Overview
Founded in 1988, Ajman Free Zone is one of the UAE’s longest-running free zones, sitting right beside Ajman Port. It is popular with freelancers, start-ups and SMEs because the entry costs are low, the authority is quick, and you can pay licence fees in instalments.
If you are opening your first business in the UAE, Ajman Free Zone is usually the simplest place to start. You keep full ownership, there is no local sponsor, and a flexi-desk is enough to get licensed, so you are not paying for an office you don’t need yet.
We guide you from choosing the right activity to collecting your trade licence, then help with your investor visa and corporate bank account. One point of contact, no guesswork.
Why choose Ajman Free Zone?
Investors pick AFZ because it removes most of the friction (and cost) of starting up.
100% foreign ownership
Complete control of your company, with no local partner or sponsor.
Tax-efficient
0% personal income tax, and 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income.
Full repatriation
Send 100% of your capital and profits home, without restrictions.
Low setup & renewal costs
Some of the most competitive packages in the UAE, with instalment options.
3,500+ activities
Trading, services, e-commerce, industrial and freelancer licences.
Flexible offices
Flexi-desks, smart offices, executive offices and warehouses.
Choose your legal structure
Free Zone Establishment
One shareholder, either an individual or a company.
Free Zone Company
Two or more shareholders (individuals or companies).
Branch of a company
An extension of an existing UAE or overseas company.
Step-by-step process
- 01
Activity & structure
Pick your business activities and an FZE, FZC or branch.
- 02
Name & approval
Submit 2–3 trade names to the authority for approval.
- 03
Documents
Passports, photos and the application form. We prepare the rest.
- 04
Licence issued
Pay the fees and receive your trade licence and certificate.
- 05
Visas & bank
Investor visa, Emirates ID and your corporate bank account.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager (6+ months validity)
- Colour passport-size photos
- Completed application form (we prepare it)
- NOC from your current sponsor, if you are a UAE resident
- For branches: certificate of incorporation and board resolution
Requirements vary by activity and nationality. We confirm your exact checklist during the free consultation.
Ajman Free Zone setup costs
Typical ranges in AED. Exact pricing depends on your activity, office type and number of visas.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Licence fee (service or trading) | AED 5,000 – 15,000 | Your core trade licence, by activity and package |
| Office / facility | AED 0 – 15,000+ | From a shared flexi-desk to a private office or warehouse |
| 1-visa package | AED 12,000 – 20,000+ | Licence, facility and all government fees for one investor visa |
| Each additional visa | AED 3,500 – 5,000 | Employment or investor visa per person |
Want an exact figure for your business? We’ll send a clear, itemised quote, with no hidden costs.
Get My QuoteFree Zone FAQs
Low cost and speed. You get 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, full repatriation of profits, and licence fees that can be paid in 2, 3 or 6 instalments. Incorporation can be done in 1–3 working days once documents are in.
Commercial (trading), professional (services and consultancy), industrial (manufacturing and assembly), e-commerce, and a freelancer permit for individuals.
A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder, a Free Zone Company (FZC) for two or more shareholders, or a branch of an existing local or foreign company.
Zero-visa and freelancer packages, usually with a flexi-desk included, start at around AED 5,555 to AED 7,000. The price goes up with the licence type, number of activities and visas.
Every AFZ company needs a registered address, but a flexi-desk or co-working space is enough for most licences. Executive offices and warehouses are available if you need them.
For most service and commercial packages, no deposit proof is needed. A share capital figure is written into your incorporation documents, but AFZA usually doesn’t ask you to deposit it.
Your licence can be issued 1–3 working days after documents and payment. Once you have your establishment card, residence visas typically take another 2–4 weeks.
Not directly. To sell goods on the mainland you work through a registered local distributor or agent. If you mainly serve UAE customers, a mainland company may suit you better, and we can help you compare.
Yes. Licence fees can often be split into 2, 3 or 6 instalments, usually with a down payment and post-dated cheques from a UAE bank account.
