Overview
Starting a business can feel daunting, and the mainland route has more moving parts than a free zone: a trade name, initial approval, a notarised MOA, an attested office lease and the licence itself. We manage every one of them and keep you updated at each step.
Whether you are launching your first company or expanding an existing one, we help you choose the right structure, stay compliant with Ajman’s rules, and get trading quickly. Once you are set up, we stay on hand for renewals, visas and new activities.
Why choose Ajman Mainland?
Lower costs than many other emirates, with the full reach of a UAE mainland licence.
The whole UAE market
Sell directly to customers and businesses in all seven emirates.
Government tenders
Mainland companies can bid for federal and local government contracts.
Full foreign ownership
Most commercial and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership.
Flexible structures
LLC, sole establishment or civil company, whichever suits your activity.
Visas for your team
Sponsor employees and family as your business grows.
Great location
Next door to Sharjah and a short drive from Dubai, at lower cost.
Step-by-step process
- 01
Consultation
We confirm your activity and the best legal structure.
- 02
Name & approval
Trade name reservation and initial approval from Ajman DED.
- 03
MOA & office
We draft and notarise the MOA and secure your attested lease.
- 04
Licence & visas
Your DED licence is issued, then establishment card and visas.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Passport-size photos
- Visa and Emirates ID copies (UAE residents)
- Attested tenancy contract approved by Ajman Municipality
- Memorandum of Association (we draft it for you)
Requirements vary by activity and nationality. We confirm your exact checklist during the free consultation.
Ajman mainland first-year costs
Estimated ranges in AED for an LLC. Your exact quote depends on activity, office size and visas.
| Cost item | General trading LLC | Professional LLC |
|---|---|---|
| Trade name reservation | AED 600 – 1,000 | AED 600 – 1,000 |
| Initial approval & activity fee | AED 3,000 – 7,000 | AED 2,500 – 5,500 |
| DED & Chamber of Commerce | AED 4,000 – 8,000 | AED 3,000 – 6,000 |
| MOA notarisation | AED 1,000 – 2,500 | AED 1,000 – 2,500 |
| Local Service Agent (annual) | Not required | AED 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Office rent (per year) | From AED 15,000 – 30,000 | From AED 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Municipality fee (5% of rent) | AED 750 – 1,500 | AED 750 – 1,500 |
| Estimated first-year total | AED 24,350 – 50,000+ | AED 27,850 – 53,500+ |
Visa costs (per person, after the licence)
| Establishment card (one-time) | AED 1,500 – 2,500 |
|---|---|
| Investor / partner visa (3 years) | AED 4,000 – 7,000 |
| Dependent visa (2–3 years) | AED 3,000 – 5,000 |
Want an exact figure for your business? We’ll send a clear, itemised quote, with no hidden costs.
Get My QuoteAjman Mainland FAQs
The Limited Liability Company (LLC). It limits each owner’s liability to the capital they put in. Service businesses can also use a sole establishment or civil company.
Yes. Ajman DED requires a real, verifiable office with a tenancy contract attested by Ajman Municipality. Flexi-desks are generally not accepted for a new mainland licence.
It depends on the licence. Commercial and industrial LLCs don’t need one. A 100% foreign-owned professional (service) licence does. The LSA is a UAE national with a purely administrative role and no ownership or financial stake.
There is generally no fixed minimum that must be deposited. A reasonable capital amount is stated in the MOA, but bank proof is usually not required for routine activities.
A mainland company can trade directly across the UAE but needs a physical office and is licensed by Ajman DED. A free zone company trades mainly within the zone and internationally, can use a flexi-desk, and is licensed by the Ajman Free Zone Authority.
Yes. Mainland companies can take part in federal and local government tenders, which is a real advantage over free zone entities.
Typically 2–4 weeks from first submission to licence, allowing for government approvals, MOA notarisation and the attested lease.
