FreezoneMatch

Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Sharjah Media City Free Zone — Affordable Media & Creative Hub Starting from AED 5,750

AED 5,750 /year 5-14 working days setup 15 visas

What is Sharjah Media City Free Zone?

Budget-friendly Sharjah free zone specializing in media, creative, and general business licensing. Popular for its extremely competitive pricing and freelancer packages.

Budget-friendly Sharjah free zone specializing in media, creative, and general business licensing. Popular for its extremely competitive pricing and freelancer packages.

Key Features & Benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% corporate/income tax
  • Among the cheapest UAE free zone options
  • Freelancer license from AED 5,750
  • Virtual office options available
  • Quick online setup

Pricing & Costs

From AED 5,750/yr

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

Sharjah Media City Free Zone — Year 1 Fees

License Packages ⓘ

Freelancer (no visa)

AED 5,750/year
  • License
  • Registration

Starter (1 visa)

AED 12,000/year
  • License
  • 1 visa
  • Virtual address

Business (3 visas)

AED 22,000/year
  • License
  • 3 visas
  • Flexi desk

💡 Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.

Government Immigration Fees ⓘ

Visa Costs every 2 years, per person

Renewal Fees ⓘ

Yearly
License Renewalⓘ AED 5,750 – 5,750
Every 2 Years
Visa RenewalⓘEvery 2 years (per person) AED 3,000 – 4,500

All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — contact the FreezoneMatch team directly to confirm latest rates. (Prices last updated: 12 February 2026)

Setup & Documents

5-14 days

Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents

Setup Roadmap

Your journey from application to fully operational business.

5–14 working days 100% Remote No Visit Required
📋
Step 1 1 day

Choose Business Activity

Select your business activity and license type from Sharjah Media City Free Zone's approved list

📄
Step 2 1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Submit trade name application for approval

💳
Step 3 1-2 days

Submit Documents

Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents

✅
Step 4 1 day

Pay License & Registration Fees

Complete payment for license and registration fees to Sharjah Media City Free Zone

🛂
Step 5 5-14 days

Receive Trade License

License issued after document verification and payment confirmation

🏦
Step 6 2-4 weeks

Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account

Submit visa application and business bank account opening

🎉

You're Open for Business!

Document Checklist

Everything you need to register your company with Sharjah Media City Free Zone.

Individual Shareholders

5 documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
  • Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

Corporate Shareholders

7 documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
  • Valid passport of authorized signatory
  • Share certificate
  • Good standing certificate
  • Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
Good to Know
  • Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
  • Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
  • Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
  • Corporate documents should be certified as true copies

Banking & Payments

2/5 ease · 3 partner banks

Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup

Banking

Corporate bank account opening with guaranteed IBAN.

★★ ★★★ Challenging
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

Partner Banks

Emirates NBD

Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking

Mashreq Bank

Digital-first banking with StartUp packages

RAKBANK

SME-friendly banking solutions

Documents Needed

Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Passport copy of all shareholders
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Brief company profile
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices)
3 months personal bank statement
Tips for Faster Approval
  • Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
  • Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
  • Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
  • Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Independent Advice

Not sure if Sharjah Media City Free Zone is right for you?

Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We'll help you compare options, avoid hidden costs, and find the best fit — completely free.

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Why Sharjah Media City Free Zone?

8 key advantages

Key advantages that set this free zone apart

Why Sharjah Media City Free Zone?

What makes this free zone stand out.

⚡

5-14 Day Setup

Standard company formation timeline. Fully remote setup available — no office visit required.

🏦

3 Partner Banks

Banking rated 2/5 (Challenging). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.

👥

Up to 15 Visas

2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.

💰

0% Corporate Tax

On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.

🌍

Mainland Trading Access

Multiple pathways to the mainland market including DET Permit and branch licensing.

📍

Sharjah Location

Located in Sharjah Media City, 20 minutes from Dubai and 10 minutes from Sharjah International Airport

🏢

Among the cheapest UAE free zone options

A key advantage of setting up your business in Sharjah Media City Free Zone.

🔧

Freelancer license from AED 5,750

A key advantage of setting up your business in Sharjah Media City Free Zone.

Best For
  • Media, marketing, and advertising agencies
  • E-commerce and online retail businesses
  • Management and business consultants
  • Creative arts and design studios
Consider Alternatives If
  • Businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities
  • Businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

Reviews

7 common questions

Customer reviews and alternatives

Is Sharjah Media City Free Zone Right for You?

✅ Choose Sharjah Media City Free Zone if you...

  • • media, marketing, and advertising agencies
  • • e-commerce and online retail businesses
  • • management and business consultants
  • • creative arts and design studios

🔄 Consider alternatives if you...

  • • businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities
  • • businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

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FAQ

7 common questions

Common questions about setting up in this free zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setting up in Sharjah Media City Free Zone.

How much does it cost to set up in Sharjah Media City Free Zone?
First-year costs typically range from AED 5,750 – 25,000, depending on license type, office choice, and number of visas. This includes the trade license, registration, and basic setup but excludes visa processing costs.
How long does it take to set up a company in Sharjah Media City Free Zone?
The standard setup process typically takes 5-14 working days, depending on document completeness and license type. Some zones offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
How many visas can I get with Sharjah Media City Free Zone?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package. Based on package selected. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,000 – 4,500 for processing.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a Sharjah Media City Free Zone license?
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland customers without additional permits. You can obtain a DET permit, mainland branch license, or service agent agreement to access the mainland market. E-commerce sales are generally permitted with appropriate approvals.
Do I pay corporate tax in Sharjah Media City Free Zone?
Companies classified as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need a physical office in Sharjah Media City Free Zone?
No, Sharjah Media City Free Zone offers flexi-desk and virtual office options that satisfy UAE compliance requirements. You can upgrade to a private office or warehouse as your business grows.
How do I open a bank account with a Sharjah Media City Free Zone license?
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for a business bank account with any UAE bank. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Required documents include your trade license, certificate of incorporation, passport copies, and proof of business activity.
Independent Advice

Not sure if Sharjah Media City Free Zone is right for you?

Talk to a FreezoneMatch advisor — we don't work for any freezone, so you'll get honest, unbiased guidance to find the best fit for your business.

WhatsApp Quick reply
Book a Call Free, 15 min
Email Us Detailed advice
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Or contact Sharjah Media City Free Zone directly

www.shams.ae
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