SHAMS vs SPC Free Zone: which should you choose?
The cheapest credible route to a UAE licence — and the one most freelancers actually need. Instant licensing with an unusually generous visa quota for the price.
| Criterion | SHAMS | SPC Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | AED 5,760 | AED 5,750 |
| Typical cost | AED 8,500 | AED 9,000 |
| Setup (days) | 1–4 | 1–3 |
| Emirate | Sharjah | Sharjah |
| Remote setup | Yes | Yes |
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
Our verdict
On our criteria, SHAMS wins for the most common profile. The cheapest credible route to a UAE licence — and the one most freelancers actually need.
That said, SPC Free Zone remains the right call if: small teams needing several visas, publishing and printing. Headline price should not decide this alone — visa quota and banking reception usually matter more.
Let's talk about your actual case
A twenty-minute call. We will also tell you if the UAE is the wrong answer for you — it often is.