What documents does a Canadian national need to start a digital marketing business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Canada, attested documents via Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, and a business plan for your digital marketing venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a digital marketing company in SHAMS?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

What are the tax implications for a Digital Marketing business in Sharjah Media City?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in SHAMS may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

How long does it take to get a Digital Marketing licence in SHAMS?

The typical processing time for a digital marketing licence at SHAMS is 2 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. Since this is a non-regulated activity, the process is straightforward and typically completed within the standard timeframe.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my SHAMS Digital Marketing licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from SHAMS, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Can I get a residence visa with my Digital Marketing licence from SHAMS?

Yes, your digital marketing licence from SHAMS entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 3 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,200.

Is Sharjah Media City good for digital marketing start-ups?

SHAMS is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering budget-friendly from aed 6,150 and fast setup process. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 2,500 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

Digital Marketing in Sharjah Media City for Canadian nationals

Free ZoneProfessional

Digital Marketing in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Digital Marketing

As a Canadian national looking to establish a Digital Marketing business in Sharjah Media City, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Canada has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Canadian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Sharjah's commercial laws, your Digital Marketing business will benefit from budget-friendly from aed 6,150 and fast setup process. The SHAMS licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 6,150.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your digital marketing setup in SHAMS. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why SHAMS for Digital Marketing?

There are several compelling reasons why Sharjah Media City continues to attract digital marketing entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers budget-friendly from aed 6,150, which is particularly valuable for digital marketing operations. Additionally, fast setup process ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 2,500 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of SHAMS for digital marketing professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your digital marketing business for long-term success in the region. With Sharjah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, SHAMS remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Canadian nationals specifically, the Sharjah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Canadian business community.

Budget-friendly from AED 6,150

Fast setup process

100% foreign ownership

No physical office requirement

Media and creative focus

Visa Requirements for Canadian Nationals

For Canadian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your digital marketing business in SHAMS.

Banking for Canadian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your digital marketing company in SHAMS: Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Canadian business structures.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Document attestation for Canadian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Canada, (2) Attestation by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to digital marketing businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Passport-sized photographs with white background

6Signed application form from SHAMS authority

7Detailed business plan or activity description

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	6,150
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Flexi Desk	2,500
Shared Office	6,000
Private Office	15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 11,850

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your digital marketing business plan and the best SHAMS licence options for Canadian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Canada through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the digital marketing licence application to SHAMS. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official SHAMS trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your digital marketing business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Canadian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Digital Marketing in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000