Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a cost-effective gateway to the UAE market, especially attractive for startups and SMEs that want a UAE presence with low overheads. Strategically located near Ajman Port and within easy reach of Dubai and Sharjah, AFZ offers access to over 2,000 business activities and simplified company registration.
Key USPs
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation.
- Wide activity coverage: commercial, industrial, e-commerce, and professional licenses.
- Competitive pricing compared to many Dubai free zones – ideal for budget-conscious founders.
- Options for freelancers, startups, and branches of foreign companies.
Step-by-Step Setup Process in Ajman Free Zone
The broad UAE free zone steps are similar across all zones, but AFZ adds its own online touchpoints and package options.
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1. Define your activity & structure
Choose whether you’ll be a Free Zone Establishment (FZE – single shareholder), Free Zone Company (FZC – multiple shareholders), or a branch.
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2. Choose a trade name
Ensure it complies with UAE naming rules (no offensive words, no references to religions/political groups, etc.).
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3. Select license & package
Pick from commercial, service/professional, industrial or e-commerce – plus your visa quota and office option (Virtual office, Physical Office, Warehouse).
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4. Submit application & KYC
Passport copies, photos, CV, and a brief business description.
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5. Initial approvals & payment
The authority reviews your application; on approval you pay your license and facility fees.
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6. License issuance & corporate documents
You receive your trade license, incorporation documents, and lease agreement.
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7. Visa processing & bank account
Establish e-channel file, apply for investor/employee visas, then open a corporate bank account.
Our consultancy can manage this end-to-end, so you only step in for signatures and mandatory visits.
Step-by-Step Setup Process in Ajman Free Zone
The broad UAE free zone steps are similar across all zones, but AFZ adds its own online touchpoints and package options.
-
1. Define your activity & structure
Choose whether you’ll be a Free Zone Establishment (FZE – single shareholder), Free Zone Company (FZC – multiple shareholders), or a branch.
-
2. Choose a trade name
Ensure it complies with UAE naming rules (no offensive words, no references to religions/political groups, etc.).
-
3. Select license & package
Pick from commercial, service/professional, industrial or e-commerce – plus your visa quota and office option (Virtual office, Physical Office, Warehouse).
-
4. Submit application & KYC
Passport copies, photos, CV, and a brief business description.
-
5. Initial approvals & payment
The authority reviews your application; on approval you pay your license and facility fees.
-
6. License issuance & corporate documents
You receive your trade license, incorporation documents, and lease agreement.
-
7. Visa processing & bank account
Establish e-channel file, apply for investor/employee visas, then open a corporate bank account.
Our consultancy can manage this end-to-end, so you only step in for signatures and mandatory visits.
Company Types & License Options
Common legal forms at Ajman Free Zone include

FZE (Free Zone Establishment)
1 shareholder

FZC
(Free Zone Company)
2+ shareholders

Branch of a UAE or foreign company
License categories typically cover

Commercial / Trading
import/export, wholesale, distribution.

Industrial
light manufacturing, assembly, packaging.

Service / Professional
consulting, IT, marketing, design.

E-commerce
online trading and digital platforms.
Facilities, Infrastructure & Incentives
Documents, Timelines & Cost Insight
Typical documents
- Passport, photo, and proof of address of shareholders and manager
- CV or business profile
- Application forms and trade name reservation
- For branches: parent company documents (MOA, license, board resolution)
Timelines
- Generally 5-10 business days
Costs (Indicative)
- Starting AED 5,500
Limitless Options with our All-Inclusive Packages
Obtain an ideal business license that caters to your needs at competitive rates starting from 5555
Kickstarter Package
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10 business activities on a single license
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Up to 10 Shareholders permitted
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Choose from over 3,500 business activities
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No hidden charges
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Co-working space with Lease Agreement included
Freelancer Package
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1-Visa package
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Inclusive of all visa costs
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Emirates ID and Medical fees included
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Choose from over 120 freelance business activities
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Co-working space with Lease Agreement included
Starter
Package
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1-Visa package
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Inclusive of all visa costs
-
Emirates ID and Medical fees included
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Up to 10 Shareholders permitted
-
Co-working space with Lease Agreement included
Who Ajman Free Zone is Ideal For
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Price sensitive startups and solopreneurs
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E-commerce sellers and trading businesses wanting port access
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Light manufacturers needing smaller industrial units
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SMEs expanding regionally with a lean UAE base
FAQs
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) services include license issuance, license renewals, amendments to licenses, company liquidation, and visa processing etc.
For more details on the services provided by AFZ, contact CA ARC Advisors on email caarcfze@gmail.com
The following types of licenses are available in Ajman Free Zone (AFZ):
- Freelancer Packages – Benefits include eligibility for 2 visas and access to freelancer business hub.
- Business Centres – Benefits include eligibility for 2 visas and access to a facilitated business centre and multiple activities.
- Office/Flexi Desk – Benefits include eligibility for 3 visas, shared desks, multiple activities, and flexible payment plan.
- Executive Office – Benefits include eligibility for 5 visas, customized size offices, multiple activities, and flexible payment plan.
- Warehouses Eco-friendly Warehouses – Benefits include customized spaces, multiple activities such as industrial,flexible payment plan and multiple visas per sqm.
- E-commerce Package
To know more about the available Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) company licenses, contact CA ARC Advisors on email caarcfze@gmail.com
Yes, Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) offers offshore company setup.
In Ajman Free Zone (AFZ), the visa allocation policy depends on the type of business packages.
Yes, AFZ allows 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation, subject to UAE law and free zone regulations.
A Virtual office is usually sufficient for many license types, though industrial and some trading activities require dedicated space.
You can trade via local distributors or mainland partners or use logistics solutions; direct selling may require additional arrangements under UAE law.
Pro Tips for Smooth Ajman Free Zone Setup
- Align your activity description carefully with AFZ’s activity list to avoid future amendments.
- Decide early on your visa needs, as packages are often tied to visa quotas.
- Our team can pre assess your structure against corporate tax rules, so you don’t accidentally lose potential 0% benefits on qualifying income.