Ajman Free Zone Company Setup Cost 2026: Full Breakdown

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the most popular choices for small businesses and online sellers because its packages are among the cheapest in the UAE and it is close to Dubai. But the advertised “starting from” price is never the full cost. This guide breaks down what you really pay in year one and every year after.

Prices change often and promotions come and go. Figures below are indicative ranges from public sources in 2026. Always get a written quote from AFZ or an authorised agent before you pay.

Table of contents

1. What Ajman Free Zone offers
2. Year-one cost breakdown
3. Yearly renewal costs
4. Hidden or extra costs to ask about
5. Step-by-step setup
6. Is Ajman Free Zone good for e-commerce?
7. Frequently asked questions
8. What is the cheapest Ajman Free Zone package?
9. Can I get a residence visa with an Ajman Free Zone licence?
10. Do I need to live in the UAE to set up?
11. Do I pay corporate tax in Ajman Free Zone?

What Ajman Free Zone offers

• Licence types: Business (trading, import/export, e-commerce), Industrial, and Sole Professional (for freelancers in designated categories).
• Company types: FZE (one shareholder), FZC (several shareholders), and branches of UAE or foreign companies.
• Ownership: 100% foreign ownership.
• VAT status: AFZ is on the FTA list of VAT Designated Zones, which matters for some goods transactions. Confirm the current list on the FTA website.

Year-one cost breakdown

Item	Indicative range (AED)	Notes
Licence package, no visa	About 4,000 – 7,000	Promotions have been advertised from around AED 4,166
Licence package with 1 visa allocation	About 10,000 – 15,000	Depends on desk/office type and promotions
Flexi-desk or shared desk	Often included; separate options about 5,000 – 10,000 per year	Needed for visa eligibility in many packages
Residence visa per person (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping)	About 3,000 – 6,000	Plus mandatory health insurance
E-Channel / immigration card	About 1,100 per year (renewal)	Needed to sponsor visas
Bank account	Free to a few thousand	Some banks require a minimum balance
Bookkeeping and tax registration	Varies	Corporate tax registration is mandatory for all companies

Realistic total for year one: roughly AED 6,000 – 8,000 for a licence without a visa, and roughly AED 14,000 – 22,000 with one residence visa, depending on promotions, office type and personal visa costs.

Yearly renewal costs

• Licence and desk renewal (similar to the package price, sometimes without the promotion discount).
• E-Channel renewal.
• Visa renewal every 2 years (medical, Emirates ID, insurance).
• Bookkeeping, and an audit if you want the free zone 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income.

Budget renewals at about 70–100% of your first-year licence cost. Many people forget this and get a surprise in year two.

Hidden or extra costs to ask about

• Changing the company manager (AFZ lists about AED 2,500) or adding shareholders.
• Adding extra activities to the licence.
• Licence cancellation (AFZ lists about AED 2,135) if you close the company later.
• Attestation and translation of documents for corporate shareholders.
• Agent or consultant service fees, if you do not apply directly.

Step-by-step setup

1. Choose your activity (for example, e-commerce or general trading) and company type.
2. Pick a package and reserve a trade name.
3. Submit passport copies, photo and the application form.
4. Pay the fees and sign the lease or desk agreement.
5. Receive the licence, then apply for the E-Channel and residence visa.
6. Open a business bank account and register for corporate tax on EmaraTax.

The licence itself can be issued in a few working days if documents are complete. The visa and bank account usually take longer.

Is Ajman Free Zone good for e-commerce?

Yes, for small online stores it is one of the most affordable starts. Before you choose, compare it with other zones in our guide to the cheapest free zones in the UAE, and read mainland vs free zone to check whether a free zone suits how you sell.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest Ajman Free Zone package?

The no-visa licence packages are the cheapest. Promotions have advertised starting prices of around AED 4,000–5,500, but check what is included and the renewal price.

Can I get a residence visa with an Ajman Free Zone licence?

Yes, if your package includes a visa allocation. Each visa still needs a medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance.

Do I need to live in the UAE to set up?

No. Many steps can be done remotely, but visa medicals and some bank steps need you to be in the UAE.

Do I pay corporate tax in Ajman Free Zone?

All companies must register. Qualifying income can be taxed at 0% if you meet the conditions; other income is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000. Estimate it with our tax calculator.

Want a quote comparison for Ajman and two other zones? Contact us for a free consultation.