Ajman · Ajman Port & FZ Authority · Est. 1988
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the UAE’s longest-standing mainstream free zones, offering packages starting from AED 5,555, up to 10 visa allocations, and moderate corporate banking access. Built for practical cost efficiency, it provides over 3,500 licensed activities, flexible office solutions, and direct proximity to Ajman Port as well as Dubai and Sharjah airports. AFZ is ideal for e-commerce, trading, consulting, and small businesses that prioritize low overheads and digital setup processes over a Dubai address.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: Ajman Port & FZ Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 5,555
Year 1
Quick facts
Starter No Visa Package
AED 5,555
— · Flexi Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 5,555
Starter 1 Visa Package
AED 13,159
— · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 7,759
Estimated
Growth 2 Visa Package
AED 17,713
— · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 8,113
Estimated
Team 3 Visa Package
AED 22,267
— · Flexi Desk · 3 visas
Renews at AED 8,467
Estimated
Advisory Estimate
AED 10,150
— · 0 visas
Renews at AED 7,000
Estimated
No physical office required for the e-commerce package; low-cost flexi/virtual formats are common, though some activities and higher visa quotas require a private office or other facility.
AFZ suits trading, tech and media businesses. Confirm your exact activity is on the zone's list before you apply.
Comparing with a mainland licence? Trading & Services · Transport, Storage & Logistics · IT & Media · Professional & Technical Services
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
Medium
Audit risk
Standard
Forensic ease
6/10
High-Agility SME Hub; The Small Business Relief (SBR) Optimization Node.
AFZ is one of the UAE's legacy hubs, offering a hybrid of Non-Designated Zone spaces and a strict Designated Zone for manufacturing and warehousing. For 2026, the forensic challenge centers on 'Cross-Border Logistics Reconciliation.' Because AFZ interfaces directly with Ajman Port, the FTA heavily audits physical Bills of Entry against internal inventory accounts. Any structural failure to reconcile physical stock with your corporate ledger instantly jeopardizes the 0% Qualifying Income status.
Compliance centers on the 'Main Management and Control' tests. For 0% eligibility, entities must prove Core Income-Generating Activities (CIGA) are localized in Ajman, while those opting for SBR must monitor the AED 3M 'Revenue Ceiling' across all related parties.
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Tax and compliance
AFZ tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in AFZ?
The cheapest published package for Ajman Free Zone is Starter No Visa Package at AED 5,555 for Year 1, renewing at AED 5,555. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does AFZ setup take?
Typical processing time is 5–5 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a AFZ licence?
Banking difficulty for AFZ is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Ajman Bank, RAKBANK, Mashreq, Ruya Bank, Emirates Development Bank.
How many visas can I get with a AFZ licence, and what do they cost?
AFZ allows 3 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 3 visas (Team 3 Visa Package, AED 22,267 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 3,500.
How much is the AFZ licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 6,000 to AED 10,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in AFZ?
AFZ sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in AFZ?
No physical office required for the e-commerce package; low-cost flexi/virtual formats are common, though some activities and higher visa quotas require a private office or other facility.
Can a AFZ company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A AFZ company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.