Define Your Business Activity 

The first step is to decide the primary and secondary business activities you plan to conduct. The Shams Free Zone provides over 120 business options and you can choose one or more activities according to your niche. 

2. Choose Your Business Name 

Select a trade name that is professional for your business and meets the guidelines of the Shams. You should avoid the names that are religious, offensive, and similar to existing businesses and brands. 

3. Decide the Legal Structure 

Shams allows you to set up as:

• LLC (Limited Liability Company) is one of the most popular business structures. 
• The LLC structure is suitable for startups and businesses that need flexibility and protection. 

4. Apply For Initial Approval 

Make sure to submit your business activity details, passport copies, and name reservation to get an initial approval from the Shams Authority for business. 

5. Pay License Fees

Choose your license package according to visa eligibility and office requirements. Shams provides a package ranging from zero-visa (virtual license) to the multi-visa options with shared office space.

6. Receive Trade License

When you get approval, you will receive your trade license and certificate of incorporation. This process usually takes 48 to 72 hours to complete.

7. Complete Visa Applications

You can apply for the investor and employee visa once you sign the establishment cards. You also have to apply for medical tests (as instructed) and apply for an Emirates ID to complete the entire visa process.

8. Open a Corporate Bank Account

You can open a UAE corporate bank account once you have completed the license and visa process. Flyingcolour Business Setup will assist you in choosing a bank and completing the process.

Documents Required for Shams Free Zone Company Setup 

To launch your company in Shams Free Zones, you need basic documents such as:

• A passport copy of the shareholders
• Passport-size photo with a white background 
• Proof of residence (for some of the business activity)
• Name approval and activity selection form 
• Application form provided by Shams 

If you want to set up a branch of an existing company, then you will also need, Certificate of incorporation.

Why Go With Flyingcolour Business Setup Formation for Shams Free Zone?

At Flyingcolour Business Setup, we work with investors through all processes involved in Shams Free Zone company registration and are committed to providing an efficient, clear, and smooth business experience. Here's why we are your perfect partner:

•  Business set-up consultation and advice free of charge, estimates of license costs, etc.
•  Extensive documentation assistance, document submission, and accurate information on all documentation.
•  Business name reservation and business activity selection
•  Visa processing and medical test appointments
•  Open a business account in a top UAE bank
•  Scope of services: post-license (other registration); e.g., VAT registration, accounting

All of our consultants are familiar with UAE laws and have assisted thousands of clients with incidents where we started a business every day in Sharjah Media City and across the UAE free zones.

Current Business Activities Trends in Shams Free Zone (2025)

Below is a list of some of the popular and in-demand activities that you could register for in Shams:

• Digital Marketing Services
• IT Consulting
• Graphic Design & Branding
• Online Trading (E-Commerce)
• Photography & Videography Services
• Business Consulting
• Software Development
• Human Resources & Recruitment Services

If you are a one-person business or leading a global team remotely, start businesses in Sharjah Media City and other UAE free zones.

In Conclusion

Starting your dream business in Shams Free Zone is affordable and profitable. The procedures are streamlined, and there is a range of licenses available, with 100% foreign ownership. Entrepreneurs can get the benefits of the growth of their business in the UAE. Shams provides the right balance of responsiveness, speed, and affordability, whether you are an inexperienced founder or moving your existing business into the global market.

Let Flyingcolour Business Setup guide you through the process with expert advice, solutions that are available to you. We ensure your business journey of exploration, ideas, business set up, and incorporation is as smooth as possible.

FAQs - Shams Free Zone Business Setup

Q1. How much time does it take to get a business set up in Shams Free Zone?

A: The license process takes approximately 2 to 3 working days after documentation submission and approvals have been received.

Q2. Can I get a visa after I receive the Shams Free Zone license?

A: Yes. You may apply for 1 to 6 visas based on whichever license package you choose, whether as an investor or employee.

Q3. What is the minimum business start-up cost in Shams Free Zone?

A: The minimum start-up cost is approximately AED 5,750 for a zero-visa package, as just an example. The start-up cost will vary according to the visa scope for your business and whether office space is required.

Q4. Can Flyingcolour Business Setup assist with the opening of a bank account once the license has been issued?

A: Yes. We assist our clients with preparing the relevant documentation and connect them to trusted banks in the UAE to enable the setup of the bank account.

Therefore, to learn more about how to launch your dream business in Shams Free Zone, Book a free consultation with one of the Flyingcolour team advisors.

The article was published on 30/06/2025. It is important to note that the federal policies and updates mentioned may have changed since then. For the most current information, please contact our consultant!