Ajman Free Zone Business Setup

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the most business-friendly and cost-effective options for Ajman Free Zone business setup in the UAE, strategically located near Ajman Port and just 30 minutes from Dubai. Established in 1988, it has become a preferred destination for startups, SMEs, and international investors seeking to enter the Middle East, Africa, and Asian markets.

AFZ offers 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, and zero corporate or personal income tax — making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs from around the world. The free zone supports a wide range of business activities, including trading, manufacturing, services, e-commerce, and logistics.

Ajman’s appeal lies in its commitment to creating a business-friendly ecosystem. As one of the UAE’s most accessible free zones, it provides a perfect launchpad for new businesses. Its efficient, investor-centric approach minimizes bureaucratic hurdles, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what matters most: growing their business.

The decision to set up a business in Ajman Free Zone is a strategic one, driven by a host of unique advantages that cater to a wide range of business needs.

• 100% Foreign Ownership & Full Repatriation: Complete ownership with 100% capital and profit repatriation, no sponsor required.

• Cost-Effective Setup: One of the most affordable UAE free zones; license packages start ~AED 5,500–8,000 (zero visa) and AED 9,000–12,000 (one visa).

• Quick & Simple Formation: Fast licensing with minimal documentation; setup often completed in a few working days.

• Strategic Location: Near Ajman Port, with easy access to Dubai, Sharjah, and major airports.

• Tax Benefits: 0% corporate and personal income tax; no customs duties on re-exported goods.

• Office Solutions: Flexi-desks, co-working spaces, and executive offices (flexi/shared offices ~AED 3,000–5,000/year).

• Warehouses & Industrial Land: Multiple warehouse sizes and industrial land for manufacturing and logistics.

• On-site Accommodation: Workforce housing facilities within the free zone.

• Digital Services: Online portal for business management, service requests, and payments.

Looking to compare business setup options across the UAE? Each emirate offers unique advantages for entrepreneurs, investors, and startups. Explore our detailed guides for a complete picture:

• Business Setup in Dubai – Discover how to set up a company in Dubai, including Free Zones, mainland options, e-commerce, and corporate licensing through Business Setup in Dubai.

• Business Setup in Abu Dhabi – Explore the process, licensing, and investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi, from mainland companies to Free Zone setups through Business Setup in Abu Dhabi.

• Business Setup in Sharjah – Understand the benefits of Sharjah for small businesses, startups, and service providers, with access to Free Zones and mainland registration through Business Setup in Sharjah.

• Business Setup in Ajman – Learn about Ajman mainland and Free Zone company formation, cost-effective packages, and visa options for investors and employees through Business Setup in Ajman.

• Business Setup in Fujairah – Check out Fujairah’s business-friendly environment, Free Zone incentives, and strategic advantages for trading and manufacturing for Business Setup in Fujairah.

Ajman Free Zone offers a variety of licenses to cater to a diverse range of business activities, ensuring that every type of business can find a suitable structure.

• Commercial License: For trading goods (import, export, re-export, distribution); General Trading allows multiple goods under one license.

• Professional/Service License: For service businesses like consultancy, IT, marketing, legal, education, and healthcare.

• Industrial License: For manufacturing, processing, assembly, and packaging; suited for warehouse and industrial land use.

• E-commerce License: For online stores, marketplaces, and internet-based businesses.

• Freelance License: Cost-effective option for individual professionals in creative, media, or tech fields.

• Offshore License (where applicable): For international operations with tax and privacy benefits, but no onshore UAE activity.

The Ajman free zone business setup is a systematic, step-by-step process that is easy to navigate with the right guidance.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity and Legal Structure

Before starting, you must define your business activity and choose a legal structure. The three main options available are:

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – Single Shareholder: This legal structure is for a company with a single shareholder.
• Free Zone Company (FZC) – Multiple Shareholders: This structure is for a company with two or more shareholders (up to 50).
• Branch of a Foreign or Local Company: This option allows an existing company to establish a branch office in the free zone.

When setting up your business in Ajman Free Zone, selecting the correct legal structure is crucial. A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is ideal for a single shareholder, while a Free Zone Company (FZC) is better for multiple investors. Understanding the differences can save time, cost, and legal complications. Learn more about the differences between FZE and FZC to choose the best fit for your business.

Step 2: Select Your Company Name

You will need to propose a few unique company names for approval. The name must comply with AFZ regulations, which include avoiding offensive language, religious names, and names that are already registered.

Step 3: Determine Your Office or Facility Requirements

Based on your business needs, you will choose the appropriate facility: a flexi-desk, a co-working space, an executive office, or a warehouse. This choice will be a key factor in the overall Ajman free zone business setup cost.

Step 4: Submit Essential Documents

The documentation required is minimal and straightforward.

• Passport Copies, Photos, Visa Copy/UID (for UAE residents): Required for individual shareholders.
• Business Plan (for specific activities): Some activities, particularly industrial ones, may require a detailed business plan.
• Corporate Documents for Company Shareholders: For corporate shareholders, documents like the Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association (MOA) of the parent company are needed.

Step 5: Obtain Initial Approval and Pay Fees

Once all documents are submitted, the AFZ authority will review your application. Upon initial approval, you will be required to pay the necessary license and facility fees.

Step 6: Receive Business License and Registration Kit

After payment is processed, you will receive your official business license, corporate documents, and the lease agreement for your chosen facility.

Step 7: Apply for Visas (Investor & Employee) and Emirates ID

With your business license, you can apply for a residence visa for yourself and your employees. This process involves applying for an Establishment Card, an e-Channel registration, and then the visa application, medical tests, and biometric scanning for the Emirates ID.

Step 8: Open Your Corporate Bank Account

The final step is to open a corporate bank account with a local or international bank in the UAE. Your business license and company documents will be required for the bank’s due diligence process.

Standard processing time for business setup in Ajman Free Zone is 3–7 business days, depending on documentation completeness and activity complexity.

From selecting your business activity to obtaining your license and opening a corporate bank account, our experts make the process seamless. For detailed guidance, check out our complete guide on  How to get a Ajman Free Zone license

The cost of setting up a business in Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the most competitive in the UAE, making it a popular choice for startups, SMEs, and foreign investors.

1. Basic Company Setup Cost

2. License Fees

The annual license fee depends on your chosen business activity:

3. Visa-Related Costs

If you need visas for you or your employees, the cost will increase based on your visa quota:

These costs include Emirates ID, medical tests, and residence visa stamping.

4. Facility Costs

Ajman Free Zone offers several facility options, each with different costs:

5. Other Costs to Consider

Tip: Ajman Free Zone often runs promotional discounts on company setup packages. Checking during offer periods can help you save significantly.

The total fees vary depending on the type of license, business activity, visa requirements, and facility options you choose. For a detailed breakdown, check our guide on Ajman Free Zone license cost

Ajman Free Zone vs Other UAE Free Zones

Ajman Free Zone is known for its affordability and cost-effective setup packages. If you are exploring other options for budget-conscious startups, our blog on the cheapest free zones in the UAE provides a comprehensive comparison of setup costs, license fees, and visa packages across popular free zones.

While Ajman Free Zone is highly affordable and investor-friendly, entrepreneurs may also explore Sharjah free zone business setup for cost-effective licensing, flexible office options, and easy market access in the northern emirates.

Setting up a business in Ajman Free Zone is straightforward, but staying compliant requires careful planning and awareness of ongoing obligations. Here are the key factors you must consider to ensure your business operates smoothly and meets all legal requirements.

• Visa Quota and Eligibility

The number of visas you are eligible for depends on your chosen package and facility. A flexi-desk may come with a limited visa quota, while a larger executive office or warehouse will allow for a higher number of visas for employees and investors.

• Flexible Office and Visa Solutions in Ajman Free Zone

Depending on your business type and growth plans, you can choose from flexi-desks, co-working spaces, executive offices, or warehouses. Each option has associated visa quotas and packages. Explore our full range of Ajman Free Zone company formation services to select the ideal package for your business.

• Corporate Bank Account Requirements

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE has become a more stringent process. Banks require detailed documentation and proof of a legitimate business model. Be prepared to provide your business license, company documents, and a clear and comprehensive business plan.

• Annual License Renewal and Compliance

Your business license must be renewed annually to maintain good standing. The renewal process is typically a simple submission of documents and payment of the renewal fee.

• Accounting, Auditing, and VAT Regulations

While an audit report is not required for AFZ renewal for most businesses, maintaining proper accounting records is a legal requirement. Furthermore, if your company’s turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold, you will be required to register for VAT and comply with all VAT regulations.