SETUP YOUR BUSINESS IN SHARJAH MEDIA CITY (SHAMS) WITH FIRSTOFFSHORE

Company registration can be done remotely regardless of if you are in the UAE or abroad, your company can be registered in 3-5 working days.

Step 1. Determine which type of license offered by the SHAMS free zone suits you. It is crucial to approach this question carefully, as choosing the wrong activity, registration authority, or location can lead to errors during company registration, creating problems with opening a bank account or getting a residence visa.

Step 2. Prepare and upload the necessary documents. SHAMS requires a minimal documentation package.

• passport with a 6-month validity
• personal details like phone number and email
• three company name options
• confirmation of business activity

Registration can be completed remotely – you don’t need to be physically present. Also you have to pay all the registration and processing fees at this step.

Step 3. Receive the license and registration documents for the company, namely

• Certificate of incorporation
• Trade license
• Lease agreement
• MoA and Articles of Association

Step 4. Receive an establishment card that contains information about your company and makes it eligible to sponsor residence visas.

Step 5. Apply for an entry permit. After the entry permit is issued you have to change your visa status from a tourist visa to a residence visa. If you are outside the UAE, then arrive in the country, get your entry permit stamped and then proceed with the rest of the residence visa process, submitting the necessary documents.

Step 6. Undergo a medical checkup.

Step 7. Apply for an Emirates ID.

Step 8. Complete biometrics procedure in one of the Emirates ID centers.

Step 9. Once you have the results of your medical test and biometrics you can finalize visa formalities. Note that for the residence visa approval a health insurance is required. Your electronic visa will be sent to you by email. You can also find it in the UAEICP app.

Step 10. Receive your Emirates ID in 5-7 days.

Step 11. Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account.

Step 12. Receive the account details and start running your business in the UAE.

Sharjah Media City free zone allows for younger aged individuals to hold company shares – you can own a business starting from the age of 19. This is a great benefit that is not available in any other free zone. Company employees can be as young as 18 years old, which is also quite unusual in comparison to other free Zones.

All the documents of the companies are electronic. You can print them anywhere without worrying about losing the originals. The documents can be always verified through SHAMS web-site to make sure they are authentic.