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Ajman Free Zone License Cost in 2025: A Complete Breakdown for Startups

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Ajman Free Zone License Cost in 2025: A Complete Breakdown for Startups

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Introduction

Entrepreneurs across the globe frequently search for the “Ajman Free Zone license cost,” and for good reason. Ajman has established a powerful reputation as one of the most cost-effective and strategic locations to start a business in the UAE. Located just a short drive from Dubai, Ajman offers a compelling combination of affordability, modern infrastructure, and 100% foreign ownership, making it an ideal gateway to the Middle Eastern and global markets.

The emirate’s strategic positioning, with its own port and easy access to major international airports, provides excellent logistical advantages. Setting up a business in Ajman Free Zone supports a diverse range of business types, including trading, services, industrial ventures, and freelancers. With its transparent pricing, flexible visa options, and business-friendly policies, Ajman Free Zone has become a top choice for entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective solutions in the region.     

This blog provides a detailed and transparent breakdown of the cost of business license in Ajman Free Zone. You will learn about the different license types, see a clear breakdown of all associated costs, and discover practical tips for optimizing their investment.

Breakdown of Ajman Free Zone License Cost: How Much You Have to Pay? 

Understanding the Ajman Free Zone trade license cost requires considering various components. The total investment is not a single fee but a sum of license costs, package fees, and visa-related charges. 

License Types & Starting Costs

The foundational cost of any company formation in UAE is the license itself. Ajman Free Zone offers several types, with the starting price depending on the nature of the business activity. The Ajman Free Zone e-commerce license cost is typically aligned with the standard trading or services license, making it an affordable option for digital businesses.

The following tables provide a clear and detailed breakdown of these expenses as of 2025.

License Type Starting Cost (AED) Notes
Trading License 12,000 For businesses involved in standard trading, import, and export activities.
Industrial License 25,000 + warehouse For manufacturing, processing, or assembly. The warehouse cost is additional and varies.
Services License 9,000 For consultancies and professional service providers. This package has no initial visa quota.
Freelancer License 6,000 A permit for solo professionals across more than 40 categories.
General Trading License 14,000 (0 visa) For trading a wide variety of goods. The cost increases to AED 17,000 with a 1-visa quota.

Business License Packages – Commercial, Service, E-Commerce (Up to 5 Activities)

Ajman Free Zone offers bundled packages that are highly popular with startups and SMEs. These packages combine the license fee with a visa quota, simplifying the budgeting process. The Ajman Free Zone e-commerce license cost is included in these packages, offering a clear path for online retailers.

Package Visa Quota Standard Cost (AED)
Explorer 0 9,000
Startup 1 12,000
Entrepreneur 2 15,000
Accelerator 3 18,000
SMEs 4 22,000
  • General Trading License Packages

A General Trading License allows businesses to trade in a wide variety of goods, without restrictions to specific product categories. This type of license is ideal for companies looking to engage in multiple types of trading activities, such as electronics, textiles, and other diverse products. 

Due to its broader scope, the General Trading License has a distinct pricing structure. These packages are designed to accommodate businesses with larger operational needs.    

Package Visa Quota Standard Cost (AED)
Explorer 0 14,000
Startup 1 17,000
Entrepreneur 2 20,000
Accelerator 3 23,000
SMEs 4 27,000
  • Visa & Immigration Fees Breakdown

In addition to the package fees, there are standard government charges for processing each residence visa. These fees are for a single visa and are a crucial part of the overall Company formation in Ajman Free Zone.

Service Type

Sub-Service

Cost (AED)

Entry Permit Entry Permit Issuance 1,000
Visa Status Change For applicants inside the UAE 800
Residency Medical Test 400
Emirates ID Application 500
Residence Visa Stamping 1,500
Establishment Card Valid for 1 Year 750
E-Channel Registration Mandatory for visa processing 2,300
Total 7,250

Note: The costs are based on data from official and affiliated sources like Aurion UAE as of late 2024 for the year 2025. It is always recommended to confirm the latest pricing directly with the Ajman Free Zone Authority.

Variations in UAE Free Zone Licenses

There are several options when it comes to choosing a license in the UAE free zones, including Ajman Free Zone (AFZA). These variations allow businesses to tailor their licenses based on their specific needs:

  • Zero-Visa Licenses: Best for businesses starting small with no immediate need for employee visas.
  • 1-Visa Licenses: Suitable for startups needing just one visa for the owner or an employee.
  • Multi-Visa Licenses: Ideal for businesses planning to hire multiple employees or scale quickly.
  • Flexi-Desk vs. Physical Office: Flexi-Desk offers a shared, cost-effective office space, while a physical office provides dedicated workspace for larger operations.
  • License Types:
    • Trading License: For import, export, and general trading activities.
    • Industrial License: For manufacturing and assembly businesses.
    • Service License: For consultancy or professional services.
    • E-Commerce License: For online businesses.
    • Freelancer License: For solo professionals across various fields.

Ajman Free Zone License Renewal Cost

The Ajman Free Zone License Renewal Cost is usually aligned with the initial license package cost, offering businesses a clear and predictable pricing structure for their annual renewals. Generally, the renewal fee remains consistent from year to year, unless adjustments are made due to changes in visa quotas, office space needs, or additional requirements.

Key points to note:

  • Renewal Cost: Typically mirrors the original license cost.
  • Consistency: Renewal fees tend to stay the same each year.
  • Changes in Cost: Fees may increase if there are changes to visa quotas or office space.
  • Additional Charges: If you upgrade your visa quota or opt for a larger office, these changes could impact the renewal cost.

It’s important to regularly review your business’s requirements to ensure that the renewal fee aligns with your evolving needs.

Note: All amounts are before/after (depending) 5% VAT; AFZA’s license fees may be subject to VAT where applicable.

What Influences the Total Cost of an Ajman Free Zone License?

The final Ajman Free Zone trade license cost is influenced by several key decisions made during the setup process of Ajman Free Zone:

  • License Type and Business Activities: The nature of the business is a primary cost driver. A General Trading license is more expensive than a standard Trading or Services license.
  • Visa Quota: The number of residence visas required directly impacts the package cost. Each additional visa increases the total investment.
  • Office Facility: While most packages include a flexi-desk, upgrading to a dedicated office or a warehouse will significantly increase the annual cost.
  • Company Structure: The legal form, such as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) versus a Free Zone Company (FZCO), can have minor cost implications in terms of registration fees.
  • Multi-Year Packages: Ajman Free Zone often offers discounts for multi-year license packages, which can reduce the average annual cost.
  • External Approvals: Some business activities require additional approvals from other government bodies. For example, if you plan to operate in regulated sectors like financial services, education, or healthcare, you will need specific permits. These approvals may come with extra fees and can also lead to longer processing times, so it’s important to factor them into your setup timeline.

When considering options, some entrepreneurs also explore the Ajman Media City Free Zone License Cost. While it is a separate entity, it is a popular alternative for media and creative professionals. It is important to note that it is a different jurisdiction from the main Ajman Free Zone and has its own fee structure. 

Tips to Reduce and Optimize Ajman Free Zone License Costs

While the Ajman Free Zone trade license cost is already competitive, entrepreneurs can take several steps to optimize their initial investment.

  • Start Lean: Begin with a minimal visa package, such as the Explorer (0 visa) or Startup (1 visa) option. A business can always upgrade and add more visas as it grows. Opting for a virtual office or flexi-desk instead of a physical office also keeps initial costs low.
  • Use a Freelancer License if Eligible: For solo professionals, a Freelancer License is the most economical way to operate legally. It provides a license and a visa at a fraction of the cost of a full company setup.
  • Consolidate Activities: Try to group all business activities under a single license type where possible. Obtaining multiple licenses for different activities will significantly increase costs.
  • Leverage Multi-Year Discounts: Inquire about discounts for two-year or three-year license packages. Paying for multiple years upfront can lead to substantial savings on the annual Ajman Free Zone license renewal cost.
  • Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades: Do not invest in a large office or a high visa quota before the business truly needs it. The flexibility of the free zone allows for scaling up facilities and visas as the company expands.

Summary & Final Takeaways

The Ajman Free Zone trade license cost presents one of the most compelling value propositions for a free zone business setup in the UAE. Its transparent, package-based pricing structure allows entrepreneurs to budget for their company formation with no surprises. With packages starting as low as AED 6,000 for freelancers and AED 9,000 for businesses, Ajman Free Zone offers an accessible entry point into the dynamic UAE market.

The key takeaway is that the total investment is flexible and can be tailored to the specific needs of the business. By starting with a lean package and leveraging the cost-optimization strategies outlined in this guide, entrepreneurs can launch their venture efficiently. For step-by-step assistance, explore our Ajman business setup service to simplify the process and ensure long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q-1. Is VAT applicable to Ajman Free Zone license costs?

Yes, Value Added Tax (VAT) at the standard rate of 5% is applicable on most fees for services rendered within the UAE, including company setup and license fees. It is important to confirm with the Ajman Free Zone authority or a consultant whether the quoted prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT to budget accurately.

Q-2. Can I change my license type after the company is formed?

Yes, it is possible to change the license type, for example, from a Services License to a Trading License. This process is called a license amendment and requires submitting an application to the Ajman Free Zone Authority. There will be an amendment fee, and the annual renewal cost will be adjusted to reflect the new license type.

Q-3. What happens if I do not renew my license on time?

Failure to renew a license before its expiry date will result in penalties. The Ajman Free Zone Authority imposes fines for late renewal, which can accumulate over time. Continued non-compliance can lead to the suspension of the license, the blocking of company visas, and the freezing of the corporate bank account.

Q-4. Can I sponsor my family with an Ajman Free Zone visa?

Yes, once an investor or an employee has their residence visa processed through an Ajman Free Zone company, they are eligible to sponsor their immediate family members, including their spouse and children. This requires meeting a minimum salary requirement and providing attested documents like marriage and birth certificates.

Q-5. Is an annual audit mandatory for companies in Ajman Free Zone?

Yes, companies registered in Ajman Free Zone are legally required to prepare and maintain audited financial statements each year. While not all companies may be required to submit the audit report upon license renewal, it is a mandatory requirement to have it prepared and available upon request from the authorities.

Q-6. What is the difference between a Trading and a General Trading License?

A standard Trading License allows a business to trade in a limited number of specific, related product categories (e.g., electronics or textiles). A General Trading License offers a much broader scope, allowing a company to trade in a wide variety of unrelated goods. The Ajman Free Zone trade license cost for a General Trading license is higher to reflect this flexibility.

Q-7. How long does the company formation process take in Ajman Free Zone?

Ajman Free Zone is renowned for its efficiency. If all documents are in order, the business license can be issued in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The entire process, including visa issuance and opening a bank account, can typically be completed within a few weeks, making it one of the fastest setup processes in the UAE.

Q-8. Do I need to be physically present in the UAE for the setup process?

The initial company registration and license issuance can often be completed remotely with the help of a registered agent or consultant. However, to activate a residence visa, the applicant must be physically present in the UAE to complete the mandatory biometrics, medical fitness tests, and the final Emirates ID and visa stamping procedures.

Q-9. What is the Ajman Free Zone license renewal cost?

The Ajman Free Zone license renewal cost is typically the same as the initial package fee paid for the license. For example, if the initial "Startup" package with one visa cost AED 12,000, the annual renewal fee will also be around AED 12,000. This is a recurring annual expense that must be budgeted for.

Q-10. Can I get a zero-visa package and add visas later?

Yes, this is a common and cost-effective strategy. A business can start with a zero-visa package to minimize the initial investment. As the business grows and there is a need to hire employees or obtain an investor visa, the license can be amended to a package with a higher visa quota by paying the difference in fees.

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Joel Dsouza

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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