WhatsApp quoteThis illustrative scenario shows how a Belgian founder set up a maritime services company in Shams Free Zone with GoldenKey; names and figures are representative of typical client journeys rather than a specific client.
The starting point
A Belgian entrepreneur from Brussels wanted to launch a maritime services company serving customers in the UAE and Belgium. The priorities were a credible licence, a residence visa and a business bank account within a realistic budget.
Why Shams Free Zone
After comparing options, Shams Free Zone was chosen for its media & creative focus and because maritime & ship services is a well-established activity there. GoldenKey confirmed the activity code and the visa package in the first consultation.
The process
GoldenKey reserved the trade name, obtained initial approval and submitted attested papers from Belgium. The licence was released in line with the usual Shams Free Zone timeline, followed by the establishment card, investor visa, medical test and Emirates ID.
Banking and tax
With the licence and visa in hand, GoldenKey prepared the bank file and introduced the client to a bank suited to maritime & ship services. Corporate tax registration was completed within the FTA deadline and VAT registration was timed to the expected turnover.
The outcome
The business was invoicing clients within weeks of the first call, with a UAE address, a resident founder and a compliance calendar managed by GoldenKey. The same path is available to any Belgian founder considering maritime & ship services in Shams Free Zone.
Indicative pricing for Shams Free Zone
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 2,420 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 5,280 |
| Bank account assistance | AED 1,650 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled maritime & ship services in Shams Free Zone for a Belgian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Day to day, our quotations for maritime & ship services in Shams Free Zone for a Belgian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
From day one, prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss maritime & ship services in Shams Free Zone for a Belgian founder.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Belgian citizen own 100% of a company in Shams Free Zone?
Yes — Belgians can own the full share capital of a Shams Free Zone company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Do Belgians need a UAE visa before applying for Shams Free Zone?
No. You can apply for the licence from Belgium with scanned papers, and the investor residence visa is handled afterwards.
How long does the process take for Belgian applicants?
Processing for Belgians follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Belgium that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
