Sharjah
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)
One of the UAE's cheapest credible licenses — built for media, marketing and creative businesses but open to many activities.
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is one of the UAE's most affordable freezones and a favourite for media, marketing, design and digital businesses — though its activity list extends well beyond creative fields into consultancy, trading and services.
Licenses can be issued within days at some of the lowest package prices in the country, share capital requirements are minimal, and setup can be completed remotely. For freelancers and lean startups that don't need a Dubai address on the license, SHAMS is frequently the best value in the market — and DBM will tell you honestly when it isn't.
Key Advantages
Among the UAE's Cheapest
License packages typically from around AED 5,750 — with zero-visa options.
Media & Creative Focus
Purpose-built for media, marketing, production and digital activities.
Broad Activity List
Consultancy, e-commerce, trading and services are also available.
Fast, Remote Setup
Licenses often issued in 1–3 working days, fully remote.
Visa Eligibility
Packages support residence visas for owners and staff.
Dubai 20 Minutes Away
Operate from Sharjah's border with Dubai at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a SHAMS license cost?
Zero-visa packages typically start around AED 5,750, with visa-inclusive bundles higher. SHAMS runs regular promotions — DBM confirms live pricing in your consultation.
Do I have to work in media to use SHAMS?
No. Media is its speciality, but SHAMS licenses cover a wide range of consultancy, service and trading activities.
Can I live in Dubai with a SHAMS visa?
Yes — a UAE residence visa from any emirate lets you live anywhere in the country, including Dubai.
Start Your Company in SHAMS
Get a free consultation and an itemised, no-surprises quote — usually within the hour.