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 Filipinos
Guide for Filipino founders · around 9 hours from Manila
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
In our experience, shams Free Zone combines media & creative focus with the flexibility to add activities and visas later, and for that reason it suits both first-time founders and established groups. In practice, shams Free Zone issues commercial, professional and industrial licences from its base in Sharjah, and GoldenKey processes new registrations there every week. In short, the most common businesses Filipinos open through GoldenKey are in retail, food and beverage, healthcare and hospitality, although Shams Free Zone supports almost any activity. Filipinos are one of the largest communities in the UAE, estimated at around 700,000 to 1,000,000 people, so the Shams Free Zone authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Filipino applications every day and process them without hesitation.
As a rule, popular with journalists, filmmakers and creative agencies. Popular activities in Shams Free Zone include media, advertising, publishing, creative services and digital marketing, and most of them can be combined on a single licence. GoldenKey has prepared Shams Free Zone files for Filipino clients in retail, food and beverage, healthcare and hospitality, which means we know which Philippines documents need attestation and which can be submitted as plain copies.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
The figures below for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. All prices for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos 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 2026-10-29.
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
As a rule, the document list for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos 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-size photograph on a white background
- A bank statement from your Philippines bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activitiesif applicable
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zonesif applicable
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the countryif applicable
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visaif 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
To be clear, in the first call we check that Shams Free Zone lists your activity, settle the licence type and match the visa package and office to what you actually need.
- 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. Your portal shows the status of this step for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos in real time.
- 3
Document submission and payment
Put simply, you sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority.
- 4
Licence issued and next steps
Once the Shams Free Zone licence and company documents are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos.
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?
Put simply, most Shams Free Zone licences can be issued remotely with scanned paperwork 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 handled.
How long does the Shams Free Zone licence take?
Put simply, once your supporting documents are complete, the licensing authority in most cases issues the licence within 3 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
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 a Filipino citizen own 100% of a company in Shams Free Zone?
Yes — Filipinos can own the full share capital of a Shams Free Zone company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Philippines and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Philippines have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Shams Free Zone?
Tell us about your plans for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos 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
Why the UAE
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos. As we tell every client, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, and that is why so many founders choose it as a base for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. We speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for Shams Free Zone company formation for Filipinos.
