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Ajman Free Zone at a glance
| Full name | Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZ) |
|---|---|
| Emirate | Ajman, next to Ajman Port, about 30 minutes from Dubai |
| License from | about AED 5,555 (0 visas) |
| License + 1 visa | about AED 13,131 |
| License types | Commercial, service (professional), industrial and e-commerce |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Setup | Often within 2 to 3 working days once documents are complete |
| Known for | Low cost, trading and light industry, access to Ajman Port |
Not the same as Ajman Media City or Ajman NuVentures. Those are separate free zones in the same emirate, with their own prices. This guide covers Ajman Free Zone (AFZ).
Ajman Free Zone packages and license cost (2026)
| Package | Price (first year) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 0 visa | about AED 5,555 for the license | Founders already on a UAE visa, or running the business remotely |
| 1 visa | about AED 13,131 | A founder moving to the UAE |
| Multi-visa (up to about 5) | about AED 21,000 to 30,000 | A small team |
The license price is not the whole bill. Expect extra for the establishment card, each visa's entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID, and health insurance. A basic 0 visa setup with the establishment card and a desk usually lands at about AED 8,000 to 8,500.
Can I live in Dubai with an Ajman Free Zone visa? Yes. A UAE residence visa lets you live anywhere in the country.
Ajman Free Zone license types
- Commercial license: trading, import and export, and general trading.
- Service (professional) license: consulting, IT, marketing and management services.
- Industrial license: manufacturing, assembly and processing, with warehouse and factory space available.
- E-commerce license: selling online and running a platform. See our e-commerce license guide.
Some activities need an approval from another authority first. We check your activities before you apply.
How to set up a company in Ajman Free Zone: 5 steps
- Choose your license type, activities and visa package.
- Reserve your trade name and get initial approval.
- Submit documents: passport copies of all shareholders, a photo, and a UAE visa or entry stamp if you have one.
- Sign the lease and pay. You receive your license and incorporation documents.
- Visas and bank account: establishment card, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, then bank account support.
Entityz handles every step. You attend the medical and biometrics appointments.
Get your Ajman Free Zone cost breakdown
Tell us your activities and how many visas you need. We will send a full Ajman quote, plus the next best alternative.
Get My Free QuoteAjman Free Zone: pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Among the cheapest licenses in the UAE | An Ajman address, not Dubai |
| Port access and industrial space for trading and manufacturing | Visa packages more than double the starting cost |
| Fast setup | Some banks ask more questions of low-cost free zone companies |
Our honest view: Ajman Free Zone suits traders and light industry on a budget. For media and creative work with several activities, Shams costs about the same. For a Dubai address, look at IFZA or Meydan.
Ajman Free Zone vs Shams vs SPC vs IFZA
| Ajman FZ | Shams | SPC | IFZA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Ajman | Sharjah | Sharjah | Dubai |
| License from | about AED 5,555 | about AED 5,750 | about AED 5,750 | AED 12,900 |
| Best for | Trading, light industry | Media, several activities | Lowest cost + Sharjah mainland access | A Dubai address |
See all of them side by side in our cheapest free zone comparison. Entityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Entityz is an independent business setup consultancy and is not Ajman Free Zone; for its own portal visit afz.gov.ae. Prices are market starting figures gathered in September 2026 and change from time to time. We confirm the current price for your activities and visas before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Ajman Free Zone license cost?
An Ajman Free Zone license starts from about AED 5,555 a year with no visa. A package with 1 visa costs about AED 13,131. A basic 0 visa setup with the establishment card and a desk usually lands at about AED 8,000 to 8,500.
What license types does Ajman Free Zone offer?
Commercial (trading), service or professional, industrial, and e-commerce licenses.
Where is Ajman Free Zone?
In Ajman, next to Ajman Port, about 30 minutes from Dubai.
Is Ajman Free Zone the same as Ajman Media City?
No. Ajman Media City and Ajman NuVentures are separate free zones in the same emirate, with their own prices. This guide covers Ajman Free Zone (AFZ).
Can I live in Dubai with an Ajman Free Zone visa?
Yes. A UAE residence visa lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai.
Is Entityz the official Ajman Free Zone website?
No. Entityz is an independent business setup consultancy and a direct authorized partner of Ajman Free Zone. For the zone's own portal, visit afz.gov.ae.
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