Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a cost-effective free zone for startups and SMEs who want quick licensing, flexible desk/office options, and easy access to Dubai/Sharjah. It supports trading, services, light manufacturing, and e-commerce with straightforward incorporation and renewal.
Why choose AFZ?
- Value pricing: competitive entry packages with optional visa quotas.
- Fast issuance: name approval + license can be completed in a few working days once KYC is cleared.
- Flexible facilities: flexi-desk, smart office, executive office, warehouses in Al Jurf, and land for development.
- E-commerce & trading friendly: straightforward SKUs and import/export support via nearby ports.
- 100% foreign ownership with profit repatriation; no paid-up capital for most service activities.
License types & activities
- Commercial / Trading: single or multi-product trading, re-export.
- Service / Professional: IT, consulting, marketing, design, and similar.
- Industrial / Light Manufacturing: assembly, packaging; approvals may apply.
- E-commerce: online retail with gateway integration and fulfillment options.
- Holding / Investment (case-by-case; check activity matrix).
Visa options
Packages range from 0-visa to multiple visas (Investor + employees). Final quotas depend on the facility type (desk vs office) and plan.
- Investor visa: 2–3 years validity (as per current immigration rules).
- Employees: allocated per package/facility; add more with larger offices.
Timelines (typical)
- Name & initial approval: 1 working day
- License issuance: 1–3 working days after payment & KYC
- Establishment card: ~3–5 working days
- E-visa: ~3–5 working days
- Medical + Emirates ID: ~5–10 working days
Timelines are indicative and depend on activity, approvals, and immigration load.
Documents required
- Passport copy (clear, 6+ months validity) & recent photo
- UAE entry stamp/e-visa or resident visa page (if applicable)
- NOC from current sponsor (for UAE residents, if required)
- 3–5 company name options
- Curriculum vitae / profile (for some professional activities)
- Corporate shareholder? MOA, Certificate of Incumbency/Good Standing, Board Resolution (attested)
Process — step by step
- Choose activity & package (visa quota, facility type)
- Name reservation & initial approval
- KYC and compliance check
- Payment & license issuance
- Establishment card
- E-visa (if applicable)
- Medical test & Emirates ID biometrics
- Visa stamping / issuance
- Bank account opening & portal registrations (VAT, Customs if needed)
Facilities
- Flexi-desk / Smart office: economical address & quota
- Executive offices: higher visa quotas
- Warehouses / industrial plots: for storage, assembly, light manufacturing (approvals apply)
Banking (post-license)
Banks commonly considered by AFZ companies include Wio, Mashreq, FAB, RAKBANK, and Emirates Islamic. Final approval is at the bank’s discretion; keep business plan, invoices, and proof of funds ready.
After setup — compliance
- VAT: mandatory at AED 375,000 taxable supplies; voluntary at AED 187,500
- UBO / ESR: maintain filings where applicable
- Customs code: required for import/export
- Renewal: annual license renewal; visas as per validity
*Pricing is indicative for content purposes. Confirm the latest AFZ offer before publishing.
Starting from: AED 9,900*
Popular activities
- General Trading (soon)
- Import–Export (soon)
- IT Services (soon)
- Management Consultancy (soon)
- E-commerce (soon)
Related guides
- General Trading (soon)
- Import–Export (soon)
- IT Services (soon)
- Management Consultancy (soon)
- E-commerce (soon)