Ajman is the only emirate in the UAE where two separate free zone authorities operate under one government — the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) and the Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANC). Most guides treat them as one entity. They are not. Each issues its own trade licence, operates its own portal, sets its own pricing, and serves a distinct type of founder. Choosing the wrong one does not disqualify you from doing business in Ajman — but it will cost you time and money to correct.
This guide covers both authorities. It explains what Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) offers in 2026 — its licence categories, the actual cost breakdown beyond the starter package price, the step-by-step setup process, and the compliance obligations every AFZ company must meet after incorporation. It then positions AFZ against ANC and against the wider UAE free zone market, so you can make a decision based on your business type rather than the lowest headline price.
If you already know AFZ is the right fit and want to move forward, Al Arabiya Group manages the full Ajman Free Zone setup — licence application, visa processing, bank account introduction, and FTA registration — as a single managed process.
What Is Ajman Free Zone?
The Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) is a UAE government-regulated free zone established in 1988 under the Government of Ajman. It is one of the oldest free zones in the country, predating IFZA, SHAMS, and ANC by decades. AFZA operates under federal free zone legislation and grants 100% foreign ownership across commercial, professional, e-commerce, and industrial licence categories. There is no requirement for an Emirati partner, no mandatory paid-up share capital, and no requirement to physically attend the authority’s offices during incorporation.
The free zone is located in the Emirate of Ajman, with direct access to Ajman Port and the E-11 highway — placing your registered address 40 minutes from Dubai International Airport and within reach of major GCC shipping routes. AFZA issues a digital trade licence, accepted by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) for Tax Registration Number (TRN) issuance and by UAE banks for corporate account opening.
As of 2026, the AFZA registry hosts over 9,000 active companies across trading, e-commerce, services, and light manufacturing sectors.
Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANC) — the second Ajman free zone authority
The Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANC), formally the Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ), is a separate free zone authority operating under its own regulatory body — the Ajman NuVentures Centre Authority. It is not a product of AFZA. It does not share AFZA’s portal, fee structure, or licence categories.
ANC positions itself as a technology-first jurisdiction. It guarantees trade licence issuance within two hours via a fully digital portal and residency visa issuance within 24 hours. It permits up to 10 business activities under a single licence — the highest activity density currently available across all UAE free zones. ANC is specifically structured for tech founders, digital asset companies, AI and Web3 businesses, and service-sector operators who need multi-activity flexibility and fast legal standing.
The two authorities share Ajman as their emirate. That is where the overlap ends. The rest of this guide covers AFZ (AFZA) in detail. For the full ANC entity breakdown, see our Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANC) page.
Ajman Free Zone Licence Types and Permitted Activities
AFZA issues five licence categories. The category you select determines which business activities are permitted, what facility arrangement is required, and how many residency visas the licence supports. Choosing the wrong category at incorporation requires a formal amendment — budget an additional AED 500–1,000 and a two- to three-week delay to correct it.
Commercial Licence
The commercial licence covers import, export, distribution, and storage of physical goods. It is the primary licence type for trading companies using Ajman Port for inbound and outbound shipments across GCC and international markets.
Permitted activities include: general trading, food and beverage trading, electronics trading, garment and textile trading, raw materials trading, automobile trading, jewellery trading, and perfumes and cosmetics trading. You may combine multiple related trading activities under one commercial licence, provided each activity is registered separately with AFZA.
This licence requires either a Smart Desk arrangement or a warehouse unit depending on the volume of goods being stored in the free zone. Companies storing physical inventory in the AFZA designated area must hold a warehouse agreement.
Professional Licence
The professional licence covers service-based businesses: consultancies, agencies, and specialist firms that deliver a skill or advisory output rather than a physical product.
Permitted activities include: management consultancy, IT consultancy, legal consultancy, engineering consultancy, HR consultancy, investment consultancy, tax consultancy, recruitment consultancy, and technical services. A professional licence holder may invoice UAE mainland clients directly for services rendered from an AFZ base — this is permitted under free zone rules without requiring a mainland branch or local service agent.
This licence is compatible with the Smart Desk co-working arrangement, making it the lowest-cost entry point for sole traders and small service firms operating from Ajman.
E-commerce Licence
The e-commerce licence is structured for businesses selling physical or digital products through online platforms — websites, mobile applications, and marketplace accounts. It covers digital-first founders who do not require a physical retail space or warehouse.
Permitted activities include: e-commerce retail, digital marketing, media production, photography, videography, advertising, and online publishing. An e-commerce licence pairs with AFZA’s Smart Desk option, making it the preferred choice for founders operating remotely or from outside the UAE.
Industrial Licence
The industrial licence grants the right to manufacture, assemble, and process raw materials within the Ajman free zone designated area. AFZA provides pre-built eco-friendly factory units and land plots for custom builds under this category.
Permitted activities include: light manufacturing, food processing, garment manufacturing, electronics assembly, packaging, and raw material processing. Environmental approval from the relevant Ajman government authority is a mandatory pre-condition for operating under an industrial licence — this approval is obtained during the setup process and typically adds two to three weeks to the incorporation timeline.
Freelancer Permit
The freelancer permit is a sole trader structure available to individual professionals in specific sectors — primarily media, IT, and designated service categories. It grants legal working status in the UAE and qualifies the permit holder for a UAE residency visa.
The freelancer permit does not allow the holder to hire employees. It covers one individual operating under their own name. Permitted sectors include: content creation, graphic design, software development, media production, and specific consulting categories as defined by AFZA’s published activity list.
If you anticipate hiring staff or taking on a business partner within 12 months, begin with a professional or commercial licence rather than a freelancer permit the conversion process requires a full licence amendment and re-registration.
How Much Does Ajman Free Zone Cost in 2026?
The headline price for an Ajman Free Zone licence starts at AED 5,565 — but that figure covers the trade licence and co-working desk agreement only. A founder planning their first year in AFZ needs to budget across six cost categories to avoid shortfalls after incorporation.
AFZA Licence Fees
Cost Item | AFZ (AFZA) | ANC (ANCFZ) |
|---|---|---|
Licence only — starter | AED 5,565 | AED 4,888 |
Licence + 1 visa package | AED 13,141 | AED 10,800 |
Additional visa (per head) | AED 3,500–5,000 | AED 3,000–4,500 |
Trade name reservation | AED 300–600 | Included in portal |
Memorandum of Association (MOA) | Included | Included |
Ajman Chamber of Commerce cert. | AED 600–900 | Not applicable |
Figures reflect Al Arabiya Group’s 2026 package pricing. Government fee schedules are subject to annual revision by AFZA. All figures in AED.
Visa Costs Per Head
Each UAE residency visa issued under an AFZA licence involves five mandatory cost components beyond the package price:
- Entry permit processing: AED 500–800
- Medical fitness test: AED 300–500 (varies by Emirates Health Authority clinic)
- Emirates ID (biometric): AED 370 (standard) — AED 570 (five-year)
- Residency visa stamping: AED 1,000–1,500
- Establishment card (eChannel registration): AED 2,000–2,500 (one-time, per company)
A realistic first-year cost for one founder on an AFZ licence including visa is AED 16,000–19,000 depending on visa type and activity category. For a two-person team, budget AED 20,000–25,000.
Renewal Costs — Year 2 Onwards
Renewal costs are lower than year-one costs because the establishment card and MOA are already in place. The annual renewal cycle for an AFZ company covers:
- AFZA trade licence renewal: AED 4,500–5,500 (varies by activity and facility type)
A two-person AFZ company should budget approximately AED 9,000–14,000 per year for renewal from year two onwards.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
These items are not included in any standard package price but are required for most AFZ companies:
- FTA corporate tax registration: Mandatory — government fee currently AED 0. The AED 10,000 penalty applies only if you miss the 90-day registration deadline.
- Corporate bank account: No government fee. Minimum monthly balance typically AED 25,000–50,000 at traditional banks; AED 0 at digital banks (Wio Business, Mashreq Neo).
- UAE customs code registration: Required for any AFZ company importing or exporting physical goods. See our UAE customs code registration guide.
- Accounting and bookkeeping: AFZA does not require audited financial statements for licence renewal, but Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 requires all companies to maintain financial records for seven years.
To model your specific cost based on activity type, visa quota, and facility preference, use the Al Arabiya cost calculator.
AFZ vs ANC — Which Ajman Free Zone Is Right for You?
Both AFZA and ANC are legitimate UAE free zone authorities. Both grant 100% foreign ownership, both issue UAE residency visas, and both are accepted by the Federal Tax Authority for corporate tax registration. The decision between them comes down to five factors: business type, required activity count, incorporation speed, cost, and whether industrial or port facilities matter to your operation.
Criterion | AFZ (AFZA) | ANC (ANCFZ) |
|---|---|---|
Governing authority | Ajman Free Zone Authority | Ajman NuVentures Centre Authority |
Licence issuance speed | 3–5 working days | 2 hours (guaranteed) |
Max activities per licence | Multiple (per category) | 10 across all categories |
Max shareholders | 5 (individual or corporate) | Unlimited |
Starter licence cost | AED 5,565 | AED 4,888 |
Licence + 1 visa cost | AED 13,141 | AED 10,800 |
Industrial facilities | Yes — warehouses, factory units | No |
Port access (Ajman Port) | Yes — direct | No |
Tech / Web3 / AI focus | No | Yes — dedicated licence category |
Banking integration | Standard UAE bank onboarding | Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) fast-track |
Target founder profile | Traders, manufacturers, service firms, e-commerce | Tech founders, digital assets, multi-activity |
Choose AFZ (AFZA) if:
- Your business involves physical goods — import, export, storage, or manufacturing
- You need access to Ajman Port for logistics
- You require an industrial facility or warehouse
- Your shareholder count is five or fewer and your activity count fits one category
- You are prioritising cost for a traditional trading or services business
Choose ANC if:
- Your business is in technology, AI, Web3, digital assets, or media
- You need more than five shareholders or more than three activities
- You require the fastest possible legal standing — licence in two hours
- Digital bank onboarding speed matters to your cash flow timeline
- You want to operate across multiple revenue streams under one licence
How to Set Up a Company in Ajman Free Zone — Step by Step
The Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) processes company registrations entirely through its digital portal. No in-person visit to the authority’s offices is required at any stage of the standard commercial, professional, or e-commerce licence setup. Industrial licence applicants must arrange an environmental approval inspection, which adds a site visit requirement.
The full incorporation and visa cycle for an AFZ company takes between 10 and 18 working days from document submission to Emirates ID collection.
Step 1 — Select Your Licence Type and Business Activities
Choose the licence category that matches your primary revenue model — commercial, professional, e-commerce, industrial, or freelancer permit. Within your chosen category, confirm the specific business activities you need registered. AFZA charges a separate activity registration fee per additional activity beyond the base inclusion. Finalise your activity list before submitting — amendments after licence issuance require a formal change request and an additional fee.
At this stage also determine your visa quota requirement. AFZA’s Smart Desk arrangement supports a standard visa allocation; upgrading to an executive office increases your permitted visa count. Al Arabiya Group advises on the correct facility tier based on your headcount projection for the next 12 months.
Step 2 — Reserve Your Trade Name
Submit three trade name options through the AFZA online portal in order of preference. The authority validates your preferred name against its existing registry and the UAE Federal Commercial Companies Law naming requirements.
Rejected names typically fall into three categories: names already registered, names containing restricted terms (UAE, Emirates, Federal, National), and names that imply a government or regulatory function.
Once a name is approved, AFZA issues a trade name reservation certificate valid for 60 days. Incorporation must be completed within this window or the name reservation lapses.
Step 3 — Submit Your Incorporation Documents
Compile and submit the following documents through the AFZA portal:
- Passport copy for each shareholder (clear, valid, minimum six months remaining)
- Passport-sized photograph for each shareholder (white background)
- Proof of residential address for each shareholder (utility bill or bank statement, issued within three months)
- Completed AFZA application form (generated through the portal)
- Business activity declaration (confirming your selected activities)
- No objection certificate (NOC) — required for shareholders currently on a UAE employment or residency visa sponsored by a different employer or free zone
Shareholders who are nationals of countries on AFZA’s enhanced due diligence list may be required to submit additional documentation. Al Arabiya Group confirms the specific requirement for your nationality before submission to prevent rejection delays.
Step 4 — Receive Your Digital Trade Licence
Upon document approval and payment clearance, AFZA issues your trade licence and Memorandum of Association (MOA) as digital documents through the portal. You also receive an Ajman Chamber of Commerce certificate at this stage. These three documents — trade licence, MOA, and Chamber certificate — are the founding documents your company will use to open bank accounts and sign commercial contracts.
The digital licence carries your company’s commercial registration number, registered activities, and licence expiry date. It is immediately valid upon issuance.
Step 5 — Register With E-Channel and Apply for Residency Visas
AFZA registers your company with the Ajman immigration E-Channel system as part of the setup process. Once E-Channel registration is confirmed, Al Arabiya Group submits your residency visa application. The visa process runs in this sequence:
- Entry permit application — approved within 2–3 working days
- Medical fitness test — completed at an approved Emirates Health Authority clinic; result in 1–2 days
- Emirates ID biometric appointment — scheduled after medical clearance
- Residency visa stamping — completed after Emirates ID biometrics
Step 6 — Open Your Corporate Bank Account
Your AFZ trade licence, MOA, and Chamber certificate are the primary documents required for corporate bank account opening. UAE banks apply their own Know Your Customer (KYC) policies on top of AFZA’s documentation — approval timelines and requirements vary by institution.
Digital banks including Wio Business and Mashreq Neo accept AFZ licences and typically approve accounts within 3–7 working days with minimal balance requirements. Traditional banks including Emirates NBD and RAKBANK process AFZ company accounts within 2–4 weeks and require a minimum monthly average balance — typically AED 25,000–50,000. For a full breakdown, see our UAE corporate bank account services page.
UAE Corporate Tax and Compliance for Ajman Free Zone Companies
Every company registered with the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) must comply with UAE federal tax and corporate law regardless of where it trades or where its shareholders reside. Free zone status does not exempt a company from registration requirements — it determines the applicable tax rate on certain categories of income, not whether obligations exist.
Corporate Tax Registration — Mandatory for Every AFZ Company
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, every AFZA entity must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN). Registration must be completed within 90 days of licence issuance. Failure to register within this window triggers an administrative penalty of AED 10,000 — a fixed fine, not a monthly accrual.
What Is Qualifying Income for a Free Zone Company?
The 0% Corporate Tax rate under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 applies exclusively to Qualifying Income — defined as income earned from:
- Transactions between Free Zone Persons (business conducted between two free zone companies)
- International trade outside the UAE mainland
Income from selling goods or services directly to UAE mainland consumers or businesses is not Qualifying Income. That income is subject to the standard 9% Corporate Tax rate on profits exceeding AED 375,000 in any given tax period.
Annual Compliance Obligations
After incorporation, an AFZ company carries four recurring compliance obligations:
1. FTA Annual Tax Return Filing
Every AFZA entity with a TRN must file an annual Corporate Tax return with the FTA, regardless of whether any tax is payable. The late-filing penalty is AED 500 per month for the first 12 months, rising to AED 1,000 per month thereafter.
2. Financial Record-Keeping
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 requires all companies — including free zone entities — to maintain financial records for a minimum of seven years. AFZA does not require submission of audited financial statements for annual licence renewal, but the FTA may request records during an inspection.
3. Annual Licence Renewal
AFZA trade licences are issued for 12 months and must be renewed before the expiry date. Late renewal attracts a penalty from AFZA. Al Arabiya Group sends renewal reminders 60 days before expiry and manages the renewal submission as part of ongoing account management.
4. AML/CFT Compliance
UAE companies operating in sectors identified as high-risk under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 (effective 14 October 2025) are subject to Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) obligations. For a full AML checklist, see our AML compliance services page.
How Does Ajman Free Zone Compare to Other UAE Free Zones?
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) competes on cost and port access. It is not the fastest free zone in the UAE, the most activity-flexible, or the most prestigious address for a client-facing business. What it offers is a low entry cost, an established industrial infrastructure, and a location that works for logistics-focused companies that do not need a Dubai or Abu Dhabi address to close deals.
Criterion | AFZ (AFZA) | IFZA | SHAMS | ANC (ANCFZ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Emirate | Ajman | Dubai (DSOA) | Sharjah | Ajman |
Min. licence cost | AED 5,565 | AED 9,000+ | AED 5,750+ | AED 4,888 |
Licence + 1 visa | AED 13,141 | AED 14,500+ | AED 12,500+ | AED 10,800 |
Max activities / licence | Category-based | 3 (standard) | 3 (standard) | 10 |
Licence speed | 3–5 working days | 3–5 working days | 3–5 working days | 2 hours |
Industrial facilities | Yes | No | No | No |
Port access | Yes — Ajman Port | No | No | No |
Media / creative focus | No | No | Yes — primary | No |
Tech / AI / Web3 focus | No | No | No | Yes — primary |
Dubai address | No | Yes (DSOA) | No | No |
IFZA gives you a Dubai-associated address and stronger banking reputation with traditional banks, but its minimum licence cost runs approximately AED 3,500–4,000 higher than AFZ for an equivalent setup. If you do not need a Dubai address and your business is trade or logistics-oriented, AFZ saves you money every renewal cycle without a material disadvantage.
SHAMS is the clear choice for media, publishing, and creative businesses because its licence categories and ecosystem are built for that sector. AFZ does not compete with SHAMS on creative credentials — if your primary revenue comes from content or media production, SHAMS is the better fit.
ANC undercuts AFZ on starter price and licence speed, but has no industrial or port infrastructure. For a trading or manufacturing company, ANC’s advantages are irrelevant — AFZ is the correct Ajman authority.
For a full comparison of UAE free zones by cost, see our cheapest free zone licence in the UAE guide. For IFZA specifically, see our IFZA company formation page. For SHAMS, see our SHAMS Free Zone page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ajman Free Zone 2026
AFZ and ANC are two separate free zone authorities operating in the Emirate of Ajman under different governing bodies. AFZ is operated by the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA), established in 1988, and is structured for trading, manufacturing, and service companies with port and industrial infrastructure. ANC is operated by the Ajman NuVentures Centre Authority, positions itself as a technology-first jurisdiction, guarantees licence issuance in two hours, and permits up to 10 business activities per licence. For the full side-by-side breakdown, see the AFZ vs ANC comparison table above.
The number of UAE residency visas an AFZA company can sponsor depends on its facility arrangement. A Smart Desk co-working agreement supports a standard visa allocation — typically two to three visas for most activity categories. An executive office arrangement increases the permitted visa count. Companies requiring five or more visas should discuss facility options with Al Arabiya Group before selecting a package, as the facility tier determines the visa quota ceiling.
Yes — but with a tax consequence. An AFZ company may sell goods or services to UAE mainland customers without holding a mainland trade licence. However, income generated from those mainland sales is not Qualifying Income under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. It is subject to the standard 9% Corporate Tax rate on profits exceeding AED 375,000. Free zone companies conducting significant mainland business should consider whether a mainland company formation or a mainland DET licence is the correct long-term structure.
Failure to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) for Corporate Tax within 90 days of AFZA licence issuance triggers a fixed administrative penalty of AED 10,000 under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. This is separate from the late-filing penalty, which is AED 500 per month for the first 12 months, rising to AED 1,000 per month thereafter. Both penalties are avoidable: Al Arabiya Group submits FTA registration as a standard step during the incorporation process.
Yes. Most UAE free zones permit branches of qualifying foreign companies, subject to the free zone’s activity list, document requirements, and facility conditions. Each free zone has its own regulations and eligibility criteria.
