Sharjah Media City:
The Future of Creative Industries

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024
| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024
sharjah media city

Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Despite being one of the newest Free Zones established in 2017, Sharjah Media City, also known as SHAMS Free Zone, has carved a niche for itself in the UAE. This rapidly growing business hub has become a magnet for media and production companies seeking a supportive environment to thrive. With its focus on fostering creativity and innovation, Shams Free Zone is attracting a diverse range of entrepreneurs and businesses, transforming itself into a leading media center in the region.

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024

Nestled in Sharjah, just a half-hour drive east of Dubai, lies Shams Free Zone. This dynamic business hub, bordering six of the UAE's seven emirates, boasts a rich heritage. Originally conceived as a haven for media and creative ventures, Shams has blossomed into a comprehensive free zone, welcoming businesses in service, consultancy, and trading sectors alongside its media and creative core.

Benefits of company setup in
SHAMS

Effortless Business Establishment

Sharjah Media City boasts an expedited company formation process, allowing for business registration and trade license issuance within a matter of days. Partner with Creative Zone, our esteemed business setup consultants, to navigate the process remotely and ensure a seamless launch.

Budget-friendly

Sharjah Media City Free Zone offers a compelling proposition for business formation. Sharjah Media City Free Zone presents a cost-efficient solution for entrepreneurs seeking to establish their presence in the UAE, with incorporation packages designed to be budget-friendly. This zone combines affordability with tax benefits, including 0% personal tax and full capital/profit repatriation, making it ideal for business growth.

Multi-Activity Trade Licenses

Shams simplifies business setup by offering a selection of four adaptable business licenses. This empowers entrepreneurs to select the most suitable license for their current operations, with the freedom to incorporate additional activities as their venture expands. By offering adaptable licenses, Shams eliminates the need for complex license upgrades, allowing businesses to scale seamlessly as their needs evolve.

Always-On Customer Support

Sharjah Media City goes beyond simply facilitating company formation. Their commitment extends to providing ongoing support for their clients. This includes promoting them on various online platforms, including social media and the Shams website, to maximize their exposure and growth potential.

Socially Savvy

While Sharjah Media City caters to a variety of business activities, it offers a particularly compelling environment for media specialists. As a hub dedicated to fostering media excellence in Sharjah, Sharjah Media City provides media businesses with the resources and support they need to flourish.

Adaptable Visa Options

Sharjah Media City's shared desk facility caters to entrepreneurs seeking a cost-effective solution. This option allows for visa applications for up to six employees, with the added benefit of family member sponsorship for eligible visa holders.

SHAMS

Types of License offered in
Sharjah Media City

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024

Holding License

Sharjah Media City offers entrepreneurs flexibility in structuring their businesses. You can choose to operate as a standalone entity or acquire stakes in other companies. However, it's important to remember that for complete control over a portfolio of companies and assets, including real estate, establishing a holding company outside the Free Zone is necessary.

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024

Trading License

Sharjah Media City Free Zone offers a dynamic business environment that extends beyond traditional media activities. Companies can leverage import and export licenses to engage in wholesale and retail trade, along with a variety of related services. This empowers businesses to operate within the Free Zone and capitalize on its benefits.

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024

Service License

Sharjah Media City's service license unlocks a world of opportunity. It grants you legal authorization to provide services as your core business activity, allowing you to tap into the thriving markets of the UAE and beyond. This versatile license goes a step further by permitting the use of goods in conjunction with your service offerings, fostering a holistic and adaptable business approach.

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024

Industrial License

Sharjah Media City's light-industrial license empowers businesses to take the reins of their production process. This comprehensive license encompasses all stages of manufacturing, from transforming raw materials into finished goods to refurbishing existing products for resale. With the operational flexibility offered by the light-industrial license, businesses can not only keep pace with industry demands but also become innovation leaders.

Requirements for Obtaining the
Sharjah Media City Free Zone License

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Corporate Shareholders

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024

  • Passport copy and UAE visa of General Manager
  • Passport copy of director, Company Secretary
  • Board resolution giving signatory authorisation or Power of attorney for the third party
  • Certificate of good standing, valid trade license
  • Board resolution to establish a new branch
  • Board resolution to establish a new company
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA and AoA)
  • Certificate Of Incorporation
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Individual Shareholder

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024

  • Passport copy and UAE visa of General Manager
  • Passport copy of director, Company Secretary
  • Passport copy of the individual shareholder
  • Board resolution giving signatory authorisation or Power of attorney for the third party
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Branch Company

| Emirates EBCS | April, 2024

  • Passport copy and UAE visa of General Manager
  • Board resolution giving signatory authorisation or Power of attorney for the third party
  • Certificate of good standing, valid trade license
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA and AoA)
  • Certificate Of Incorporation

Steps in Setting Up Your Business in Sharjah Media City

The steps are quite simple. Here’s how to open your company in the Sharjah Media City

    Choose your business activities

    The free zone allows for a wide range of businesses to be set up with ease. Pick out the specific activities you wish to conduct, and we’ll help you choose the ideal Sharjah Media City license type and setup option.

    Determine your trade name

    The business name for your Sharjah Media City company must not already be in use by another firm. It also should not reference anything political or religious. Thus, it’s best to have at least a few options ready for a more hassle-free name registration process.

    Apply for your Sharjah Media City Trade License

    Prepare the Sharjah Media City license requirements needed for the entity type you’ve chosen and submit these to the Free Zone authority. They’ll examine your documents, get in touch for any discrepancies, and approve the license should you meet all the necessary criteria.

    Open a corporate bank account

    You may opt to open an account with either a local or an international UAE bank. Our team of experts will help you choose the best bank for your needs and guide you through the whole process.

    Secure your visas

    The next crucial step will be to secure Sharjah Media City visas for your team, so you can begin your operations. We will be happy to assist you with the needed documents and the application process.