Sharjah Free Zones
Affordable UAE Free Zones with serious infrastructure — SHAMS for media from AED 5,750, Hamriyah for industrial from AED 11,000. Sharjah pricing, Dubai-adjacent location.
Why Sharjah for Your UAE Setup
Sharjah hosts several Free Zones, including Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ), Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF), and Sharjah Publishing City. The emirate combines creative-industry focus (SHAMS) with industrial scale (Hamriyah hosts Lamprell and other major industrial players). Pricing is significantly below Dubai while operational reach covers all UAE and global markets.
Sharjah Free Zones are excellent for media, publishing, industrial and logistics sectors. They may be less suitable for businesses needing a premium Dubai corporate address or highly specialised financial services. Many SMEs choose Sharjah for the cost advantage while serving Dubai clients — the emirate is 30 minutes from central Dubai.
Free Zones in Sharjah (2)
Click any zone for detailed cost, visa quota, activities and setup process.
Key Advantages of Sharjah Free Zones
When Sharjah Might Not Be the Right Fit
Sharjah Free Zones may be less suitable for businesses seeking a premium Dubai corporate address or those requiring highly specialised financial services. Luxury brands or global enterprise headquarters typically prefer Dubai Free Zone clusters for client perception and banking relationships.
6 Steps to Launch in Sharjah
Generic process — exact steps may vary slightly per Free Zone. Most companies complete this in 2-4 weeks.
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01
Initial consultation
We map your business activity to the right Free Zone within Sharjah.
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02
Name reservation & activity approval
We submit name candidates and confirm your activity is on the approved list.
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03
License application & payment
We submit the application, MOA and lease through the zone portal. License issued in 3-21 days depending on zone.
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04
Establishment Card & investor visa
We apply for the Establishment Card and submit your investor visa entry permit.
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05
Medical, biometrics & Emirates ID
You complete medical (1h) and biometrics (30min) on UAE arrival. Emirates ID issued in 5-10 days.
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06
Corporate bank account opening
We introduce you to UAE banks matched to your zone and activity. Account opens in 2-4 weeks.
Sharjah Free Zones — Frequently Asked Questions
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) starts from AED 5,750/year — the most affordable in Sharjah and one of the cheapest in the UAE. Hamriyah industrial zone starts from AED 11,000.
Yes — Sharjah Free Zone companies can sell B2B to Dubai businesses, export globally, or sell on e-commerce. Direct B2C retail in Dubai still requires a Mainland license. The Sharjah-Dubai border is 30 minutes apart.
SHAMS's core focus is media, content creation, marketing and creative services, but it allows broader activities including consulting, e-commerce and digital services. For pure trading or industrial, Hamriyah or RAKEZ are better-fit.
Most Hamriyah licenses can be initiated remotely, but industrial plots and warehouses require an in-person visit for facility selection. Service and trading licenses can be done fully remotely with documents submitted online.
Sharjah and RAK are comparably priced. SHAMS (AED 5,750) is cheaper than RAKEZ entry packages (AED 8,000), but RAKEZ offers more visa flexibility. For industrial, Hamriyah (Sharjah) and RAKEZ industrial both work — Hamriyah has stronger port access.
Yes — a UAE residency visa from any emirate allows you to live, drive, rent and open bank accounts anywhere in the UAE. Many Sharjah Free Zone owners reside in Dubai with no restriction.
Open a Free Zone Company in Sharjah
