SHAMS Company Setup at Sharjah Media City, Filed Online for You
Sharjah Media City, known as Shams, is one of the UAE's younger free zones and one of its most popular with founders who want a simple licence for media, consultancy or online trading. A SHAMS company setup with Emiracle means we choose the activities with you, prepare and submit the onboarding forms through the Shams online portal, arrange attestation and legal translation of any corporate papers through licensed providers, and then manage residence visas and bank introductions. Emiracle is an authorised channel partner across 45+ UAE free zones, so you can compare Shams honestly with SAIF Zone, Hamriyah and zones in other emirates.
Get my proposal A consultant replies within 30 minutes during working hoursLocal facts for Sharjah
Sharjah Media City (Shams) was established in 2017 by Emiri Decree of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
SourceShams spans more than 2 million square metres in the Al Messaned area of Sharjah.
SourceThe Ministry of Economy registrar file for Shams lists limited liability companies and branches of existing companies as its legal forms, and more than 120 commercial activities across media, wholesale and retail, and services and consultancy.
SourceWho picks Shams
Shams was set up for the media and creative industries, yet its activity list also covers wholesale and retail trading and a broad range of consultancy services. That mix makes it a common choice for content creators, marketing and PR agencies, event organisers, e-commerce sellers, IT and management consultants, and solo founders who want a UAE company without a large office.
Because Shams sits in Sharjah, many clients live in Sharjah or the northern emirates, or commute to Dubai and want a free zone licence close to home. Others never visit, since the licence and most renewals are handled online.
Combining activities across sectors
Founders often want to bundle activities, for example social media management with online retail, or consultancy with event management. Shams groups its 120+ activities into media, wholesale and retail, and services and consultancy, and some combinations need extra approvals.
Emiracle checks each activity against your plan before submission, so the licence reads correctly for banks, payment providers and marketplaces. Media activities that involve publishing or broadcasting may also fall under UAE media regulation, which we flag at the start.
What the onboarding pack includes
The Ministry registrar file describes the Shams application as a set of forms supported by identity checks. Expect to provide:
- Client onboarding form and authorised signatory form
- Legal and regulatory compliance declaration
- Business plan describing activities and customers
- Beneficial owner declaration where required
- Passport copies and KYC and due diligence information for each owner
After the licence
Once licensed, a Shams company can apply for investor and employee residence visas, open a corporate bank account and register for tax where required. Emiracle prepares each visa file, books medical and biometric appointments in Sharjah, and assembles a bank introduction pack so account opening focuses on your business.
Where the official steps happen
Sharjah Media City (Shams) headquarters
Free zone authority · Al Messaned, Al Bataeh, SharjahLicensing authority for Shams companies, with workspaces, Shams Studios and filming locations on site. Most steps run through the online portal.
Shams online portal
Portal · OnlineWhere onboarding forms, signatory details, compliance declarations and KYC documents are submitted. Emiracle prepares and uploads them.
General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Sharjah
ICP · Airport Street, Bridge No. 6, Al RahmaniyaMain ICP office in Sharjah, currently also serving clients of the temporarily closed Sharjah customer happiness centre. Attendance is for biometrics.
How it works with Emiracle
- Activities and structure
We shortlist activities across the three Shams groups and confirm LLC or branch. - Onboarding forms
Emiracle completes the onboarding, signatory, compliance and beneficial owner forms with you. - Identity and papers
Passports and any corporate documents are checked, attested and translated through licensed providers. - Portal submission
We submit the full application through the Shams online portal and handle any queries. - Licence, visas, bank
After licence issue we process visas and prepare your bank introduction.
Documents to prepare
- Passport copy and photo of each shareholder
- UAE visa or entry stamp, if already in the country
- Short business plan
- Attested parent company documents, for a branch
- Three name options
Fees
Shams licence, workspace and visa charges are paid at cost and listed separately. Emiracle charges a fixed service fee, quoted in writing per request.
Frequently asked questions
Is SHAMS the same as Sharjah Media City?
Yes, Shams is the short name for Sharjah Media City, a free zone established by Emiri Decree in 2017.
Can I run an e-commerce business from Shams?
Yes, Shams lists wholesale and retail among its activity groups alongside media and consultancy. We confirm the exact activity wording before filing.
Which legal forms does Shams register?
Shams registers limited liability companies and branches of existing companies, according to its Ministry of Economy registrar file.
Where is Sharjah Media City located?
It is in Al Messaned, Sharjah, on a site of more than 2 million square metres.
Do I need to visit Shams to get licensed?
No, applications go through the Shams online portal. You attend in person mainly for visa medicals and Emirates ID biometrics.
Can a Shams company hire staff?
Yes, once licensed it can sponsor employee residence visas. Emiracle prepares and submits each application.
Talk to Emiracle about free zone company setup in Sharjah
Email info@emiracle.ae or call +971 52 185 3005. Emiracle Advisory, Level 9, Boulevard Plaza, Tower 1, Downtown Dubai.
Request my proposalOfficial sources
- u.ae: Starting a business in a free zone (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism: Company registrars in free zones (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism: Sharjah Media City (Shams) registrar file (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism: Establishing business in free zones (accessed 2026-10-16)
- ICP: Customer Happiness Centers (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Shams: About Shams (accessed 2026-10-16)
