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SHAMS Freezone Company Formation

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Shams Freezone Company Formation

Affordable, creative, and fully-remote UAE business setup with 100% ownership
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What is SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) Freezone Company Formation?

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) was formed in 2017 by merging the RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. Today, it spans over 33 million square meters and hosts more than 15,000 companies from 100+ countries, making it a global hub for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and industrial players. With dedicated zones for business, industry, and education, RAKEZ offers flexibility, world-class infrastructure, and highly competitive costs. Its location in Ras Al Khaimah connects investors seamlessly to markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Benefits of SHAMS Freezone Company Formation

Affordable & Tax-Free Setup

Shams offers some of the lowest licence packages in the UAE, starting around AED 5,750. With zero income tax, no import/export duties, and no capital deposit, businesses enjoy lean operations and higher profit margins.

100% Ownership & Profit Repatriation

Investors keep full control of their companies without local sponsors. All profits can be repatriated abroad, while limited liability protection adds security for both individuals and corporations.

Multiple Activities Under One Licence

With over 1,500 approved activities, Shams allows you to combine media, consultancy, trading, and e-commerce in one entity. This flexibility makes it easier to diversify and scale operations.

Strategic Location & Flexible Workspaces

Positioned near Sharjah and Dubai airports, Shams ensures global connectivity. Entrepreneurs can choose cost-effective options from flexi-desks to private offices, all equipped with modern facilities.

Fast Setup & Visa Options

Registration is fully digital, and licences are often issued within days. Investors can secure up to six visas with flexi-desk packages or more with larger spaces, plus sponsor family members with ease.

Supportive Business Environment

Shams fosters growth through networking events, training workshops, and promotional platforms. Its pro-business framework encourages collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.

Business Activities in SHAMS

Media & Creative Industries

Core activities include film and television production, publishing, digital marketing, web portals, broadcasting, design services, photography, event management, and advertising. Shams has positioned itself as the UAE’s creative hub, allowing companies to build campaigns, produce media, and run full-scale creative operations seamlessly.

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Services & Consultancy

Shams authorizes a wide spectrum of consultancy activities such as management, IT, accounting, legal, engineering, real estate, education, and travel services. It also covers technical testing, research, call centres, catering, and logistics. This makes it ideal for professionals who want to scale advisory and service-based operations.

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Trading & E-Commerce

Businesses can engage in wholesale, retail, and e-commerce activities, including general trading, import/export, and online platforms. Shams supports everything from distributors and retailers to global e-commerce entrepreneurs, enabling efficient digital trade across the UAE and GCC markets.

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Types of Legal Entities

SHAMS Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A flexible structure allowing one to fifty shareholders, either individuals or corporates. It provides limited liability, minimal capital requirements (notional AED 100,000 with no deposit needed), and no audit obligations, making it the most popular choice for startups and SMEs.

Branch of a Foreign or UAE Company

A cost-effective structure for existing businesses to expand into the UAE. A branch is legally an extension of its parent company, with no capital requirements and simple compliance, suitable for testing new markets or managing regional operations.

Sole Establishment / Freelance Permit

A streamlined option for individuals who want to operate under their personal name as consultants, designers, or digital professionals. It allows independent entrepreneurs to invoice legally without forming a separate corporate entity.

Types of Licenses Available

Media

Covers activities like film and TV production, publishing, advertising, broadcasting, and creative content creation. Perfect for companies targeting media and creative industries.

Service License

Authorises consultancy, legal, marketing, IT, education, and other professional services. It offers maximum flexibility for individuals and agencies offering expertise-driven solutions.

Trading License

Permits wholesale, retail, and import/export of goods. Entrepreneurs can operate e-commerce platforms, trading companies, or distribution firms under this license.

E-Commerce License

Designed specifically for online businesses to sell products and services via digital platforms. It’s highly attractive to global entrepreneurs and digital nomads targeting UAE and GCC markets.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose Activities & Company Name  

Select your intended business activities and propose at least three potential names. Shams allows multiple activities under one license, provided the names are non-offensive and unique.

2. Select Structure & License Type  

Decide between LLC, branch, or sole establishment and select the right license type (Media, Service, Trading, or E-Commerce) aligned with your operations.

3. Prepare Application & Documents  

Complete application forms and collate essential documents, including passport copies, photos, and incorporation details. Corporate entities will need MoA, board resolutions, and certificates of good standing.

4. Submit Application & Pay Fees  

Submit through Shams or an authorized agent, pay the setup fees, and receive initial approval. Most licenses are issued within days, ensuring minimal downtime.

5. Sign Documents & Open Bank Account  

Finalize incorporation documents, obtain the certificate of incorporation, and open a corporate bank account to manage funds and operations.

6. Apply for Visas & Office Space  

Apply for investor or employee visas, with up to six visas available under a flex-desk. Choose between co-working spaces or private offices based on your staffing and visa requirements.

Documents Required

How DSA Helps

Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey from initial planning to long-term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on-ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.

Business Planning & Jurisdiction Comparison
Trade Name Reservation & Licensing Approvals
Legal Documentation, Drafting & Translation
Workspace & Tenancy Solutions
Bank Account Opening & Compliance Setup
Visa & Immigration Processing
PRO & Legal Documentation Services
Post-Incorporation Support & Growth Enablement

Why Choose Us?

At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates.

Extensive Experience

End-to-End Service

Transparent Pricing

Global Perspective

Personalized Approach

Comprehensive Network

FAQs

Affordable setup, 100% ownership, tax-free environment, fast licensing, and a creative ecosystem near Dubai and Sharjah airports.

Yes, Shams permits combining multiple activities such as media, consultancy, retail, and e-commerce under one licence.

No, incorporation can be completed remotely. Physical presence is only required for bank account opening and visa stamping.

Up to six visas on a flex-desk package and more on dedicated spaces, covering investors, employees, and dependents.

Licenses are typically issued within days, with documents available in two days. Complete setup can be finalized in 1–2 weeks.

No paid-up capital is required. Only a notional amount (AED 100,000 for LLCs) is declared without any deposit obligation.

No. Shams allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner.

Yes, Shams companies can open corporate accounts, and DSA facilitates the process with leading UAE banks.

Yes, investors can sponsor staff and dependents, with no age restrictions on investor visas.

Media, e-commerce, digital services, consultancy, and trading businesses find Shams particularly attractive due to its structure and policies.