Business Setup in Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS)

Are you looking for reliable business setup services in Sharjah Media City Free Zone? As one of the leading company formation firms in the UAE, Oncount delivers structured, compliant, and scalable company setup services tailored specifically for SHAMS businesses. Our professional consultants ensure your company registration remains accurate and up-to-date, helping you streamline operations while maintaining full compliance with UAE free zone regulations. We offer a free consultation to help you understand the best setup options for starting a business in this strategic location.

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Comprehensive Business Setup Solutions

Oncount’s business setup solutions are designed to ensure full compliance with UAE legislation while supporting operational efficiency. Our company formation and free zone business setup firm provides services mapped to the requirements of:

UAE Federal Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 32 of 2021)
Sharjah Media City Free Zone Authority regulations
UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022)

Located just minutes from Sharjah International Airport and minutes from Dubai International Airport, SHAMS (known as SHAMS) serves as a strategic media hub connecting businesses to regional and international markets.

Core Company Formation Services

Our professional business setup services in Sharjah Media City Free Zone are structured to ensure full compliance with UAE free zone regulations, supporting both operational accuracy and regulatory transparency. When you register a company with us, you benefit from:

Company registration with IFRS-compliant chart of accounts setup
Business license application, periodic renewal filing, and document matching (SHAMS portal integration)
Corporate tax computation and filing based on UAE resident rules
Monthly financial reporting, bookkeeping, and audit preparation
Visa processing reconciliation and immigration management

Our SHAMS company formation services enable entrepreneurs to set up your business efficiently while ensuring you can conduct business across multiple jurisdictions within the UAE.

Licensing and Registration Services

These consultancy services help businesses maintain regulatory alignment while protecting against compliance risks and operational challenges. Our SHAMS free zone license services include:

Free zone company setup via SHAMS-linked systems
Business activities registration for designated media entities across the creative and media sector
AML compliance review for red flags and suspicious transaction reporting in line with UAE AML regulations

We help you register your company as a limited liability company (LLC) or other business entity types, ensuring the right type of license for your specific industry needs.

Post-Formation Support

Our company formation consultancy in Sharjah Media City offers services designed to recover historical compliance, restore reporting accuracy, and prepare businesses for regulatory audits. We also provide company liquidation services when needed:

Reconstruction of missing or delayed corporate records
Support for late license renewal and voluntary disclosures
Documentation compilation for SHAMS audit queries and compliance reviews
Creating and maintaining corporate books for previous periods

Steps for Business Setup in Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Initial consultation and business activity selection within SHAMS approved categories – our experts help you start your business in Sharjah with the right foundation
Company name reservation through SHAMS portal system
License application submission with required documents and MOA preparation (application and required documents checklist provided)
Visa processing for shareholders and employees (flexible visa options available)
Office space allocation or registration of business address within the freezone
Bank account opening coordination with UAE banking partners
Post-formation compliance setup including corporate tax registration

Our streamlined process offers a cost-effective way to start your business operations in one of the UAE’s premier free zones.

Legal Business Setup Requirements in Sharjah Media City: Why Accurate Formation is Crucial for Businesses

All businesses in Sharjah Media City Free Zone must maintain compliant corporate records, regardless of size or legal structure. As per the UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 32 of 2021), companies must reflect a true and fair view of business operations. Services such as structured company formation in Sharjah Media City, license renewal filing, and corporate governance preparation ensure businesses meet these legal obligations consistently and accurately. Whether you want to start a business without the complexities of mainland setup or register a business in a specialized business hub, SHAMS offers comprehensive solutions.

Applicable Laws & Resolutions

Formation in Sharjah Media City free zone must comply with federal laws, administrative penalties, and SHAMS rules on corporate governance and recordkeeping. Unlike other free zones in the UAE such as SAIF Zone or Hamriyah Free Zone, SHAMS specifically focuses on media industry regulations:

UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021)
Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020 (Free Zone Regulations)
SHAMS Authority recordkeeping and compliance guidelines

Risk & Penalty Mitigation

Oncount helps reduce fines through timely filings, compliance checks, and accurate corporate reporting:

Failure to maintain proper records may trigger fines of AED 20,000 to AED 200,000 under SHAMS penalties
Misclassification under free zone exemptions may invalidate tax benefits
Our tools include audit readiness checklists, record backup protocols, and deadline monitoring to ensure penalty avoidance

Industry-Specific Business Setup Services

Our SHAMS business setup services are tailored to the operational and regulatory realities of each client sector, with deep insight into specific licensing and compliance demands. The city freezone offers a wide range of activities specifically designed for creative and media enterprises:

Industry-Specific Expertise

Media and Creative Industries: Content production, advertising, and digital media licensing – core to the media hub identity
IT and Technology: Software development, e-commerce license, and digital services with activities under one comprehensive license
Consultancy Services: Professional services licensing and knowledge-based activities
Trading and Logistics: Import/export operations and distribution services
E-commerce and Digital: Online business operations and digital marketplace licensing

SHAMS offers a comprehensive range of business setup packages tailored to each sector, allowing companies to operate with maximum efficiency within the Sharjah Free Zone ecosystem.

Client Integration & Customization

Embedded business setup support (on-site or remote)
Custom dashboards showing license status, visa renewals, and compliance deadlines
Preparation of investor presentations and bank-ready documentation packs
Streamline your company formation process with tailored solutions

About Oncount: Top Business Setup Firm in UAE

Oncount is a Dubai-based business setup and advisory services firm specializing in end-to-end free zone compliance. With a focus on UAE corporate regulation, our services are built to align with both SHAMS mandates and international corporate governance standards. We support both free zone and mainland businesses by integrating local regulatory awareness with international business formation rigor.

8+ Years of Local Experience, 320+ Clients Served

Established in 2016, Oncount has served over 320 companies in the UAE, ranging from startups to multinational subsidiaries:

Services delivered in English, Arabic, and Russian to support UAE’s multilingual business community
Full adherence to SHAMS guidelines, UAE Cabinet Decisions, and IFRS reporting practices
Jurisdiction-specific expertise across Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirate licensing authorities

Clarity Over Routine: Professional Business Setup Consultants in Sharjah Media City

Oncount prioritizes transparency, communication, and actionable insights over passive documentation. Each client is assigned a dedicated setup consultant with a defined escalation structure. Reports are delivered in investor-ready formats, supporting strategic planning and regulatory readiness. Our comprehensive services include:

Full company formation and maintenance of corporate records
License application filing and visa processing compliance
Corporate tax returns and advisory services
SHAMS portal management and entity administration
AML compliance and regulatory reporting
Financial reporting and complex business analysis
Structured monthly workflows with cutoff dates and SLA-based delivery
Communication via Zoom, WhatsApp, and secure email
Custom reporting templates for board meetings, lender reviews, and audit submissions

Why Choose Us for Business Setup Services in Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Oncount’s systems, personnel, and regulatory knowledge are designed for businesses that prioritize both compliance and clarity, making us one of the leading business setup and company formation firms in the UAE.

Quality Control Process

Our deliverables are executed through standardized review procedures to ensure precision, compliance, and audit-readiness across all business operations:

Dual review of corporate documentation for accuracy
Periodic reconciliation of license status, visa validity, and compliance deadlines
SOPs mapped to SHAMS and UAE federal standards
Legal document verification and documentation

Legal and Technical Accuracy

Our solutions combine automation with regulatory insight, enabling error-free reporting and full alignment with UAE statutory requirements:

Use of certified business setup software and SHAMS portal integration
Full implementation of corporate governance, tax compliance, and regulatory workflows
Setup system customized to your business needs and industry requirements

Multilingual, Real-Time Support

Our support features include responsive communication and seamless access to business data, ensuring clarity and speed in all client interactions:

Communication in four languages for cross-border teams
SLA-based ticket resolution for business setup adjustments
Instant access to monthly reports and compliance documentation via cloud portal

Outsourcing Business Setup Services: The Smart Choice for Sharjah Media City Businesses

When you handle your company formation activities through outsourcing business setup services to professional consultancy firms in Sharjah Media City like Oncount, you gain:

Time to focus on core business growth initiatives
Cost savings compared to in-house setup teams
Expert guidance and strategic operational support
Accurate and compliant business formation aligned with UAE requirements
Reduced risk of regulatory penalties
Up-to-date regulatory insights for better decision-making

If your company requires accurate, legally compliant, and fully customized business setup services in Sharjah Media City Free Zone, Oncount offers unmatched regulatory alignment, industry experience, and responsive client support to meet the needs of all businesses in the SHAMS free zone.

FAQ

About Business Setup Services in Sharjah Media City Free Zone

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What is the cost of setting up a business in Sharjah Media City Free Zone?

The license cost for business setup in SHAMS typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 annually, depending on your business activities and office space requirements. This includes the free zone license, visa processing, and initial setup fees. Additional costs may apply for office space rental and specific industry licenses.

Can foreign entrepreneurs achieve 100% ownership in Sharjah Media City Free Zone?

Yes, foreign ownership of 100% is permitted in Sharjah Media City Free Zone. This is one of the key advantages of setting up a business in SHAMS, as it allows international entrepreneurs to establish a company without requiring a local UAE partner, unlike mainland company formation.

What types of business activities are allowed in SHAMS?

SHAMS free zone offers a wide range of activities focused on media, creative industries, technology, and consultancy services. You can combine multiple activities under a single license, including content production, digital marketing, software development, e-commerce operations, and professional consultancy services. The SHAMS license allows for diverse business operations within the creative and media sectors.

How long does the business setup process take in Sharjah Media City?

The complete setup process typically takes 7-10 working days from document submission to license issuance. This includes company registration, license approval, visa processing, and office space allocation. With expert guidance from setup consultants, the timeline can be optimized for faster completion.

What are the visa options available for business owners in SHAMS?

SHAMS provides flexible visa options including investor visas for shareholders, employee visas for staff, and dependent visas for family members. The number of visas depends on your license type and office space. Each license typically allows for 2-6 visas initially, with options for additional visa allocation.

Is office space mandatory for business setup in Sharjah Media City Free Zone?

Yes, having a registered office space within SHAMS is mandatory for all businesses. Options include flexi-desk arrangements, shared offices, or dedicated private offices. The office space requirement ensures compliance with free zone regulations and provides a legitimate business address for your company.

What documents are required for business setup in SHAMS?

The required documents include passport copies of shareholders, educational certificates, business plan, proof of address, and bank reference letters. Additional documents may be needed depending on your specific business activities and visa requirements. Our consultants provide a complete checklist during the initial consultation.

Looking to take your business  to the next level? Our professional accounting team in Dubai is here  to help yousoar financially. We handle everything from detailed reports  to smart tax strategies, so you can focus on whatyou do best—growing your company.

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Thank you — your answers have been submitted.
Our team will review your inputs and get in touch shortly.

Usually within 1 business day via email or WhatsApp