Why Start Your Business in SHAMS Free Zone?

Business in SHAMS Free Zone

Selecting a location for setting up your business is as important as the idea itself in today's busy and rapidly changing world of business. The Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone presents one of the region's most dynamic, cost-efficient, and entrepreneur-friendly ecosystems for aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to establish the business in the UAE. The free zone was formed in 2017, and it is built with the objective of nurturing and developing start-ups, creatives, SMEs, and foreign investors with the ultimate vision of making Sharjah a premier media and innovation hub in the Middle East.

When it comes to the modern and up-to-date approach to company formation, the SHAMS Free Zone becomes prominent. With 100% ownership by foreigners; cheap licensing options as well as no minimum capital requirement; and the possibility of establishing the company without a physical office, SHAMS keeps the door on becoming a business owner wide open-relatively to all from a sole proprietor to a digital nomad to an expanding enterprise. Modern airports as well as seaports grant excellent accessibility, while a pro-business policy from the government encourages innovation and growth.

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone is an excellent location to start your business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It attracts entrepreneurs from all around the world to begin their business. 

There are countless reasons to begin your business here. In this article, we will disclose the top reasons that make this free zone an ideal location. You will also get a quick overview of the SHAMS Free Zone.

SHAMS Free Zone – Overview

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone was launched in 2017. It is a free zone that provides cost-effective business opportunities for creative business owners, freelancers, companies, and SMEs. Despite being the newest free zone, it is immensely growing with unimaginable speed.  

It is also a one-stop destination to set up your organisation in the UAE. This free zone has transformed it into a global hub for business due to its world-class business environment, exclusive benefits, and specialized facilities. 

The list of allowable ventures has not ended here. There are countless businesses to run in this free zone. It allows you to choose a business activity from 120 activities. Do you know the best part? You are allowed to choose to combine many business activities under a single business license. 

Top Reasons to Initiate a Business in SHAMS Free Zone

When it comes to reasons to start a business in SHAMS, you can find countless reasons that will push you to begin your venture here. Here are some of the top reasons to begin your business journey in this region:

1. Wide variety of business activity

Indeed, the SHAMS free zone is dedicated to the media industry. Still, you can run a business related to other sectors. Let’s look at the top ventures that you can start here:

(I) Media service: As mentioned before, the location is perfect for initiating ventures related to the media sector. Whether you want to begin your media training business, influencer marketing, or other filming service, the free zone lets you open any organization related to the filming sectors. It is also ideal for beginning a venture related to the gaming sector. 

(ii) Manufacturing: The SHAMS is also the best for manufacturing. You can start various kinds of manufacturing startups, like repairing and installation of machinery. On top of that, you can consider beginning a venture related to printing manufacturing. This is not the end as you can begin a wide range of manufacturing ventures here. 

(iii) Transportation and storage: It also allows you to start a business related to transportation. You can also consider beginning a cargo handling venture. It would also be best to enter into a business that involves courier activities. 

2. New facilities for media companies

SHAMS keeps introducing new facilities to empower media businesses to become a world-class media hub for innovations and creativity. It focuses on boosting power within talented people and fosters a creative-friendly environment. 

Shams Media Service (a subsidiary of Shams) developed a collaboration with OMNES Media in 2023 to introduce its influencer platform. It enables business sectors to connect directly with top influencers for marketing and promotional campaign requirements. 

This is only an example of new facilities. There are many facilities that exist in this free zone.

3. 100% Foreign Ownership 

SHAMS allows you to have 100%  ownership of your business in this area. It means that you do not require a local sponsor or partner to start your venture here. You can retain complete control of your business operation. On top of that, you can solely make any decision related to your venture by starting your business here. 

4. Cost-effective business solution 

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is popular for offering low-cost business solutions within the UAE. You can choose a reliable company setup option beginning from AED 5750*. It is especially beneficial for those people who have a low budget to run a venture.  On top of that, it lets people with lower budgets establish their organization within a region. 

5. Tax benefits

You can enjoy significant tax benefits by initiating your organization in this region. It offers 0% personal or corporate tax if you earn up to AED 375,000*. On top of that, no export or import duty will significantly decrease the operational cost of a company. However, you are subjected to only 9% corporate tax if you earn more than AED 375,000*. 

6. Strategic location 

The Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is also located at an impressive location to empower businesses. Sharjah International Airport is located at a distance of 15 minutes from this region. Furthermore, you can reach Dubai International Airport in just a half hour from this area. It is helpful for businesses that import or export goods. 

7. Visas allocation

You can also get a visa allocation opportunity by beginning your business in this free zone. It allows you to sponsor up to 12 visas.  Whether you want to sponsor your employee or family member, you can easily sponsor them. 

8. Simple registration process

Last but not least, you can easily complete the whole business registration in this free zone. The best thing is that it provides you an opportunity to complete the registration process online. It frees up your precious time for other complicated tasks. 

9. Entrance to a Thriving Community of Businesses

SHAMS is designed to bring together like-minded businesses, thereby creating a dynamic and collaborative business environment such that brings innovative ideas to life. Being entirely focused on the media and creative industries, this free zone creates an environment that strongly encourages networking, partnerships with other businesses, and knowledge sharing. ​

10. Government Policies to Support the Business

Sharjah's government is really supporting entrepreneurial activities and innovation. This is further reflected by the many support programs and incentives that the government has towards businesses operating within SHAMS. These programs accompany funding, mentorship, and training avenues to enable businesses to overcome hurdles while steering them towards permanent success.

How can Flyingcolour Business Setup help you?

Flyingcolour Business Setup is a complete assisting hand for entrepreneurs trying to set up a business in SHAMS Free Zone, one of the most inexpensive and lively free zones in the UAE. Our experts guide clients through all the steps of the business setup process, including the selection of suitable business activity and legal structure and issuing the necessary licenses and approvals. Being in the field for many years with the extensive knowledge of UAE regulations, Flyingcolour Business Setup takes the sting out of the complex processes of setting up companies.

We take care of all paperwork, submissions, and coordination with SHAMS authorities to guarantee smooth and error-free registration. We also extend PRO services to help clients with visa, Emirates ID, and medical clearance requirements. Aiding foreign investors with opening a corporate bank account is most valuable-the one step in the entire setup process that can sometimes prove the greatest challenge. Besides that, we also offer post-setup services including accounting, VAT registration, and business license renewal to ensure that your firm remains compliant and operational. Whether you are a startup, freelancer, or an international investor, we remove the guesswork and stress of setting up in SHAMS Free Zone, so you can concentrate on growing your business in an extremely nurturing and entrepreneur-friendly environment.

SHAMS free zone is among the growing free zones in the UAE. However, it is mainly created to support the media sector. Still, you can also start businesses in other industries. The reasons mentioned in this article are just a teaser. There are countless other reasons to begin a business in the SHAMS free zone. 

Whether you want to start a media company, manufacturing business, or other venture, Flyingcolour Business Setup will guide you at every step in beginning your business. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the minimum share capital to commence business in SHAMS?

A1: Minimum share capital is not enforced by SHAMS; it is for people willing to set up a business on any financial support. 

Q2: Can I do profit repatriation in SHAMS?

A2: Yes, SHAMS grants total freedom for 100% repatriation of profits and capital for the owners. 

Q3: Is a local partner needed in SHAMS?

A3: No, SHAMS allows for 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or partner required. 

Q4: What is the time frame required for company incorporation in SHAMS?

A4: Under SHAMS, the incorporation procedure is so operational that businesses can frequently be up and running in just a few days. 

Q5: Are there hidden costs in SHAMS?

A5: SHAMS is considered entirely transparent in pricing, with no hidden costs or expenses. Thus, firms can forecast their expenses.

To learn more about Why Start Your Business in SHAMS Free Zone? book a free consultation with one of the Flyingcolour team advisors.

The article was published on 16/11/2024. 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.