Business setup in UAE free zones

Ajman Media City Free Zone

verified by : Elena Ovchinnikova

10 Apr 2024

Overview of Ajman Media City

Ajman Media City Free Zone came to the market of company formation in the UAE in 2018. Due to its low cost packages it immediately became one of the bestsellers among free zones in the United Arab Emirates.

AMC has 7 different packages starting from 0 and ending up with over 5 resident visa allocations.

Many people compare it up with Ajman free zone, however these two zones are different.

AMC zone offers a very niche product. It has a large number of media-related activities. It doesn’t have warehouses or land for lease. But it will work for those who can accommodate themselves with a shared desk or a small office.

Special feature: AMC license has a unique QR code. License authenticity can be checked by simply scanning it by any device. For online businesses, it can help to create trust with potential customers.

Ajman Media City company registration is quick and is done by the registered agents of the free zone. Business setup consultants in Dubai will do all the paperwork hassle for you.

Facilities

Ajman Media Free Zone is located in brand new complex. It includes headquarters and business center for the companies.

The following facilities are available:

  • desk space for 10 hours a month
  • shared permanent desk space
  • shared permanent office
  • full-time executive office

Business activities

Ajman Media City Free Zone has a very specific list of activities. Most of them are related to advertising, media and IT segments.

Some trading activities are available too. Get our advice to see if your activity is available.

Generically, activities will fall under the following groups:

  • Service/consultancy
  • E-commerce
  • Media related trading

Free zone allows to have up to 5 business activities under 1 license. Activities do not have to be similar to each other.

Some notable activities include:

  • Social media influencer
  • Courier activities
  • Legal activities
  • Temporary employment agency activities and more

Important notice: at least one of the activities must be media-related.

Ajman media City allow mix commercial and service activities at no extra costs. They should be connected to each other and represent the same type of business.

Ajman Media City trade license

Ajman media city free zone license starts from 8,500 AED. Such package has no visa eligibility, but includes a workspace in a business club.

It means that this free zone is offering the cheapest zero visa setup all over UAE now.

Company setup in Ajman Media City

Company registration in AMC can be done without your visit to the free zone.

You need to prepare the following documents and details for the registration:

  • passport copyUAE entry stamp copy/resident visa copy
  • passport size photo (if you apply for visa eligible company)
  • residential address
  • e-mail and telephone number

Incorporation usually takes 3 business days. Upon completion you receive these documents:

  • Trade license
  • Shares Certificate
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Certificate of Incumbency
  • Tenancy Contract

Resident visas

AMC fee for resident visa is cheaper than in other free zones.

Ajman Media City visa fees (AED):

  Viza fees, AED Medical checkup, AEd Emirates ID, AED
Investor 1,945 690 390
Employee 1,945 690 390

Important notice: medical check cannot be done in Dubai. You will need to do medical test in Ajman hospital.

Partner visa will be valid for 3 years, employment visa - 2 years.

Health insurance is not required for visa processing.

Some “high risk” nationalities might face difficulties with getting resident visas in Ajman Media City Free Zone. They include:

  • Iraq
  • Syria
  • Palestine
  • Egypt
  • Lebanon
  • Bangladesh etc.

Such nationalities need to apply for immigration pre-approval before company setup. If your nationality is listed as “risk” it does not mean you cannot try. Everyone is allowed to apply.

We recommend to submit some supporting documents for “high risk” approvals.

They can be:

  • education certificates
  • previous UAE visas
  • other GCC country residency evidence

Renewal of Ajman Media City trade license

AMC company renewal is done through your registered agent. It will not require your visit to UAE.

You will need to provide:

  • authorization letter
  • renewal fees

Renewal fee will be equal to the license registration price.

Amendments

All amendments including shares transfer do not require personal presence of shareholders or managers of the company.

Processing timelines are short and the fees are rather low.

License liquidation

Company liquidation is a multiple step process:

  1. Visas cancellation
  2. Establishment card cancellation
  3. Termination of lease
  4. Liquidation of the license

The government fee is 1,700 AED all inclusive.

Business Setup Expert Opinion

Ajman Media City Free zone is a fast growing free zone which has shown the lowest costs of registration and at the same time quick and easy services.

Such free zone will perfectly suit startups, those who need speedy processing or businesses who operate online.

For those who need a more famous free zone or want to have a different business activity, it is advisable to look into RAKEZ free zone.

Benefits of Ajman Media City company

  • One of the most cost-efficient Free Zones
  • One of the best prices for 1 visa company
  • Fully remote setup
  • Up to 5 business activities in 1 license

Start your business in AMC today

Trading/service license costs in Ajman Media City

Up to 5 visas company

LICENSE TYPE VISAS INCLUDED TOTAL COST
Trading / Services license + Flexi desk no visa AED 15,100 $4,150 download breakdown
Trading / Services license + Flexi desk 1 visa AED 25,569 $7,050 download breakdown
Trading / Services license + Flexi desk 2 visas AED 32,770 $9,000 download breakdown
Trading / Services license + Flexi desk 3 visas AED 48,487 $13,300 download breakdown
Trading / Services license + Executive Office 4 visas AED 52,326 $14,350 download breakdown
Trading / Services license + Executive Office 5 visas AED 56,278 $15,450 download breakdown

Documents for Ajman Media City company setup

DOCUMENTS

PROCEDURE

INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDER

  • Passport
  • Passport size photo
  • Description of business
  • Residential address
  • 1-2 days- Company registration
  • 1-2 weeks- Security approval and Establishment card
  • 1 week- Entry visa
  • 1 day- Medical Check-Up and Emirates ID
  • 1 week- Visa stamping

Top 10 questions about Ajman Media City company

  • Can I open a bank account remotely?

    No, a personal visit to the UAE is required as per the regulations of the UAE Central Bank. Local banks require this visit to verify the client's identity.

  • Do banks give debit and credit cards or loans?

    In most cases, you can obtain a debit card for your newly opened company, especially if there is only one shareholder. However, a credit card is usually issued against a fixed deposit. As for loans, banks may consider your eligibility based on your company's operations and profits. It is recommended to apply for a loan after at least one year of company operations.

  • Can a free zone company have offices outside the free zone?

    Officially, the office of a free zone company should be located within the free zone where it is registered. However, if you need an office in Dubai, you have the option to rent space in a Business Center and use it on a flexible basis. It is important to note that the minimum required space (flexi desk) in the free zone cannot be canceled.

  • Why do I need a flexi desk or office?

    A flexi desk is a mandatory requirement for any company eligible for resident visas. It serves as the minimum physical office space that a company with individuals under its visa must have. Additionally, a flexi desk can facilitate bank account opening as banks require evidence of a company having some form of office or physical presence.

  • Do free zone companies need to pay VAT?

    VAT obligations depend not only on the place of registration but also on where the business activities take place. VAT becomes applicable when the taxable turnover reaches AED 375,000. If a free zone company's trading activities take place abroad, the turnover is not considered taxable as long as the transactions occur outside the UAE. However, if goods are imported to the UAE, VAT at a rate of 5% must be added to invoices and paid.

  • Are there any other taxes to be paid?

    The UAE is free from income tax. However, there is a 5% import tax on goods brought into the country and a 5% VAT on trading or service transactions that occur within the UAE.

    On June 1, 2023, the UAE introduced 9% corporate tax, however, companies registered in UAE free zones are exempt from this tax if they do not make profits from activities on the UAE mainland or this profit is less than AED 375,000 per year. Branches of companies registered in free zones and carrying out activities on the mainland will be taxed at the mainland rate.

  • Why would a free zone company be better for me than an offshore or mainland entity?

    The suitability of a free zone company versus an offshore or mainland entity depends on your business model and requirements. However, a free zone setup offers advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, eligibility for resident visas, the ability to conduct business both within and outside the UAE, and greater favorability with banks compared to offshore companies. Additionally, free zones often offer flexi desk spaces instead of executive offices, making it a cost-effective way to start a business without unnecessary obligations.

  • Can you guarantee the opening of a bank account?

    While we strive to make the account opening process as smooth as possible, we cannot guarantee the approval as it ultimately depends on the bank. Each case goes through several bank departments for approval, and the bank may contact you directly for clarifications. Providing a clear picture of your business to the bank increases the chances of successful account opening. We do our best to prepare you and your company for a smooth and fast account opening process.

  • When and how should I renew my company? How much does it cost?

    Your company should be renewed annually, and the cost is typically lower than the initial setup cost. The renewal fees depend on your company package, and you can obtain the price by downloading the Estimate from our website. Company renewal does not require the personal presence of the owner and can be done by your agent. After renewal, the new license must be presented to the bank to extend the bank account, which is included in our renewal service.

  • How can I pay the fees?

    You have multiple options for fee payment. You can make payments via bank transfer, cash, or online using a card.

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