Ajman Free Zone Business Setup
Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) was established in 1988 and is one of the oldest and most cost effective free zones in the UAE.Strategically positioned at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf, near Ajman Port, Dubai, and Sharjah airports, AFZA offers a highly affordable and flexible environment for company formation.
Established Since 1988
One of the oldest and most established free zones in the UAE, and the only downtown free zone located within Ajman city.
100% Foreign Ownership
No local sponsor or partner required, with zero corporate tax and zero personal income tax on qualifying income.
Save Up to 30%
Low cost licences with multi-year packages for 2 to 3 years saving up to 30% compared to annual renewal.
Facilities for Every Stage
Business centre, offices, flexi desks, warehouses, eco-friendly warehouses, land, and onsite accommodation.
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Why Choose Ajman Free Zone (AFZA)
AFZA combines one of the longest track records in the UAE with a cost structure that suits startups, SMEs and international businesses looking for an affordable entry point.
It is the only downtown free zone in the UAE, sitting inside the commercial heart of Ajman city with a growing focus on healthcare, retail, education, food and beverage, and technology sectors.
Ajman Free Zone Authority
The only downtown free zone in the UAE, established in 1988.
- One of the oldest and most established free zones in the UAE, founded in 1988
- 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or partner required
- Zero corporate tax and zero personal income tax on qualifying income
- Zero currency restrictions and full repatriation of capital and profits
- No hidden service charges or extra fees in the cost structure
- The only downtown free zone in the UAE, located within Ajman city
- Low cost licences with multi-year packages saving up to 30%
- Strategic location near Ajman Port, Sharjah International Airport, and Dubai
- Wide range of facilities: business centre, offices, flexi desks, warehouses, eco-friendly warehouses, land, and onsite accommodation
- Growing focus on healthcare, retail, education, food and beverage, and technology sectors
- Online customer portal and mobile app for digital licence management
- Up to 30% savings available on 2 to 3 year multi-year licence packages
Licence Types and Company Types at AFZA
AFZA issues three main licence categories. Your licence type must match your business activity, and some activities require pre-approval from AFZA or relevant authorities before the licence is granted.
Licence Types at Ajman Free Zone
6- Business Licence: the main commercial licence covering importing, exporting, storing and distributing goods throughout the UAE.
- Industrial Licence: manufacturing and production within the free zone, including import of raw materials and export of finished products. A feasibility study may be required.
- Sole Professional Licence (Freelancer): the most cost effective AFZA licence for individual freelancers in one of 40 approved categories, including one UAE residence visa.
- E-Commerce Licence: online and electronic trading through websites, mobile apps and social media, with technical and marketing support from AFZA.
- Commercial Licence sub-types covering 1, 2 or 3 activities under a single licence.
- General Trading Licence: trade across multiple product categories without restriction to specific goods.
Company Types at Ajman Free Zone
4- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): single shareholder company for individual investors or a single corporate shareholder.
- Free Zone Company (FZC): two or more shareholders, suitable for joint ventures and partnerships.
- Branch of a Local Company: expansion of an existing UAE licensed business into the Ajman Free Zone.
- Branch of a Foreign Company: extension of a foreign company into the UAE through AFZA. An additional service fee of AED 10,000 applies for branch or corporate shareholder structures.
Executive Offices
Private furnished offices for established businesses and team-based operations requiring a dedicated professional space.
Smart Desk and Flexi Desk
Cost effective co-working and shared desk solutions ideal for freelancers, startups, and businesses that do not require a full office.
Business Centre
Shared office environment with administrative support and common business facilities. Suitable for early stage businesses.
Warehouses
Standard and eco-friendly warehouses for trading, storage, logistics, and distribution. Visa allocation scales at approximately 8 square metres per visa.
E-Commerce Hub
Purpose-built workspace tailored for online businesses and digital commerce operations.
AI Robotics Hub
Specialist facility for technology and artificial intelligence focused businesses.
Our Process for Ajman Free Zone Setup
Six clear steps from confirming your licence type to receiving your licence and completing post-licence compliance.
Licence Type and Activity Review
We review your business model and confirm the correct AFZA licence type and activity codes before any application is submitted.
Company Name Reservation
We check name availability and reserve a compliant trade name with AFZA following UAE naming regulations.
Application and Document Submission
We prepare and submit the complete application with passport copies, KYC forms, company details, and all required supporting documents.
Facility Selection
We help you choose the right workspace based on your activity, team size, and visa requirements. Flexi desk, office, warehouse, and land options are reviewed.
Licence Issuance
We coordinate payment with AFZA, arrange your facility agreement, and collect your business licence and company documents.
Post-Licence Support
We assist with establishment card, visa applications, Emirates ID, corporate bank account, VAT registration, corporate tax, payroll, bookkeeping, and annual renewal.
AFZA Application Checklist
Prepare these before applying so your Ajman Free Zone application moves without avoidable delays.
Passport copies of all shareholders
UAE entry stamp or visa copy if applicable
Proposed company name options
Business activity description
Shareholder and director information
KYC and UBO details for all parties
Preferred facility type (flexi desk, office, warehouse, or land)
Number of visas needed
Why Work With Us for Ajman Free Zone Setup
AFZA licence fees vary based on licence type, number of activities, facility choice, and whether the company includes a corporate shareholder or branch structure. Getting that combination right is where most of the cost is won or lost.
As company setup consultants in Dubai, we compare the options, explain every fee upfront, and manage the AFZA application end to end.
Licence and Package Clarity
We help you identify the right AFZA licence type and package based on your activity, facility need, and visa requirement.
Document Accuracy
Our team reviews all KYC details, shareholder information, and application documents before submission to reduce errors and delays.
Cost Transparency
We explain all licence, facility, visa, and compliance costs upfront so there are no surprises during or after setup.
Compliance After Setup
After incorporation, we support accounting, VAT, corporate tax, payroll, bookkeeping, and annual licence renewal.
Ajman Boulevard
A commercial district within the free zone providing premium business addresses and facilities.
Al Zorah
A waterfront development offering a unique environment for lifestyle, wellness, and premium businesses.
China Mall
A trading hub focused on Chinese and Asian product trading and distribution businesses.
Car Market
A dedicated zone for automotive trading, spare parts, and vehicle related commerce.
Compare AFZA With Other UAE Setup Options
Ajman offers both a free zone and a mainland route, and neighbouring emirates offer comparable free zones. Compare them before you commit.
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A full comparison of both Ajman routes, mainland and free zone, so you can pick the right jurisdiction for your activity.
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For international trading, asset holding and IP structures, an Ajman offshore company registers in 2 to 5 working days.
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Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Open a UAE corporate bank account for your AFZA company with support on documentation and compliance requirements.
Ajman Free Zone Business Setup FAQs
What is AFZA?
AFZA stands for Ajman Free Zone Authority. It is a government authority established in 1988 that manages company formation and licensing within the Ajman Free Zone. It is the only downtown free zone in the UAE, located within the commercial area of Ajman city.
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Tell us your activity, facility preference and visa requirement, and we will confirm the right AFZA licence and package. Book a free consultation with our team today.
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