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Ajman free zone · Multi-sector, trading & industrial

Ajman Free Zone Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

Ajman Free Zone offers one of the lowest licence prices in the UAE — from AED 5,565 zero-visa, or AED 13,141 with your first residence visa. It has trading, service, e-commerce, industrial and freelance licence types and sits about 30 minutes from Dubai.

From AED 5,565 (zero-visa) · AED 13,141 with one visa Government fees as published
Get a written quote → Official Ajman Free Zone website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationAjman, near Ajman Port and about 30 minutes from Dubai
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup timeAbout one week
Visa quotaOne visa AED 13,141 all-in; two visas ≈ AED 17,181; three ≈ AED 23,242
Banking easeModerate
RenewalAnnual licence and desk renewals; multi-year plans often discounted

Ajman Free Zone company setup cost (2026)

ItemGovernment cost
Zero-visa licence (government cost)AED 5,565
With one residence visa (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID)AED 13,141
With two visas≈ AED 17,181
With three visas≈ AED 23,242

Headline: From AED 5,565 (zero-visa) · AED 13,141 with one visa (government fees as published, July 2026).

Year-one budget: AED 13,000–25,000 with one to three visas.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the Ajman Free Zone licence

  • Among the cheapest full free zone licences in the UAE
  • Trading, service, e-commerce, industrial and freelance licence options
  • Multi-year discounts (about 10% for two years and 15% for three, as advertised)
  • Close to Ajman Port and roughly 30 minutes from Dubai and Sharjah airports
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is Ajman Free Zone best for?

  • Freelancers and solo founders
  • Small traders and e-commerce sellers
  • Budget-first start-ups

Typical permitted activities

  • Trading and general trading
  • Consulting and services
  • E-commerce
  • Light industrial

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • The licence does not say Dubai, which matters to some clients and banks
  • Free zone companies cannot freely trade onshore in the UAE without an additional licence

How to set up a company in Ajman Free Zone

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

Ajman Free Zone compared with similar UAE free zones

Ajman Free ZoneANCFZRAKEZSHAMS
EmirateAjmanAjmanRas Al KhaimahSharjah
Best forMulti-sector, trading & industrialStart-ups, consultants & digital freelancersMulti-sector, industrial & SMEMedia, consulting & digital services
Licence costFrom AED 5,565 (zero-visa) · AED 13,141 with one visaZero-visa licence advertised from about AED 4,888 (confirm live figure)From about AED 6,010 (zero-visa) · about AED 12,010 with one visaFrom about AED 5,750–6,900 (zero-visa) · about AED 14,300 with one visa
Setup timeAbout one weekA few working days2–5 working daysA few working days
Banking easeModerateModerateModerateGood
Fee dataPublishedIndicative bandPublishedPublished

FAQs: Ajman Free Zone company formation

How much is an Ajman Free Zone licence?

A zero-visa licence costs about AED 5,565 in government fees, and about AED 13,141 with one residence visa including entry permit, medical and Emirates ID. Professional-service fees are separate.

Is Ajman Free Zone good for freelancers?

Yes — a freelance licence is one of the cheapest ways to get a UAE company and residence visa, though you should check bank and client expectations for an Ajman address.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Ajman Free Zone?

Indicative cost: From AED 5,565 (zero-visa) · AED 13,141 with one visa. Government fees as published in July 2026; Year-one totals: AED 13,000–25,000 with one to three visas. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does Ajman Free Zone company setup take?

Typically About one week once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Ajman Free Zone?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in Ajman Free Zone trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in Ajman Free Zone?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are Ajman Free Zone companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in Ajman Free Zone?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for Ajman Free Zone is “Moderate”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in Ajman Free Zone?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is Ajman Free Zone best for?

Freelancers and solo founders; Small traders and e-commerce sellers; Budget-first start-ups.

Get a written quote for Ajman Free Zone

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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