Compare · Free zones · 2026
IFZA vs SHAMS: Which Is Better for Your Business (2026)?
IFZA Dubai · Silicon Oasis 
SHAMS Sharjah Media City - Price: SHAMS licenses start from AED 5,760* with flat package pricing; IFZA's median package is from AED 12,900*.
- Catalog: IFZA covers 550 activity combinations vs 81 at SHAMS — unusual activity mixes are easier to license at IFZA.
- Location: IFZA is registered in Dubai (Silicon Oasis); SHAMS is a media-focused zone in Sharjah.
- Bottom line: media and content businesses on a budget → SHAMS; Dubai-facing services and rare activity mixes → IFZA.
Side by side
IFZA vs SHAMS: parameters
| Parameter | IFZA | SHAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Median license price | from AED 12,900* | from AED 5,760* |
| Price range in snapshot | AED 2,000 – 30,560* | AED 5,760 – 6,300* |
| Typical setup time | from 6 days | 7–13 days |
| Activity combinations | 550 | 81 |
| Emirate | Dubai | Sharjah |
| Zone specialization | general purpose | media and creative industries |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Corporate tax | 9% (0% to AED 375k) | 9% (0% to AED 375k) |
| Office requirement | flexi-desk included | flexi-desk included |
| Renewals | ≈ license fee, annual | ≈ license fee, annual |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Typical licenses
What a license costs for typical activities
| Parameter | IFZA | SHAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Media / marketing activities | from AED 12,900* | from AED 5,760* |
| Consulting activities | from AED 12,900* | from AED 5,760* |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Decision
Who suits which option
Choose IFZA if
- The Dubai address matters for clients, partners and banks
- Your activity mix is unusual and needs the widest catalog (550 combinations)
- You want Dubai-standard documentation accepted everywhere
Choose SHAMS if
- You run a media, content or creative business on a budget
- A flat, predictable fee (AED 5,760 – 6,300*) fits your plan
- Sharjah location works for your operations
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Is SHAMS only for media companies?
No. SHAMS licenses consulting, trading and service activities too — its specialization is media and creative industries, which shapes the activity catalog of 81 combinations.
Which license makes bank account opening easier?
Both licenses are accepted by UAE banks. A Dubai address and IFZA's standardized documents often simplify KYC, but the decisive factors are your business model and source-of-funds evidence.
Can I get residence visas with either license?
Yes, both zones issue investor and employee visas with package-based quotas; visa costs are billed separately from the license.
Can I relocate a company from SHAMS to IFZA later?
Yes, zone-to-zone moves are possible: a new license is issued and visas are transferred. Budget fresh government fees and 2–4 weeks for the process.
Still choosing between IFZA and SHAMS?
A 15-minute call with your business model on the table settles it — jurisdiction, license and visa plan.