SHAMS UPDATE: Launch of New Activity Sub-classes and Discounted Rates for Multiple Year Business Licenses

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) has launched new activity sub-classes and discounted rates for multiple years licenses this 2020. It is in line with its aim of strengthening its position as the global investment hub for all media-related activities, as well as encapsulating its vision as the centre for creativity and media throughout the region.

Business setup in SHAMS has been known to involve the easiest and simplest process for acquiring business licenses, saving precious energy and valuable time of clients. This has given businesses in UAE an edge over competitors on a global scale.

The activities that are added to the list of undertakings that are approved for the issuance of licenses in Sharjah Media City, as per the January 2020 Update, are as follows:

SubClass	Activity Description
4610.11	– Commercial brokerage services
4649.09	– Wholesale of perfumery cosmetics, beauty products      and soaps
4649.21	– Wholesale of personal requisites
5811.11	– E-books publishing
5911.11	– Media support services
5913.11	– Media archiving
5920.11	– Music production & recordings
5920.12	– Music promotion & management
6202.11	– Digital content services
6202.12	– Concept & design consultancy
6209.11	– IT security management
6619.11	– Investments consultancy
7020.11	– Strategy advisory services
7020.12	– Digital content management
7020.13	– Project management services
7020.14	– Immigration consultancy
7020.15	– Logistics consultancy
7020.16	– Public relation services
7020.17	– Hospitality management consultancy
7110.11	– Engineering consultancy
7310.11	– Digital marketing
7310.12	– Public relations consultancy
7310.13	– Publications of brochures & leaflets
7310.14	– Online Marketing Services
7310.15	– Direct marketing
7310.16	– Social media services
7310.17	– Sales promotion
7310.18	– Online advertising
7310.19	– Publicity
7320.11	– Speciality communication & PR
7320.12	– Media representation
7320.13	– Media monitoring
7320.14	Media consultancy: • Broadcasting • Press • News • TV & Radio • Production • Post-Production
7490.21	– Human resources consultancy
7730.21	– Media equipment rental
7740.11	– Intellectual property services
8550.11	– Training consultancy
8550.12	– Education consultancy
9000.11	– Event organizing
9000.12	– Art production
9000.13	– Performing arts management
9000.14	– Music training
9319.12	– Sports consultancy
9609.11	– Lifestyle consultancy
9609.12	– Fashion design consultancy

With the update on the list of approved activities for the issuance of business licenses in Sharjah Media City are discounted prices! Here’s a breakdown on the free zone’s incredible offers:

• A General Trading License now costs the same as Professional or Service Licenses, which starts at AED 11,500;
• A General Trading License can be added to a Professional or Service License FREE OF CHARGE;
• Save AED 5,000 which is supposedly for eChannel Deposit fee, if you acquire any of the visa packages. You also get two activities under a license for FREE;
• A referral fee of AED 1,500 can be availed;
• All licenses include an LLC as the suffix

Discount rates also apply for multiple years licenses!

• Get a 15% discount for a 2-year General Trading License or Professional or Service License
• Get a 20% discount for a 3-year General Trading License or Professional or Service License

Standard Rates for Sharjah Media City Business Setup PACKAGES

A business license may be acquired for as low as:

• AED 11,500 (Zero Visa Allocation)
• AED 16,775 for a license plus one investor visa;
• AED 18,375 for a license plus two investor/employee visas;
• AED 19,975 for a license plus three investor/employee visas;
• AED 21,575 for a license plus four investor/employee visas;
• AED 23,175 for a license plus five investor/employee visas;
• AED 24,775 for a license plus six investor/employee visas

In addition to the list above, the business setup cost includes immigration fees among others. Here are the standard rates:

• Mandatory Immigration Card (validity of three years) – AED 1,500
• eChannel Registration Fee – AED 1,500
• Investor Visa, if required with the validity of three years – AED 3,500
• Employee Visa, if required with a validity of three years – AED 3,080

Upon the submission of the application for the business setup in Sharjah Media City, a license is issued within 24 hours. Additionally, the Immigration Card application takes 7 to 10 days to complete and the Visa application process is approved within 5 to 6 working days.

Sample Breakdown of Total Cost for Business Setup in Sharjah Media City (with the Discounted Rates)

*With one investor visa allocation

Business Setup in Sharjah Media City	Cost
License Cost	AED 11,500
Shared Desk (as required)	AED 3,675
Visa Allocation	AED 1,600
Immigration Card (3 years validity)	AED, 1,500
Total Amount Required to Initiate the Business Setup	AED 18,275

*eChannel Registration annual fee of AED 5,000 is waived in the January 2020 promotion

With an updated activity list and the launch of discounted rates, now is the best time for investors to consider a business setup in Sharjah Media City! Get started by seeking the help of our business setup experts.