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 Americans
Guide for American founders · around 12 to 16 hours from Washington, D.C.
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
Importantly, shams Free Zone issues commercial, professional and industrial licences from its base in Sharjah, and GoldenKey processes new registrations there every week. In practice, 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. Just as important, payments between United States and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, US dollar (USD) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with American business profiles. GoldenKey has American clients from New York, Los Angeles and Houston, and our consultants understand the documents released in United States and how to attest them for the UAE.
From day one, part of Sharjah's cultural and creative economy initiative. As we tell every client, 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. American applicants benefit from the fact that Shams Free Zone already has many American shareholders on its register, so its officers recognise United States documents and name formats instantly.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
Use the table below to compare packages for Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. In short, all prices for Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment.
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
In practice, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- A passport issued by United States with at least six months' validity
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visaif applicable
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a companyif applicable
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE residentif applicable
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zonesif 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
From day one, 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
Your trade name is reserved with the Shams Free Zone authority and initial approval is obtained; this stage rarely takes more than two business days. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans.
- 3
Document submission and payment
You sign the application and memorandum, we file the attested paperwork with Shams Free Zone and the registrar's licence fee is paid.
- 4
Licence issued and next steps
To be clear, once the Shams Free Zone licence and company paperwork are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting. If the authority raises a query on Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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 supporting documents and a signed power of attorney. You will need to enter the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics when your UAE residence visa is processed.
Can I add more activities to my Shams Free Zone licence later?
Yes, it can. 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 I open a UAE bank account with a Shams Free Zone company?
Yes, Shams Free Zone companies open accounts with UAE banks every day. Approval depends on the bank's compliance review of your profile, business plan and documents, and GoldenKey prepares the file and introduces you to a suitable bank.
Do Americans need a UAE visa before applying for Shams Free Zone?
No. You can apply for the licence from United States with scanned supporting documents, and the investor UAE residence visa is processed afterwards.
Can a American citizen own 100% of a company in Shams Free Zone?
It can. Americans can own the full share capital of a Shams Free Zone company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Shams Free Zone?
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a case manager will walk you through Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Good to know
More about Shams Free Zone
Why the UAE
To be clear, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans no longer requires a local partner. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for Shams Free Zone company formation for Americans. Crucially, after your Shams Free Zone licence is released, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. Importantly, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which documents each of them will ask for on a Shams Free Zone file.
