Sharjah · self-registration verified
Register a SHAMS company yourself.
One of the lowest-cost routes to a UAE licence, set up entirely online. You can apply directly — no formation agent required.
What SHAMS's own site saysOfficial site advertises "100% Digital Setup" — "Register, pay, and receive your license from anywhere in the world."Read the source Checked 2026-07-29
Who SHAMS suits
- Media, creative and consulting activities
- Cost-sensitive first-time founders
- Freelancers going corporate
Step by step
Registering with SHAMS
- 01
Check you can self-register
Official site advertises "100% Digital Setup" — "Register, pay, and receive your license from anywhere in the world."
- 02
Prepare your details
Three trade-name options, your activity, owners and visa count — our wizard walks you through each one and saves as you type.
- 03
Get your documents ready
Passport copies, photos and proof of address for every owner. The portal gives you a tick-list.
- 04
Apply on SHAMS
Submit directly on Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)'s own portal using your prepared pack. You stay in control — nobody files on your behalf.
Documents
What you'll need to hand
The near-universal list across self-serve free zones. Your portal checklist tracks these per owner.
Passport copyper owner
Clear colour scan of the photo page, valid at least 6 months.
Passport-size photographper owner
Recent, white background, face clearly visible.
UAE visa / entry stampper owner
Only if you are already in the UAE — residence visa or entry stamp page.
Emirates IDper owner
Only if you already hold UAE residency.
Proof of addressper owner
A utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months.
Three trade-name options
In order of preference. Avoid religious terms, country names and any implication of regulated activity.
Short business description
A few lines on what you'll actually do — some zones ask for this at pre-approval.
Worth knowing
SHAMS specifics
- SHAMS publishes a cost calculator — use it to price your package before you apply.
- Licence issuance is advertised as same-day once documents are accepted.
Prepare your SHAMS application — free.
The wizard saves as you type, checks what's missing, and gives you a submission pack for SHAMS's own portal. Free for the first 100 founders.
FAQ
SHAMS questions
Can I register a SHAMS company without an agent?
Yes. Official site advertises "100% Digital Setup" — "Register, pay, and receive your license from anywhere in the world." That means you can apply directly rather than paying a formation agent's fee. Confirm current requirements on their official site before paying anything.
What documents does SHAMS need?
Expect a passport copy, passport-size photograph and proof of address for each owner, plus three trade-name options and a short description of your activity. If an owner already holds UAE residency, their visa page and Emirates ID are usually needed too.
How much does a SHAMS licence cost?
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) prices packages by activity and visa quota, so the figure depends on what you need — get a quote directly from them. StartedUp doesn't mark up or resell their fees; our portal is AED 99, free for the first 100 founders.
Does StartedUp submit the application for me?
No. SHAMS accepts applications from founders directly, so you submit on their portal. We prepare and check everything first, then track your licence and renewal dates.
Other self-serve zones