What documents does an Australian national need to start a gym & fitness business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Australia passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Australia, attested documents via Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and a business plan for your gym & fitness venture.

How long does it take for an Australian citizen to set up a gym & fitness 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.

How much does it cost to set up a Gym & Fitness business in Sharjah Media City?

The total setup cost for a Gym & Fitness business in SHAMS starts from approximately AED 6,150 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,200 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Gym & Fitness company in Sharjah Media City?

Yes, SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What documents do I need to set up a Gym & Fitness business in SHAMS?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Dubai Sports Council. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Can I get a residence visa with my Gym & Fitness licence from SHAMS?

Yes, your gym & fitness 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.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Gym & Fitness business in Sharjah Media City?

The annual licence renewal for a Gym & Fitness SHAMS company costs approximately AED 6,150, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Gym & Fitness in Sharjah Media City for Australian nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Gym & Fitness in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Gym & Fitness

The UAE continues to attract Australian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and SHAMS is one of the most popular jurisdictions for gym & fitness operations. Growing Australian business community (~25,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Sharjah Media City gives your Gym & Fitness business access to Sharjah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Sports Council before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up gym & fitness businesses in Sharjah Media City since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why SHAMS for Gym & Fitness?

Choosing SHAMS for your gym & fitness business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers budget-friendly from aed 6,150, which is particularly valuable for gym & fitness 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 gym & fitness professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your gym & fitness 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 services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

For Australian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Australian 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 gym & fitness business in SHAMS.

Banking for Australian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your gym & fitness company in SHAMS: Australian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Commonwealth banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Australian business structures.

Document Attestation for Australian Nationals

Document attestation for Australian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Australia, (2) Attestation by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to gym & fitness businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Australia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

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

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Detailed business plan or activity description

8Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

Regulatory Note: Gym & Fitness is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Sports Council is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

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 gym & fitness business plan and the best SHAMS licence options for Australian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Australia through Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the gym & fitness 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. Australian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your gym & fitness 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 Australian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Gym & Fitness in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750