Shams Free Zone Visa in UAE | Everything You Need to Know

Shams Free Zone is one of the most cost-friendly free zones in the UAE. From flexible visa packages to fast approvals, here’s everything you need to know about the Shams Free Zone visa and visa cost

1. Introduction

If you want to set up in the UAE, the Shams Free Zone visa is one of the most practical ways to do it. Shams has built a reputation for being affordable & flexible, which is exactly what freelancers, startups, & growing businesses need. And to get the right visa is not just about legal residency, it’s the key to hiring talent, sponsoring family & securing long-term stability in the UAE. This guide gives you a clear picture of the Shams Free Zone visa, what it costs in 2025 & the step-by-step process to get your application approved quickly

2. Why Choose Shams Free Zone for Business Setup?

Shams Free Zone has become a top pick for entrepreneurs and freelancers who want a low-cost yet reliable setup in the UAE. The location in Sharjah keeps you close to Dubai; at the same time, it offers a more affordable entry point. Processing times are fast, paperwork is simple & you don’t need to deal with unnecessary hurdles. What really makes it stand out is the flexibility of the Shams Free Zone visa packages. Whether you want to sponsor yourself as an investor, bring in employees or secure visas for your family, Shams gives you options that match different business needs and budgets.

3. Types of Shams Free Zone Visas Available

Different Shams Free Zone visa options cater to investors, employees & dependents. Here are the main categories:

• Investor Visa – This visa is designed for business owners who want to establish their company in Shams Free Zone. It allows full ownership, residency in UAE & also the ability to sponsor employees or dependents.
  
• Partner Visa – It is meant for co-founders or business partners. This visa allows individuals to legally reside in the UAE while being officially linked to a Shams Free Zone company. It also enables access to local banking and business services.
  
• Employee Visa – For staff joining your Shams Free Zone company, this visa ensures legal residency and work authorization. It covers government processing, Emirates ID & provides the flexibility to include insurance and other employee benefits.
  
• Dependent Visa – This is designed for family sponsorship. This visa allows investors, partners or employees to bring their spouse, children or other eligible dependents. It grants residency rights and access to education and healthcare in UAE.

4. Shams Free Zone Visa Cost

The Shams Free Zone visa cost depends on the package and the number of years. Below are approximate ranges for:

5. What’s Included in the Visa Cost

When calculating the Shams Free Zone visa cost, here’s what you’re paying for:

• Entry Permit – The entry permit is the first step in the visa process that allows you to legally enter the UAE for business purposes. It is issued by the immigration authorities and forms the basis for your full residency visa
  
• Medical Fitness Test – This mandatory test confirms that applicants meet the health requirements set by the UAE authorities. It includes a general check-up and screenings for specific conditions that ensure you are cleared for residency and compliant with local regulations
  
• Emirates ID Application – The Emirates ID is your official identification in the UAE. Its cost includes biometric enrollment, issuance & registration with government systems, which makes it essential for banking, signing contracts & accessing government services
  
• Visa Stamping on Passport – Once approved, the visa is physically stamped in your passport. This step officially grants residency rights, which allows you to live, work & sponsor dependents in the UAE legally
  
• Government Processing Fees – These are mandatory fees charged by the UAE government for handling and approving visa applications. They cover administration, documentation review, and system registration to ensure your application is fully compliant
  
• Optional Add-ons – Additional services like health insurance or sponsoring family members can be included. Insurance protects you while living in the UAE & dependent sponsorship allows your spouse or children to legally reside with you

6. Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

The process for getting a Shams Free Zone visa is straightforward:

• Select Your Business License Package – First, choose the license that matches your business activity in Shams Free Zone. Your selection determines the type of visa you can apply for, whether as an investor, partner, employee or for sponsoring dependents.
  
• Apply for an Entry Permit – Then submit the required documents to Shams Free Zone and immigration authorities to get your entry permit. This step legally allows you to enter the UAE and initiates the formal visa application process for residency.
  
• Complete Medical Test and Biometrics – Undergo the mandatory health check and biometric registration, which includes fingerprinting and photographs. This ensures compliance with UAE residency requirements and confirms that you meet the medical standards set by the government.
  
• Apply for Emirates ID – Now register for your Emirates ID, which serves as your official identification in the UAE. This step includes biometric verification and ensures you can access banking, government services & legally operate within the country.
  
• Stamp the Visa in Your Passport – Once all approvals are complete, your visa is physically stamped in your passport. This officially grants residency, which allows you to live, work & sponsor dependents in the UAE under Shams Free Zone regulations.

Most applicants complete everything within 5-10 working days.

7. FAQs About Shams Free Zone Visa Cost

Q1. What is the Shams Free Zone visa cost?
It starts from around AED 5000 and varies by visa type and package.

Q2. How long does it take to get a Shams Free Zone visa?
On average, xx working days if documents are ready.

Q3. Can I apply for a Shams Free Zone visa without a company license?
No, you must hold a license to apply for any visa in Shams.

Q4. Can I sponsor my family with a Shams Free Zone visa?
Yes, dependent visas are available once your visa is active.

8. Why Work with a Business Consultant Like Arnifi?

Here’s the thing to navigate visa rules alone takes time. Arnifi makes the process faster by handling everything from company license to paperwork & Shams Free Zone visa applications. You’ll always know the exact visa cost before committing, and your documents will be managed start to finish.

9. Conclusion

The Shams Free Zone visa remains one of the most cost-effective routes for entrepreneurs, professionals & investors to establish a strong base in the UAE. Having a clear idea of the visa cost upfront helps you plan your business setup without unexpected hurdles. Whether you are applying for yourself, a business partner or sponsoring dependents, Shams provides fast, flexible & reliable options to ensure your operations begin without delays.At Arnifi, we go beyond just helping you secure your Shams Free Zone visa. Our team supports you with end-to-end services including business license setup, accounting, bookkeeping, VAT registration &  compliance. We also assist with corporate bank account opening & ongoing business advisory, so you can focus on growth while we handle the administrative details. By choosing Arnifi, you gain a trusted partner who simplifies every step of your UAE business journey.