Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) — officially the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) — is a UAE government-regulated free zone established in
1988 under the Government of Ajman. It grants 100% foreign ownership across commercial, professional, e-commerce and industrial license categories, with trade licenses starting from AED 3,500 and zero paid-up capital requirements.
Located in the Emirate of Ajman with direct access to Ajman Port and the E-11 highway, AFZA places your business 40 minutes from Dubai International Airport and within reach of major GCC shipping routes. Digital incorporation is completed without requiring an Emirati partner or a physical office visit.
AFZ blends port logistics, designated business areas, and digital government services for founders. Join a registry of over 9,000 active companies. Pick between commercial or freelancer licenses and start at a low price point without losing proximity to Dubai.
Minutes from the Ajman Port and the E-11 highway, placing your supply chain exactly 40 minutes from Dubai.
Multiple physical options including Smart Desks, Executive Offices, and Eco-Friendly Warehouses built for retail, IT, and light manufacturing.
Connect with thousands of active companies across the trading, e-commerce, and industrial sectors for local B2B work.
Access the option to split the annual trade license fee into multiple payments. This reduces the upfront cash required to open the company.
We manage the setup for every license type within the Ajman Free Zone. Choose the category that matches your business goals:
Built for companies in import, export, and distribution. This license allows you to trade and store goods in the zone. It suits firms using Ajman Port for global shipping and local supply chains. You can combine multiple related trading activities under one setup.
For service providers and agencies. This choice covers consulting, IT, management, and media work. It works for firms that need a desk or private office to offer their skills to the UAE market. You can invoice Mainland clients directly for services rendered from your free zone base.
Made for online trading and digital platforms. This license lets you sell physical or digital products through websites and mobile apps. It pairs well with low-cost smart desk options for digital founders who do not need a physical store or warehouse.
Designed for manufacturing and assembly work. It grants the right to produce goods and process raw materials. AFZA provides land for custom builds or pre-built eco-friendly factory units for firms under this category. You must secure environmental approvals to operate under this license.
Designed for independent contractors and sole traders in media, IT, and specific service sectors. This permit grants you legal working status and a UAE residency visa without the cost of leasing a commercial office. You are restricted from hiring staff under this specific category.
Firms in AFZ must follow UAE federal rules. Al Arabiya Group manages these tasks to keep your business legal and active.
Every AFZ company must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). We handle your registration to prevent the AED 10,000 fine for late filing.
We help you maintain the legal files needed for 2026 audits. This ensures your books meet required federal standards.
We assist with opening accounts at UAE banks. AFZ licenses are accepted by digital banks like Mashreq Neo and Wio. We use your digital license to help speed up the account approval process.
AFZ companies wishing to sell directly to UAE consumers can apply for a UAE mainland trade permit alongside their free zone license. For international holding structures, a UAE offshore company setup provides an additional layer of asset protection.
Affordable UAE free zone company set up packages with transparent pricing. Choose the right jurisdiction and license type for your business goals.
We manage every stage of your company formation through a structured four-step path. Our team checks that your 2026 setup follows all local rules mandated by the Ajman Free Zone Authority.
We help you pick the license and facility that fits your goals. You can choose from Smart Desks, Executive Offices, retail spaces, or eco-friendly warehouses. This stage guarantees your choice matches your budget and your visa needs for the year.
We secure your business name through the Ajman government channels. Our team verifies that your chosen name follows every UAE legal rule to prevent rejection or delays during the approval stage.
We submit your files to the AFZA portal for final review. Once approved, you receive a digital license and Ajman Chamber of Commerce certificate for 2026. This electronic document helps you open bank accounts and sign legal contracts immediately.
We start the residency process for you and your staff by registering your company with the Ajman immigration E-Channel system. This includes the entry permit, medical test, and Emirates ID biometric scan. Once your visa is set, we manage the sponsorship for your family members and domestic staff.
FAQ's
Yes. A residency visa issued by the Ajman Free Zone Authority is a valid UAE residency permit. It grants you the legal right to rent property, open personal bank accounts, and register vehicles in Dubai or any other emirate. You are not required to live in Ajman to maintain the validity of your AFZ trade license.
The Ajman Free Zone Authority does not require the submission of an audited financial statement to renew your annual trade license. You must maintain internal financial records for seven years to comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 47. These records are necessary for potential inspections by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Every AFZ company must register with the Federal Tax Authority and obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN). A 0% tax rate applies only to “Qualifying Income” derived from transactions with other Free Zone Persons or international trade. Income from trading directly with Mainland UAE consumers is subject to a 9% tax rate on profits exceeding AED 375,000.
Yes. AFZ licenses are accepted by UAE digital banks including Wio Business and Mashreq Neo. Traditional banks such as Emirates NBD also open accounts for Ajman-based firms, provided the company maintains the required minimum monthly balance and satisfies all Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
An Ajman Free Zone entity can be registered as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) with one shareholder or a Free Zone Company (FZC) with up to five shareholders. These shareholders can be individual persons or corporate entities.
