United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Ajman Free Zone

Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZ)

Formation Time
1–3 business days
Min. Capital
AED 0 (No minimum)
Corporate Tax
0% qualifying income / 9% standard
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ), established in 1988, is one of the most accessible and budget-friendly free zones in the United Arab Emirates. Strategically positioned at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf near Ajman Port and just 30 minutes from Dubai, AFZ has attracted over 10,000 international entrepreneurs, e-commerce retailers, trading firms, and freelancers. AFZ is famous for its zero minimum capital requirement, paperless digital incorporation, installment payment options for license fees, and economical flexi-desk setups.

From AED 9,000 starting cost
Zero minimum capital
100% remote digital setup
Installment payment options
0% QFZP tax potential

Why Choose Ajman Free Zone

1

One of the most cost-effective business incorporation hubs in the UAE

2

Zero minimum share capital requirement for company formation

3

Fast 24-to-48-hour digital incorporation without mandatory physical presence

4

Flexible installment payment plans for government licensing packages

5

0% corporate tax on Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) income

6

Strategically located adjacent to Ajman Port and within 30 minutes of Dubai and Sharjah airports

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
FZE (Free Zone Establishment - Single Owner)100%1No minimum capital requirement0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT above AED 375,000Solo entrepreneurs, e-commerce merchants, digital consultants, freelancers
FZC (Free Zone Company - Multiple Owners)100%1No minimum capital requirement0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT above AED 375,000Trading partnerships, SME importers/exporters, multi-founder digital agencies
Freelancer License100%N/ANone0% personal tax; 9% CIT applies only if business revenue exceeds AED 1,000,000Designers, software developers, writers, marketing specialists

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Online Application & Name Reservation

1 day

Submit passport scans and select commercial or service activities.

2

License Package & Tenancy

1 day

Select Smart Office flexi-desk or executive suite package.

3

License Issuance

1 day

Receive official AFZ digital trade license and chamber of commerce registration.

4

Immigration Establishment Card

3–5 days

Issue establishment card to enable UAE residence visa applications.

5

Residence Visas & Bank Account

2–3 weeks

Complete medical test, biometrics, and open UAE corporate bank account.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeAED 9,000+
Our Service FeeUSD 1,800 – 3,200
Annual RenewalAED 8,500+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

AFZ companies can open accounts with traditional and digital UAE banks. Neobanks like Wio Business and Mashreq NeoBiz provide fast approval for AFZ e-commerce and consultancy companies.

Account Opening Time
1–3 weeks
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Wio BusinessMashreq BankCommercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)Ajman BankEmirates NBD

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
0% on Qualifying Income; 9% on Non-Qualifying Income above AED 375,000
Personal Income Tax
0%
VAT / Sales Tax
5% standard VAT rate (exports of services and goods outside UAE zero-rated)
Capital Gains Tax
0%
Withholding Tax
0%
Double Tax Treaties
137 countries

Qualifying Free Zone Persons that maintain adequate local substance and trade with foreign markets qualify for 0% corporate tax under UAE Corporate Tax Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for my Ajman Free Zone license in installments?
Yes. Ajman Free Zone is one of the few free zones in the UAE that offers flexible installment payment plans (via post-dated cheques or credit card installments) for company licensing and office packages.
Is there a minimum capital requirement in Ajman Free Zone?
No. Ajman Free Zone does not impose a mandatory minimum paid-up share capital requirement for FZE or FZC company formations, significantly lowering upfront cash requirements.
Can I incorporate an Ajman Free Zone company without visiting the UAE?
Yes. The entire incorporation process can be carried out 100% remotely. You only need to visit the UAE for 2 to 3 days later to complete medical screening and biometrics for your UAE residence visa.
How does UAE Corporate Tax apply to Ajman Free Zone companies?
AFZ is a recognized Free Zone under UAE Corporate Tax Law. An entity that registers as a QFZP, maintains substance, and earns qualifying income from foreign clients or other free zones pays 0% corporate tax. Small businesses with total revenue below AED 3,000,000 can also apply for Small Business Relief (SBR).
What is the cost of setting up an e-commerce company in AFZ?
An e-commerce license package in Ajman Free Zone starts from approximately AED 9,000 to AED 12,000, which includes the commercial trade license, smart desk facility, and eligibility for 1 to 2 residence visas.
How many visas can I get with an Ajman Free Zone license?
The number of visas depends on the office package selected. A basic Smart Office or flexi-desk package includes 1 to 3 visa allocations, while dedicated executive offices and warehouses provide higher visa quotas.