Free zone · Ajman
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) Company Setup
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a free zone in the Emirate of Ajman, next to Ajman Port, that issues business (commercial), industrial and sole professional licences with up to 100% company ownership. It offers FZE, FZC and branch structures and premises from business-centre desks and offices to warehouses, land and on-site accommodation.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about AFZ
- Emirate
- Ajman
- Location
- Next to Ajman Port
- Licence types
- Business (commercial), industrial, sole professional (freelancer)
- Entity types
- FZE, FZC, branch of a local company, branch of a foreign company
- Process
- Fully digitised setup
- Ownership
- 100% company ownership
What is AFZ and how does it work?
Ajman Free Zone is one of the longer-established free zones in the northern emirates and sits next to Ajman Port, which helps trading and light industrial companies that ship goods. It markets a fully digitised setup process and a broad range of premises at lower cost than many Dubai zones.
The zone groups specialised premises into hubs, including a freelancer and pioneers hub, an e-commerce hub, an AI and robotics hub and an eco-friendly zone, alongside conventional offices, warehouses and land. Branches of local and foreign companies can also be registered there.
Activities
What can a AFZ company do?
- General and specialised trading
- Light manufacturing and industrial
- E-commerce
- Freelance and professional services
- Technology, AI and robotics
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Business centre and executive offices
- Freelancer and pioneers hub
- E-commerce and AI robotics hubs
- Warehouses and land
- On-site accommodation
Visas
How many visas can a AFZ company get?
Visa entitlement depends on your licence and premises; warehouses and offices support more visas than business-centre desks. Visas follow the standard medical, Emirates ID and stamping steps.
Tax
How is a AFZ company taxed?
AFZ companies must register for UAE corporate tax and may apply 0% to qualifying income as Qualifying Free Zone Persons, with 9% on other taxable income. Goods moving through Ajman Port to the mainland are subject to customs and VAT rules.
Good fit
Who is AFZ best for?
- Budget-conscious traders and start-ups
- Light manufacturers needing warehouses or land
- Freelancers needing a sole professional licence
- Companies using Ajman Port
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Firms needing a Dubai address for clients
- Regulated financial or healthcare businesses
- Retail aimed at walk-in mainland customers
Process
How to set up a company in AFZ
-
01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
-
03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
-
05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
-
06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in AFZ.
- 01
Choose the licence type: business, industrial or sole professional.
- 02
Decide between FZE, FZC or a branch of an existing company.
- 03
Pick premises from the business centre to warehouses or land.
- 04
If you ship through Ajman Port, plan customs and VAT for mainland deliveries.
- 05
Check how many visas your premises support.
Frequently asked
Questions about AFZ
What licences does Ajman Free Zone offer?
Business (commercial) licences, industrial licences for manufacturing, and a sole professional licence offered as a freelancer package.
Can a foreign company open a branch in Ajman Free Zone?
Yes. AFZ registers branches of foreign companies and branches of local UAE companies, as well as new FZE and FZC entities.
Is Ajman Free Zone cheaper than Dubai free zones?
Northern-emirate zones such as AFZ often have lower premises costs than Dubai zones, but the total depends on activity, premises and visas. We compare real quotes for your case.
Does Ajman Free Zone have warehouses?
Yes. AFZ offers warehouses and land next to Ajman Port, along with offices, business-centre desks and on-site accommodation.
Does Ajman Free Zone offer accommodation?
Yes. Ajman Free Zone lists on-site accommodation among its facilities, alongside offices, warehouses and land.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Not sure AFZ is right?
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