SHAMS Free Zone, officially known as Sharjah Media City ,is a UAE government-regulated free zone established under the Sharjah Media City Authority. It is one of the most cost-effective free zones in the UAE for media, e-commerce and creative businesses, offering 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local UAE partner or sponsor.
SHAMS Free Zone license costs in 2026 start from AED 5,760 for the Starter Package a license-only option with no visa included. For founders who need to live and work in the UAE, the Residence Package covering the license, one investor visa and full Emirates ID processing is priced at AED 13,185.
The right package depends entirely on whether you need UAE residency or are running your business remotely from outside the country. Both packages include 5 business activities, up to 50 shareholders, a co-working space agreement and a Memorandum of Association (MOA).
What Is the SHAMS Free Zone License Cost in 2026?
SHAMS Free Zone license cost in 2026 is structured around whether the business owner requires UAE residency or not. The pricing is divided into two main tiers: a license-only package and a full residence package that includes an investor visa.
This structure allows founders to choose between a lower-cost entry option or a complete setup that includes legal residency in the UAE.
Shams Starter Package — AED 5,760
The Shams Starter Package is designed for entrepreneurs who do not require UAE residency. It is suitable for remote founders, digital businesses operating from outside the UAE, or individuals who already hold a valid UAE visa through another company.
This package includes a business license with up to 5 business activities, the ability to register up to 50 shareholders, a co-working space agreement to meet address requirements, and a Memorandum of Association (MOA), which is the legal document outlining company ownership and structure.
However, this package does not include a visa, Emirates ID, or medical fitness test. As a result, it cannot be used to obtain UAE residency and is strictly a license-only setup.
Shams Residence Package — AED 13,185
The Shams Residence Package is intended for foreign entrepreneurs who want to live and operate their business in the UAE. It includes everything in the Starter Package, along with one investor visa that allows the business owner to legally reside in the country.
In addition to the license, this package includes an establishment card, which is the company’s immigration file, and eChannel registration, a government system used to process visa applications. It also covers the medical fitness test required for residency approval and the Emirates ID, which is the official identification card issued to UAE residents.
This package is the most commonly selected option because it combines company formation and residency processing into a single application, removing the need to manage multiple steps separately. Additional visas beyond the one included can be arranged based on business requirements.
Cost Comparison Table
| Package | What’s Included | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shams Starter | License, 5 activities, co-working space, MOA | AED 5,760 |
| Shams Residence | License + 1 investor visa, establishment card, eChannel, medical test, Emirates ID, MOA | AED 13,185 |
All prices are Al Arabiya Group 2026 package prices and include government fees. Additional visas beyond the 1 included in the Residence Package are available contact Al Arabiya Group for a custom quote based on your team size.
To estimate your full setup cost based on your requirements, use the UAE business setup cost calculator
What Is Included in the SHAMS Free Zone License Cost?
Regardless of which package you choose, every SHAMS Free Zone license includes a set of core components required to legally establish and operate a business in the UAE. These components define your company’s legal structure, permitted activities, and compliance with local regulations.
- Business License: This is the official legal document that allows your company to operate in the UAE. It specifies the business activities you are permitted to carry out. Both SHAMS packages include licenses covering e-commerce and media-related activities.
- LLC Suffix: SHAMS companies are registered as Free Zone Limited Liability Companies (FZ-LLC). This means the business is a separate legal entity from its owners, limiting personal liability. The LLC designation is included in both packages at no additional cost.
- 5 Business Activities: Each license allows you to select up to five approved business activities under a single company. This provides flexibility for entrepreneurs who want to operate across related services without applying for multiple licenses.
- Up to 50 Shareholders: SHAMS permits up to 50 shareholders in one company. This makes it suitable not only for solo founders but also for partnerships, joint ventures, and holding structures with multiple investors.
- Co-Working Space Agreement: This is a flexi-desk arrangement within the SHAMS facility. It serves as your company’s registered address, which is required for licensing, regulatory compliance, and corporate bank account applications.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): The MOA is a legal document that outlines the company’s ownership structure, shareholder responsibilities, and operational framework. It is a required document during the corporate bank account opening process, particularly for Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, which is the identity and compliance check performed by UAE banks.
What Are the Additional Costs for a SHAMS Free Zone License?
While SHAMS packages cover the core setup costs, there are additional expenses that business owners should account for depending on their operational needs and long-term plans.
Renewal Fees
SHAMS licenses must be renewed annually to remain active. Renewal costs typically include the license fee and any associated visa renewals if applicable. The exact amount depends on your selected package and business structure. Contact Al Arabiya Group for the current renewal rate.
Additional Visa Costs
The Starter Package does not include any visas, while the Residence Package includes one investor visa. If your business requires more than one visa—for example, to sponsor employees or partners—each additional visa will involve separate government and processing fees.
These costs vary based on the number of visas required and the company’s visa quota. Al Arabiya Group provides custom quotations based on your team size and expansion plans.
Corporate Bank Account Setup
Opening a UAE corporate bank account is a separate process and is not included in either SHAMS package. Banks require company documents such as the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and perform a Know Your Customer (KYC) process, which is a compliance check to verify the identity and business activities of the company.
SHAMS-registered companies are accepted by UAE digital banks such as Wio Business and Mashreq Neo. Al Arabiya Group assists with documentation preparation and KYC coordination to streamline account approval.
Authority and obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN) within 90 days of license issuance this is a mandatory corporate tax requirement regardless of revenue level. VAT registration is a separate obligation that applies if your annual taxable
supplies exceed AED 375,000.
How Does SHAMS Free Zone Cost Compare to SPC Free Zone?
SHAMS Free Zone and SPC Free Zone are often compared by entrepreneurs evaluating cost, visa options, and business activity flexibility. The SHAMS Starter Package begins at AED 5,760, making it slightly more affordable than SPC Free Zone’s entry-level pricing, which starts from AED 6,875. However, the difference in cost is relatively small and should be considered alongside business requirements rather than in isolation.
SHAMS is primarily focused on media, e-commerce, and creative industries, making it a suitable option for digital entrepreneurs and content-driven businesses. In contrast, SPC Free Zone supports a broader range of activities, including general trading and professional services.
Another key difference is visa capacity. SPC Free Zone allows for a significantly higher visa quota, with the ability to scale up to larger teams. SHAMS, on the other hand, is generally more aligned with solo founders and small teams with limited staffing needs.
Both free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and a streamlined digital setup process. The right choice depends on your specific business activity, whether you require multiple visas, and your long-term growth plans.
For a detailed side-by-side breakdown, read our SHAMS Free Zone vs SPC Free Zone comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About SHAMS Free Zone License Cost
SHAMS Free Zone license costs start from AED 5,760 for the Starter package (license only, no visa). The Residence package including 1 investor visa, Emirates ID and medical fitness test is priced at AED 13,185. Both are Al Arabiya Group 2026 package prices including government fees.
SHAMS licenses are renewed annually. Renewal costs cover the license fee and any active visa renewals. The exact amount depends on your package and the number of visas held. Contact Al Arabiya Group for your renewal quote.
SHAMS is one of the most cost-effective free zones in the UAE for media and e-commerce businesses, with a base license starting from AED 5,760. However, “cheapest” depends on your business type. Ajman Free Zone offers licenses from AED 3,500 for certain categories. The right choice depends on your activities and visa needs, not price alone.
Yes. You can upgrade from the Starter (zero-visa) package to the Residence package or add additional visas at any point after registration. Al Arabiya Group manages the upgrade process including eChannel registration, medical fitness testing and Emirates ID processing.
The SHAMS Starter package starts from AED 5,760, making it slightly more affordable than SPC’s entry price of AED 6,875. However, cost should not be the only deciding factor. SHAMS is optimised for media and e-commerce, while SPC supports general trading and professional services. Choose based on your activities first, cost second.
