HomeFree Zone Company - Sharjah Media City - Cinematic Studios Services

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Service Company SetupCinematic Studios Services

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Sharjah Media City logo
JurisdictionSharjah Media City
Service
Short description

This company can engage in a variety of media production and broadcast services, such as providing cinematic studio services, television studio services, and audio studio services. The activity can also include operating and managing cinemas, and operating TV and radio broadcasting stations, excluding content management.

About the company's activities
Types of activities

For setup of this company in Shams, the following business activities group has been chosen:

  • Cinematic Studios Services (group 593):
    • 5930 - Cinematic Studios Services;
    • 5931 - Television Studios Services;
    • 5932 - Audio Studios Services;
    • 5933 - Operating & managing cinemas;
    • 5934 - Operating TV & Radio Broadcasting Stations except content managment.

In addition to this group, the company can choose from two to four activity classes depending on the chosen package within one license without additional fees.

Additional External Regulator Approvals

No additional approval is required in order to complete the registration process of the company conducting this group of business activities.

Share Capital Requirements

The minimum share capital requirement for Shams companies is AED 100,000, its contribution is optional.

Company Name Requirements
  • Must not be identical or similar to local/global brands or registered trademarks
  • Must not contain words, such as "Park", "Venue", "Organization", "Bank", "Foundation" and others
  • Must not contain the names of local/international religious, political or governmental organizations
  • Must not contain the names of Allah or God, or any other religious terminology
  • Must not contain geographical names, such as the names of emirates, cities, countries and other landmarks
  • Must not be identical to an existing social media name (applicable to media companies)
  • Must not violate the UAE laws or contain words that are obscene, indecent or generally offensive
  • May contain the words "University", "Academy", "School", "Institute", "College", subject to appropriate permission from regulatory authorities
  • May contain the name of a shareholder
  • Must correspond to the company’s business activities
Bank Account

Entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts in traditional banks with physical branches, as well as in digital banks and payment systems.

When choosing a bank to open a corporate account, consider the following: service level, fees, available currencies, online banking performance, bank reputation, as well as other conditions that may be important for your business.

Successfully opening a corporate bank account requires a well-prepared documentation package, which may vary depending on the specific requirements of each bank. Documents submitted incorrectly or incompletely may negatively affect the bank's final decision in processing the application.

About Jurisdiction
Name and Description
  • Title: Sharjah Media City
  • Description:

    Shams (Sharjah Media City) is a free economic zone (free zone) established in 2017 in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Despite its name, Shams is not limited to the media industry but offers a wide range of opportunities for companies in sectors such as trade, professional services, IT, education, and e-commerce. The free zone ensures equal opportunities for entrepreneurs at all levels—ranging from individual freelancers and startups to large corporations—by providing tailored solutions for efficient business operations.

    The free zone boasts modern infrastructure, including coworking spaces and professionally equipped podcast studios, offering entrepreneurs and creative professionals a comfortable environment for work and project execution. Businesses registered in Shams are permitted to operate both within the free zone and beyond the UAE.

    Shams issues the following types of business licenses:

    • Commercial (wholesale and retail trade)
    • Professional (provision of services)
    • Media

    With its strategic location and multifunctional infrastructure, Shams has established itself as a versatile business hub that attracts entrepreneurs and investors across various industries, supporting their growth and success in local and international markets.

Advantages

The Shams company registration provides various benefits and opportunities for entrepreneurs:

  • Access to local and global markets. Companies registered in the free zone can conduct business within the free zone and beyond the UAE. This helps to expand business, create and strengthen partnerships and enables interaction with clients and partners worldwide.
  • Strategic location. The free zone is situated in Sharjah, in close proximity to the international airports of Sharjah and Dubai, as well as major ports, ensuring easy access to key markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
  • Remote company registration. The free zone enables entrepreneurs to establish their business remotely, without the need for physical presence in the UAE, providing convenient access to the registration process from anywhere in the world.
  • Full profit control. The free zone enables foreign entrepreneurs to retain 100% ownership of their company, granting full control over profits and unrestricted capital repatriation outside the UAE. This fosters an optimal environment for strategic financial planning and efficient business management, free from limitations on economic activities.
  • Wide range of business activities. The free zone offers an extensive list of business activities, enabling entrepreneurs to develop projects in various industries, including media, trade, professional services, e-commerce, and education.
  • Combining business activities. The free zone allows the combination of various business activities under a single license, reducing operational costs and expanding the range of services and products offered to clients.
  • Infrastructure. The free zone provides modern infrastructure, including professionally equipped studios for content creation, podcasts, and video production, as well as convenient coworking spaces and office facilities. These resources create comfortable conditions for work and creative project implementation, offering access to advanced technologies and an inspiring work environment.
Offices/Premises
  • Various rental property options are available in Shams, provided upon preliminary request and subject to availability:
    1. Shared Desk (AED 0/year). A workspace in a coworking with access up to 4 hours per month during business hours upon prior reservation. Included in all registration packages. The Shared Desk affords up to 20 visas. To obtain more visas, additional approval from Shams is required.
    2. Shared Desk (AED 2,675/year). A workspace in a coworking with unlimited access during business hours upon prior reservation.
    3. Dedicated Desk (from AED 3,150/year). A dedicated desk in a shared office that can be reserved for an extended period.
    4. Production studios. Specialized premises with modern technology and licensed software, designed for creating audio and video content, recording music, podcasts, advertisements, as well as for professional mixing, mastering and editing.
Tax Regime and Profit Management

The UAE imposes a variety of taxes and fees that regulate the financial activities of both legal entities and individuals. Below are the main ones:

  1. Value Added Tax (VAT):
    • Since January 1, 2018, the UAE has implemented a VAT rate of 5%, which applies to most goods and services and is charged to companies operating within the country, except for those registered in designated zones.
    • A Designated Zone is a territory within a free zone that is treated as outside the UAE for tax purposes, allowing goods to be exempt from taxation, provided certain criteria are met. The main taxation rules in Designated Zones are:
      • Designated Zones are listed in the Cabinet Decision to Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT).
      • Goods tranferred between or within Designated Zones are not subject to VAT.
      • The export and import of goods between a Designated Zone and a foreign company are also VAT-exempt.
    • For local companies and those registered in Non-Designated Zones (free zones not included in the Designated Zones list), the standard tax rules set forth in the Federal Decree-Law on VAT apply.
      • Companies with an annual turnover exceeding AED 375,000 are required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) as VAT taxpayers.
      • Companies with a turnover between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 may register on a voluntary basis.
      • Companies can offset VAT paid on purchases of goods and services (input VAT) against the VAT they collect on sales (output VAT), shifting the tax burden to the final consumer.
      • Some goods and services may be exempt from VAT or taxed at a 0% rate, such as international transportation, educational, and medical services.
  2. Corporate Tax:
    • As of June 1, 2023, the UAE has introduced a corporate tax at a rate of 9%, levied on the taxable net profit of companies with income exceeding AED 375,000.
    • A 0% rate is applied to taxable income not exceeding AED 375,000.
    • Charitable, non-profit organizations and medical institutions are fully exempt from corporate tax.
  3. Excise Tax:
    • Since October 1, 2017, the UAE has introduced an excise tax aimed at reducing the consumption of harmful products and funding healthcare initiatives.
    • The tax applies to alcohol, tobacco products, and beverages containing added sugar, including energy and carbonated beverages.
    • Excise tax rates vary by product category:
      • 50% on carbonated drinks (excluding mineral water)
      • 100% on tobacco products
      • 100% on energy drinks
      • 100% on electronic smoking devices and related liquids
      • 50% on products containing added sugar or sweeteners.
    • Companies dealing with excise goods must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), submit monthly declarations, and maintain records. Excise tax is paid upon the import, production, or release of goods for consumption in the UAE.
  4. Customs Duties:
    • Custom duties in the UAE are applied to most imported goods at a standard rate of 5% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). Some product categories, such as pharmaceuticals and food items, may be exempt from duties or subject to reduced rates.
    • Goods imported into the UAE's free zones are generally not subject to customs duties as long as they remain within these zones. However, once such goods are moved to the UAE mainland, standard duties apply.
  5. Personal Income Tax:
    • In the UAE, personal income is not subject to taxation.
    • UAE citizens and residents are exempt from paying taxes on their personal income, including salaries, interest, dividends, inheritances, gifts, luxury goods, and capital gains.
  6. Other Local Taxes and Fees:
    • Individual emirates may impose specific local taxes and fees in line with their economic and social needs.
    • These taxes and fees are aimed at supporting public services and implementing infrastructure projects.
Resident Visas

Shams offers the following main types of UAE resident visas for foreign investors and company employees:

  • Investor Visa:
    • Issued to foreign investors and entrepreneurs who invest in or acquire companies.
    • Allows for business management, living, and working in the UAE.Grants the right to sponsor family visas.
    • Valid for two years but can be canceled if the investor is absent from the UAE for more than six months.
  • Employment Visa:
    • Issued by the company for its foreign employees.
    • Permits residency and employment in the UAE.
    • Depending on the job position, education and specialization may need to be verified.
    • Valid for two years but can be canceled if the employee is absent from the UAE for more than six months.
    • Can be renewed alongside the employment contract.
  • Dependent Visa (for family members and domestic staff):
    • Issued to the sponsor's family members and accompanying domestic staff (nannies, housekeepers, caregivers, etc.).
    • Permits residency in the UAE.
    • Valid for two years.

Order service directly at Shams

Total:

Order the support of an authorized platform partner

Plan:
Standard
Premium
Total:

Order services directly through Shams

With the assistance of our platform manager, who will provide you with service instructions, arrange meetings with Shams representatives, and assist in coordination

  • Direct access without intermediaries
  • No additional fees
  • No commissions

Choose our "Standard" plan

Receive expert guidance from an authorized consultant who will manage the entire process of obtaining Shams services

  • Time-saving
  • Predictable outcomes
  • Personal expert assistance
  • Business-class transportation to service locations
  • Minimal involvement required

Opt for our "Premium" plan for top-tier expert guidance

An elite consultant will oversee the process of obtaining Shams services, ensuring a seamless experience

  • VIP airport reception in Dubai for one person
  • Premium-class airport-hotel-airport transfers
  • Expedited VIP procedures
  • Guaranteed results
  • Personal expert available 24/7
  • Premium-class transportation to service locations
  • Minimal involvement required
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