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
General Trading in Shams Free Zone
Import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence
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
From day one, shams Free Zone combines media & creative focus with the flexibility to add activities and visas later, which is why it suits both first-time entrepreneurs and established groups. In our experience, setting up a company in Shams Free Zone gives you 100% ownership, a UAE trade licence and the option to sponsor residence visas for yourself and your family. External approvals for general trading are: no special approval for standard goods; customs code required to physically import. Typical examples of this activity include electronics, building materials, FMCG, furniture and spare parts, which can usually sit together on one Shams Free Zone licence.
In short, part of Sharjah's cultural and creative economy initiative. As we tell every client, unlike some zones, Shams Free Zone does not require a large paid-up capital to be blocked in a bank account before the licence is issued. GoldenKey has licensed general trading in Shams Free Zone for customers ranging from solo founders to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
Pricing for general trading in Shams Free Zone depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. All prices for general trading in Shams Free Zone are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
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 2026-10-28.
Business activities
Explore 834 business activities in Shams Free Zone
Shams Free Zone lets you combine related activities on one licence. Search by what your business does — in English or Arabic — and 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 requiredPopular choices · 834 activities availableAll 834 Shams Free Zone activities
Required documents
Documents required
Day to day, the document list for general trading in 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
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visaif applicable
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a companyif applicable
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activitiesif 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
Our process
How Shams Free Zone works with GoldenKey
- 1
Consultation and activity selection
We confirm that your activity is available in Shams Free Zone, choose the licence type and agree the visa package and office option that match your plan.
- 2
Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the Shams Free Zone authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days. Nothing is submitted for general trading in Shams Free Zone until you have reviewed and approved it.
- 3
Document submission and payment
With the forms and memorandum signed, GoldenKey lodges the attested documents and settles the licence fee with the issuing authority on your behalf.
- 4
Licence issued and next steps
Crucially, your Shams Free Zone licence, certificate of incorporation and lease are issued, and we move straight on to the establishment card, visas and bank introduction. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for general trading in Shams Free Zone.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Shams Free Zone. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsDo 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 processed.
How long does the Shams Free Zone licence take?
Once your documents are complete, the authority typically issues the licence within 3 business days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Can 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 clients in most cases, 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.
Is general trading allowed in Shams Free Zone?
Yes. General Trading is an available activity in {ent}, and GoldenKey lists the exact sub-activities on your licence. No special approval for standard goods; customs code required to physically import.
Which licence type covers general trading?
General Trading is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Shams Free Zone?
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for general trading in Shams Free Zone, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Good to know
More about Shams Free Zone
Why the UAE
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international customers and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for general trading in Shams Free Zone. Just as important, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for general trading in Shams Free Zone.
Why GoldenKey
Crucially, you deal with one named consultant from the first call until your Shams Free Zone licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for general trading in Shams Free Zone happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with general trading in Shams Free Zone, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
