Ajman Freezone Company Formation

What is Ajman Freezone Company Formation?

Ajman Freezone (AFZ), founded in 1988, is one of the UAE’s most dynamic free economic zones. Managed by the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA), it provides investors with direct access to Ajman Port and quick links to Dubai and Sharjah airports. AFZ is designed to attract global businesses by offering cost-effective setup packages, modern facilities, and simplified regulations. Companies established here enjoy full tax exemptions, advanced infrastructure, and wide operational freedom, covering industries from trade and manufacturing to tech, media, and consultancy.

Benefits of Ajman Freezone Company Formation

Affordable Setup & Flexible Payments

Ajman Freezone is known for its low-cost entry packages starting around AED 5,000. AFZ allows businesses to pay fees in instalments. This flexibility reduces financial pressure and makes scaling accessible for startups and SMEs.

100% Foreign Ownership & Repatriation

Investors enjoy complete ownership of their companies without requiring a local partner. AFZ also allows unrestricted repatriation of profits and capital, ensuring full control over earnings with no currency limitations.

Comprehensive Tax Exemptions

Businesses benefit from zero corporate tax, zero personal income tax, and exemptions from import and export duties making AFZ an ideal jurisdiction for profit maximization and global expansion.

Broad Industry Access

The free zone supports trading, industrial, consultancy, e-commerce, education, healthcare, creative and more sectors. Its wide scope ensures opportunities for entrepreneurs, holding companies, and multinationals alike.

Strategic Location & Logistics Advantage

AFZ’s proximity to Ajman Port, major highways, and nearby airports provides direct access to regional and international trade routes. This reduces shipping times and optimizes supply chain efficiency.

Permitted Business Activities

Trading Activities

Import, export, wholesale, and retail trade in electronics, textiles, furniture, cosmetics, food, and more. General Trading Licenses allow handling multiple products under one license, ideal for distributors.

E-Commerce

Online retailers, drop shippers, and marketplace operators can launch fully digital businesses. Flex-desks and virtual offices minimize costs while enabling compliance for regional and global sales.

Professional & Consultancy Services

IT, HR, engineering, finance, marketing, and training firms thrive under AFZ. No warehouse or retail front is needed, making this license ideal for service-based or advisory businesses.

Media & Creative Enterprises

Film production, publishing, design, advertising, and content creation are supported through AFZ and Ajman Media City Freezone. Flexible licensing empowers both freelancers and larger teams.

Industrial & Manufacturing

Companies engaged in assembly, fabrication, food processing, textiles, and electronics can lease warehouses or plots. AFZ supports light industrial operations with low utilities and strong logistics.

Education & Training

Licenses are available for schools, academies, vocational centers, and training institutes. The Freezone assists in curriculum approvals, ensuring compliance with UAE education authorities.

Healthcare & Wellness

Clinics, diagnostic labs, nutrition and therapy centers, and medical device distributors can be established in AFZ. Activities requiring MOH approval are supported through regulatory assistance.

Logistics & Warehousing

AFZ supports freight forwarding, cargo handling, storage, and 3PL solutions. Its location by Ajman Port and major highways makes it ideal for regional logistics hubs.

Technology & Digital Services

Businesses in AI, fintech, app development, cybersecurity, and blockchain can register under service or e-commerce licenses. AFZ provides flexible options for scaling tech ventures.

Holding & Investment Structures

SPVs for asset holding, shareholding, and family offices can be established. These entities are non-operational but provide asset protection and tax efficiency.

Legal Entity Types in Ajman Freezone

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

The Free Zone Establishment is a structure created for single shareholders, either an individual or a corporate body, giving them complete control with 100% foreign ownership. It offers limited liability protection, ensuring the shareholder’s personal assets remain secure even if the company faces losses or debt. This entity is especially suited for consultants, solo entrepreneurs, or international corporations that want a wholly owned subsidiary in the UAE.

Free Zone Company (FZC)

The Free Zone Company is designed for multiple shareholders, usually between two and five, who may be individuals, corporate entities, or a combination of both. It provides the flexibility of shared ownership while maintaining the advantages of limited liability, making it attractive for partnerships, SMEs, or joint ventures. With higher visa quotas and room for scalability, this structure is often chosen by growing firms, agencies, and startups planning long-term operations.

Branch of Local or Foreign Company

A Branch acts as a legal extension of an already established company, either within the UAE or abroad, and operates under the same name and business activities. While it does not have a separate legal identity, it allows businesses to enjoy free zone benefits such as tax exemptions and full profit repatriation. This model is commonly used by multinational firms and large organizations seeking to expand into Ajman Freezone while keeping centralized control with the parent company.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Choose Business Activity & License

Select the activity that matches your business model. AFZ allows multiple compatible activities under one license.

2. Decide Legal Structure & Name

Choose between FZE, FZC, or branch. Select a compliant trade name following AFZA guidelines.

3. Submit Application & Documents

Provide passport copies, visa, photos, proof of address, business plan, and parent company docs (if branch).

4. Obtain License & Incorporation Docs

Receive trade license, lease agreement, and MOA to begin operations and open bank accounts.

5. Get Establishment Card & Visas

Secure immigration cards and apply for investor or employee visas, including medicals and Emirates IDs.

6. Open Corporate Bank Account

Meet bank requirements with company documents and Emirates ID. DSA facilitates introductions and KYC compliance.

7. Launch Operations & Stay Compliant

Start trading, hiring, and invoicing while maintaining renewals, VAT filings, and AFZA compliance.

Documents Required

How DSA Helps

Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey from initial planning to long-term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on-ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.

Business Planning & Jurisdiction Comparison
Trade Name Reservation & Licensing Approvals
Legal Documentation, Drafting & Translation
Workspace & Tenancy Solutions
Bank Account Opening & Compliance Setup
Visa & Immigration Processing
PRO & Legal Documentation Services
Post-Incorporation Support & Growth Enablement

Why Choose Us?

At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates.

Extensive Experience

End-to-End Service

Transparent Pricing

Global Perspective

Personalized Approach

Comprehensive Network

FAQs

Packages start at AED 5,000 and increase based on activities, office size, and visas. Installment plans make AFZ highly affordable.

Licenses can be issued within 24 hours, while full incorporation with visas and banking usually takes 2–4 weeks.

Yes, AFZ permits full ownership with complete profit repatriation and no need for a local sponsor.

No, flex-desk and virtual office options are available. Larger offices may be required for higher visa quotas.

Investor visas for shareholders and employment visas for staff are available. Quotas scale with your package and office size.

Yes, but banks require strict compliance. DSA’s banking team helps prepare documentation and arrange introductions to fast-track approvals.

Yes, AFZ imposes no restrictions on repatriation of funds internationally.

Trade licenses, visas, and leases must be renewed annually. Companies must also comply with VAT and accounting requirements.

Yes, AFZ allows related activities under the same license, reducing costs and administrative burden.

Absolutely. AFZ offers flexi-desks, digital licensing, and low-cost packages designed for entrepreneurs and small teams.