Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Ajman Free Zone is one of the UAE's established, low-cost free zones known for budget-friendly entry packages, broad activity selection, and proximity to Ajman Port. It's best for cost-sensitive SMEs and trading/e-commerce firms that want UAE credibility without Dubai-tier pricing, while accepting that visas and banking still follow full compliance rules.
From
AED 5,555
Established
1988
Companies
9,000
Max Visas
8
Banking
Moderate
AFZ Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kickstarter (0 Visa) | AED 5,555 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 5,555 | AED 5,555 |
| 1 Visa Package (Trading/Service) Multi-year totals available for physical office packages; verify with AFZ/agents. | AED 7,531 | 1 | Flexi Desk | AED 13,451 | AED 9,851 |
| 2 Visa Package (Trading/Service) Installment plans up to 6 months depending on package. | AED 12,012 | 2 | Flexi Desk | AED 21,852 | AED 14,652 |
| Physical Office Package (3 Visas) Multi-year example: 3 visas — 2-year AED 53,550; 3-year AED 71,400; 4-year AED 89,250. | AED 16,950 | 3 | Private Office | AED 30,710 | AED 19,910 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Among the UAE's cheapest free zone options — 0-visa starter licenses from AED 5,555
- Huge activity catalog with over 3,500 business activities
- Digital-first: fully digitized setup and customer portal
- All-inclusive packages covering license, lease, establishment card, visa, medical, and Emirates ID
- Banking facilitation via partnerships with Mashreq, RAKBANK, ruya, and Ajman Bank
- Installment payment plans available (up to 6 months depending on package)
- Fast visa stamping: up to 4 days normal service, 2 days urgent
Watch out for
- Visa quotas depend on business package and facility — cheapest options limit hiring flexibility
- Refundable deposits can affect cash flow: AED 20,000 office guarantee and AED 3,000 per person in some cases
- Medical reports accepted only from Al Hamidiya Health Center in Ajman
- Bank accounts facilitated but not guaranteed — standard vetting and compliance checks apply
- Authorized share capital around AED 185,000 for certain entity structures — higher than some ultra-cheap zones
- Official cost calculator outputs estimates dynamically; fixed package prices mostly from third-party consultancies
Visa Information
Max Quota
8 visas
Depends on business package and facility. Up to 8 visas for certain packages.
Processing Time
4 days
Renewal Cost
AED 3,600
Every 2–3 years
Dependent Visa
AED 3,500
Family sponsorship possible; certain guarantees/deposits may be required (AED 3,000 per person in some cases).
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,600
Investor Visa
AED 3,600
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical V I P
AED 850
Emirates Id Typing
AED 390
Up to 4 days normal service, 2 days urgent. Timelines vary by applicant status.
Banking
Partner Banks
Multiple formal partnerships to speed up corporate account opening (Mashreq, RAKBANK, ruya, Ajman Bank). Expect standard KYC/UBO compliance checks; prepare clear activity description, invoices, UBO documentation, and proof of address.
Features
Mainland Trading
Requires onshore branch or local distributor arrangement for mainland sales.
Physical Office Required
Both physical and virtual options available. Some freelance setups limited to virtual office + 1 visa.
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
Shared Ownership
Up to 5 shareholders for entry packages.
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
Fully digitized setup and customer portal.
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Not universally mandated by AFZ; many companies still do audits for banking and corporate tax compliance.
Share Capital Requirement
AED 185,000 authorized capital (proof of payment not typically required at registration).
Easy Payment Plan
Installment plans up to 6 months depending on package.
Special Ecosystems
Recent Developments
- Apr 2025: DLD and AFZA sign MoC to streamline freehold property ownership for AFZA companies
- Jan 2025: Ministry of Finance signs MoC with Ajman Free Zones for enhanced tax information exchange
- Nov 2024: Etihad Credit Insurance partners with AFZA for exporter insurance and financing
- Jul 2024: AFZA partners with ruya for digital business banking (no minimum balance)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ajman Free Zone cost in 2026?
Entry pricing starts around AED 5,555 for a 0-visa starter license. A 1-visa trading/service package is around AED 13,131 and a 2-visa package around AED 21,212 (varies by activity and facility).
How many business activities does Ajman Free Zone offer?
AFZ offers over 3,500 business activities. Check the official activity list to confirm your ISIC code and license type.
How long does it take to stamp a new visa in Ajman Free Zone?
Up to 4 days with normal service and 2 days with urgent service. Timelines can vary based on applicant status.
How much is an Ajman Free Zone visa including medical and Emirates ID?
About AED 3,600 per person for visa + medical + Emirates ID. Additional e-channel fees and refundable deposits may apply depending on package.
Can I open a corporate bank account with an Ajman Free Zone license?
Yes, AFZ has partnerships with Mashreq, RAKBANK, ruya, and Ajman Bank to facilitate onboarding. Approval still depends on KYC/UBO checks and business activity risk.
Do I need a physical office in Ajman Free Zone?
No, AFZ provides both physical and virtual options. Note that some freelance setups are limited to virtual office + 1 visa only.
Can I sponsor my family under Ajman Free Zone?
Yes, family sponsorship is possible subject to rules. Certain guarantees/deposits may apply (e.g., AED 3,000 per person guarantee in some cases).
Ready to set up with AFZ?
Get a personalised quote for your AFZ business setup. Compare packages and find the best deal.
Starting From
AED 5,555 /yr