Your Questions, Answered
Got a question about setting up your business with Shams Free Zone? You’ll find clear, up-to-date answers right here, from licensing and payments to visas and banking. If you don’t see your query below, feel free to reach out via live chat, contact form, or call us on 800 SHAMS (74267).
Please note that regulations are subject to change in accordance with UAE government directives.
Yes. Shams Free Zone accepts all major credit cards.
Yes. You may choose to pay through Tabby’s Buy Now, Pay Later service or opt for monthly instalments via our partner banks.
Your company will be officially registered under Shams Free Zone, located in Sharjah, UAE.
Yes. Shams Free Zone is the only UAE free zone that allows you to register your business as an LLC without the “FZ” designation, offering a more mainland-like presence.
Yes. A P.O. Box can be provided for an additional annual fee. Please contact our concierge team for more details.
You can include up to five business activities under a single license, even across different sectors.
Yes. Business activities may be updated following the initial incorporation process.
Shams Free Zone offers a broad range of approved activities, including consultancy, media, trading, e-commerce, and more.
Yes. The entire setup process is conducted online — from application and payment to license issuance.
No. Shams Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership.
Yes. You may register a business using your existing visa, and no NOC is required from your current sponsor.
No. You do not need to be a UAE resident to establish a company in Shams Free Zone.
Yes. You may apply for dependent visas for your spouse, children, or parents.
You may apply for up to 20 visas per license, depending on your business activity and office space allocation.
Yes. Once your company is registered, we will provide you with a list of recommended banking partners across local, digital, and international institutions.
We offer business phone answering services. Please contact concierge@shams.ae for more information.
Yes. Upon license issuance, you may apply directly with UAE Customs to obtain an Import/Export Code.
No. Your Import/Export Code will be valid across all UAE ports.
Yes. Businesses that meet the mandatory registration threshold must register for VAT in accordance with UAE Federal Law. Shams Free Zone offers support with the registration process, making it easier for you to stay compliant. Note that a 5% VAT is applicable to certain products and services offered by the free zone.
No. However, you may apply directly to the relevant Chamber of Commerce should your business require it.
Ultimate Beneficial Ownership refers to the individual(s) who ultimately own or control a company. In compliance with UAE Cabinet Resolution No. (109) of 2023, all legal persons licensed in the UAE must disclose accurate and up-to-date UBO information.
Yes. All companies registered with Shams Free Zone are required to submit and maintain UBO data in accordance with UAE federal law. This includes disclosing ownership structure, shareholder details, and any individuals in control of the business.
Failure to comply with UBO regulations may result in administrative penalties as per Cabinet Resolution No. (132) of 2023. It is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure timely and accurate submission.
goAML is an online platform developed by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for the reporting of suspicious transactions. It is a mandatory compliance tool for designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs).
If your business activity falls under the DNFBP category — such as real estate brokerage, accounting, consultancy, or company formation services — you are legally required to register and report through the goAML platform.
Yes. Businesses that fail to register or report as required may be subject to penalties issued by the Ministry of Economy and the UAE FIU.
The registration is completed in two stages:
a. Pre-registration on the SACM protection system.
b. Final registration on the goAML portal.
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