Ajman Free Zone business setup cost in the UAE starts from AED 9000 for basic licenses. However, totals can reach AED 28,000 for large office bundles. This price stays flexible because you choose only the parts you need. Therefore, you control your budget from the first day. This guide shows the exact steps and costs to launch with clarity.
What is the Ajman Free Zone Business Setup Cost?
The Ajman Free Zone business setup cost is the total fee for your license and registration. It covers your legal right to trade and your immigration access. This cost stays modular, so you can scale as you grow. Consequently, you avoid paying for services you do not use yet.
The total setup cost usually includes
- Trade License: Your legal permit to work.
- Registration Fee: A one-time charge to start the firm.
- Establishment Card: The fee for your immigration file.
- Workspace Rent: Costs for your desk or office.
However, the base cost excludes:
- Visa Fees: Costs for your residency stamp.
- Bank Deposits: Money kept in your company account.
- Document Stamps: Fees for official paper verification.
Why Ajman Free Zone Offers the Lowest Business Setup Cost in the UAE
Ajman Free Zone keeps costs low by using fast digital systems. Since they remove slow manual steps, you save on processing fees. Also, the zone manages its own land and buildings. Therefore, they pass these savings directly to you.
Main reasons for lower costs
- Online Filing: Digital paths reduce paper and staff work.
- No Middlemen: You deal directly with the local authority.
- Smart Offices: Virtual desks keep your rent at zero.
- Clear Rules: Fast reviews stop expensive setup delays.
As a result, entry costs stay small. This helps you keep more cash for your business growth.
Who Controls Ajman Free Zone Pricing and Approvals
The Ajman Free Zone Authority manages all fees and legal rules. Because they are the only regulator, pricing stays stable and fair. Therefore, you do not face hidden price hikes from third parties.
Central control makes the process very transparent. Also, every payment is logged in a secure digital portal. This builds trust between you and the government. Consequently, your legal status remains safe and officially protected at all times.
Ajman Free Zone License Prices by Business Activity
Ajman Free Zone license costs depend on business activity and visa quota. Entry prices stay low because packages remain modular. Industrial licenses cost more due to facility and utility requirements.
Typical 2026 license price ranges
- Trading License: AED 9,000 – 14,000
Covers import, export, and distribution activities. - Service License: AED 9,000 – 15,000
Applies to consulting, IT, marketing, and professional services. - E-commerce License: AED 6,500 – 11,000
Designed for online stores and digital sales models with reduced office needs. - Industrial License: AED 12,000 – 18,000
Required for manufacturing, assembly, or packaging due to infrastructure approvals.
How Visa Quotas Change Your Total Setup Cost
- Zero-Visa Package: AED 6,000 – 8,500
Best for remote founders and non-resident business owners. - One-Visa Package: AED 10,000 – 14,000
Includes one investor or partner residence visa. - Multi-Visa Packages (2–5 visas): AED 15,000 – 22,000+
Final cost increases based on visa count and office size.
Starting with a zero-visa package keeps entry costs lowest. If UAE residency is required, a one-visa package becomes mandatory. Additional visas can be added later as business needs grow.
Registration and Authority Charges Explained
Registration fees are one-time payments for setting up your company. These cover the legal birth of your business. Therefore, you do not pay them again when you renew next year.
These one-time fees cover
- Name Check: Reserving your unique trade name.
- Certificates: Issuing your official company birth papers.
- Internal Rules: Drafting your MOA document.
- File Setup: Activating your data in the government system.
Because these fees do not repeat, your second-year costs stay low. This makes the zone a great long-term home for startups.
Visa Cost Structure in Ajman Free Zone
Visa planning is a key factor that shapes the final Ajman Free Zone Business Setup Cost for investors and employees. Each residence visa remains valid for two years and includes government processing, medical testing, and Emirates ID issuance.
Typical investor or employee visa cost range
- AED 3,500 – 4,500 per person
This range applies to most standard cases processed inside the UAE.
Standard visa cost components
- Establishment Card: AED 700 – 1,200
Issued annually to activate visa sponsorship rights. - Entry Permit: AED 500 – 700
Required for applicants entering or changing status. - Medical Test & Emirates ID: AED 2,000 – 2,500
Mandatory for all residence visa applicants.
Final visa cost varies based on:
- Inside the UAE or outside the UAE, processing
- Speed of service
- Emirates ID validity period
Family visa cost estimate
- AED 3,500 – 6,000 per dependent
Cost depends on:
- Applicant location at time of processing
- Relationship type
- Emirates ID duration
Family visas require the main investor visa to be fully active before the application. Planning these costs early prevents delays and unexpected expenses.
Office Space Cost Options in Ajman Free Zone
Office selection directly affects total setup cost and visa eligibility in the Ajman Free Zone. Office choice directly changes the total Ajman Free Zone Business Setup Cost because visa eligibility depends on workspace size. The authority links the workspace type to the visa quota and compliance level. Therefore, choosing the right office prevents overspending and approval delays.
Office options and typical 2026 cost ranges
- Virtual Office / Virtual Desk: AED 1,500 – 3,000 per year
Suitable for remote founders and zero-visa licenses.
Meets licensing requirements but does not support visas. - Flexi Desk: AED 5,500 – 9,500 per year
Shared workspace inside the free zone.
Supports one to two visas, depending on the package. - Private Office: AED 14,000 – 25,000+ per year
Dedicated furnished space for operational teams.
Required for multiple visas and staff expansion.
Visa eligibility depends on:
- Office type
- Office size
- Free zone approval
Practical guidance
Most founders begin with a virtual office to keep entry costs low. However, for smoother bank account approval, a flexi desk or private office strengthens credibility by demonstrating physical presence inside the UAE.
Hidden Charges You Must Budget For
Ajman has no secret fees, but some extra services cost money. These usually happen during the banking or document stages. Therefore, keep a small cash reserve for these items.
Common extra costs
- Translations: Turning foreign papers into Arabic.
- Stamps: Official attestation at the Ministry.
- Delivery: Courier fees for your physical license.
- Changes: Fees if you edit your activity later.
Staying aware of these helps you avoid surprises. Also, working with a good agent ensures you see the full list before you pay. Consequently, you launch with a realistic budget.
Shareholder Structure Impact on Total Cost
A company with one owner is cheaper and faster than a group setup. This is because the authority checks every person’s background. Therefore, more owners mean more paperwork and higher staff fees.
How partners change the cost
- Each partner must pass identity checks for security.
- Legal forms require signatures from all shareholders.
- You also need to scan and submit every passport.
If you want speed, start as a solo owner. You can add partners later as the business grows. This keeps your launch simple and affordable.
How Business Activities Affect License Pricing
Your specific industry defines your license fee and your cost category. Some complex industries need extra checks from other departments. Therefore, choose your main activity with care.
Activity cost impacts
- Activity Count: You can usually list three related tasks.
- Permits: Education or health services need extra stamps.
- Special Rules: Making goods needs safety checks.
Broad licenses like General Trading cost more than specific ones. So, start with a focused task to save money. You can upgrade your scope as your sales increase.
Annual Renewal Cost Breakdown
Annual renewal costs usually match your first-year license and office fees. Annual renewal keeps the Ajman Free Zone Business Setup Cost predictable for long-term business owners. Unlike other hubs, Ajman does not add high renewal penalties. But remember that visas renew every two years, not every year.
Your renewal bill includes
- License Fee: To keep your firm legal.
- Lease Rent: To keep your business address.
- ID File: To keep your immigration active.
Plan your budget three months before your license expires. Late payments lead to fines and bank blocks. Therefore, paying on time is the best way to protect your business.
Ajman Free Zone Setup Timeline and Cost Impact
Setting up your company takes one to three working days. This speed saves you money because you can start working right away. But any mistakes in your scans will cause delays and extra fees.
Factors for a fast launch
- Sharp Scans: Avoid blurry passport photos.
- Right Name: Pick a name that meets all rules.
- Selected Tasks: Choose your activities before you apply.
Digital paths mean your license often arrives in 48 hours. This allows you to start banking almost immediately. Consequently, your setup time stays as short as possible.
Bank Account Setup and Cost Impact
UAE banks do not charge a setup fee, but they check your file very carefully. They have strict rules about who they accept. Therefore, you need a perfect business profile to get approved fast.
Banking cost factors
- Profile Writing: Creating a clear plan for the bank.
- Office Checks: Some banks visit your desk to verify you.
- Minimum Balance: Banks want AED 25,000+ in the account.
Good preparation stops the bank from saying no. If they reject you, you lose weeks. So, spending time on your bank file is a vital step.
Corporate Tax and Compliance Cost Impact
The UAE applies a federal corporate tax regime that affects Ajman Free Zone companies based on profit level and qualifying status. While the tax rate stays low, compliance is mandatory for all registered businesses.
Essential corporate tax facts (2025–2026)
- 0% corporate tax applies to taxable profits up to AED 375,000.
- 9% corporate tax applies only to profits exceeding AED 375,000.
- Tax registration is mandatory for all companies, including free zone entities.
- Proper bookkeeping is required to calculate taxable income accurately.
Free Zone qualification clarity
Many Ajman Free Zone companies may continue to benefit from 0% tax on qualifying income, including certain foreign-sourced or non-mainland activities. However, this depends on meeting the Federal Tax Authority’s qualifying criteria and maintaining compliant records.
Compliance cost considerations
- Basic accounting software or professional bookkeeping is required.
- Annual financial records must be retained for audit purposes.
- Non-compliance can trigger penalties even if no tax is payable.
Maintaining clean financial records protects your business from fines and preserves eligibility for free zone tax benefits. For most early-stage Ajman Free Zone startups, corporate tax exposure remains minimal when compliance rules are followed correctly.
License-Specific Cost Scenarios
These examples show realistic first-year cost ranges for common founder profiles in Ajman Free Zone. Each scenario includes licensing, registration, workspace, and visa costs only. Banking balances and optional services remain excluded.
Scenario 1: Solo Online Consultant
- Service License + Virtual Desk: AED 9,000 – 11,000
- Registration & Authority Fees: AED 1,000 – 2,000
- One Investor Visa: AED 3,800 – 4,500
Estimated First-Year Total: AED 14,000 – 17,000
This structure suits consultants, coaches, and remote professionals who need residency with minimal overhead.
Scenario 2: E-commerce Business
- Trading / E-commerce License + Flexi Desk: AED 12,000 – 15,000
- Registration & Authority Fees: AED 2,000 – 3,000
- Two Residence Visas: AED 7,600 – 9,000
Estimated First-Year Total: AED 21,000 – 27,000
This model fits Amazon, Noon, Shopify, and cross-border sellers who require staff visas and basic workspace credibility for banking.
Scenario 3: Light Industrial or Assembly Business
- Industrial License + Approved Facility / Warehouse: AED 18,000 – 25,000
- Registration & Authority Fees: AED 3,000 – 4,000
- Three Residence Visas: AED 11,400 – 13,500
Estimated First-Year Total: AED 32,000 – 42,000
Industrial setups vary widely based on facility size, approvals, and activity classification. Costs scale with operational footprint.
Ajman Free Zone vs Other UAE Free Zones on Cost
Ajman Free Zone remains one of the lowest-cost free zones in the UAE, especially for founders focused on controlled entry and predictable expenses. While Dubai free zones offer global branding, Ajman prioritizes affordability and fast activation. Therefore, Ajman suits founders who want to preserve capital for growth.
2026 realistic cost comparison
- Ajman Free Zone: from AED 9,000
- Sharjah Free Zones: from AED 12,000 – 15,000
- IFZA Dubai: from AED 14,000 – 18,000
- DMCC Dubai: from AED 20,000 – 25,000+
Ajman typically costs 30–45% less than comparable Dubai free zone setups when licensing, office requirements, and renewals are considered together.
For digital businesses, consultants, and e-commerce sellers, physical location carries less weight than license validity and cost efficiency. As a result, Ajman Free Zone remains a preferred option for lean startups and remote-first companies in 2026.
Offshore Comparison for Cost-Focused Founders
Offshore firms are cheap, but they have many limits. They cannot get visas or work inside the UAE. But an Ajman Free Zone firm gives you the best of both worlds. When comparing UAE zones, the Ajman Free Zone Business Setup Cost remains among the lowest entry points.
Why Ajman beats offshore
Residency
You can live in the UAE.
Banking
Local banks trust free zone firms more.
In a real office,
you can have a physical desk.
Ajman is the best place to set up offshore company styles that still need a real UAE presence. It offers privacy with much more power.
Who Should Choose Ajman Free Zone Based on Cost
Ajman fits three types of founders perfectly. If you are one of these, you will get the most value for your money here.
- Digital Nomads: People who work from their laptops and need a low-cost legal base.
- Product Sellers: People selling on Noon or Amazon who need a trading license.
- Experts: Global consultants who need a tax-free hub for their income.
Cost-Saving Strategies That Actually Work
Smart planning helps reduce the overall Ajman Free Zone Business Setup Cost during the first year. Smart founders start small, control visas, and avoid unused upgrades.
How to save more:
- Skip Visas: Don’t buy a visa until you really need to move.
- Use Virtual Desks: Keep your rent at zero for the first year.
- One Activity: Don’t add extra tasks until you start selling.
- Pay Upfront: Ask for a discount if you pay for three years at once.
- Sharp Scans: submit perfect papers to avoid fix-it fees.
Being lean helps you spend more on your customers. This is the best path to success.
Cost Breakdown Summary Table
Use this table to understand the real first-year core costs for an Ajman Free Zone company. Figures reflect entry-level, authority-accepted ranges, not marketing minimums.
| Item | 2026 Price (AED) | Frequency |
| Trade License | 9,000 – 15,000 | Yearly |
| Registration & Authority Fees | 1,000 – 3,000 | One-time |
| Establishment Card | 750 – 1,200 | Yearly |
| Residence Visa (per person) | 3,800 – 4,500 | Every 2 years |
| Virtual / Flexi Desk | 1,500 – 5,000 | Yearly |
| Bank Minimum Balance | 25,000+ | Ongoing |
This table reflects the minimum realistic cost structure accepted by free zone authorities and UAE banks.
Ajman Free Zone Package-Based Costs (2026)
These bundled packages apply to trading and service licenses. Final pricing varies by activity classification and office type.
| Package Name | Visa Quota | Approximate Cost (AED) | Best For |
| Explorer | 0 visas | 9,000 – 14,000 | Remote businesses with no residency need |
| Startup | 1 visa | 12,000 – 17,000 | Solo founders requiring residency |
| Entrepreneur | 2 visas | 15,000 – 20,000 | Small teams or partnerships |
Packages typically include the license, registration, and approved business address. Visas add cost where applicable.
Additional Government and Visa Fees
These charges apply on top of license or package pricing and depend on visa count and service selection.
| Fee Type | Approximate Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Residence Visa Processing (per person) | 3,800 – 4,500 | Entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, stamping |
| Establishment Card | 750 – 1,200 | Required for visa sponsorship |
| VAT | 5% | Applies to most setup and service fees |
Ajman Free Zone business setup cost provides the cheapest way to enter the UAE market. By choosing this hub, you get a legal firm with full control and fast approvals. Therefore, you can grow your business while keeping your costs very low. With Business Link, your setup stays fast, safe, and ready for 2026. Start today and build your future in the UAE’s most affordable zone.
For expert support, call us at +97143215227, WhatsApp +971502052735, or email connect@businesslinkuae.com
FAQs
What is the minimum Ajman Free Zone Business Setup Cost to start a company?
The minimum cost starts from AED 9,000 for a zero-visa starter license package.
Does this cost include visas?
No. Visa fees are separate and apply only if residency is required.
Can foreign owners hold full ownership?
Yes. Ajman Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities.
How fast can I receive the trade license?
Most standard licenses issue within 24 to 48 hours after approval.
Is a physical office mandatory?
No. A flexi-desk or virtual office satisfies licensing requirements.
Does corporate tax apply to Ajman Free Zone companies?
Profits up to AED 375,000 remain taxed at 0%.
Can I open a UAE bank account with this license?
Yes. Most UAE banks accept Ajman Free Zone companies after review.
How often must I renew the license?
License renewal occurs once every 12 months.
