Ajman Trade License Cost: Complete 2026 Guide

An Ajman trade license is an official permit that allows businesses and individuals to operate lawfully in the emirate. It defines what activities a company can carry out, where it can operate, and which regulations apply to it.

Ajman issues trade licenses through two regulatory authorities, depending on the business setup. These include:

• Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED): Oversees business setup in Ajman mainland, regulating companies that operate within the UAE market.
• Free zone authorities like the Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ) or Ajman Free Zone (AFZ): Manage business setup in the Ajman free zone, issuing licenses for companies that focus on international trade or service activities.

This dual structure helps each business follow rules suited to its target market and operational scope.

A valid Ajman trade license gives you more than just legal permission to operate. In fact, it lets you sponsor investor and employee visas, open corporate bank accounts, and lease office or warehouse space. It also defines whether your business can trade freely within the UAE or focus on international markets. Simply put, your license shapes how you do business in Ajman and sets the stage for future growth.

To learn how to expand or update your business activities, read our blog on How to Add Activities in a Trade License in the UAE.

Trade license cost in Ajman typically ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 35,000 or more. It depends on the type of license, registration requirements, workspace needs, and optional visa costs. Below is a clear breakdown of each cost element.

1. Base License Fee

The base license fee forms the foundation of your Ajman license cost. It covers the official issuance of your business license and depends largely on the license type and jurisdiction you choose.

Note: Commercial trade license is sometimes referred to as a Company Trade License for trading activities.

2. Registration & Government Fees

When you register your business, authorities require certain administrative fees. These one‑time charges ensure your trade name, business activities, and company structure meet UAE regulations.

For more guidance on handling registration and government fees in other emirates, check: Trade License in Dubai.

3. Office / Workspace Cost

Ajman offers flexible workspace options, from virtual offices to warehouses, which directly influence the overall trade license cost.

In free zones, many packages include workspace or flexi office options, which can help reduce upfront costs. Meanwhile, mainland businesses generally need a physical address that complies with their activity requirements.

4. Visa Costs (Optional but Important)

If you plan to sponsor yourself, employees, or dependents, you will need to apply for a visa. These form a key part of your business costs and vary by visa type.

Many business setup providers bundle visa costs, including the entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and residency stamping.

For details on setting up visas and trade licenses in other emirates, read: Trade License in Fujairah.

5. Mainland Employee & Sponsorship Costs

For mainland businesses, certain costs apply specifically to employees and legal sponsorship requirements:

Free zone companies do not require a Local Service Agent. However, you must still provide employee health insurance, which providers sometimes offer separately from license packages.

6. Hidden Costs & Additional Charges

Some costs don’t show up in standard license packages but can still affect your budget, especially if your business grows or changes.

Planning for these ensures you avoid surprises when adjusting your business setup.

Refer to the Trade License Cancellation Cost in Dubai to understand potential exit-related expenses in another emirate.

Note: These cost figures are approximate and may vary due to policy changes, promotions, or provider packages. Always check directly with the Ajman Free Zone Authority or Ajman DED for official, current pricing before making decisions.

While both mainland and free zone licenses in Ajman remain affordable compared to other emirates, their cost components and business flexibility differ. Here’s a comparison:

While Ajman mainland licenses cost more upfront due to office and regulatory requirements, free zone licenses cost less and offer faster setup.

For a comparison in another emirate, read: Trade License in Ras Al Khaimah Freezone.

Strategic planning can significantly reduce your overall setup and costs of trade license renewal in the UAE, including emirates like Ajman. Here’s how:

• Limit business activities: Start with only the required activities and add more later to avoid extra approval fees.
• Opt for a flexible workspace: Select a flexi desk or virtual office instead of a private office to cut rental costs.
• Apply for visas only when needed: Sponsor only essential owners or employees in the first year and scale later.
• Use bundled license packages: Packages often cost less than paying separately for licensing, office space, and visas.
• Plan renewals in advance: Timely renewals help you avoid penalties and last-minute processing charges.

Careful planning and phased expansion keep your Ajman trade license fees low while leaving room for future growth.

If you are looking for guidance on licensing in other emirates, check out: Trade License in Abu Dhabi.

Looking to reduce trade license costs in Ajman and avoid setup mistakes? SafeLedger helps you choose the right license, optimize fees, and complete your Ajman business setup smoothly. With in-depth knowledge of Ajman mainland and free zone regulations, we ensure accurate compliance and cost-efficient decisions at every step. Contact us today!