AFZA company formation process

Ajman company formation can be completed in 1-3 working days after all required documentation has been compiled and submitted.

  1. It is crucial to approach this question carefully, as choosing the wrong activity, registration authority, or location can lead to errors during company registration, creating problems with opening a bank account or getting a residence visa. Ajman Free Zone company formation can be completed within 1-3 working days, making it one of the quickest and most efficient options for new business setups in the UAE.

  2. In AFZA, you can choose from different legal entities and license types. Decide on the business activity and prepare a business plan. The legal entities you can form include:

    • Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - One shareholder
    • Free Zone Company (FZC) - Multiple shareholders
    • Branch of a local company
    • Branch of a foreign company

  3. AFZA requires a minimal documentation package:

    • Passport copy
    • Passport-size photo
    • Residential address, phone number, and email
    • Company name
    • Business activity

    You also need to pay all the registration and processing fees at this step.

  4. They are:

    • License
    • Chamber of Commerce registration certificate
    • Lease agreement
    • Memorandum of Association (for companies with multiple partners)

    These documents will enable you to apply for a corporate bank account in Dubai. At least one of the company shareholders is required to be a resident of the UAE to be able to open a corporate bank account in the Emirates.

  5. It contains information about your company and makes it eligible to sponsor residence visas.

  6. If you apply from inside the UAE, after the entry permit is issued you have to change your visa status from the previous visa to a residence visa. If you are outside the UAE, then arrive in the country, get your entry permit stamped and then proceed with the rest of the residence visa process, submitting the necessary documents.

  7. Undergo a medical checkup and submit documents for a residence visa. Different registration packages may provide for a varying number of visas available for owners and employees of the company.

  8. Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card. The processing and issuance of a visa and Emirates ID usually take 5-7 working days after the visa approval.

  9. Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account in one of local or international banks in the UAE. After receiving the account details, you can start running your business in the UAE.

Expert

With us you can navigate this process quickly and effortlessly. You don`t even have to arrive in Dubai — the registration procedure can be completed remotely. However, you will need to visit the UAE for medical checkups, visa formalities, and account opening.

AFZA license cost

Ajman Free Zone offers a wide range of licenses suitable for various types of activities, whether it’s trading, services, consulting, or industrial production.

TYPE OF LICENSECOST
0 visa license (starter/kickstarter package)from 5,555 AED
1 visa freelance permit12,121 AED
1 visa package with trading or service license13,131 AED
2 visa package with trading or service license21,212 AED

Other packages’ fees depend on visa allocations and business activities.

If you plan to open resident visas under the company, additional fees for immigration may apply (amounts and items depend on the package and current immigration requirements):

  • E-channel deposit: 1,025 AED
  • E-channel registration fee: 2,300 AED
  • Visa, medical checkup, and Emirates ID: 3,600 AED
  • Renewal fee of E-channel: 1,200 AED

You can also add shareholders to your company for 600 AED each.

Multiple payments plan

AFZA is one of the free zones that can offer a multiple installment payment option. You can pay for the company in 2, 3, or 6 installments.

There are certain conditions set by Ajman Free Zone Authority to be met. The most important one is that the payment should be provided by post-dated checks from a UAE bank. So, if you go for 3 installments for Ajman Free Zone license, you can pay the initial one by cash and provide the remaining payments by 2 checks on the day of application for the company.

If you come from abroad, installment eligibility may be limited, because post-dated cheques are typically issued from a UAE bank account and must meet the authority’s compliance requirements. Apart from that, you need to provide past 3 months bank statements as proof of funds.

Elena O.

We'll find the ideal free zone for your business

AFZA Company Formation

CEO

Andrey Ovchinnikov

Is Ajman suitable for your business?

Quick business setup

Cheap 1-visa packages

Sea port and lots of warehouses available

Designated Zone status for VAT purposes

Yes

  • If you  need a very quick business setup in the UAE: you can open a company in the Ajman Free Zone in 1-3 working days. Also you don’t need to come to Ajman - you can apply from the free zone's representative office in Dubai.
  • If you are a freelancer because this free zone offers one of the cheapest freelance options, including packages with one visa.
  • If you need only 1 visa - the zone provides the cheapest one-visa package.
  • If you need a cost-effective warehouse, Ajman Free Zone has good warehouses with cheaper rents compared to other free zones.
  • If you engage in import and export activities, the free zone provides low-cost warehouse facilities and an industrial license. This is a designated free zone, i.e. certain goods movements can be treated differently for VAT if all designated-zone conditions are met.
  • If you don’t have the full setup amount right away and are looking to pay in installments, Ajman may offer installment options under specific conditions.
  • If you need registration with the UAE Chamber of Commerce. You receive membership on the same day your company registration documents are issued. This is ideal for companies that require Chamber of Commerce certification for international trade purposes.
  • If you are a stock trader trading with your own funds. This activity was not available in the past, and people had to register an alternative activity to get their visas, but now it is available in Ajman free zone.
  • If you want to set up an offshore company in the Ajman free zone.

No

  • If you need 2 or more visa packages, because the cost significantly increases, making it less economical for businesses requiring multiple visas.
  • If you belong to a profile that may require enhanced immigration or banking checks, approvals are always case-by-case and cannot be guaranteed.
  • If you need to set up an IT company -  Ajman Free Zone is more suited for industrial and trading companies. Alternatively, you may look at the IFZA Free Zone for an IT company formation.
  • If you quickly need warehouses, there might not be any with the right size available, and you could end up waiting a long time.
  • If you engage in heavy manufacturing Ajman will not suit you - only for storage, assembling or light manufacturing. Instead, try UAQ Free Zone, JAFZA Free Zone, or Hamriyah Free Zone.
  • If you are planning to sponsor dependents, additional requirements or deposits may apply depending on your case, visa category, and the emirate’s immigration practice.

AFZA licenses and business activities

AFZA allows having either 1 service activity or 3 trading activities in the license. For certain packages, additional activities can be added for AED 1,600.

    E-Commerce License in Dubai

    Launch your online store or digital marketplace in the UAE and tap into the region’s fast-growing e-commerce sector.

    Audit and Accounting License

    Provide financial services, including accounting, auditing, and tax consulting.

    Professional License in Dubai

    With a Professional License, you can offer specialized services in fields like consulting, management, education, real estate, and more.

    Commercial Trade License in Dubai

    A Commercial License will allow you to open a business in retail, wholesale, or import-export, with access to local and global markets.

    Consultancy License in Dubai

    With a Consultancy License offer professional advice to companies and individuals in areas like business, marketing, or finance.

    Gents salon license in the UAE

    The UAE has plenty of men who care about their appearance. Open a barbershop with a Gents Salon License, offering haircuts and grooming services

    Foodstuff Trading Business in Dubai

    Quality food is in ever-growing demand in the UAE. A Foodstuff Trading License will allow you to import, distribute, and sell food products.

    Media License in Dubai

    Create and distribute content with a Media License, covering fields like advertising, media, PR, and marketing.

    Project Management License in Dubai

    A Project Management License allows you to help companies effectively complete complex tasks.

    Technical Services License in Dubai

    Provide a wide range of technical services in the UAE, from equipment installation and maintenance to repairs and construction.

    Health-related license

    A professional license that allows you to provide health-related professional services, for example medical consultancy, dental services, or physical…

    IT license in the UAE

    Start your IT business in the UAE’s growing market, whether it’s software development or IT consulting.

    Freelance License in Dubai

    Do what you love with a Freelance License in the UAE, offering you flexibility and freedom.

    General trading license in Dubai

    Trade multiple products across various industries with a single license, offering maximum business flexibility.

    Manufacturing License in Dubai

    Set up your own production facility in the UAE and benefit from advanced infrastructure and global market access.

    Service license in the UAE

    Offer professional services in sectors like consulting, marketing, or IT with a hassle-free setup process.

    Tourism License in Dubai

    Start a travel agency, tour operator, or adventure tourism business in the UAE’s booming tourism sector.

Elena O.

We'll find activities for your business

AFZA facilities

Ajman Free Zone Authority always has the following facilities on the list:

    Flexi desk

    A shared working space available for a certain number of hours. It provides minimal facility requirements for company registration.

    Executive office

    A fully equipped dedicated workspace. It offers privacy, essential support services, and a professional environment for business growth.

    Warehouse

    A facility for companies needing storage space for goods and materials, often equipped for light industrial use.

    Plot of land

    A space where businesses can construct their own facilities according to their specific needs, often with freehold or long-term lease options.

    Furnished office

    Fully equipped office space with furniture and essentials, allowing you to move in and start working immediately.

Flexi-desks and offices can be either located within the free zone headquarters or in a separate tower nearby.

The warehouses complex has significantly grown and covers all the area around Ajman Sea Port.

Customs and Immigration office is just across the road from Ajman Free Zone.

AFZA residence visas

The Ajman Free Zone offers setup packages without visas, with one visa, and with multiple visas. Please note that the multiple visa packages have restrictions on the number of visas depending on the chosen facility. For example, with a flexi-desk, only two visas are available. If you need more visas, you will need to rent a bigger office facility. When renting a warehouse, companies can apply for 10 or more visas.

AFZA offers one of the cheapest packages with one visa. However, the cost of a package with two or more visas increases significantly.

Ajman visa costs 3,600 AED including medical checkup and Emirates ID. They need to be done in the Emirate of Ajman but you may also complete this stage in Dubai for an additional fee of 100 AED.

Complete UAE Residency Guide

Requirements, terms, and prices

download guide

AFZA company license renewal

The company in Ajman needs to be renewed annually. There is also an option to renew for multiple years. Company renewal cost will be exactly the same as registration fees.

The renewal can be done remotely, without the physical presence of the shareholder.  

Upon renewal, you will receive:

  • New license
  • Renewed lease agreement
  • Renewed Chamber of Commerce certificate

If your company is eligible for visas, you will also need to renew E-channel. Audit report is not required.

Time-frame of the renewal is 1-2 days.

AFZA company amendments

Amendments usually can be done remotely. The company has to prepare a board resolution mentioning the amendment to be done and signed by the company shareholder.

AFZA has very reasonable fees for any amendments, ranging from 500 AED to 2000 AED.

AFZA company liquidation

Company closure in AFZA is also rather low cost and easy to perform. The process takes about 1 month. It consists of these major steps:

  1. Visa cancellation  (7-10 working days) - if there is a visa in the company.
  2. Establishment card cancellation (7-10 working days) - if it was a visa eligible company.
  3. License cancellation.

Liquidation can be done remotely without the presence of the shareholder. A Power of Attorney is not required. The business consultant can complete the liquidation procedure. 

If you had a corporate bank account, it should be closed before applying for company liquidation. You should obtain a letter proof from the bank confirming that. 

After the company is dissolved, you will get an official deregistration letter from the free zone as a formal confirmation of the liquidation.

If any deposits were made under the company, you will get a refund after the liquidation is finished.

With us, you can navigate the liquidation process for your UAE company quickly and effortlessly, ensuring a smooth closure while saving valuable time and resources.

About Ajman Free Zone

Ajman Free Zone is one of the oldest and best-known free zones within the UAE - it was established in 1988. It’s situated in the Emirate of Ajman about 40 minutes drive from Dubai.

This zone is located adjacent to a sea port and welcomes any businesses: starting from freelancers, ending with light manufacturing and trading companies.

As opposed to business setup in Dubai, Ajman Free Zone company setup is attractive to those who start a new business from scratch due to its competitive fees for young entrepreneurs and multiple installment payment plans.

Ajman Free Zone is suitable for many businesses. There are not so many reasons why a company cannot be registered in the Ajman Free Zone and they are mentioned above.

Larger businesses will enjoy the facilities and close distance to Dubai and Sharjah. If you are checking any alternative solutions, have a look at Sharjah Airport Free Zone or Khalifa Industrial Zone in Abu Dhabi.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you found a company which you want to buy, first of all you need to agree about terms and conditions of the sale-purchase deal with the current shareholder(s). 
The current shareholders will need to submit a share transfer request to AFZA stating the terms of agreement. This process can be done by the business setup consultant.

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Flexi-desk always comes as a part of a company setup package even if you are not planning to use it. It is mandatory that any company has at least a small physical space from where it can conduct the activities. The free zone is obliged to provide such a space regardless of your intentions of using it or not.

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Yes, you can have a company registered outside Dubai, but reside in Dubai or any other Emirate. You do not have to live in the same Emirate where your visa belongs to. You can also have a bank account in a Dubai branch of any UAE bank of your choice.

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The visa validity is written on the visa itself. If you are a company owner, your visa would be valid for 3 years. If you are an employee, the validity is 2 years.

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Visa renewal is similar to the new visa process, but costs cheaper and processing is slightly easier. In order to renew the visa you need to do new Medical check and re-apply for new Emirates ID. It should be done with your original passport and copy of the old visa, which should still be valid. Once the medical report is issued, just apply for new visa to the free zone counter and pay the fees for visa stamping only. 

It’s recommended to start visa renewal about 2 weeks before the old visa expires.

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If you are processing your resident visa and want to check the status, you may either call AFZA customer care line or check the updates on the free zone portal.

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The UAE has no personal 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.  The UAE Corporate Tax regime applies, and the standard rate is 9% on taxable income above the applicable threshold. Eligible free zone companies may benefit from 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income if they meet the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) conditions and maintain compliance; otherwise, the standard Corporate Tax rules may apply.

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

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Yes, the Ajman free zone is a designated one from the point of view of VAT. It means that certain supplies of goods can be treated differently for VAT purposes when the goods remain under customs control and all designated-zone conditions are met (it does not automatically make every transaction VAT-free).

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This depends on your visa category and ICP/GDRFA rules. In many standard residence visa cases, staying outside the UAE for more than 6 months can affect visa validity, so it is best to confirm the exact rule for your visa type before long travel.

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The official office of the free zone company must be located within the premises of AFZA. You will not be able to rent a Dubai office under the license issued in Ajman.

If you need to have a workspace or a meeting facility in Dubai, the best way would be to use a business center. You will be able to have flexible options starting from meeting room usage ending with executive serviced office of any required size. 

Learn more

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