License Cost
Licence only · upgrade to visas anytime
AED 6,875
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- Company name reservation
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
FREE ZONE · SHARJAH
Shams Free Zone Business Activities
Sharjah's media free zone — creative and digital licences from AED 5,750
5–7 daysSetup time100%OwnershipUp to 10 visasVisas
- 5–7 daysSetup time
- Free ZoneLicence type
- Flexi | PhysicalOffice / facility
- Up to 10 visasVisa eligibility
- StandardApprovals needed
- From AED 5,280Renewal cost
About Shams Free Zone
Why Shams Free Zone
Shams Free Zone is Sharjah's media free zone — creative and digital licences from AED 5,750, and it has become one of the most practical choices for founders who want a UAE licence without a large upfront budget. If you are weighing up where to register in the UAE, Shams Free Zone deserves a close look for its media & creative focus and routine renewal process. A Shams Free Zone company can be owned entirely by foreign nationals, needs no local sponsor and can start trading internationally as soon as the licence is issued.
One of the reasons we point clients to Shams Free Zone is its media & creative focus, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running. Shams Free Zone is located in Sharjah emirate — close to Sharjah International Airport, and the registrar's processing time for a standard file is around 3 business days. Crucially, office options in Shams Free Zone range from virtual office, flexi-desk or office suite, so you only pay for the space your visa quota actually needs.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
To be clear, use the table below to compare packages for choosing activities for Shams Free Zone; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for choosing activities for Shams Free Zone depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
License Plus Visa Quota
1 residence visa · 1-year licence
AED 8,475
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 1 visa eligibility
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
2 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 10,075
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 2 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
3 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 11,675
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 3 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
4 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 13,275
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 4 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
5 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 14,875
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 5 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
6 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 16,575
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 6 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
7 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 18,075
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 7 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
8 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 19,675
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 8 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
9 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 21,275
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 9 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License Plus Visa Quota
10 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 22,875
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 10 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
Additional visaAED 2,420
Annual renewalAED 5,280
Bank account assistanceAED 1,650
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
Business activities
Full list of Shams Free Zone activities
Shams Free Zone lets you combine related activities on one licence. Search by what your business does — in English or Arabic — or filter by licence type. Quote the GK code when you ask for a quotation.
GK-SHAMS-001PrintingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-002Printing of newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, books and brochures, music and music manuscripts, maps, atlases, posters, advertising catalogues, prospectuses and other printed advertising, postage stamps, taxation stamps, documents of title, cheMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-003Printing directly onto textiles, plastic, glass, metal, wood and ceramics (except silkscreen printing on textiles and wearing apparel)
the material printed is typically copyrighted.MediaGK-SHAMS-004Printing on labels or tags (lithographic, gravure printing, flexographic printing, other)MediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-005Multi dimensional printing servicesMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-006Printing,Advertising Agencies And Event OrganizingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-007Packaging activities, Printing ServicesMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-008Service activities related to printingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-009Binding of printed sheets, e.g. into books, brochures, magazines, catalogues etc., byfolding, assembling, stitching, glueing, collating, basting, adhesive binding, trimming, gold stampingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-010Composition, typesetting, phototypesetting, pre-press data input including scanning and optical character recognition, electronic make-upMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-011Plate-making services including imagesetting and plate-setting (for the printing processes letterpress and offset)MediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-012Engraving or etching of cylinders for gravureMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-013Plate processes direct to plate (also photopolymer plates)MediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-014Preparation of plates and dies for relief stamping or printingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-015Production of proofsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-016Artistic work including preparation of litho stones and prepared woodblocksMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-017Production of reprographic productsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-018Design of printing products e.g. sketches, layouts, dummies etc.MediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-019Other graphic activities such as die-sinking or die-stamping, braille copying, punching and drilling, embossing, varnishing and laminating, collating and insetting, creasingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-020Composition and TypesettingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-021Design & Artwork ServicesMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-022Reproduction of recorded mediaMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-023Reproduction from master copies of gramophone records, compact discs and tapes with music or other sound recordingsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-024Reproduction from master copies of records, compact discs and tapes with motion pictures and other video recordingsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-025Reproduction from master copies of software and data on discs and tapesMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-026Book publishingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-027Publishing of books, brochures, leaflets and similar publications, including publishing of dictionaries and encyclopediasMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-028Publishing of atlases, maps and chartsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-029Publishing of audio booksMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-030Publishing of encyclopedias etc. on CD-ROMMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-031E-books publishingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-032Visual Recorded Media DistributionMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-033Commercial Publications EditingMediaGK-SHAMS-034Publishing of directories and mailing listsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-035Publishing of mailing listsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-036Publishing of telephone booksMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-037Publishing of other directories and compilations, such as case law, pharmaceutical compendia etc.MediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-038Publishing of newspapers, journals and periodicalsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-039Publishing of newspapers, including advertising newspapersMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-040Publishing of periodicals and other journals, including publishing of radio and television schedules publishing can be done in print or electronic form, including on the internet.MediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-041Digital Newspaper Publishing, News Agency, Specialty Communication and PRMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-042News services through websitesMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-043Other publishing activitiesMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-044Publishing (including on-line) of:
• Catalogs
• Photos, engravings and postcards
• Greeting cards
• Forms
• Posters, reproduction of works of art
• Advertising material
• Other printed matterMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-045On-line publishing of statistics or other informationMediaGK-SHAMS-046Publications and media Materials E-TradingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-047Gaming PublisherMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-048Electronic publishing and software implementation & TrainingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-049Training & ConsultancyMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-050Publishing, Consultancy, Event OrganizingMediaGK-SHAMS-051Publishing, Consultancy and Authoring ServicesMediaGK-SHAMS-052Publishing, Event Organizing and Translating ServicesMediaGK-SHAMS-053Publishing, Advertising and TrainingMediaGK-SHAMS-054Publishing and AdvertisingMediaGK-SHAMS-055Journalism/Content WritingMediaGK-SHAMS-056Software publishingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-057Publishing of ready-made (non-customized) software:
• Operating systems
• Business and other applications
• Computer games for all platformsMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-058Games publishingMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-059Motion picture, video and television programme production activitiesMediaApproval requiredGK-SHAMS-060Production of motion pictures, videos, television programmes or television commercialsMediaApproval requiredNo activity matches — try another word, search all UAE zones, or ask us: most activities can be added on request.
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GK codes are GoldenKey references — quote the code and we know exactly which licence activity you mean. Click a row for the full description, documents and other zones offering it. Availability and approvals are confirmed in writing before payment.
Required documents
Documents required
The document list for choosing activities for Shams Free Zone is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zonesif applicable
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE residentif applicable
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activitiesif applicable
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the countryif applicable
For companies
- Certificate of incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Board resolution approving the UAE company
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Company profile / business plan
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Shams Free Zone. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsCan a Shams Free Zone company do business on the UAE mainland?
A Shams Free Zone company can sell to mainland customers through a mainland distributor, invoice services to mainland customers for most applicants, and apply for a dual-licence arrangement where the emirate offers one. Direct retail or on-site contracting on the mainland needs a mainland licence.
What is the difference between an FZE and an FZCO in Shams Free Zone?
An FZE has one shareholder and an FZCO has two or more. Both offer limited liability and 100% foreign ownership, and the fees in Shams Free Zone are generally the same.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in Shams Free Zone?
Most Shams Free Zone licences can be issued remotely with scanned documents and a signed power of attorney. You will need to enter the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics when your residence visa is completed.
Can I add more activities to my Shams Free Zone licence later?
Yes. Shams Free Zone allows activity additions and changes through a licence amendment, which GoldenKey can process in a few working days for a small authority fee.
Is an audit required for a Shams Free Zone company?
Requirements vary by zone and by company size. GoldenKey will confirm the current Shams Free Zone rule when we prepare your quotation, and we provide bookkeeping if you need accounts in any case for corporate tax.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Shams Free Zone?
Tell us about your plans for choosing activities for Shams Free Zone and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Good to know
More about Shams Free Zone
Commercial, professional and industrial
On the ground, shams Free Zone groups its activities into commercial (trading goods), professional (services and consultancy) and industrial (manufacturing). Each group has its own fee schedule and office expectations, and some professional activities ask for a qualification or experience letter.
Adding activities later
Importantly, if your business changes direction, Shams Free Zone allows an activity amendment at any time for a modest authority fee. We process the amendment and update your bank and tax records so every document stays consistent.
Why the UAE
As a rule, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes choosing activities for Shams Free Zone a route to relocation as well as a business decision. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for choosing activities for Shams Free Zone and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled choosing activities for Shams Free Zone for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Put simply, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which paperwork each of them will ask for on a Shams Free Zone file. In practice, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for choosing activities for Shams Free Zone happen the same day they are ready.
Activity groups you can license
General TradingCommercial licence
E-commerceCommercial licence
IT & SoftwareProfessional licence
Business ConsultingProfessional licence
Marketing & Advertising AgencyProfessional licence
Real Estate BrokerageCommercial licence
Restaurant & CaféCommercial licence
Retail ShopCommercial licence
Logistics & Freight ForwardingCommercial licenceImport & ExportCommercial licence
Manufacturing & IndustrialIndustrial licence
Construction & ContractingCommercial licence
Healthcare ClinicProfessional licence
Education & TrainingProfessional licence
Media & Content ProductionProfessional licence
Recruitment & HR ServicesProfessional licence
Travel & Tourism AgencyCommercial licence
Event ManagementProfessional licence
Interior Design & Fit-outProfessional licence
Cleaning & Facilities ManagementCommercial licence
Beauty Salon & SpaCommercial licenceFitness & SportsProfessional licencePhotography & VideographyProfessional licence
Legal ConsultancyProfessional licence
Accounting & BookkeepingProfessional licenceAutomotive & Spare Parts TradingCommercial licence
Gold & Jewellery TradingCommercial licence
Crypto & BlockchainProfessional licence
Fintech & PaymentsProfessional licenceTourism & HospitalityCommercial licenceTextile & Garments TradingCommercial licence
Perfume & Cosmetics TradingCommercial licenceFoodstuff TradingCommercial licence
Engineering ConsultancyProfessional licence
Architecture & DesignProfessional licence
Printing & PackagingIndustrial licenceCar Rental & LeasingCommercial licencePharmaceutical & Medical SuppliesCommercial licence
Oil & Gas ServicesCommercial licence
Maritime & Ship ServicesCommercial licence
Holding CompanyCommercial licence
