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 Company Formation for Kenyans
Guide for Kenyan founders · around 5 hours from Nairobi
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 entrepreneurs who want a UAE licence without a large upfront budget. Crucially, 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 practice, kenyans are a growing East African community working in aviation, hospitality, logistics and trade, so the Shams Free Zone authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Kenyan applications every day and process them without hesitation. Dubai is a key re-export and sourcing hub for East African traders, and the UAE-Kenya CEPA is deepening those links, which gives Kenyan entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Shams Free Zone licence is issued.
For most clients, one of the reasons we recommend Shams Free Zone is its media & creative focus, which matters more than most company owners realise once the business is running. Importantly, shams Free Zone licences are renewed annually with a simple online payment and updated passport copies, and GoldenKey sends a reminder 60 days before the due date. Just as important, kenyan applicants benefit from the fact that Shams Free Zone already has many Kenyan shareholders on its register, so its officers recognise Kenya paperwork and name formats instantly.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
As a rule, use the table below to compare packages for Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans 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 2026-10-29.
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
The document list for Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- A passport granted by Kenya with at least six months' validity
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE residentif applicable
- A police clearance certificate from Kenya if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires itif 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. For Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
- 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.
- 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. For Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
- 4
Licence issued and next steps
Your Shams Free Zone licence, certificate of incorporation and lease are granted, and we move straight on to the establishment card, visas and bank introduction.
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?
Day to day, most Shams Free Zone licences can be granted 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.
Is an audit required for a Shams Free Zone company?
Put simply, 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.
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.
Can a Kenyan citizen own 100% of a company in Shams Free Zone?
Yes. Kenyans can own the full share capital of a Shams Free Zone company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
How long does the process take for Kenyan applicants?
Processing for Kenyans follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Kenya that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Shams Free Zone?
As a rule, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans in a single conversation.
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 Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Crucially, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for Shams Free Zone company formation for Kenyans happen the same day they are ready. Most of our Shams Free Zone clients come to us through referrals from other founders, and that is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. If a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Shams Free Zone file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the submission sit.
