Ajman Free Zone Activity List: Business Activities

6 min read

Feb 23, 2026

Ajman Free Zone Activity List: Business Activities

Table of Contents

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the most suitable locations for your business in the UAE. It offers 100% foreign ownership, tax advantages, and full repatriation of profits. Many companies choose AFZ for its affordable setup packages and flexible office solutions. Ajman Free Zone activity list includes a wide range of allowed commercial, industrial, and service activities.

Choosing the right business activity in AFZ is crucial to your company’s success. The selected activity defines your license type, legal permissions, and operational scope. It also impacts approvals, visa eligibility, and compliance requirements in the UAE.

In this blog, we will explore the complete Ajman Free Zone Activity List. You will also learn about different license categories, industry options, and how to select the right activity for your business setup in Ajman Free Zone.

List of Activities in Ajman Free Zone: Key Categories

Ajman Free Zone activity list offers a wide range of approved business activities across multiple sectors. Major business activities in Ajman Free Zone include:

1. Commercial and Trading Activities

Commercial and trading activities cover businesses that buy, sell, import, or export goods. These activities fall under the Commercial License in AFZ.

Category	Description	Example
General Trading	Trade multiple product categories under one license	Trading home appliances, auto parts, and office supplies
Import and Export	Cross-border buying and selling of goods	Importing raw materials from Asia and exporting finished goods to Africa
Wholesale and Retail	Bulk or direct sale of goods	Building materials supply company
E-commerce Trading	Online sale of products	Online store selling beauty and skincare products
Specialized Product Trading	Trading specific approved products	Industrial tools and safety equipment trading

These activities suit companies focused on trade, distribution, and online sales.

2. Service and Consultancy Activities

Service activities focus on expertise-based and professional operations.

Category	Description	Example
IT Consulting	Technology advisory and system services	Software solutions firm
Logistics Services	Supply chain and cargo coordination	Freight support company
Business Consultancy	Advisory and management services	Startup advisory firm
Media & Creative Services	Sound recording, broadcasting, content production	Digital media agency
Training Services	Skill development and professional training	Corporate training institute

These activities rely on knowledge and professional expertise rather than physical goods.

3. Industrial and Manufacturing Activities

Industrial activities involve producing, assembling, or processing goods within AFZ facilities.

Category	Description	Example
Light Manufacturing	Small-scale product manufacturing	Plastic goods manufacturing
Assembly Activities	Assembling motors, generators, or machinery	Generator assembly unit
Food Processing & Packaging	Processing and packaging food products	Packaged food unit
Water Desalination & Processing	Water purification and treatment	Bottled water processing plant

Businesses operating these activities often require warehouse or factory space and additional approvals.

4. E-Commerce and Digital Activities

E-commerce activities support online and platform-based business models.

Category	Description	Example
Online Retail	Selling products through websites or marketplaces	Online electronics store
Website & Platform Services	Web design and platform development	E-commerce website developer
Dropshipping	Selling products without holding inventory	Online dropshipping store
Digital Marketplaces	Operating online marketplace platforms	Multi-vendor e-marketplace

These activities align with the UAE’s growing digital economy.

5. Freelancer and Specialized Activities

Ajman Free Zone business activities also support individual entrepreneurs and niche professionals.

Category	Description	Example
Consultancy & Coaching	Professional advisory services	Business coach
Creative & Media Freelance	Individual media production services	Freelance videographer
GIS & Technical Design	Specialized mapping and design services	GIS design consultant
Gaming & Digital Services	Online gaming and digital solutions	Gaming app consultant

These activities provide flexible options for company formation in the Ajman Free Zone.

Business Licensing Options in Ajman Free Zone

The table below gives a brief idea of business licensing options in Ajman Free Zone, along with typical costs charged:

License Type	What It Permits	Approx. Cost (AED)
Commercial License	Import/export, general trading, product distribution	From ~12,000 (single trading) up to ~17,000 (general trading with visa)
Service License	Professional and service activities (consulting, IT, marketing, training)	From ~9,000–15,000 annually
Industrial License	Manufacturing, processing, assembly, packaging	From ~12,000–25,000+ (higher due to warehouse requirements)
E-Commerce License	Online retail, digital trading, dropshipping	From ~6,500–18,000, depending on package and visa inclusion
Freelancer & Specialized Licenses	Solo professionals, freelancers, niche services	From ~6,000–12,000, depending on activity scope

These figures reflect typical starting prices, and AFZ may revise them based on visa quota, office space, and additional fees.

How to Select Your Business Activity in Ajman Free Zone?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth setup and compliance with UAE regulations:

Review the AFZ Activity List PDF: Check the official list of permitted activities. Identify the exact description that matches your business model.
Understand License Category Requirements: Confirm which license type your activity requires:

Trading activities fall under a commercial license.
Consultancy falls under a service license.
Manufacturing requires an industrial license.
Online selling and digital trading require an e-commerce license.

Check Activity Combination Rules: Evaluate whether you can combine multiple related activities under one license. AFZ usually allows similar activities within the same category.
Verify Regulatory Approvals (If Applicable): Some activities need external approvals. Regulated products or technical services may require additional clearance before final approval.
Seek Consultation or Pre-Approval: Share your business plan with a consultant for business setup in the UAE or AFZ. Clear communication helps avoid rejection.
Prepare Required Documents: Keep passport copies, application forms, and business details ready. Ensure the information matches the selected activity.
Submit the Application: Apply through the official AFZ channel or an authorized consultant. After approval, complete the payment process and receive your license.

Selecting the correct activity from the start ensures compliance and supports smooth business operations in the UAE.

Also, read about business setup in Ajman for exploring more options in the emirate.

Benefits of Choosing Ajman Free Zone for Your Business Activity

Setting up your business in Ajman Free Zone offers the following advantages for both UAE-based and global entrepreneurs:

100% Foreign Ownership: Investors can own their company fully without a local sponsor. This structure grants entrepreneurs full operational control and profit rights.
Tax-Efficient Environment: In AFZ, businesses benefit from zero personal income tax and competitive corporate tax advantages, subject to compliance rules.
Flexible Multi-Activity Combinations: Entrepreneurs can combine related activities under a single license, subject to approval.
Rapid Setup Process: AFZ offers a streamlined registration system. Many businesses receive approvals within a few working days, depending on the activity and documentation.
Scalability and Growth Support: Companies can upgrade office space, add visas, or expand activities as they grow. AFZ provides flexible office, warehouse, and smart office solutions.
Strategic UAE Location: AFZ is located in the United Arab Emirates, providing access to regional and global markets. Businesses can trade across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia with ease by getting a trade license in Ajman.

These advantages make AFZ a strong choice for startups, SMEs, and global investors looking to establish or expand operations in the UAE.

If you find these benefits attractive for your business, set up your company in Ajman Free Zone today with SafeLedger. Partner with us for expert guidance on selecting the right activity, obtaining your license, and quickly setting up your company. Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Ajman Free Zone allows a wide range of activities across commercial, service, industrial, e-commerce, and freelance categories. This includes trading, manufacturing, IT and consultancy services, logistics, media, F&B, automotive, and specialized professional services. You must select from the approved Ajman Free Zone Activity List to obtain a valid license.

Yes, AFZ permits combining multiple related activities under a single license, depending on the category. For example, similar trading activities can be grouped under one commercial license. However, unrelated activities across different categories (such as industrial and consultancy) usually require separate licenses.

Certain regulated activities require prior approval from the UAE authorities. This includes sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and industrial manufacturing. Some activities may also have limitations on office space, warehouse requirements, or environmental compliance.

You can add or modify activities at any time through AFZ by submitting a formal application and paying the applicable fees. Approval depends on license type, compliance with regulations, and whether the new activity fits within the original category or requires a separate license.

Yes, AFZ allows you to combine multiple related activities under a single license, depending on the category. For example, similar trading activities can be grouped under a commercial license. Unrelated activities from different categories (like industrial and consultancy) usually require separate licenses. Strategically combining activities can help you expand your services without creating multiple legal entities, saving time and costs.

For online businesses, digital trading, or e-commerce platforms, the E-Commerce License is the most suitable in the Ajman Free Zone. It covers online retail, website development, dropshipping, and digital marketplaces, enabling entrepreneurs to operate legally within AFZ. This license also allows you to operate a fully digital business model without a physical office, making it ideal for startups and tech-focused entrepreneurs.

The license approval process in Ajman Free Zone is generally fast. Most businesses receive their license within a few working days after submitting all required documents. However, the timeline may vary depending on the activity type, required approvals, and completeness of your application. Planning ahead and submitting accurate documentation can further speed up the process and allow you to start operations sooner.

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About the Author

Joel Dsouza

Joel Dsouza is a Chartered Accountant and compliance specialist with extensive experience advising over 1,000 startups and SMEs on company registration, tax structuring, and regulatory compliance. As a member of ICAI and Co-Founder of Safe Ledger, Joel combines his deep financial expertise with a global perspective to help entrepreneurs navigate complex business environments. Focused on the UAE market, he is dedicated to empowering international and local business owners with clear, practical guidance on company setup, tax optimization, and ongoing compliance making him a trusted advisor for businesses aiming to succeed in the dynamic UAE economy.

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