Trade License in Ajman

A trade license in Ajman is an official permit that allows individuals and companies to legally operate a business in the emirate. It defines the type of business you can run, the activities you are allowed to perform, and the legal jurisdiction where you can operate.

A trade license in the UAE, including Ajman, is essential to:

• Manage business finances and transactions by simplifying the process to open a corporate bank account.
• Start and operate a business in Ajman in full compliance with UAE laws.
• Owners, partners, and employees can legally apply for visas.

The Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED) issues trade licenses for mainland businesses. On the other hand, authorities, such as Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) or Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ), issue licenses for Free Zone businesses. Each authority sets its own rules, benefits, and requirements based on the business activity and ownership structure. This system allows entrepreneurs to choose the setup that fits their goals.

As a result, Ajman attracts startups, SMEs, and international investors. The emirate offers affordable licensing options, fast approvals, and business-friendly policies. By securing a trade license in Ajman, you gain legal protection, build credibility, and position your business in one of the UAE’s most strategic and accessible markets.

Ajman offers multiple license categories to support trading, services, manufacturing, and digital businesses.

Below is a clear overview of the main types of trade licenses available in Ajman:

Each license defines what you can legally do, where you can operate, and the approvals you may need. Choosing the correct trade license ensures smooth approvals, faster setup, and long-term compliance.

Read our blog on “Which is the Cheapest Trade License in UAE” to find the most affordable options for your business setup.

You must prepare a defined set of documents to apply for a trade license in Ajman. Document requirements may vary based on whether the business operates on the mainland or in a free zone, and on the nature of the activity.

1. Mandatory Documents (Required for All Businesses)

These documents are compulsory for issuing a trade license in Ajman:

• Passport copy of the business owner(s) and shareholders
• UAE visa copy or entry stamp
• Emirates ID copy (if available)
• Passport-size photographs
• Approved trade name reservation certificate
• Initial approval from the Ajman authorities
• Selected business activity details
• Memorandum of Association (MOA), where applicable
• Attested tenancy contract approved by the Ajman Municipality
• Virtual office or flexi-desk agreement, where permitted

2. Conditional Documents (Required in Specific Cases)

These documents apply only if your business structure or activity demands them:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC), if required
• Board Resolution (for corporate shareholders)
• Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
• Attested MOA/AOA of the foreign or parent company
• Shareholder Resolution approving the Ajman setup
• Power of Attorney for authorized representatives
• Manager appointment letter and specimen signature
• External authority approvals (health, food, education, transport, etc.)
• Municipality and food safety approvals (for food, grocery, and restaurant licenses)
• Civil Defence approval (for warehouses, restaurants, and industrial units)
• Lease attestation or additional tenancy approvals
• Bank reference letter, if requested

Preparing documents in advance ensures a faster and smoother trade license approval process.

For more guidance on trade license requirements in other Emirates, check out: Trade License in Dubai.

Once you decide on the business activity and license type, you can complete the application through the relevant Ajman authority. Below is the step-by-step process to get a trade license in Ajman:

Step 1: Decide the Business Activity

• Select the exact business activity you intend to conduct.
• Match the activity with the correct license category.
• Check if the activity requires approvals from external authorities.
• Confirm whether the activity is allowed on the mainland or in a free zone.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 working days

Step 2: Choose the Jurisdiction

• Choose between Ajman Mainland and Ajman Free Zone.
• Mainland setup allows direct trading within the UAE market.
• Free Zone setup offers 100% foreign ownership and lower setup costs.
• Decide based on business model, target market, and budget.

Estimated Timeline: 1 working day

Step 3: Reserve the Trade Name

• Propose multiple trade name options for approval.
• Ensure the name follows UAE naming conventions and avoid restricted, offensive, or religious terms.
• Obtain a trade name reservation certificate from the authority.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 working days

Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval

• Apply for initial approval from the concerned Ajman authority.
• Submit basic documents such as passport copies and activity details.
• Receive confirmation to proceed with the license application.

Estimated Timeline: 2–5 working days

Step 5: Prepare and Submit Documents

• Gather all mandatory and applicable conditional documents.
• Ensure documents are accurate to avoid application rejection.

Estimated Timeline: 2–4 working days (depends on readiness)

Step 6: Arrange Office Space

• Lease a physical office, shop, warehouse, or industrial unit, if required for the activity.
• Opt for a virtual office or flexi-desk arrangement where permitted.
• Obtain an attested tenancy contract approved by the Ajman authority or municipality.
• Submit the lease or office agreement as part of the license application.

Estimated Timeline: 2–7 working days

Step 7: Apply for External Approvals (If Required)

• Obtain approvals from health, municipality, or food safety authorities.
• Secure Civil Defence approval for industrial or food-related businesses.

Submit these approvals along with the license application.

Estimated Timeline: 5–15 working days (activity-dependent)

Step 8: Pay License Fees and Collect the License

• Pay the prescribed government and licensing fees. Fee amount depends on license type and activity, and additional costs may apply for approvals and office space.
• Receive the trade license once the application is approved.
• Start business operations legally in Ajman.

Estimated Timeline: 1–3 working days

Step 9: Complete Post-License Formalities

• Apply for the establishment card and process investor or employee visas.
• Open a corporate bank account and register for VAT if the annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000.

Estimated Timeline: 7–15 working days

Following these steps ensures a smooth and compliant trade license registration process in Ajman. With the right planning and documentation, businesses can complete the setup quickly and start operations without delays.

If you are considering setting up or expanding your business in other emirates, check out: Trade License in Fujairah.

Ajman is known for Ajman trade license cost​ is one of the more affordable options in the UAE. Starting a business here ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 50,000+.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of trade license cost in Ajman:

The Ajman trade license fees vary based on the business activity, jurisdiction, and any additional government approvals required.

Note: Mainland setups usually cost more due to office rent and local agent requirements. On the other hand, free zone packages with visas can be very affordable but increase with more visas or dedicated offices.

To explore costs and packages for other Emirates, check out: Trade License in Ras Al Khaimah Freezone.

If you decide to close your business in Ajman, you must formally cancel your trade license with the relevant authority to avoid future fees, fines, or compliance issues. Follow these steps to cancel the trade license:

1. Owner or Board Approval: Obtain written consent from the owner or a board resolution approving the license cancellation.
2. Clear Outstanding Liabilities: Settle all pending government dues, utilities, rent, supplier payments, and employee obligations.
3. Cancel Visas and Labour Records: Cancel all investor, partner, employee, and dependent visas linked to the business.
4. Cancel the Establishment Card: Apply for establishment or immigration card cancellation after visa closures.
5. Submit Cancellation Application: File the trade license cancellation request with the Ajman authority along with the required documents and fees.
6. Obtain Clearances: Secure confirmations that no dues or approvals are pending.
7. Receive Final Confirmation: The authority deregisters the license and issues an official cancellation certificate.

Completing these steps ensures a smooth and compliant trade license cancellation in Ajman and protects you from future liabilities.

Ajman trade license verification helps confirm that a business is legally registered, active, and compliant with local regulations. This is especially important before entering into contracts, partnerships, or financial transactions.

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official website of the Ajman Department of Economic Development or the relevant Ajman Free Zone authority.
2. Use the Trade License Inquiry Service: Access the business or license verification section and enter details such as the trade license number, trade name, or owner name.
3. Review License Details: The system will display key information, including license status (active/expired), business activity, legal structure, and expiry date.
4. Verify Free Zone Licenses Separately: If the company is registered in an Ajman Free Zone, use the respective Free Zone portal like AMCFZ (eportal.afz.gov.ae). These licenses do not appear under Ajman DED.
5. Seek Official Confirmation if Needed: For legal or high-value transactions, you may request an official extract or verification letter directly from the issuing authority.

Ajman trade license verification ensures transparency, reduces business risk, and helps you deal only with authorized and compliant companies.

Trade licenses in Ajman, whether issued for mainland or free zone businesses, are generally valid for one year. Therefore, timely trade license renewal in the UAE, including Ajman, is necessary to avoid fines, penalties, or disruption of business activities.

Here’s how to renew a trade license in Ajman smoothly and on time​:

1. Check License Expiry Date: Verify the expiry date mentioned on your current Ajman trade license to plan the renewal process in advance.
2. Prepare Renewal Requirements: Arrange the required documents, including your current trade license or an Ajman Municipality–registered tenancy contract, and any activity-specific approvals.
3. Submit Renewal Application: Apply for renewal through the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED) portal for mainland licenses. Use the relevant free zone authority if your business is registered in a free zone.
4. Pay Renewal Fees: Pay the applicable Ajman trade license renewal fees based on your license type and activity. Trade license renewal late fee in Ajman starts from AED 500, depending on the length of the delay and the issuing authority.
5. Receive Renewed Trade License: Once the application is approved and payment is completed, you will receive your renewed Ajman trade license. This license will now be valid for another year.

Timely Ajman trade license renewal ensures uninterrupted business operations and helps your company remain fully compliant with local regulations.

Want a smooth Ajman trade license renewal without delays or penalties? Let SafeLedger handle the complete renewal process for you. We manage the paperwork, approvals, and fee payments, so you stay compliant and focus on growing your business. Contact us today!