Sharjah Media City Free Zone Activities and License Types 2025

SHAMS Free Zone Activities and License 2025 – Complete Guide

SHAMS Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) has become one of the fastest-growing business hubs in the UAE, attracting entrepreneurs with flexible license types and a wide range of activities. Whether you’re planning a media, consultancy, trading, or freelancing business, SHAMS offers tailored options to meet your requirements. In this guide, we break down all the SHAMS license types and activities for 2025, providing links to setup, costs, and services.

👉 For a full overview of company formation, visit our SHAMS Free Zone Pillar Page.

Types of SHAMS Licenses in 2025

SHAMS Free Zone provides several license categories depending on your business model:

1. Service License

Suitable for consultancy, marketing, management, and other service-based businesses.
Popular among freelancers and professional service providers.
Allows flexible activities with minimal overhead.

2. Trading License

Designed for companies dealing in import, export, and distribution.
Covers physical trading, e-commerce, and wholesale businesses.
Can be combined with warehouse and logistics solutions.

3. Industrial License

For businesses involved in light manufacturing and production.
Includes packaging, assembly, and related industrial activities.
Requires compliance with SHAMS facility and environmental regulations.

4. Holding License

Perfect for investors looking to hold assets, shares, and subsidiaries.
Helps in tax structuring and corporate governance.
Often used by parent companies with multiple entities.

SHAMS Business Activities List 2025

SHAMS Free Zone allows over 200+ approved activities across various sectors, including:

Media & Creative: film production, advertising, digital marketing.
Technology & IT: software development, cybersecurity, IT consultancy.
Education & Training: e-learning platforms, professional coaching.
Consultancy Services: business, legal, HR, and management consulting.
Trading & E-commerce: retail, wholesale, and online trading activities.

👉 For a detailed cost breakdown of licenses, check our SHAMS Free Zone License Cost 2025 guide.

Benefits of Choosing SHAMS Free Zone Activities and Licenses

Wide range of approved activities under one license.
Affordable packages starting from AED 5,750.
100% foreign ownership.
Quick incorporation with minimal paperwork.
Flexible visa options for business owners and employees.

👉 Need help with incorporation? Explore our Company Setup Services.

Licensing & Visa Support in SHAMS

Business setup doesn’t end with a license. You also need visas and compliance. At VA Zone, we offer:

Visa Services for investors, employees, and dependents.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) to handle HR, payroll, and compliance.
Guidance on choosing the right license for your specific activity.

SHAMS vs. Other UAE Free Zones

While SHAMS is ideal for media, trading, and consultancy activities, it can also be compared with other jurisdictions. For example:

IFZA offers cost-effective multi-activity packages.
RAKEZ is great for industrial and manufacturing businesses.
SPC Free Zone suits entrepreneurs seeking flexible trade licenses.

👉 Learn more in our complete UAE Freezones Guide.

Conclusion

In 2025, SHAMS Free Zone continues to stand out for its versatile license options and diverse activities, making it one of the best choices for startups and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re entering media, consultancy, or trading, SHAMS provides the right ecosystem to grow your business.