What it is
Media, marketing, and tech on a focused budget
SHAMS supports media, marketing, creative, technology, e-commerce, and general service businesses. Costs are lower than Dubai media zones, licensing is quick, and the activity list is broad enough for most digital businesses. Ownership is 100% foreign. SHAMS is particularly popular with content creators, agencies, freelancers transitioning to a company, and digital businesses serving regional clients.
HOW IT WORKS
The path to live operations — SHAMS, Sharjah Media City Free Zone
Scoping and alignment
We confirm activities, shareholders, manager, and premises plan. Name and initial approval are filed.
Drafting and attestations
We prepare incorporation forms and arrange signing. Sector approvals are handled where the activity calls for them.
Premises and licensing
We secure your flexi desk or office within SHAMS, registered against the license. SHAMS issues the trade license and establishment card.
Go live
You receive a bank-ready documentation pack. We support account opening, register for VAT where it applies, and start visas.
DOCUMENTATION
What we need to start the process
Shareholder and manager IDs
Passport copies and UAE entry or visa pages for all owners, directors, and authorized signatories.
Contact and address
Current residential address and contact details for each shareholder and key manager.
Corporate shareholders
Legalized company documents, a clear structure chart, and a board resolution approving the SHAMS setup.
Business profile
Activities, target audience, content or service description, and revenue model.
Premises and visa needs
Flexi desk or office in SHAMS sized to your visa target.
Authorization
Power of attorney or engagement letter so we can file, follow up, and collect approvals from SHAMS and related authorities.
costs and timelines
Clear costs, precise timing
Authority fees
Name reservation, initial approval, license, establishment card, and immigration file. SHAMS pricing sits at the lower end of the UAE range for media activities.
VAT
Register for VAT when taxable supplies reach AED 375,000 in any rolling 12-month period. Voluntary registration is possible from AED 187,500 if you want to reclaim input VAT on imports and operations earlier.
Premises
Flexi desk or office matched to your visa target.
Corporate tax
SHAMS entities follow UAE corporate tax rules. Standard rates apply on taxable income, currently 0% up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that threshold, subject to future changes in law. Qualifying free zone income may benefit from the 0% rate where the substance and other conditions are met.
Professional services
Advisory on zone choice, legal form, drafting, attestations, and a bank-ready documentation pack, all on a fixed transparent fee.
COMPLIANCE
Stay compliant, protect your status
UBO, ESR, AML, and KYC
Maintain UBO records, Economic Substance filings where relevant, and AML and KYC policies that match your customers, suppliers, and jurisdictions.
Governance pack
License, lease, incorporation or branch documents, resolutions, and specimen signatures organized for fast review and internal approvals.
Relationship support
We coordinate bank meetings, respond to questions, and help keep files updated when you add lines, facilities, or new markets.
Renewals and record keeping
Renew license, lease, and establishment registrations on time, with accounting and compliance records kept audit ready.
UBO, ESR, AML, and KYC
Maintain UBO records, Economic Substance filings where relevant, and AML and KYC policies that match your customers, suppliers, and jurisdictions.
Governance pack
License, lease, incorporation or branch documents, resolutions, and specimen signatures organized for fast review and internal approvals.
Relationship support
We coordinate bank meetings, respond to questions, and help keep files updated when you add lines, facilities, or new markets.
Renewals and record keeping
Renew license, lease, and establishment registrations on time, with accounting and compliance records kept audit ready.
WHY TAKWEEN
Lean setup, professional execution
SHAMS is a cost effective zone. We protect that saving by getting the file right the first time so banks and partners take the company seriously.
Clear activity story
We explain your business model, main customers and suppliers, and typical transaction flows so bank risk teams understand the business.
Source of funds clarity
We compile shareholder background, capital origin, and major contracts into a concise pack that fits UAE banking expectations.
Governance pack
License, lease, incorporation or branch documents, resolutions, and specimen signatures organized for fast review and internal approvals.
Relationship support
We coordinate bank meetings, respond to questions, and help keep files updated when you add activities, facilities, or new markets.
24/7 Support
On call for status checks and escalations with the zone, banks, and immigration so your project does not stall on paperwork.
FAQS
Straight answers to common questions
Ready to start your UAE business journey?
Tell us your activities and your hiring plan. We will confirm the steps, run the filings, and hand you a bank-ready pack.