Setup your business in Ajman
Ajman Free Zone Company Setup
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the oldest free zones in the UAE, established in 1988. It is strategically positioned near Ajman Port, providing easy access to international markets through its state-of-the-art infrastructure and logistical support. The free zone offers a range of facilities and business solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and businesses.
Ajman is a developing city of the United Arab Emirates with a promising economy and a government working to expand and diversify its local market. Investors recognise the potential of the emirate to become an economic hub, and it continues to experience infrastructural and economic growth.
Located on the Arabian Gulf next to Sharjah and Dubai, Ajman gives easy access to two international airports and four maritime ports, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Local ports experience increased activity and serve as a transport hub for international and local shipments, making business setup in Ajman an increasingly attractive proposition for investors trading with regional markets.
At a glance
Ajman key facts
1988
Free zone established
2
International airports nearby
4
Maritime ports
100%
Foreign ownership
The directory
Free zones in Ajman
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
One of the oldest free zones in the UAE, established in 1988 and positioned near Ajman Port. It accommodates various sectors including trading, services, industrial and freelancing, with state-of-the-art infrastructure and logistical support.
Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ)
A newly developed free zone that creates a professional environment for business startups and encourages creative and media businesses in the UAE. Its licence fee is the most competitive of any free zone in the UAE, and it issues service licences and commercial trading licences.
Key advantages
Advantages of establishing in the Ajman Free Zone
100% foreign ownership
Enjoy full ownership of your business without the need for a local sponsor.
Tax incentives
Benefit from zero personal and corporate income taxes.
Strategic location
Access global markets with ease through Ajman’s well-connected logistics and transport infrastructure.
Modern facilities
Utilise state-of-the-art infrastructure and support services tailored to business needs.
Simplified procedures
Streamlined registration and licensing procedures ensure a quick and efficient setup process.
Setting up in the free zones of Ajman also has a reasonable cost of operations. Raw materials are available from local markets, and the developed technological infrastructure comes with affordable office rental facilities. It is economical to take on business offices, corporate facilities and warehouses equipped with cutting-edge technology, and local ports make transporting goods faster, easier and cheaper — reducing operational costs while maximising your company’s return.
The process
Step-by-step guide to company registration
Establishing a company in a free zone offers numerous advantages, including tax incentives, simplified import-export procedures, and full ownership for foreign investors. Here is how to register your company in Ajman Free Zone.
01
Choose your business activity
Before you start the registration process, decide on the nature of your business activity. Ajman Free Zone accommodates various sectors, including trading, services, industrial, and freelancing. Ensure your chosen activity aligns with the free zone’s regulations.
02
Select a company structure
Determine the structure of your company. Ajman Free Zone allows various types of entities, such as Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZC), and Branch of a Foreign Company. Your choice will depend on factors like ownership, number of shareholders, and liability.
03
Name approval
Choose a unique name for your company and submit it for approval to the Ajman Free Zone Authority. The name should not infringe on any existing trademarks and should comply with the naming conventions set by the authority.
04
Gather required documents
Assemble the paperwork required for registration — passport copies, the proposed company name, a business plan, MOA and AOA, and an NOC where applicable.
05
Submit application
Complete the application form provided by Ajman Free Zone and submit it along with the required documents. Pay the applicable fees at this stage, including registration fees and licence fees based on your business activity.
06
Lease agreement
Obtain a lease agreement for office space or warehouse within Ajman Free Zone. The size of the facility will depend on your business requirements and activities.
07
Bank account opening
Open a business bank account in the UAE as soon as your company is registered. Most banks require documents such as your company’s trade licence, lease agreement, and passport copies of shareholders.
08
Visa processing
Apply for residence visas for yourself, your employees, and dependents. Ajman Free Zone facilitates visa processing for investors and employees, simplifying the relocation process.
09
Obtain business licence
Upon completion of the above steps and approvals, you will receive your business licence from Ajman Free Zone. This licence permits you to legally conduct business activities within the free zone.
Paperwork
Documents required for registration
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Proposed company name
- Business plan
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA and AOA)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) for UAE residents, if applicable
Ajman Media City
Features of Ajman Media Free Zone
Start your own business from AED 8,500
Own your business 100%
100% repatriation of capital and profits
No corporate or personal income tax
Documents are prepared and sent to the client
Presence of the client is not required
Licence issued within 24 hours
Quick and simple registration process
Multiple business activities under one licence
Set up your own business without any visa issues
Capital decided by the client, up to a maximum of AED 100,000
No capital required for a branch of an existing company
Ready to register in Ajman?
If you want to maximise your investment, start a company in the emirate of Ajman. We combine industry experience with technical expertise, and our in-house team offers end-to-end support to get you up and running — company incorporation and registration, marketing and advertising services, professional document clearing, bank account applications, visa applications and renewals, and free zone licence applications.
Wider picture
Benefits of setting up business in the UAE
- 100% foreign ownership
- Tax benefits
- Duty free
- Low operational cost
- Low freight charge
- Abundant & inexpensive energy
- Exemption from all import and export duties
- Freedom to recruit expatriates
- Freehold offices available on sale or lease
- Readymade offices, factories & warehouses
- Free transfer of funds
- No foreign exchange control
