Ajman Free Zone Authority
Established in 1998 under Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1996, the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) sits at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf. Its location—just 30 minutes from Dubai, 10 minutes from Sharjah, and close to two international airports and four seaports making it an ideal launchpad for trade across both Western and Eastern markets. AFZA is renowned for straightforward rules, no hidden fees, and some of the most cost-effective business setup packages in the UAE.
Benefits of Company Formation in Ajman Free Zone
- Downtown free-zone location – the UAE’s only downtown free zone
- 100 % foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits
- Zero taxes and duties – no corporate, personal, import, or export taxes
- Easy access to Dubai and Sharjah sea- & airports via federal highways
- 20-year renewable leases and fast-track licence issuance
- Smart offices & robust infrastructure with uninterrupted utilities
- Industrial land & warehouses at competitive rates
- Skilled talent pool readily available
Types of Business Setup Allowed in AFZA
- Ajman Free Zone Entity (FZE) – single shareholder
- Ajman Free Zone Company (FZC) – multiple shareholders
- Branch of a Foreign Company
- Branch of a Local (UAE) Company
Ajman Free Zone Licences
| Licence Type | Purpose | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Licence | Up to 3 trading activities per licence | E.g., garments trading |
| E-Commerce Licence | Online trading & digital platforms | Includes marketing & tech support |
| Professional Services Licence | Consultancy, IT, marketing, etc. | For service-oriented firms |
| Industrial Licence | Manufacturing & assembly | Warehouses and smart stores provided |
| National Industrial Licence | GCC majority ownership (≥51 %) & ≥40 % manufacturing in AFZA | Duty-free exports within GCC |
| Offshore Licence | No physical presence | Ideal for holding or virtual operations |
Facilities in Ajman Free Zone
- Smart Offices – cost-effective workstations with 2 visas
- Executive Offices – prime location, 5 visas, secure parking
- Warehouses – modular units from 100 m² with full utilities
- Industrial land – serviced land tailored to large factories
Registering a Company in Ajman Free Zone
Basic Requirements
- Obtain the relevant trade licence.
- Lease office space inside the free zone (desk, office, or warehouse).
- No resident manager, director, or UAE residency required for owners.
Key Decision Points
- Select exact business activity.
- Decide number of visas needed.
- Choose office size (determines visa quota).
Other Rules
- Suffixes: FZE (single owner) or FZC (multiple owners).
- The total share capital on the license needs to be minimum AED 100000.
- Mainland/foreign branches and subsidiaries are permitted.
Documents Required for Company Formation
| For FZE / FZC | For Branch (Foreign) | For Branch (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Three proposed names | Certificate of Incorporation | Trade Licence copy |
| Passport copy (owner/manager) | Memorandum & Articles of Association | |
| NOC from employer (if any) | Board resolution to establish branch | |
| Visa or entry-stamp copy | Power of Attorney for AFZA registration | |
| 6–8 passport photos (white background) | Consular attestation of all documents | |
| Brief business plan |
How to Form a Single-Owner Company (FZE)
- Provide passport copy of the owner.
- Submit a business plan (service/consulting) or detailed manufacturing brief (industrial).
- Confirm desired activities and obtain any special approvals.
- File the company-name reservation.
- Appoint a legal manager for the process.
- After name approval, receive initial approval.
- Owner & manager visit AFZA once to sign documents.
- Settle all fees; receive full company documents the next day.
How to Form a Corporate-Owned Company
If the parent company is foreign, supply:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board resolution / shareholder resolution
- Power of Attorney authorising the AFZA process
- All documents attested by the UAE consulate in the home country
Multiple-Payment Plan
AFZA is the only UAE free zone offering instalment payments:
- Pay fees in 2, 3, or 6 cheques (first in cash; remaining post-dated).
- Cheques must be from a UAE bank.
- Foreign investors may use a friend’s/relative’s chequebook with a valid NOC and 3-month bank statement.
