Services

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

The business landscape of the United Arab Emirates is dynamic, and for entrepreneurs who seek agility, cost-efficiency, and cutting-edge innovation, SHAMS or Sharjah Media City has come out as a top-notch destination. Launched in the year 2017, SHAMS was established with a clear vision to become a renowned world-class hub for creativity & media. Since then, it has transformed into a highly-versatile ecosystem aiding e-commerce, consultancy as well as trading businesses. 

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What is SHAMS?

Sharjah Media City or SHAMS is a popular Free Zone authority situated in Sharjah’s Al Messaned. Functioning as a free zone that is “digitally born,” it permits having a completely-remote business setup. This trait makes the Free Zone a highly-suitable choice for international investors who require Market Entry Advisory to enter the market of the United Arab Emirates without instant physical relocation. 

Tactically positioned only 5 minutes away from the Sharjah International Airport and around 20 to 30 minutes away from Dubai, the Sharjah Media City Free Zone provides the perfect balance of accessibility paired with affordability. Uniquely, it permits firms to utilize the prestigious “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC” suffix, and in turn, omitting the designation of “FZ,” which is generally required elsewhere, thereby offering a mainland-like corporate picture. 

The Strategic Benefits of Choosing SHAMS

For investors who are navigating the market of the United Arab Emirates, SHAMS provides a highly-competitive edge that is very hard to ignore. Here are some of the most prominent advantages that SHAMS offers: 

Investors retain complete control of their business entity without needing a local UAE sponsor.

SHAMS is one of the most affordable UAE entry points, specially for startups, with packages beginning from approx. 5,750 AED.

Our team of experienced professionals meticulously draft the MoA (Memorandum of Association) and ready all the required legal documents. Post signing/attestation, we submit the prepared documents for the generation of the Trade License. 

Business benefits from 0% corporate as well as personal income tax (subject to the UAE Corporate Tax threshold of AED 4 in addition to complete repatriation of both capital and profits. For in-depth guidance, our Xpert Tax venture can offer specialized support.

The entire process of incorporation can be managed digitally through our Government Concierge Support, thereby ensuring zero friction.

As opposed to numerous free zones that bind visa quotas in a strict manner to office size, the SHAMS Free Zone provides a flexible system of allocation, facilitating an unlimited number of visas under certain packages.

Types of Licenses & Business Activities in SHAMS

While the term “media” is present in the name, the Free Zone is not restricted to creative industries only. SHAMS provides a diverse range of business licenses and our Business Planning experts can aid you in selecting the correct one. Here is a look at the different types of SHAMS licenses & business activities:

Service License

Suitable for working professionals and businesses offering non-physical services. This covers: 

  • Consultancy: Management, HR, as well as IT consultants. 
  • Digital Services: Marketing firms, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) experts, and software developers. 
  • Media Production: Photography, event management, content creation, etc.

Trading License

Permits import, export, as well as distribution of goods.

  • Wholesale & Retail: Ranging from electronics and textiles to construction materials. 
  • E-Commerce: Designed specially for online businesses who sell goods through digital platforms. 

Industrial License

For companies that are involved in light manufacturing, packaging, as well as goods assembly. 

Holding License

For investors who are on the lookout to manage assets, shares, or subsidiary companies. This is specifically relevant for requirements associated with Family Office Setup or Corporate Restructuring. 

Xpert Insight: You can merge numerous activities under a single license. If you are not sure which particular activity code aligns with your model of business, our Strategy & Consulting team can guide you in choosing the right ISIC-standard activities to avoid any compliance problems in the future.

Our Process

Types of Business Entities in the ADGM

The legal framework of the ADGM offers support for numerous corporate structures specifically tailored to certain business activities. Let us take a look at the different types of business entities in the ADGM:

01

Flexi-Desk

It is a shared workspace option that is perfect for startups. Flexi-Desk is cost-effective and more importantly, it meets all the compliance standards.

 

02

Dedicated Desk

A dedicated desk is a personal space present within a shared environment. 

 

 

03

Dedicated Office

A private, lockable office for firms that need privacy.

 

04

Visa Allocations

The validity of visas is generally 2 years. Packages for visas are scalable: 

  • Zero-Visa Packages: Suitable for solopreneurs or offshore business entities. 
  • Multi-Visa Packages: Beginning from a single visa and going up to 6 visas on a shared desk, and higher for large-sized facilities.

Xpert Advisory’s Step-by-Step SHAMS Company Formation Process

Setting up a business in SHAMS is a streamlined procedure, generally taking 3 to 5 working days. Here is a detailed glance at the process:

Define your desired business activity as well as legal structures. Our Company Formation experts will make sure that your selected business activity perfectly aligns with your long-term banking as well as operational requirements. 

Our team of experts collate the required documents. We also handle the Document Drafting & Attestation to make sure your MoA is legally sound.

Once the business name receives approval and the fees are taken care of, SHAMS officially issues the following: Incorporation Certificate, Trade License, & Lease Agreement.

Post licensing, we officially apply to get the Establishment Card. If you are not present within the UAE< we facilitate the required Government Liaison to ensure the issuance of your UAE Entry Permit.

The final stage includes a medical test for fitness and biometrics. Our team manages the entire schedule to make sure your waiting time is as minimized as possible. 

With the business license and Emirates ID in hand, the pathway for opening a UAE corporate bank account gets opened. We offer introductions to reliable banking partners suited for both wealth management and corporate needs.

Why Choose Xpert Advisory As Your Strategic Partner in SHAMS

Xpert Advisory goes beyond company formation and license issuance. We act as your reliable strategic partner providing a complete suite of Corporate Services in order to support your SHAMS business journey. Here is what we offer: 

PRO & Visa Support

Our highly-dedicated PRO Services team manages all forms of immigration facilities, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience for both you as well as your employees. 

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Legal & Compliance

We handle Document Drafting & Attestation in addition to ensuring your business entity meets every Governance & Compliance standards.

Strategic Growth

Whether you require top-notch Market Entry Advisory or aid regarding Family Office Setup, our expert consultants offer tailored solutions. 

 

Specialized Industries

We possess in-depth expertise in establishing businesses across numerous sectors, such as Crypto & Web3, Real Estate, IT & Technology, and much more. 

 

Ready to Start Your Business in SHAMS?

Skip the monotonous legalities by letting Xpert Advisory handle your business license, incorporation, visa as well as banking setup in a seamless manner. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and proceed towards launching your business venture in SHAMS!

Xpert Advisory offers comprehensive support for business entities establishing their presence in the ADGM Free Zone. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your ADGM requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I own 100% of my SHAMS company?

Absolutely! SHAMS permits 100% foreign ownership. Moreover, you do not require a local UAE sponsor or partner in order to incorporate your business venture.

Yes. SHAMS provides a specialized license for E-commerce businesses and makes a supportive environment for digitized businesses.

The license generally gets issued within 3-5 working days post document submission and fee payment. This process of visa generally takes around 2-3 weeks