SHAMS free zone licence cost 2026 — Sharjah Media City
SHAMS — Sharjah Media City — is a fast, affordable free zone in Sharjah. It offers a standard licence for general business and a media licence for creators, agencies and media companies.
| Package | Visas | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Licence only | 0 | AED 6,885 |
| Licence + 1 visa | 1 | AED 14,300 |
| Licence + 2 visas | 2 | AED 18,795 |
| Licence + 3 visas | 3 | AED 23,290 |
| Licence + 4 visas | 4 | AED 27,785 |
| Licence + 5 visas | 5 | AED 32,280 |
| Package | Visas | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Licence only | 0 | AED 5,760 |
| Licence + 1 visa | 1 | AED 13,175 |
| Licence + 2 visas | 2 | AED 17,670 |
| Licence + 3 visas | 3 | AED 22,165 |
| Licence + 4 visas | 4 | AED 26,660 |
| Licence + 5 visas | 5 | AED 31,155 |
Biznexa package prices in AED, including standard government fees. The final cost depends on your activity and the zone's current offers — we confirm one fixed number in writing before you pay.
Who SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) suits
- Content creators, influencers and media agencies (media licence)
- Consultants, marketers and e-commerce sellers
- Founders who want a low-cost licence close to Dubai
- Businesses that may grow to several visas over time
The media licence is usually the cheaper of the two, but it only covers media-related activities. Tell us your activity and we confirm which licence fits.
How setup works with Biznexa
- Free consultation — we confirm your activity, the right zone and the exact package.
- Name and activity approval — we reserve your trade name and submit the application.
- Licence issued — usually within days once documents are approved; most of it is done online.
- Establishment card and visas — we handle the immigration file, medical and Emirates ID for each visa.
- Bank account — we prepare your file and introduce you to banks that suit your activity.
Documents you will need
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- A passport-size photo
- UAE visa or entry stamp page (if you are in the UAE)
- Proof of address and a short business plan (some zones and banks ask for these)
- For corporate shareholders: company documents, attested — we tell you exactly which ones
Tax in a free zone
UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A free zone company that meets the "qualifying" conditions — real presence in the zone and mostly qualifying income — can pay 0% on qualifying income, but other income is taxed at 9%. VAT is 5% and registration is required once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000. Our tax and accounting team keeps you compliant.