SHAMS, or Sharjah Media City, is one of the UAE’s more accessible free zones for consultants, IT service providers, ecommerce founders, media businesses, trading companies and international entrepreneurs who want a UAE company with flexible activity options. Setting up a company in SHAMS involves choosing the right license package, understanding total first-year cost beyond the headline license fee, completing the visa process if UAE residency is needed, and putting accounting, VAT and corporate tax compliance in place from day one. This guide covers every stage of the process so founders can make a clear, informed decision before they apply.
Note: SHAMS fees, visa quotas and processing timelines change periodically. All figures in this guide are indicative and should be confirmed directly with SHAMS or a licensed advisor before payment or planning.
Key Takeaways
- SHAMS Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) licenses activities under a Standard or Media package, with hundreds of approved business activities available and up to five activities combinable on one license, making it a practical option for lean businesses and international founders.
- SHAMS company setup cost depends on the license package, number of visas, facility type, selected activities and government charges. The headline license price does not capture total first-year cost.
- Foreign founders may own 100% of a SHAMS company without a local partner, subject to current free zone rules.
- A no-visa package suits overseas founders who do not need UAE residency; visa packages are necessary for relocation, Emirates ID, employee hiring and family sponsorship planning.
- Free zone status does not automatically mean 0% corporate tax. Companies must qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person to benefit from the 0% rate on qualifying income.
- BCL Globiz supports SHAMS setup with accounting, VAT, corporate tax, bookkeeping and compliance planning built in from the start, under one predictable service model.
What Is SHAMS Free Zone?
SHAMS Free Zone is a Sharjah-based free zone authority that operates as a business licensing and company registration body. Despite the “Media City” name, SHAMS supports a broad range of commercial activity categories well beyond traditional media, and it is widely used by founders who want a cost-accessible UAE company with fast incorporation and remote setup capability.
SHAMS meaning: Sharjah Media City
SHAMS stands for Sharjah Media City. It is a free zone in the Emirate of Sharjah, launched in 2017 by Emiri decree, with an original mandate focused on creative and media industries. Rather than a fixed set of license categories, SHAMS structures licensing around business activity Groups and Classes: each license can hold one Activity Group plus up to four Activity Classes, or up to five Activity Classes on their own, spanning different sectors. Terms like “service,” “trading,” “industrial” and “holding” are used loosely across the market (including by many setup consultants and even in some SHAMS activity listings) to describe broad categories of activity, but SHAMS is not a dedicated industrial free zone in the way SAIF Zone or Hamriyah Free Zone are, and “holding” functions as a selectable activity rather than a standalone license type. The legal entity forms available are Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder and Free Zone Company (FZC) for multiple shareholders; the exact shareholder cap should be confirmed with SHAMS, as it is subject to approval and current rules rather than a fixed published number.
Who SHAMS company setup is best suited for
SHAMS is commonly chosen by management consultants and advisory providers, IT and software service companies, digital marketing and advertising businesses, ecommerce entrepreneurs, content creators and production houses, small trading and import/export operators, overseas founders who want a UAE company without relocating, and solo founders or lean teams who want a low-overhead corporate structure.
BCL recommends reviewing any SHAMS setup from a banking, accounting, VAT and corporate tax perspective before committing to a package, especially for founders who want a working company rather than just a license document.
When SHAMS may not be the right free zone
SHAMS may not be ideal for every situation. Businesses that require large physical premises or heavy warehousing will generally find dedicated industrial zones better suited. Companies planning frequent, direct mainland UAE contracting need to understand the rules that apply first. Activities regulated by sector authorities may require external approvals that affect both setup timeline and ongoing compliance. Businesses that need a specific emirate address for client perception, or that plan to scale large onshore teams quickly, should compare SHAMS against other options before applying.
How Much Does SHAMS Company Setup Cost in 2026?
SHAMS company setup cost depends on the license package, visa requirement, facility type, number of activities, shareholder structure and government or immigration charges. The headline license price does not include every cost, so founders should compare total first-year cost and renewal cost before choosing a package. Public pricing from various providers points to base license packages starting from roughly AED 5,750 for a no-visa setup, with cost rising considerably once visas, a flexi-desk or dedicated office, and immigration charges are added. These figures are indicative only, change periodically, and should be confirmed directly with SHAMS or a licensed setup advisor before any payment is made. For a transparent cost breakdown tailored to your situation, see SHAMS company setup cost or review it alongside other UAE formation options at SHAMS company setup cost.
SHAMS company setup cost components
| Cost item | Mandatory or optional | One-time or annual | When it applies |
| Trade / business license | Usually mandatory | Annual | All SHAMS companies |
| Registration / incorporation fee | Mandatory if applicable | One-time | New company setup |
| Name reservation | If applicable | One-time | Trade name approval |
| Establishment card | If visa route selected | Annual/renewable | Visa eligibility |
| E-channel / immigration charges | If applicable | One-time/renewable | Visa processing |
| Investor or employee visa | Optional based on need | Per visa cycle | Residence visa |
| Medical test and Emirates ID | If visa route selected | Per visa cycle | UAE residency |
| External approval | Activity-dependent | Case-by-case | Regulated activities |
| Office or facility upgrade | Optional/required by package | Annual | Visa quota or operational need |
| Accounting, VAT and corporate tax support | Operational | Monthly/annual | Compliance from day one |
All amounts above are indicative estimates only. Exact 2026 fees must be verified directly with SHAMS before budgeting or payment.
License cost vs total first-year cost
“License cost” and “company setup cost” are not the same number. The license fee is one line item; the actual first-year budget typically also includes government charges, establishment card fees, immigration file costs, visa processing, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, facility costs, external approvals where relevant, and post-incorporation compliance setup. Providers who advertise a low starting price without specifying inclusions are usually quoting only the license component. BCL recommends requesting a full itemised cost review before making any payment, so the first-year total and the annual renewal obligation are both clear upfront.
Renewal fees and amendment costs
Renewal and amendment costs are frequently overlooked during initial setup planning:
- License renewal – due every year; attention is often on first-year setup only.
- Visa renewal – a separate process and cost from license renewal, per visa cycle.
- Establishment card renewal – often treated as one-off rather than recurring.
- Activity amendment – required if the business model changes; may involve approval and fees.
- Shareholder amendment – required if ownership changes; involves documentation and possible fees.
- License cancellation – may involve clearance steps before closure.
SHAMS License Packages: Which Option Should You Choose?
SHAMS packages vary by license type, number of activities, visa allocation, facility option and administrative inclusions. Selecting the right package is not purely a cost decision — it affects visa eligibility, banking profile, activity scope and renewal obligations. For a broader comparison of SHAMS free zone license packages across UAE free zones, BCL can help identify the right structure.
No-visa package vs visa package
| Option | Best for | Pros | Watch-outs |
| No-visa package | Overseas founders, holding-style use, testing UAE presence | Lower initial cost, simpler if no relocation | May not support UAE residency, Emirates ID or some banking expectations |
| Visa package | Founders relocating to UAE, hiring staff, family sponsorship planning | Supports UAE residency pathway | Higher cost due to immigration, medical and Emirates ID steps |
| Upgraded facility package | Teams needing higher visa quota or stronger local presence | Better foundation for scaling | Higher annual cost and facility commitments |
Visa quotas vary significantly by package, office type and facility (for example, shared desk versus dedicated office). SHAMS’s own marketing cites visa allocations of up to 50 per license at the higher end, while no-visa and entry-level packages may offer few or none. This is indicative only — the quota attached to any specific package should be confirmed directly with SHAMS or your advisor before purchasing.
How to choose the right package
Before selecting a package, work through these questions: Do you need UAE residency? Do you need an investor visa, employee visas or both? Will you apply for a UAE corporate bank account immediately? Do you need payment gateway support for ecommerce? Do you need trading activities or only service activities? Do you need multiple activities under one license? Will you sponsor family members? Will you need a larger office or higher visa quota within the next year? Do you need accounting, VAT or corporate tax support from day one?
BCL recommends selecting a package based on total operating needs, not only the lowest initial license price. A package that costs less today may require an expensive amendment or upgrade within months.
SHAMS License Types and Business Activities
Business activity selection is one of the most consequential steps in SHAMS company setup because it affects license type, bank account eligibility, VAT treatment, invoice content, client contracts and whether external authority approvals are needed. Getting this right before submission avoids costly amendments later.
License structure and commonly selected activities
SHAMS does not publish a small fixed set of license “types” the way some other UAE free zones do. Instead, each license is built from one or more approved business activities (organised into Groups, Classes and Subclasses). The underlying legal entity remains an FZE or FZC as described above; SHAMS separately markets an option to register the trade name without the “FZ” suffix so it reads more like a mainland LLC name, but this is a naming convention only and does not convert the company into a mainland LLC or change its free zone legal status. Within this activity structure, certain activities are commonly grouped by founders and consultants under everyday labels for convenience:
| Common label | Typical use case | Suitable for |
| Service / consulting activities | Professional and creative services, including media, marketing and content | Consultants, IT services, marketing, advisory, coaching, content creators |
| Trading activities | Buying and selling goods | Ecommerce, import/export, general trading |
| Light industrial / assembly-type activities | Limited production, transformation or assembly (subject to approval; SHAMS is not a dedicated industrial free zone like SAIF Zone or Hamriyah) | Narrow, approved assembly or light-manufacturing use cases only |
| Holding-company activity | Ownership or asset-holding, selected as one of the license’s business activities rather than a separate license class | HNIs, group structures, investment holding |
SHAMS allows founders to combine up to five business activities under a single license, including activities that span different sectors, though certain activities require pre- or post-approval from an external authority before they can be carried out, and combinations should be checked for compatibility and any additional fees. Exact activity names, Groups/Classes, limits and fees should be confirmed with SHAMS directly before application.
SHAMS trading license: what to check before applying
A SHAMS trading license is available for companies dealing in goods and ecommerce models, but several points require clarification before applying: whether goods are physical or digital and how each is classified; import/export requirements and whether a customs code is needed; UAE mainland selling rules for free zone trading companies; ecommerce and payment gateway requirements and KYC expectations; warehousing or logistics needs; and whether specific products require external regulatory approval. Customs and import code requirements should be confirmed against current Sharjah customs and federal procedures before the license is issued.
SHAMS Visa Eligibility and Residence Visa Process
Visa eligibility depends on the package selected, the facility type, the establishment card, and UAE immigration rules. Company formation and UAE residence visa issuance are related but separate processes: forming the company creates the legal entity, while the visa is a subsequent immigration step with its own documentation and government charges.
How many visas can a SHAMS company get?
Visa quota depends on the package, office or facility option and current SHAMS rules. SHAMS’s own marketing cites allocations of up to 50 visas per license at the higher end, tied to larger facility and office selections, while no-visa and lean packages offer few or none — the practical range is wide, so this figure should not be treated as typical for an entry-level setup. A no-visa package does not provide immediate visa allocation. Founders who need investor visas, employee visas or family sponsorship eligibility should confirm the quota attached to their intended package before purchasing. Upgrading from a no-visa package to a visa package later is possible but adds cost and process steps.
Establishment card, entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID
After license issuance, the visa process generally follows this sequence: company license issued; establishment card and immigration file opened; entry permit issued for applicants outside the UAE or requiring a status change; medical fitness test completed; Emirates ID application and biometrics submitted; residence visa issued; and dependent or family sponsorship applied for, if eligible. Government charges apply at each stage. Providers commonly cite roughly one to three weeks for standard cases, from establishment card activation to Emirates ID issuance, but this is indicative — actual timing can extend depending on medical appointment availability, Emirates ID processing, and ICP workload, and should not be treated as guaranteed.
Can SHAMS company owners sponsor family members?
Family sponsorship may be possible if the SHAMS visa holder meets current UAE immigration requirements, which typically cover minimum salary or income levels, suitable accommodation, and eligibility of dependents. These are UAE-wide immigration rules rather than SHAMS-specific rules, and should be verified with the ICP before choosing a package or visa route.
Documents Required for SHAMS Company Formation
Requirements differ for non-resident individuals, UAE residents and corporate shareholders, and all document lists should be confirmed with SHAMS directly, as requirements can change. For a full walkthrough, BCL can guide founders through each step.
Individual non-resident shareholders typically need: a passport copy (usually valid for at least six months); a passport-size photograph; contact details; three proposed company names in order of preference; selected business activities; proof of residential address, if required; and an entry stamp or visit visa copy if already in the UAE.
UAE resident shareholders typically need: a passport copy; Emirates ID copy; UAE residence visa copy; UAE contact details; existing visa status information; selected business activities; and an NOC from the current sponsor if applicable, though some providers indicate SHAMS does not require an NOC for standard free zone incorporation.
Corporate shareholders typically need: the parent company’s trade license or certificate of incorporation; Memorandum and Articles of Association of the parent entity; a certificate of good standing, if required; a board resolution approving the SHAMS company formation; a full ownership structure chart and UBO information; authorised signatory documentation; and attestation or legalisation of foreign documents where the parent is incorporated outside the UAE. Specific attestation requirements should be confirmed with SHAMS before document preparation begins.
Step-by-Step SHAMS Company Setup Process
SHAMS company setup can be completed relatively quickly once documents, activity selection and payment are ready. SHAMS markets its own online licensing as issuable in as little as 60 minutes for straightforward digital applications, and third-party providers commonly cite one to three business days as a realistic range once documents, activity selection and payment are complete. In practice, actual timing depends heavily on document review, name approval, KYC checks and whether external approvals apply, so both figures should be treated as best-case rather than guaranteed.
- Choose your business activity and legal structure. Define the business model, select matching activities, confirm whether external approval is needed, and decide between an FZE or FZC.
- Choose the SHAMS license package. Compare no-visa and visa options against actual needs, factoring in visa quota, facility requirements, budget and renewal implications, plus banking and tax considerations.
- Reserve trade name and submit documents. Select a compliant trade name with three options in order of preference, compile the shareholder document checklist, and submit the application with required KYC information.
- Pay fees and receive license documents. Once approved, pay the invoice covering the license, registration and any add-ons. SHAMS then issues the trade license, certificate of incorporation, and Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Complete post-license steps. Open the establishment card and immigration file if visas are needed, proceed through the visa process, prepare bank account documentation, set up the accounting system and invoice templates, assess VAT registration obligation, register for corporate tax, and align contracts with the licensed activity.
Benefits of SHAMS Free Zone Company Setup
SHAMS offers a combination of cost-accessible licensing, remote setup capability, broad activity coverage and visa flexibility that makes it a practical starting point for lean businesses and international founders. These benefits are real, but should be evaluated alongside total cost, banking readiness and tax obligations, not just the headline license fee.
| Benefit | What it means in practice | BCL note |
| 100% foreign ownership | Foreign shareholders may own the company without a UAE local partner | Confirm current SHAMS ownership rules before application |
| Remote setup | Many setup steps can be completed digitally without UAE presence | Rules may differ for corporate shareholders or regulated activities |
| Flexible activity options | Hundreds of approved activities, up to five combinable per license, even across sectors | Match the licensed activity to the actual revenue model |
| Visa package options | Wide range depending on package and facility, from none up to higher allocations on larger office packages | Confirm visa quota before purchasing the package |
| Sharjah location | May offer cost and location advantages over some Dubai zones | Compare against other options based on business needs |
| Fast license issuance | Online marketing cites issuance in as little as 60 minutes for simple cases; providers commonly cite one to three business days as a realistic range | External approvals or document checks can extend this timeline |
This structure suits consultants who need lean invoicing under a UAE entity, IT and digital service providers, ecommerce businesses that align activity with payment gateway and logistics planning, media and content businesses operating under a Service license, and international or HNI founders who build proper tax and compliance planning into the setup from day one.
Bank Account Opening After SHAMS Company Formation
A SHAMS company may apply for a UAE corporate bank account, but approval is determined entirely by the bank’s own KYC process, compliance standards, activity type, shareholder profile and expected transaction pattern. No consultant or setup firm can guarantee bank account approval, and founders should be cautious of any provider that suggests otherwise.
Banks typically review: the trade license and incorporation documents; shareholder passport and Emirates ID or residency status; the Memorandum and Articles of Association; office or facility documentation; a clear activity description aligned with the license; invoices, contracts or a business plan evidencing commercial activity; a website or online presence; expected monthly turnover; source of funds; customer and supplier countries; and UBO disclosure.
Common issues that delay account opening include a vague or overly broad activity description, a mismatch between the licensed activity and actual invoices, no website or online presence, unclear source of funds, and trading activity without documentary evidence of suppliers or customers. BCL helps founders prepare accounting records, invoice templates and compliance documentation so the company presents as operationally credible at the time of application, without guaranteeing bank approval, which remains the bank’s decision alone.
Corporate Tax, VAT and Accounting After SHAMS Company Setup
This is where many founders underestimate what is required. A SHAMS license does not automatically resolve tax obligations, and the cost of getting this wrong — late registration penalties, incorrect VAT treatment or failure to meet corporate tax qualifying conditions — can significantly exceed the cost of proper setup. BCL positions tax and compliance readiness as part of the setup process, not an afterthought.
Corporate tax for SHAMS companies
UAE free zone companies are not automatically exempt from corporate tax. Under the UAE corporate tax regime, introduced by Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, free zone companies can qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) if they meet the relevant conditions, which typically include maintaining adequate economic substance in the free zone, earning qualifying income under the applicable Cabinet and Ministerial decisions, preparing audited financial statements, and complying with transfer pricing and other obligations. Qualifying income of a QFZP may be taxed at 0%, while non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard 9% rate. Whether a specific SHAMS company meets these conditions depends on its activity, income structure, substance arrangements and compliance record. Founders should obtain a corporate tax assessment from a qualified adviser before assuming any particular tax treatment applies. Claims that free zone companies are exempt from corporate tax altogether, or exempt “for 50 years,” do not reflect the current federal corporate tax law and should not be relied on.
VAT registration for SHAMS companies
VAT registration depends on taxable supplies and UAE VAT thresholds. The mandatory registration threshold is AED 375,000 in taxable supplies in the preceding 12 months or expected in the next 30 days. The voluntary registration threshold is AED 187,500. Ecommerce, trading and service businesses should monitor revenue from the point of incorporation and assess cross-border transaction treatment carefully. Waiting until year-end to assess VAT exposure is a common and avoidable mistake.
Accounting and bookkeeping setup after incorporation
A functional accounting setup should be in place as soon as the license is issued, covering: a chart of accounts aligned to the business model; an invoice template matching the licensed activity and VAT status; a bookkeeping system with consistent expense categorisation; bank reconciliation; VAT assessment and, where applicable, registration and return filing; corporate tax registration and an ongoing compliance file; transfer pricing review where related-party or cross-border transactions exist; and periodic management reporting.
BCL provides all-inclusive packages that typically cover accounting, VAT and corporate tax, with a dedicated Manager and Account Executive assigned to each client from the start of the engagement.
SHAMS vs Other UAE Free Zones: Should You Compare Before Applying?
Choosing SHAMS without comparing it to alternatives means potentially missing a better fit for cost, activity scope, banking experience or visa quota. SHAMS is well-suited to lean businesses and remote founders, but for some business models another free zone or a mainland setup is a stronger choice.
When evaluating SHAMS against other free zones, compare first-year total cost, annual renewal cost, visa quota at each package level, activity coverage, external approval requirements, location and address perception, banking experience reported by similar businesses, ecommerce and payment gateway suitability, facility options, customs infrastructure for physical goods, and corporate tax and substance considerations relevant to the QFZP regime.
Mainland licensing may be more suitable if the business needs to operate without restriction across the UAE mainland market, government contracts or public sector work is a priority, physical retail space is required, the activity needs a license from a mainland regulatory authority, or large onshore teams are planned from the start.
SHAMS Company Setup Consultants in UAE for Tax-First Support
Founders who want more than a license document should look for a consultant who understands the full picture: total cost, activity alignment, banking readiness, accounting, VAT and corporate tax.
BCL Globiz is a strong fit for founders who do not want a setup-only approach. The firm combines SHAMS company formation support with accounting, VAT, corporate tax and compliance planning, which matters for founders who want a clean, operational structure after the license is issued rather than just a certificate. BCL’s service model includes end-to-end SHAMS setup support; accounting, bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax from day one; tax-first setup advice covering activity alignment and invoice structure; transfer pricing support where related-party or cross-border arrangements apply; a dedicated Manager and Account Executive per client; all-inclusive packages typically covering accounting, VAT and corporate tax; WhatsApp communication for direct access; and no overpromising on bank account approval or tax outcomes. Contact BCL Globiz directly for current pricing on accounting and tax compliance packages tailored to your setup.
BCL’s typical clients for SHAMS setup include management consultants, IT and digital service companies, ecommerce founders, high sea sales and trading businesses, HNIs and international founders from Europe, India and the US, and B2B clients such as PRO firms, CA firms and foreign accounting practices seeking UAE outsourcing support.
Other UAE business setup and accounting firms that may also provide SHAMS-related services include Jitendra Group, KGRN Audit, Farahat & Co, CDA Audit, Virtual Accountant LLC, Excellent Accountants, Right Way Bookkeeping, Simply Solved, KBA Accounting and Bookkeeping, CLA Emirates, Shuraa, Xact Auditing, RVG Chartered Accountants and Creative Zone. Each firm’s current SHAMS setup scope, pricing and service depth should be verified directly with the provider before engagement.
When evaluating any consultant, check whether they explain total first-year cost rather than only the starting license price, confirm activity fit against your business model, explain visa and establishment card requirements clearly, provide support after license issuance, understand VAT and corporate tax obligations, help prepare the company for bank readiness, and avoid guaranteeing bank approvals or specific tax outcomes.
Speak to BCL Globiz for SHAMS company setup, accounting, VAT and corporate tax support
Common Mistakes to Avoid During SHAMS Company Formation
Choosing the cheapest package without checking visa, banking and renewal needs. The lowest-priced package may suit a founder who genuinely needs nothing beyond a license for overseas invoicing. For everyone else, a package chosen purely on starting price often leads to an expensive upgrade within the first year, once the founder realises they need a visa, a higher banking profile, an additional activity or more visa quota.
Selecting the wrong business activity. Activity mismatch is one of the most common and consequential SHAMS setup errors. If the licensed activity does not match actual invoices, the consequences can include bank account rejection, VAT classification errors, corporate tax exposure and contract disputes. Activity selection should be reviewed against the actual business model before submission.
Ignoring post-license compliance. License issuance is not the finish line. Founders who treat it as such often find themselves non-compliant with VAT, unregistered for corporate tax, without a functioning bookkeeping system, and with bank accounts that cannot be opened because the company has no operational financial records. Compliance begins on day one of trading, not at year-end.
Assuming free zone status means automatic 0% tax. A SHAMS company may qualify for the 0% rate on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, but only if it meets the relevant conditions under the corporate tax law, including substance, income type, compliance and audited financial statements. Founders should obtain a proper corporate tax assessment before assuming any particular rate applies.
FAQs
How much does it cost to set up a company in SHAMS free zone? SHAMS company setup cost varies by package, visa quota, facility type, selected activities and government charges, with no-visa license packages commonly starting from around AED 5,750 and rising considerably with visas and facility upgrades. Total first-year cost also includes registration fees, establishment card, visa processing, medical test, Emirates ID and any external approvals. These figures are indicative only; exact 2026 fees should be confirmed directly with SHAMS or a licensed advisor.
How long does SHAMS company setup take? SHAMS markets its own online licensing as issuable in as little as 60 minutes for straightforward digital applications, while third-party providers commonly cite one to three business days as a realistic range once documents, activity selection and payment are complete. Timelines extend if external approvals or document attestation are required. Visa steps, from establishment card to Emirates ID, are commonly cited at one to three weeks for standard cases, but this can extend depending on medical appointment availability and government processing times, so it should not be treated as guaranteed.
Can foreigners own 100% of a SHAMS company? Yes, SHAMS generally allows 100% foreign ownership for standard free zone companies without requiring a UAE national partner, for both FZE (single shareholder) and FZC (multiple shareholder) structures. Ownership rules should be confirmed against current SHAMS regulations before relying on them for corporate structuring decisions.
Does a SHAMS company need to register for VAT and pay corporate tax? VAT registration is required once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in the preceding 12 months, or are expected to in the next 30 days, with voluntary registration available from AED 187,500. On corporate tax, free zone companies are not automatically exempt: a SHAMS company may qualify for a 0% rate on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person if it meets conditions including adequate substance, qualifying income type, audited financial statements and transfer pricing compliance. Non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard 9% rate. A proper assessment from a qualified adviser is recommended before assuming any particular tax treatment.
What documents are required for SHAMS company formation? Individual non-resident shareholders typically need a passport copy, photograph, contact details, proposed company names and selected business activities, plus proof of address if required. UAE residents also provide an Emirates ID and residence visa copy. Corporate shareholders additionally need the parent company’s incorporation documents, board resolution, ownership structure, UBO information and, for foreign entities, attested corporate documents. All requirements should be confirmed with SHAMS before submission.
Speak to BCL Globiz for SHAMS company setup, accounting, VAT and corporate tax support. Contact us at info@bcl.ae
