⚠ UAE Corporate Tax registration deadline is approaching. Late registration = AED 10,000 fine. Check your status in 30 seconds →

Free Zone Comparison

Hamriyah Free Zone vs SHAMS

Head-to-head comparison of Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (Sharjah) and Sharjah Media City (Sharjah). Costs, visa caps, banking, and who each zone is built for.

Quick answer: Pick Hamriyah Free Zone if you want industrial. Pick SHAMS if you want media.

💰

Cheaper Option

SHAMS

AED 5,750 starting

👥

More Visas

Hamriyah Free Zone

Up to 50 visas

FeatureHamriyah Free ZoneSHAMS
Full NameHamriyah Free Zone AuthoritySharjah Media City
EmirateSharjahSharjah
Established19952017
Starting CostAED 10,500AED 5,750
Flexi-Desk CostAED 6,000AED 2,500
Max Visas50+6+
Banking SupportGoodModerate - may require additional documentation
License TypesIndustrial, Trading, ServiceMedia, Service, Commercial

Hamriyah Free Zone is built for

  • Industrial
  • Oil & gas services
  • Trading
  • Warehousing

SHAMS is built for

  • Media
  • Freelancers
  • Content creators
  • Small businesses

Who Should Pick Hamriyah Free Zone?

Hamriyah Free Zone offers deep-water port access and is a major hub for oil & gas services, industrial operations, and trading.

  • Deep-water port access
  • Industrial plots
  • Established 1995
  • Oil & gas ecosystem
View Full Hamriyah Free Zone Guide →

Who Should Pick SHAMS?

SHAMS is Sharjah's media-focused free zone and one of the most affordable entry points into UAE business formation, especially for freelancers and creators.

  • One of cheapest UAE free zones
  • Media-focused
  • Quick setup
  • Single-shareholder friendly
View Full SHAMS Guide →

Cost Breakdown: Hamriyah Free Zone vs SHAMS

ItemHamriyah Free ZoneSHAMS
License feeAED 10,500AED 5,750
Flexi-deskAED 6,000AED 2,500
Est. annual renewalAED 8,925 (est.)AED 4,888 (est.)
Year 1 with 1 visaAED 14,000 (est.)AED 9,250 (est.)

Renewal and visa estimates based on industry average. Actual costs vary by package.

Which Should You Choose?

If cost is the primary driver, SHAMS has the lower starting cost at AED 5,750 versus AED 10,500 for Hamriyah Free Zone, a difference of AED 4,750 per year.

Hamriyah Free Zone is built for: industrial, oil & gas services, trading, warehousing. SHAMS is built for: media, freelancers, content creators, small businesses. The right zone is determined by your industry and the type of clients, partners, or regulators you need to deal with, not just the license cost.

Both zones offer 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and potential corporate tax efficiency under the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) rules. The practical differences lie in prestige, banking ease, visa flexibility, and the activities each zone supports.

Use the Business Setup Cost Calculator to model your total Year 1 cost including visas and office fees at either zone.

Still deciding between Hamriyah Free Zone and SHAMS?

Get a free consultation from a UAE setup specialist who's registered with both zones.

Get Free Advice →

Hamriyah Free Zone vs SHAMS: Common Questions