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What you need to know now
Shams offers company formation for a range of business activities. Use a current activity-specific proposal rather than the 2018 package price preserved in this article.
The original article is preserved below as a historical record. Earlier deadlines, rates, offers and approval statements should not be used as current guidance.
- Check the exact activities and permitted combinations.
- Confirm the workspace and visa needs of the proposed business.
- Request current incorporation and renewal costs in writing.
Choose the business activity before the package
The original 2018 article introduced Shams and described licences, facilities and an advertised setup price. A current formation project should begin with the activities the business actually intends to perform. Explain the products or services, expected customers and how work will be delivered, then confirm the permitted activity combination. Avoid choosing a package solely because an old article described it as inexpensive. The suitable licence and facility arrangement should support the operating model rather than require the business to adapt to a headline offer.
Check the workspace and staffing assumptions
Discuss the number of people involved, the intended working arrangement and any visa needs. Ask which facilities and services are included and whether limits apply. Where the company plans to expand, clarify how a later change in activities, staffing or workspace would be handled. Use a current written proposal so that all parties understand the assumptions. A shared workspace description from the historical article does not establish the facilities available under a new package or the permissions associated with it.
Understand the documents and application steps
Obtain the current formation checklist for the proposed shareholders and legal structure. Check the required identity, corporate and approval documents before making commitments to a launch date. Clarify who will submit the application and how questions or changes will be handled. Where the business needs a bank account or another service from an independent provider, treat that as a separate process; incorporation itself does not guarantee that another organisation will approve its own application.
Budget for a working company after incorporation
Compare the first-year proposal with expected renewal costs and identify accounting, recordkeeping and other recurring responsibilities. Assign someone to maintain the company’s documents, approve transactions and track relevant deadlines. The historical price and facilities remain useful context for the portal’s earlier coverage, but current decisions should follow Shams’ present guidance and an activity-specific quotation. Keeping these records from the beginning gives the company a clearer basis for dealing with advisers, staff and future changes.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
A practical way forward
- 01
Step 1
Describe the activity, shareholders and staffing plan.
- 02
Step 2
Confirm the licence and facility package directly with Shams.
- 03
Step 3
Arrange accounting and compliance responsibilities after incorporation.
CLEAR ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Is the old AED 11,500 quotation still valid?
This article does not establish a current price. Obtain a fresh quotation for the proposed package.
Do I need a local shareholder for a Shams company?
Shams states that its company owners can have full ownership without a local partner.
Read the original article First published 22 July 2018 · retained for context
This earlier article is preserved for context. Its rates, deadlines, approvals and announcements may have been superseded. Use the current guidance and official references on this page for your next step.
Sharjah Media City (Shams) | Shams Free Zone
Sharjah Media City (Shams) | Shams Free Zone – SAIF Chartered Accountants
Sharjah Media City (Shams) | Shams Free Zone : Sharjah Media City (Shams Free zone) was launched in January 2017 to act as a catalyst for creative and media businesses to grow and thrive. Shams is aiming to be a world-class media hub for innovative facilities and services, Shams covers a wide range of business activities available for those wishing to embark on their entrepreneurial journey in the UAE. Shams sets the benchmark for service and support to those wishing to set-up and launch their business with specialised facilities for the creative and media industries.Cheapest Company setup options starting from AED 11500.
Types of Licenses – Shams Free Zone
Service License :It allows for production, re-production, transformation and distribution of services. Service license includes rendering services as a primary objective and utilising goods to provide them.
Trading License :Selling goods within Shams or importing and exporting of goods. It includes movement of goods, wholesale and retail sale of goods and rendering of services related to the sale of these goods.
Industrial License :It allows for production, re-production, transformation and manufacturing of goods.
Holding License :It allows holding standalone assets and/or stakes in other companies. You would require a holding company for the purpose of controlling other company(ies), property such as real estate, patents, trademarks, stock and other assets.
Facilities Provided – Shams Free Zone
Shams provides four facility options that are designed to serve your needs & requirements. Shared workplace facilities offered by Shams provide a co-working environment, which is a great solution for start-ups that want to interact with other like-minded people..
1. Dedicated Desk :It is an assigned space close to like-minded individuals. It’s optimal for the present business visionary looking for adaptable space and networking openings. It’s modern aesthetic and practical setup makes it a pleasant atmosphere.
2. Shared Desk :It is a common space shared by like-minded individuals. It’s optimal for the present business visionary looking for adaptable space and networking openings. It’s modern aesthetic and practical setup makes it a pleasant atmosphere.
3. Dedicated Office :It is an assigned lockable office space used based on individuals. Ranging from a single desk space or perhaps a group of desks, it offers private workplace while empowering coordinated effort among people.
4. Shared Office :It provides more private space and it allows networking opportunities.
VERIFY THE DETAIL
Official sources & further reading
Source checks support this general guide. Your treatment depends on the facts, tax period and applicable legislation.
