Ampsy Consultancy LLC provides end-to-end business setup, support, and advisory services in the UAE.
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is Sharjah's free zone for media, creative and digital businesses, launched in 2017 and located around 15 minutes from Dubai and 5 minutes from Sharjah International Airport. With licence costs starting from under AED 7,000 and more than 120 permitted activities, it's one of the most accessible entry points in the UAE for freelancers, content creators and small creative and digital agencies.
Low-Cost Entry: Zero-visa licences start from around AED 6,875, with residence-visa packages available from roughly AED 14,300.
Media, Creative and General Activities: Over 120 business activities across media, creative, IT and general trading, with the flexibility to combine several on one licence.
100% Foreign Ownership: Full ownership, 0% income tax, and no requirement for a security deposit or annual audit for most licence types.
Fast Setup: Standard licence applications, without external approvals, are typically processed within 1–3 business days.
Freelance Permit Option: A dedicated freelance permit makes Shams one of the most accessible routes to UAE residency for solo content and creative professionals.
Ampsy Consultancy manages the full Shams company formation process, from trade name reservation and licence selection to document preparation and bank account coordination.
Ready to set up your business in Shams? Call Ampsy Consultancy today to get expert consultation!
Find answers to common questions about this service.
No. Shams does not require physical presence for setup, and most standard licences can be issued without a site visit. Visa activation still requires an in-country medical test and Emirates ID appointment.
You'll need a passport copy, proposed trade names and a description of your activity. Media-related activities may also require a brief outline of your intended content or productions.
Shams licenses media and creative activities (production, gaming, content creation), IT and digital services, general trading, and a wide range of professional and consultancy activities.
No, not for every licence type. Shams offers dedicated desk, shared desk, dedicated office and shared office facility options, and your visa quota is tied to the facility you choose rather than a mandatory office.