Ajman Free Zone

ajman-free-zone

What is Ajman Free Zone and General Information

Ajman, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is home to the Ajman Free Zone, established in 1988 to provide a tax-free and fully serviced environment for businesses. The free zone offers many valuable services, including company formation and registration, visa and immigration support, and office and warehouse rentals. Ajman has many free zones providing the same services; one of the famous ones is the Ajman Media City Free Zone and the Ajman Free Zone.

The Free Zone accommodates many types of businesses, including trading, general trading, manufacturing, and service sectors such as consulting, marketing, and advertising. Benefiting from excellent connectivity to ports, airports, and major road networks, businesses operating within AFZA enjoy the same legal status as those in other UAE free zones.

Free Zone allow Import and Export

AFZA Free Zone facilitates trade, imports, exports, contracts, visas, e-commerce, and banking activities, making it a comprehensive hub for business operations. AFZA is committed to providing affordable and cost-saving opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs. It is famous as a low-priced alternative to other free zones in the UAE. If you’re considering starting your business in the Ajman Free Zone, it offers a strategic and affordable location with growing potential for growth.

Ajman Free Zone Licence

Benefits of Ajman Free Zone Authority Company Formation

There are several benefits to setting up a company

  • Tax benefits: One of the main advantages of the AFZA Free Zone is that it is tax-free, and companies based in the Free Zone are not subject to corporate or personal income tax.
  • Simplified bureaucracy: The  AFZA Authority streamlines the process of setting up a business, offering a range of packages and support services to help companies get started.
  • Flexible leasing options: The AFZA offers flexible leasing options for offices and warehouses, allowing businesses to scale up or down as needed.
  • Access to major markets: It is well-connected to the rest of the UAE and the wider region, providing businesses access to significant markets.
  • Range of business activities: Free Zone allows companies to engage in various business activities, including trading, manufacturing, and services such as consulting and advertising.
  • Supportive business environment: The AFZA provides various support services to businesses based in the Free Zone, including visa and immigration assistance, business development support, and access to various networking and promotional events.
  • 100% foreign ownership: Foreign investors can fully own companies based in Ajman, allowing them complete control over the business.
  • No currency restrictions: No restrictions on foreign currencies make it easier for companies to conduct international business.
  • Strategic location: The Free Zone is near major ports, airports, and road networks, providing businesses with excellent connectivity to the rest of the region.
  • Diverse business community: Home to a diverse community of businesses from various industries, providing networking and collaboration opportunities.
  • High-quality infrastructure: Free Zone offers modern and well-maintained infrastructure, including high-quality office and warehouse spaces and access to utilities and telecommunications services.
  • Proximity to major cities: The AFZA Free Zone is just a short distance from major cities such as Dubai and Sharjah, providing businesses with a large and diverse talent pool.

Free Zone Ajman Companies List Allowed for AFZA

Free Zone allows for the registration of multiple entities, including Free Zone Establishment (FZE) and Free Zone Company (FZC) entities. These entities can be 100% foreign-owned, engage in commercial and industrial activities, and offer the option to register a branch office of a foreign or local company. The authority does not specify the maximum number of entities that can be registered.

The Ajman Free Zone Authority Supports the Following Types of Business Formation:

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE):

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a one-shareholder company that can engage in commercial and industrial activities.
  • Free Zone Company (FZC):
  • The company has over 2 shareholders who can also engage in commercial and industrial activities.
  • AFZA Free Zone Entity
  • AFZA Free Zone Company
  • Branch of a Local Company
  • Branch of a Foreign Company

Ajman Free Zone Trading Licenses

The cost of a trade license helps foreign investors open companies intending to conduct business trading activities there.

  • Single Activity Trading
  • Two Activity Trading
  • Three Activity Trading
  • General Trading (import and Export)

E-Commerce License

AFZA Free Zones Authority issues e-commerce licenses to companies that operate electronic trading businesses through websites and online platforms. It also helps provide technical and marketing support to investors in the UAE.

Ajman Free Zone Offshore License

The Authority issued an Ajman free zone offshore company formation license to those who wish to set up an international business in a Free Zone company with no local physical business and other benefits similar to those of free zones in the United Arab Emirates.

Service License

Ajman company formation in the free zone region allows businesses to operate in the services industry. AFZA provides professional services for license activities such as IT consulting, management consulting, and marketing, among many others.

Industrial License

An industrial license is issued to foreign UAE companies that wish to carry out manufacturing activities in the Free Zone as per the manufacturing policies and environmental standards in Ajman. The Authority provides innovative stores and warehouses to facilitate this activity. It helps to ensure that all the investor’s requirements are obtained in one place.

Ajman-Free-Zone-Company-setup

Documents Required For AFZA Trade License Cost

New Company Setup

  • Three names are required for the company name to be approved
  • Passport valid for 6 months
  • Passport size photo (white background)
  • There is no objection certificate from the current sponsor if the applicant is a UAE resident as an employee.
  • The business plan is required for an Industrial and Service License.

Setting up a Branch of a Local Company

  • Passport valid for 6 months
  • Passport size photo (white background)
  • Original License
  • Original Chamber of Commerce Certificate
  • Original Commercial Registration
  • The business plan is required in case of an Industrial and Service License
  • No capital required

Branch of a Foreign Company

  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board Resolution
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Power of Attorney
  • A passport copy that is valid for at least 6 months for the representative or manager of the company
  • A colored photograph (white background)
  • Registration certificate from the authority of the country where the company is registered.
  • A feasibility report will be submitted for Industrial and Service Enterprises.

AFZA 2025 updated Packages list

TYPE OF LICENSE ACTIVITY ANNUAL FEE

  • Trading License 1 Activity AED 11900
  • Trading License 2 Activity AED 13200
  • Trading License 3 Activity AED 14500
  • General Trading License All Activity AED 17100
  • Consultancy License IT. Marketing. Management AED 14500
  • E-Commerce License Online Shop AED 18000


Visa Eligibility as per Packages

TYPE OF FACILITY VISA ELIGIBILITY ANNUAL FEE

  • Smart Desk Depends on the activity and terms of payment
  • Executive Offices Depend on the activities and terms and conditions of payment Ajman Visa Services
  • Name Approval 110,
  • E- Channel 2100, and E- Channel deposit 5100.
  • Security Approval, Visa charges of 2600, Establishment Card,

Ajman Visa Application Process in Free Zone

  • The cost of each visa may differ depending on the visa activity or profession and whether the person is currently in or out of the UAE. Visa validity for an Investor’s visa is 3 years, and 2 years validity for an Owner, Partner, Manager, and Employee visa. 
  • Visa Application Cost
  • Investor Visa Application AED 2635
  • Employee Visa Application AED 2635
  • Medical Test and Emirates ID AED 1100
  • Investor Bank Guarantee Deposit (refundable) AED 2000
    Employee Bank Guarantee Deposit (refundable) AED 2000 + 1 month salary

Ajman Free Zone Customer Online Portal

The AFZA Authority has an online customer portal that allows registered companies to access various services and Information related to their business. A customer portal is accessible from the AFZA official website and requires a login, password, or sign-up. Once logged in to an online portal, companies can access the following services:

  1. AFZA customers can renew their trade licenses through the online portal.
  2. Every Company can access many e-services, such as visa applications, trade license renewals, and certificate of origin applications.
  3. Afza registered. Companies can view and download their license, trade name certificates, and other important documents.
  4. Clients can view company Information, including their registered address, contact details, and authorized signatories.
  5. Afza offers e-services for Companies that can view their invoices and make payments online through the customer portal.
  6. AFZA Companies can apply for and track their employees’ visa applications through the customer portal.
  7. Companies can receive notifications about upcoming renewals, payments, and other important Information related to their business.

The customer E-portal is convenient and efficient for managing business. Companies are encouraged to check the customer portal regularly for important updates and Information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Free Zone established in 1988, provides a strategic business setup with 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified regulations, making it popular for startups and international businesses.

Free Zone (AFZ) provides various business licenses for multiple industries, including trading, e-commerce, manufacturing, service, freelance, and offshore operations, each with specific requirements and benefits.

Yes, you can obtain a UAE residency visa when setting up a business in Ajman Free Zone (AFZ). The free zone offers business owners, employees, and investors visa options.

Ajman Free Zone provides various office space options, including smart offices, executive offices, flexible desks, warehouses, industrial spaces, business centers, and co-working spaces, with flexible leasing terms and 24/7 access.

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) permits numerous business activities. Still, certain industries require special approvals, such as financial services, cryptocurrency trading, healthcare, education, oil and gas, gambling, tobacco trade, security, media, and real estate brokerage.

Yes, you can open a bank account for your Ajman Free Zone business in the UAE. You'll need to provide documents like your trade license, passport copies, and proof of address. The bank will guide you through the process. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks to complete.

To open a business bank account in the UAE, choose a bank that suits your needs, prepare the required documents, complete the application process, check the minimum balance and fees, wait for approval, and access banking services. Advantages include full access to the UAE banking system, multiple currency payments, secure online banking options, and corporate cards and cheques.

To close your Ajman Free Zone company, settle outstanding dues, notify the Ajman Free Zone Authority, cancel visas and work permits, liquidate assets, return company documents, submit final tax returns, receive a deregistration certificate, and close business bank accounts. This process may take weeks, depending on the business's complexity.