SHAMS Free Zone Setup 2026: Media Licence Cost and Steps

SHAMS, Sharjah Media City, is the free zone most UAE creators, influencers and small media agencies think of first. One media licence can cover social media, content production, video, photography, advertising, PR, publishing, podcasts and events, and the whole setup runs online.

Here is what SHAMS costs in 2026, what the licence covers and how to apply.

The short answer: A SHAMS media licence with no visa and an e-desk starts from about AED 5,750. Visa packages cost more; ask for an all-in figure per visa, because published visa-package prices vary widely. No physical office is required and you do not need to visit Sharjah to get the licence. Prices were checked on 2 November 2026 and change often, so always get a written quote before you pay.

SHAMS at a glance

SHAMS setup cost in 2026: starting prices and packages

Source and date: Typical 2026 partner pricing, checked 2 November 2026. SHAMS does not publish a public tariff online; get a written quote that lists each visa cost.

Costs to budget for on top of the licence

A low headline price rarely covers everything. Before you compare quotes, check whether each one includes these:

• Visa costs: entry permit, change of status, medical and Emirates ID for each person.
• Establishment card before any visa.
• Health insurance for each visa holder.
• Renewal: annual and online, at about the first-year licence cost.
• Corporate tax: a free zone company pays 0% only on qualifying income if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions; other income is taxed at 9%. All companies must register for corporate tax, so take tax advice before you choose a structure.

Licence types and activities

SHAMS focuses on media and creative work: social media and content, film and video, photography, advertising, PR, publishing, podcasts, events and training. A single licence can combine several of these, which is the main reason creators choose it.

How to set up a company in SHAMS: step by step

1. 1Choose your activitiesPick the media activities you need.
2. 2Reserve a trade nameOnline.
3. 3Apply and upload documentsPassport, photo and application form.
4. 4Pay onlineNo visit needed.
5. 5Receive the digital licenceUsually three to seven working days.
6. 6Apply for visasIf you need residency.

Typical timeline: About three to seven working days for the licence, fully online.

Documents you need

Individual shareholders usually need:

• Passport copy for every shareholder and manager (at least six months' validity)
• Passport-size photo
• Proof of residential address
• Two or three trade name options and your chosen activities
• Employer NOC if you are employed in the UAE

Corporate shareholders (a company owning the new company) usually need its certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, a board resolution approving the setup, a certificate of good standing and, often, a power of attorney for the person signing. Documents issued outside the UAE must be attested (notarised, legalised and stamped by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and translated into Arabic or English where needed before the free zone will accept them.

Where DocuGulf helps

DocuGulf does not sell free zone licences. We handle the documents that delay most setups, so your application goes in complete the first time:

• Attestation of overseas corporate documents, board resolutions and degree certificates, from AED 230 per document.
• Certified true copies of passports and company papers for banks and free zones, AED 300 per set.
• Legal translation by MOJ-certified translators.
• Power of attorney drafting and notarisation if someone signs on your behalf.
• Trademark filing to protect your new brand name in the UAE.

Who SHAMS suits

• Influencers and content creators
• Freelance photographers, videographers and writers
• Small media, PR and advertising agencies

How SHAMS compares with other UAE free zones

Starting prices for the free zones we cover, checked 2 November 2026. Each name links to its own guide.

Key takeaways: SHAMS starts from about AED 5,750 (starter media licence, 0 visas, partner price). Add visas, the establishment card, medicals, Emirates ID, insurance and workspace to compare quotes fairly, and get any overseas shareholder documents attested early, because that is the step that most often holds up a setup.

Frequently asked questions

A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All regulated work is performed by licensed notaries, lawyers, translators and approved typing centres, and we do not provide legal, tax or company formation advice. Free zone prices on this page are published or typical partner prices as of 2 November 2026; the free zone and its licensed partners set the final price. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.