Types of Shams Licenses and Companies

Shams offers one of the most budget-friendly free zone licenses in the UAE, covering:

• Services & Consultancy License: Ideal for businesses delivering services, consultancy, and digital media.

• Trading License: Enables companies to import, export, distribute, and retail goods, plus offer related services.

• Industrial License: Designed for small-scale manufacturing, processing, and production activities.

These licenses group a variety of specific business activities under three main categories: Media, Wholesale & Retail, and Services & Consultancy.

Media Activities

• Printing and duplication of media

• Publishing (books, journals, software)

• Music production, sound recording, and broadcasting

• Television and radio content creation

• Telecom services and IT consulting

• Web portals, hosting, and data services

• Advertising, market research, photography, design

• Events management, film production, fashion, interior design, translation, digital marketing

Wholesale & Retail Activities

• General and specialized wholesale trade (e.g., agricultural, machinery, household goods)

• Retail sales in markets, stores, or fuel stations

• Vehicle and motorcycle trade, including sales, maintenance, and repairs

Services & Consultancy Activities

• Equipment installation, repairs, and metalwork

• Construction, electrical/plumbing services

• Transport support, courier and warehousing services

• Catering, hospitality, and event services

• Real estate, legal services, finance and insurance

• Accounting, auditing, head office functions, project management

• Engineering, R&D, IP leasing, HR, travel, cleaning, conventions, education, sports, and recreation

• IT and computer repair, personal goods repair, and business support services

Company Types Recognised by Shams

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

This structure separates the company’s liabilities from shareholders—their personal assets are protected, and their financial risk is limited to their investment. LLCs can open bank accounts and sponsor employees.

Branch

Existing entities can set up a branch in Shams, effectively mirroring the parent company’s activities and legal identity. Branches can also open bank accounts and obtain visas.

Office Space for a Shams Free Zone Company

All Shams-registered companies must lease workspaces within the free zone. Options include:

• Dedicated Desk: Your own desk in a shared office with WiFi, printing, and meeting room access.

• Shared Desk: Flexible co-working space with standard amenities and networking opportunities.

• Dedicated Office: A private lockable room with flexible seating, WiFi, printing, and shared meeting room access.

How are Media Businesses Expanding in the UAE?

Media entrepreneurs benefit greatly from Shams’s specialized structure:

• Free zone setup reduces costs, allows 100% foreign ownership, and simplifies regulations compared to mainland.

• Aligned ecosystem where media and creative professionals thrive alongside service providers.

• Targeted support, including highly affordable media licenses, tailored freelancer packages with visas and immigration card included.

• Easy expansion, with LLCs for new companies and branch setups for established ones.

• Creative infrastructure, such as a Film Commission, influencers network, and collaborative facilities.

• Community development, through training workshops, exhibitions (GITEX, Seamless), and networking events.

Shams Free Zone – Easing Out the Challenges of New Business Setup in UAE

Shams is tailored to help first-time founders and small creative teams overcome common startup hurdles:

• Low upfront costs: Licensing from just AED 5,750, share capital minimum of AED 10,000—both of which don’t need upfront payment.

• Flexible workspace: Options scale with your team, minimizing wasted overhead.

• No complex financial burden: No audits, no tax filings—just run your business.

• Zero taxes: Corporate and personal tax-free environment with full profit repatriation.

• Skill growth: On-site training, events, and exhibition access for hands-on learning and promotion.

Key Features