Launch Your Business in SHAMS Free Zone with DubaiSetupNow
Your Creative, Digital, and Freelance Hub in the UAE Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone was created to cater for a new breed of entrepreneurs — content creators, consultants, tech start ups and e-commerce platforms. Whether it be freelancing or starting a full blown agency, SHAMS provides a fast track to operating legally in the UAE. At Dubaisetupnow we do not just get you a license - we help you build a real, compliant and growth ready company.
What Makes SHAMS a Standout Free Zone?
SHAMS is not your regular Free Zone, but the Free Zone designed for digital-first, service-based and creative businesses. Your benefits include:
When you select DMCC, you are giving your business:
- Total foreign ownership — You are 100% owner without the need for a local sponsor.
- No income tax / No corporate tax — You can keep everything you earn and pay zero tax every year.
- Fast processing — Company registration can usually be completed in a few business days.
- Targeting specific industries — Ideal for influencers, developers, consultants, designers and e-commerce traders.
- No obligation to start with physical office space — You can commence with a flexible workspace and even from home.
This is not just another license — it’s a base to build a scalable, future-focused business.
SHAMS License Categories Tailored for Your Industry
SHAMS Free Zone supports a vast number of business activities. Depending on your industry, you can apply for:
Media License
E-commerce License
Consultancy License
Trading License
Freelance Permit
Service License
Each license can be customized to include single or multiple activities — and we help you choose what fits best.
Media License
E-commerce License
Consultancy License
Trading License
Freelance Permit
Service License
Each license can be customized to include single or multiple activities — and we help you choose what fits best.
Workspace Options and Office Flexibility in SHAMS
Unlike traditional Free Zones, SHAMS is built with modern working styles in mind. Whether you need a studio to shoot content or just a trade license for remote work, SHAMS provides:
- Smart desks and flexi-desks for entrepreneurs working remotely or hybrid
- Executive office units for teams or client-facing businesses.
- Studios and podcast rooms for media and audio production.
- Fully-equipped co-working environments with high-speed connectivity.
- On-site lifestyle amenities like cafés, lounges, and fitness areas.
You can operate from home, from a coworking space, or scale to a private office as needed.
How Dubaisetupnow Helps You Launch in SHAMS
At Dubaisetupnow, we don't just file your documentation — we offer an all-inclusive, guided business formation in SHAMS Free Zone. From the first meeting, our team helps you decide which business activity you wish to conduct and reserve a company name in accordance with SHAMS regulations. We will process your applications for licenses, and manage the license process, then obtain your establishment card and create your immigration file.
Once you have legally formed your company, we can process visa applications for your investors and employees and handle the Emirates ID and medical steps. We will walk you through each step of the immigration process. We will also assist you in opening your UAE corporate bank account ensuring you have all the proper documents in place and they're accepted. After your setup, we will handle the renewal of your license, compliance updates, and and we can also offer professional services such as support with branding, profile creation, and web planning. With Dubaisetupnow, we get it right from license to launch with clarity, accuracy, and focus on your business growth.
Top Business Activities Approved in SHAMS
SHAMS continues to expand as a hub for creative and digital businesses. You can legally conduct business in:
- Film production, videography and post-production
- E-commerce marketplaces, digital product sales
- Advertising, PR, and media buying companies
- Business, educational, or financial consulting
- App development and IT services
- Publishing houses and content businesses
- Game design, streaming, and monetized media
- Creative services such as animation, web design or branding
We identify your intended activity along with the legal SHAMS license codes – so there’s no concern for misalignment later.
Visa & Immigration Services for SHAMS Businesses
Getting your visa through SHAMS is easy with our guidance. We handle:
- Investor and shareholder visas
- Employment visas for your staff
- Sponsorship for family members
- Emirates ID and medical fitness coordination
- Visa renewals and status tracking
- Immigration card and PRO services
We ensure your team stays compliant — and your operations are never interrupted.
SHAMS Tax & Financial Advantages
As a UAE Free Zone, SHAMS provides compelling financial incentives:
- 0% Corporate and Personal Income Tax
- Full Repatriation of Profits to your home country
- No audit required for most companies
- No customs duty within the Free Zone
- Optional VAT registration, depending on your turnover
- Bank account opening with UAE and international banks
Our consultants assist in structuring your finances for compliance and scalability.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
In general, the whole company setup process in SHAMS Free Zone takes about 3 to 5 working days to complete, assuming all documents are meticulously prepared, signed, and approved by staff. To alleviate the back and forth delays, it is essential that Dubaisetupnow stops you from submitting any documentation before the paperwork is in check, perfect, and accurate. Thanks to our complete end-to-end coordination, your business can be operational, legally, in less than a week.
In general, the whole company setup process in SHAMS Free Zone takes about 3 to 5 working days to complete, assuming all documents are meticulously prepared, signed, and approved by staff. To alleviate the back and forth delays, it is essential that Dubaisetupnow stops you from submitting any documentation before the paperwork is in check, perfect, and accurate. Thanks to our complete end-to-end coordination, your business can be operational, legally, in less than a week.
Absolutely, SHAMS Free Zone generally provides the right to visas with most license packages. You can apply for either an investor or employment visa even though you start off with either a flexi-desk or remote setup. The total amount of visas will depend on the office facility you chose and the activity specified in your business licensing. We will arrange the entire visa process for you, including medical test, Emirates ID and stamping.
SHAMS is the perfect place for remote business owners and freelancers working from anywhere in the world, they can create a company in a free zone that is fully legit without having to have a permanent office. If you would like to conduct the business from somewhere else other than the UAE you can appoint a representative to register the business or register on your behalf through power of attorney. Lots of our clients operate fully remote businesses from SHAMS while remaining compliant in the UAE.
Yes, any form of selling online, from your own website to Amazon, Noon or any other platform, requires an e-commerce license. SHAMS provides licensed specifically for e-commerce activities that legally cover; online sales, dropshipping and retail through platforms. We assist you to choose the correct sub-activity, under the license, that best describes your online activity.
SHAMS allows you to operate multiple related business activities under one business license, depending on the category you select. For example, if you have one entity for your business that was operating in two complementary sectors (such as media producer and media production consultancy), that would be subject to multiple business activities under one license. We work with you so your businesses are legally combined to enhance consumer access to your services without additional cost.
For the majority of general business activity in SHAMS, you do not require a formal business plan. If your business was involved with a regulated sector (such as education or financial consultancy), the authority may request additional documents. We will help you draft an appropriate and formally presented business plan.
Yes, SHAMS Free Zone is one of the cheapest options in the UAE, especially for digital entrepreneurs and freelancers, and is known for lower levels of entry and infrastructure requirements, and flexible visa packages. It is a great option if you're just starting, or testing your new business idea in the region.
Yes, you can remotely set up your SHAMS company. With a power of attorney, notarized, or via digital identity verification, you can set up your company and receive your license to begin operations-all without being in the UAE. We take care of keeping documents legalized, delivery and courier within the UK, and virtual applications for full set up.
Absolutely! SHAMS Free Zone is one of the few zones in the UAE that holds a proactive view of influencer marketing, video production, content creation, and digital publishing. If you are a social media influencer, YouTuber, or even a podcaster, we can offer you dedicated licensing options giving you legal status to complete brand deals, generate ad monetization and earn from platforms.
Yes! We don't just incorporate your company and vanish into the ether. The post registration services we offer cover compliance alerts, license renewals, VAT registrations, marketing support and website setups for you, banking assistance and so much more! Whether its your first year or you are expanding your business, Dubaisetupnow will continue to support you through every phase.
Start Your SHAMS Free Zone Business the Right Way
Whether you’re a freelancer, content creator, or e-commerce entrepreneur — SHAMS Free Zone is the UAE’s top choice for flexible, fast, and future-ready company formation.
Dubaisetupnow handles everything from license to launch, so you can stay focused on growing your brand.
Contact us or visit Dubaisetupnow today and start your journey in SHAMS FREE ZONE!
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