The Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) is a government-established free zone founded in 1988, making it one of the oldest and most established free zones in the UAE. Located in the Emirate of Ajman, approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Dubai, AFZA sits strategically between Dubai and Sharjah, with direct access to Ajman Port and major UAE highway networks. Today, AFZA is home to thousands of registered companies spanning over 100 nationalities, serving freelancers, startups, SMEs, traders, and manufacturers seeking a cost-effective, well-connected, and government-backed UAE business environment.
Here is how Ajman Free Zone creates a competitive and investor-friendly environment for business formation:
A single-shareholder entity with limited liability. Suited to individual investors, solo entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking full ownership and control under a formal corporate structure.
A multi-shareholder entity for two or more individuals or corporate owners. Ideal for partnerships, joint ventures, and businesses with multiple founding investors.
An extension of an existing overseas company, operating under the parent entity’s name and liability. Best for businesses seeking a UAE presence without forming a separate legal entity.
Allows an existing UAE-registered mainland or free zone company to extend its operations into Ajman Free Zone, broadening its geographic reach under its existing corporate identity.
For businesses engaged in trading, importing, exporting, and distributing specific goods across the UAE and international markets.
Permits dealing across multiple product categories and commodities under a single license, with maximum flexibility for multi-product trading operations.
Issued to companies providing sector-specific services, including logistics, courier, travel, car rental, and other non-consultancy service-based businesses.
For professional and advisory firms offering specialist expertise across management, finance, HR, legal, marketing, and engineering.
Authorises manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, and production activities within Ajman Free Zone's designated industrial areas.
Permits the sale of goods and services through digital platforms to UAE and international customers, suited to online retailers and marketplace operators.
Allows solo professionals in creative, technical, and digital fields to operate independently under their own name without forming a company.
Exact pricing depends on your business activity, legal structure, number of shareholders, facility, visa quota and selected services. Ajman Free Zone offers more than 3,500 business activities, including service, commercial, general trading and other categories.
Select from over 1,500 permitted activities to determine your license type and legal structure.
Choose between an FZE, FZCO, or Branch based on your ownership arrangement and number of shareholders.
Identify the correct license category: commercial, general trading, service, consultancy, industrial, e-commerce, or freelancer.
Propose a unique company name compliant with AFZA's naming guidelines and UAE regulations.
Choose a workspace option suited to your operational needs and visa requirements, from a virtual office to a warehouse.
Submit your completed application form along with the required supporting documents.
Review and sign incorporation documents, which can be completed remotely without travelling to the UAE.
Upon approval and fee payment, your Ajman Free Zone trade license is issued within 1–2 working days.
Apply for investor and employee residency visas based on your selected package and visa allocation.
Proceed with corporate account opening at a major UAE bank using your issued trade license.
Errors in license selection, document preparation, or structure choice can cause delays and compliance issues that are costly to fix. At CorpLex, we handle everything, from activity selection and document preparation to license issuance, visa processing, and bank account setup. We have transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and a dedicated consultant assigned to your case. Ready to setup in Ajman Free Zone? Get a Free Consultation Today
A government-established UAE free zone founded in 1988, offering 100% foreign ownership, zero tax, and 1,500+ licensed business activities in the Emirate of Ajman.
Most trade licenses are issued within 1–2 working days once all documents are submitted and approved.
Yes, the entire formation process can be completed remotely with no UAE visit required.
Yes, no local sponsor or UAE national partner is required for any Ajman Free Zone license type.
Entry-level packages start from approximately AED 6,000 to AED 8,000, depending on the license type and visa requirements.
AFZA issues commercial, general trading, service, consultancy, industrial, e-commerce, and freelancer licenses based on business activity.
Yes, flexible visa packages are available and can be scaled from zero-visa entry-level options as your business grows.
Free zone companies operate within the zone with tax benefits and full foreign ownership, while mainland companies can trade freely across the UAE but require additional licensing and regulatory compliance.
Yes, Ajman Free Zone licenses are accepted by major UAE banks for corporate account opening.
Ajman Free Zone is located in the Emirate of Ajman, approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Dubai, with direct access to Ajman Port and major UAE highway networks.
