Sharjah Media City
(SHAMS) Free Zone
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) Free Zone – Company Formation with RAG Holdings
Sharjah Media City, widely known as SHAMS, is one of the UAE’s fastest-growing and most accessible free zone destinations. Launched in 2017, SHAMS was originally conceived as a dedicated creative and media hub — and has since evolved into a versatile, multi-sector free zone welcoming businesses across media, technology, services, consultancy, and trading.
Located in the emirate of Sharjah, just 30 minutes from the heart of Dubai and bordered by six of the UAE’s seven emirates, SHAMS offers exceptional connectivity across the northern emirates and the wider region. For entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, and growing SMEs looking for a cost-effective, professionally credible free zone licence with minimal setup requirements, SHAMS is one of the most compelling options in the country.
RAG Holdings provides complete SHAMS company formation services — handling your licence application, document preparation, name registration, visa coordination, and all government submissions — so your business is up and running as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Why Set Up Your Business in SHAMS Free Zone?
A Fast & Straightforward Setup Process
SHAMS is built for speed and simplicity. The registration and licensing process is streamlined, largely digital, and can be completed remotely — meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE to get your company incorporated. With RAG Holdings managing your application, most businesses receive their trade licence within a matter of days.
One of the Most Affordable Free Zones in the UAE
SHAMS is widely recognised as one of the most competitively priced free zones in the country, with company formation packages starting from as low as AED 6,000. For entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses looking to establish a legitimate UAE presence without a heavy upfront investment, SHAMS delivers genuine value — especially when combined with its 0% personal income tax and full profit repatriation rights.
Flexible Licensing Across Multiple Business Activities
SHAMS offers four distinct licence categories, and crucially allows businesses to combine up to three separate activities under a single licence. This multi-activity flexibility significantly reduces the cost and administrative burden of operating a diversified business — removing the need to hold multiple licences for related services.
A Platform Built for Media & Creative Industries
For individuals and companies operating in media, digital content, publishing, broadcasting, advertising, or creative production, SHAMS offers a uniquely supportive ecosystem. The free zone actively promotes and amplifies its member businesses across its digital channels, social media platforms, and partner networks — giving newer companies meaningful visibility beyond what most free zones offer.
Generous Visa Allocation
Businesses operating from a shared desk or flexi-office facility in SHAMS are eligible to apply for up to six employment visas — a notably high allowance for an entry-level workspace arrangement. SHAMS visa holders are also permitted to sponsor family members and dependants, making it a practical choice for business owners relocating to or settling in the UAE.
Ongoing Member Support
SHAMS maintains an active relationship with its registered businesses long after the licence is issued. Member companies benefit from ongoing promotional support, including exposure on SHAMS-managed digital platforms and social media channels — a distinctive advantage for service-based businesses and creative professionals looking to build their profile in the UAE market.
Licence Types Available in SHAMS Free Zone
RAG Holdings will identify the licence type that best fits your intended business activities and advise on the most efficient way to structure your application. SHAMS currently offers four licence categories.
Trading Licence
Designed for businesses engaged in the buying and selling of goods, whether wholesale or retail. A SHAMS trading licence covers the import and export of permitted products within the free zone, along with related commercial activities and distribution services.
Industrial Licence
Issued to companies involved in the manufacturing, processing, or transformation of raw materials and natural resources into finished or semi-finished goods. This licence is suited to businesses with a production or fabrication component to their operations.
Service Licence
Awarded to professionals and service-based businesses whose work is grounded in knowledge, expertise, and skill. This is the most popular licence type in SHAMS and covers a broad spectrum of activities including consultancy, advisory, marketing, technology, design, training, and other professional services.
Holding Licence
Structured for companies whose primary purpose is to hold shares or stakes in other businesses, or to own and manage assets such as real estate, intellectual property, or investment portfolios. A holding licence is also appropriate for individuals seeking to establish a parent company to oversee multiple operating entities within a single legal structure.
What RAG Holdings Offers Beyond Formation
RAG Holdings supports your business well beyond the initial licence issuance. Our post-formation services ensure that your SHAMS company remains compliant, professionally managed, and ready to grow:
- Corporate secretarial services and annual licence renewal management
- Bookkeeping, accounting, and financial reporting
- VAT registration and periodic return filing
- Payroll processing and HR administration
- Employment visa processing and family sponsorship support
- PRO services and all government document renewals
- Corporate bank account introductions and application support
