Business Setup in Ajman Mainland

Ajman Mainland is emerging as a practical, low-cost hub for entrepreneurs and SMEs. With significantly lower licensing and rental fees than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it's a strong option for investors looking to stretch their budget without compromising on quality or city proximity. 

Since June 2021, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most business sectors in the Ajman Mainland. Combined with straightforward registration, modern infrastructure, and free-market access across the UAE, Ajman offers both flexibility and credibility for mainland enterprises.

Safe Ledger simplifies your business journey with expert-led support from start to launch, legally, financially, and operationally compliant. We handle documentation, license submission, visa processing, and banking setup. You get transparent planning, faster approvals, and peace of mind at every step, so you can focus on growing your new company confidently.

Ajman Mainland is emerging as a practical, low-cost hub for entrepreneurs and SMEs. To understand the broader business landscape, including Free Zone and offshore options, explore our Business Setup in Ajman

Ajman Mainland is becoming a top choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses due to its affordability, strategic location, and business-friendly policies. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Cost-Effective Setup: Ajman offers some of the lowest Business Setup and operational costs in the UAE. Licensing fees, rental rates, and administrative expenses are significantly more affordable than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, making it ideal for startups and SMEs.
2. 100% Foreign Ownership: Following UAE-wide reforms, Ajman Mainland now permits 100% foreign ownership in many business activities, allowing full control without needing a local partner (except for specific regulated sectors).
3. Access to UAE & Global Markets: Setting up in the Mainland allows you to trade freely across all seven emirates and internationally. You are not restricted to free zones, giving you more flexibility in how and where you do business.
4. Strategic Location: Ajman is well-connected to Sharjah and Dubai, offering easy access to major ports, airports, and highways. This makes it a practical hub for logistics, trade, and regional operations.
5. Fast and Simple Registration: The Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED) has streamlined the business registration process. With digital services and fewer documentation hurdles, you can launch your company quickly.
6. Supportive Business Ecosystem: Ajman provides a supportive environment with access to industrial areas, business incubators, low-cost office spaces, and government incentives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
7. Low Operating Costs: Ajman’s lower cost of living, cheaper office rentals, and minimal overhead expenses help reduce the overall cost of doing business, especially beneficial during the early growth stages.
8. Diverse Business Opportunities: From trading and manufacturing to IT, consulting, and tourism, Ajman Mainland supports a wide variety of activities with flexible licensing options tailored to your needs.

Ajman Mainland is perfect for businesses seeking full market access, lower costs, and ease of setup, without sacrificing control or scalability. It’s a smart move for entrepreneurs looking to enter the UAE market with confidence. If you are considering alternatives, check our Ajman Free Zone license guide for a comparison of mainland and free zone options.

While Ajman is an affordable and strategic option, entrepreneurs often compare it with other UAE mainland locations.

• Dubai Mainland: Offers unmatched business exposure, international networking opportunities, and premium infrastructure. Learn more about Setting Up a Business in Dubai Mainland

• Sharjah Mainland: Known for its cultural diversity, lower office rents compared to Dubai, and supportive business ecosystem. Check out Start a Business in Sharjah Mainland.

• Abu Dhabi Mainland: Provides strong government support, access to larger corporate clients, and strategic location for trade and finance. See Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Mainland.

There’s no one-size-fits-all best business; it depends on your skills, interests, and market demand. However, trading, services, and light manufacturing businesses often perform well in the UAE due to low startup costs and strong customer demand.

Popular Businesses in Ajman Mainland

Here are some common and successful types of businesses you can start:

• General Trading: This means buying, selling, importing, and exporting many different kinds of goods. This could be anything from food and clothes to electronics and building materials.
• Professional Services: These are businesses that offer services based on special knowledge or skills. Examples include business advisors, marketing companies, IT services, lawyers, accountants, teachers, and even healthcare clinics.
• Shops and Retail: You can open stores, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, or even start an online shop. This is great for selling directly to the growing number of people living in Ajman.
• Building and Property: This includes companies that do construction work, manage properties, maintain buildings, or work on real estate projects. Ajman is still growing, so there's a lot of work here.
• Factories and Manufacturing: Ajman has special areas for factories. So, you can set up small factories to make or put together products. This could be for anything from plastics to consumer goods.
• Tourism and Hotels: Ajman is working to attract more tourists. This creates chances for travel agencies, tour guides, hotels, and other services for visitors.

Different Types of Licenses You Can Get

To run your business legally, you need a specific type of license from the Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED):

• Commercial License: You need this if your business buys, sells, imports, or exports goods. It's for any kind of trading.
• Professional License: This is for people or companies that offer services based on their professional skills, like being a consultant, an accountant, or a doctor.
• Industrial License: This is for businesses that make, produce, or put together products. If you're building a factory, you'll need this.
• Tourism License: If your business involves travel, tours, or hospitality, you’ll need this license. It is specifically regulated by the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD).
• E-commerce License: For selling products or services online, you can apply for a Commercial License from Ajman DED and include e-commerce as a listed activity under it.

Picking the right license for your main business activity is a very important first step for your Business Setup in Ajman Mainland.

Almost anyone can start a business in Ajman Mainland, whether you're a UAE national, an expat living in the UAE, or a foreign investor living outside the country. The government of Ajman has made it easy for different types of people to launch their businesses here.

Let’s break it down:

1. UAE Nationals

If you're a citizen of the UAE, you're fully eligible to start any type of business in the Ajman Mainland. You can own 100% of the company for most activities, and you’ll benefit from government incentives and support programs.

2. UAE Residents (Expatriates)

If you hold a valid UAE residence visa, you can also set up a business in the Ajman Mainland. Thanks to new rules, most business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, so you don’t need a local Emirati partner unless your business falls into specific categories like defense, security, or oil & gas.

What you need:

• Passport copy
• Emirates ID
• Residency visa
• Business plan or activity selection
• Office lease (Ejari or tenancy contract)

3. Non-Residents of the UAE

Even if you don’t live in the UAE, you can still start a business in Ajman Mainland. Many international entrepreneurs set up companies remotely with the help of licensed Business Setup firms.

Here’s how it works for non-residents:

• You don’t need a UAE visa at the beginning.
• You can start the process online or through a consultant.
• A local Business Setup consultant can help get approvals on your behalf.
• You can later apply for a residency visa under your new company.

4. Companies or Corporations

A registered company (whether based in the UAE or abroad) can open a branch or a new entity in the Ajman Mainland. The process will require:

• Company registration documents
• Board resolution approving Business Setup
• Power of Attorney (if appointing a representative)
• Passport copies of shareholders or directors

Key Note:

Most businesses in the Ajman Mainland no longer require a local sponsor, especially in trading, consulting, IT, and services sectors. Certain regulated sectors may still require Emirati involvement or special approvals.

The Business Setup cost in Ajman Mainland is generally more affordable than in larger emirates, typically ranging between AED 12,000 to AED 28,000 for the first year. Your total cost will depend on several factors, such as the type and number of business activities, visas required, the size and location of your office space, and whether you opt for a shared desk or a full office.

Choosing optional services like PRO support or multiple trade names may also affect the final price.

The main things you'll pay for are:

• License Fees: This is the main payment for your trade license. The cost changes based on what your business does (like trading or services) and how many activities you list.
• Company Name Fee: A small payment to make sure your chosen company name is saved just for you.
• First Approval Fee: A fee for getting the first "okay" from the Ajman DED to go ahead with your plans.
• Legal Paperwork Fee: Money paid at a Public Notary to officially sign your company's main legal document.
• Business Registration Fee: A payment to officially put your company's name on the Ajman business list.
• Chamber of Commerce Fee: An annual fee to be a member of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce.
• Office Lease Registration Fee: A fee to register your office rental agreement.
• Beneficial Owner Disclosure (UBO): A mandatory filing to declare the individuals who ultimately own or control the company, required for transparency and compliance.

Tips to Save Money When Starting Your Business

To keep your Business Setup cost in Ajman Mainland as low as possible:

• Define Your Core Activities: Register only your main business activities at the start to avoid unnecessary fees.
• Choose Cost-Effective Office Options: Flexi-desks or shared office spaces can meet legal requirements at a lower cost.
• Explore Setup Packages: Many consultants offer bundled services that reduce your overall setup expenses.
• Plan Visa Requirements Wisely: Estimate how many visas you truly need, since each one increases your cost.

For budgeting comparisons, check minimum investment to start a business in Dubai

Getting all your papers ready is super important for a smooth new Business Setup in Ajman Mainland. Here's what you'll usually need:

• Passport Copies: Clear copies of the passports for everyone who will own or manage the business. Make sure passports are valid for at least six more months.
• Visa Copy (if you have one): If you already live in the UAE, a copy of your current residency visa.
• Trade Name Certificate: Official approval from Ajman DED confirming your business name is registered and reserved.
• Emirates ID Copy (if you have one): For those living in the UAE, a copy of your valid Emirates ID card.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you are currently working in the UAE, your current employer might need to give you a letter saying they are okay with you starting a new business.
• Company Name Approval: The paper from the Ajman DED that shows your chosen company name is approved and saved for you.
• Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement (if required): For certain professional licenses, an LSA agreement is needed. The LSA does not hold ownership but facilitates licensing.
• Initial Approval Certificate: This is the official confirmation from Ajman DED allowing you to proceed with the business registration process.
• Company Agreement (MOA): For companies like LLCs, this is a legal document that explains how your company will work, who owns what, and how profits are shared. It must be signed officially in front of a Public Notary.
• Office Rental Contract: Your valid lease agreement for your office in Ajman. This needs to be officially registered.
• Passport Photos: Recent photos of all owners and the manager, taken against a white background.
• Proof of Address: A recent utility bill or similar document (from the last 3 months) for the owners/manager.
• Business Plan (sometimes): For some special or industrial businesses, you might need a detailed plan of your business.

Having all these documents ready will make your new Business Setup in Ajman Mainland much quicker.

Setting up a new business in Ajman Mainland involves structured legal steps to ensure full compliance. Partnering with expert Business Setup consultants in Ajman can streamline the entire process, saving you time, avoiding costly errors, and helping you launch faster with the right licenses and approvals.

1. Figure Out Your Business and Company Type:

   • Decide exactly what services or products your business will offer. This will help you choose the right license.
   • Pick the legal structure for your company (like an LLC, which is very common, or a company owned by one person).

2. Get Your Company Name Approved:

   • Propose a few names you like to the Ajman DED. They will check if the names are unique and not being used by another business, and align with the existing rules.
   • Once approved, you'll get a paper confirming your name is reserved.

3. Get Initial Approval:

   • Apply to the Ajman DED for their first approval of your business idea. You'll give them basic information about yourself and your business plan.
   • If your business operates in a regulated sector such as healthcare or education, you may need additional approvals from relevant government authorities before proceeding.

4. Write and Sign Legal Papers:

   • If you're starting an LLC, you'll need a "Memorandum of Association" (MOA). This legal paper sets out your company's rules. A legal expert usually helps write this.
   • All owners (or their legal representatives) must sign this MOA in front of a Public Notary in Ajman.

5. Find Your Office Space:

   • You need a place for your business in Ajman. This can be a regular office or a smaller, shared workspace.
   • Your office rental agreement must be officially registered with the Ajman government.

6. Send in Your Final Application and Pay:

   • Gather all your approved documents and send them to the Ajman DED.
   • Once they check everything and give the final "okay," you'll get a payment slip. Pay all the required government fees.

7. Get Your Business License:

   • After you pay and everything is approved, the Ajman DED will give you your official Trade License. This means your company is now legally set up!

8. Open a Company Bank Account:

   • With your new trade license, you can now open a bank account for your business at any bank in the UAE. This is important for handling your company's money.

9. Apply for Establishment Card & Visas:

   • If you or your staff need to live and work in the UAE, you can apply for investor and employee visas under your company. Before starting, you must register with the UAE’s immigration E-channel system through an authorized typing center, a mandatory step. The visa process also includes medical tests and ID verification.
   • Issued by the ICP, the Establishment Card lets your company hire staff, apply for visas, and access immigration services. It includes your company’s immigration file number and requires annual renewal.

For an in-depth guide on all company structures and legal requirements in the UAE, see our company formation in UAE page.

When you set up your business in Ajman Mainland, you need to follow certain rules:

• Real Office Needed: Your business must have a physical office space in Ajman. It can be a small office or a shared desk, but it must be an official address.
• Local Helper (sometimes): While foreigners can own 100% of many businesses now, some specific service businesses might still need a UAE citizen as a "Local Service Agent." This person helps with government paperwork but doesn't own any part of your company.
• Company Name Specifics: Your company name must follow the rules set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). It should be unique, respectful, and not include religious or political terms. Avoid names already in use or linked to government bodies. You must reserve and get approval for the name before license issuance.
• Company Tax and VAT:
  • Company Tax: Businesses in Ajman Mainland pay 9% Corporate Tax on profits over AED 375,000. If your profit is less, you pay 0%. You need to register for this and file tax reports regularly.
  • VAT (Value Added Tax): If your yearly sales and imports are more than AED 375,000, you must register for 5% VAT. You'll charge this tax to customers and send it to the government regularly.
• ESR (Economic Substance Regulations): ESR requires UAE businesses engaged in certain activities, like banking, insurance, or holding companies, to show real economic presence in the UAE. This includes having local staff, offices, and spending. Companies must file annual ESR notifications and reports to stay compliant with international tax rules.
• UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Ownership): You must disclose the individuals who ultimately own or control your company. This ensures transparency and helps authorities prevent money laundering and other illegal financial activities. Submitting accurate UBO details is a mandatory compliance step for business registration in the UAE.
• Worker Laws: When you hire people, you must follow the UAE's labor laws, including work contracts, salaries, and working hours. You also need to follow visa rules.

Following these rules all the time is very important for your Ajman mainland Business Setup to stay legal and successful.

When you form your company, you'll pick a legal structure:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most popular choice for entrepreneurs. Owners are only liable for the capital invested. Many LLCs in Ajman allow 100% foreign ownership. Learn more about LLC formation in the UAE
• Sole Proprietorship: Owned by a single person responsible for all business debts. Often used for professional services. For detailed guidance, see Sole Proprietorship setup in the UAE
• Civil Company: This is for a group of professionals (like doctors or engineers) who work together as a partnership.
• Branch of a Foreign Company: If your business is registered outside the UAE, you can open a branch in Ajman Mainland. Alternatively, you might consider Ajman Free Zone Company Formation for simplified registration.
• Branch of a Local Company: If you have a company in another UAE emirate, you can open an office in Ajman.