What documents does a Russian national need to start a recruitment agency business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Russia passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Russia, attested documents via Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille, and a business plan for your recruitment agency venture.

How long does it take for a Russian citizen to set up a recruitment agency 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.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Recruitment Agency 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 are the tax implications for a Recruitment Agency 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.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Recruitment Agency company in SHAMS?

Most of the setup process for a recruitment agency business in SHAMS can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Is Sharjah Media City good for recruitment agency 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.

What documents do I need to set up a Recruitment Agency 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 MOHRE. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Recruitment Agency in Sharjah Media City for Russian nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Recruitment Agency in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Recruitment Agency

The UAE continues to attract Russian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and SHAMS is one of the most popular jurisdictions for recruitment agency operations. Growing community (~40,000), 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 Recruitment Agency 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 MOHRE before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up recruitment agency 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 Recruitment Agency?

Choosing SHAMS for your recruitment agency 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 recruitment agency 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 recruitment agency professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your recruitment agency 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 Russian nationals specifically, the Sharjah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Russian 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 Russian Nationals

Russian nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 90 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. Once your recruitment agency licence is issued by SHAMS, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Russian Business Owners

Russian entrepreneurs may face additional compliance requirements due to international regulations. IBA assists with proper documentation and bank selection. For your recruitment agency business in SHAMS, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Russian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Russia-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Russian Nationals

Russian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for recruitment agency), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to SHAMS.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Russia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Completed application form for trade licence

5Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Regulatory Note: Recruitment Agency is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from MOHRE 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 recruitment agency business plan and the best SHAMS licence options for Russian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Russia through Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the recruitment agency 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. Russian nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Russian entrepreneurs may face additional compliance requirements due to international regulations.

Start Operations

Your recruitment agency 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 Russian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

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