Can I get a 100 % foreign-owned company in Ajman Free Zone?

Yes. AFZ allows 100 % foreign ownership in all permitted activities without a local sponsor.

How long does company formation take in 2026?

From application to visa stamping, the entire process takes 5–10 working days if documents are complete.

Is there a minimum capital requirement?

No. AFZ does not impose a minimum share capital for standard LLC licences.

Can I run an e-commerce business from a flexi-desk?

Yes, but you must still obtain an Ejari tenancy contract and a valid trading licence.

What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?

A grace period of 30 days applies; after that a daily fine of AED 100 is charged until renewal.

Ajman Free Zone Company Setup Cost 2026

Quick answer

Expect AED 15,000–22,000 all-in for a single-shareholder limited-liability company in Ajman Free Zone in 2026, including the licence, one 2-year visa, Ejari tenancy contract, medical test and Emirates ID. Renewals drop to AED 10,000–13,000 every year after that. Always verify the exact fee with AFZ before you pay.

Why choose Ajman Free Zone?

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is the smallest of the UAE’s mainland free zones, yet it offers 100 % foreign ownership, 0 % corporate and personal tax for 50 years, and licence packages 30 % cheaper than Dubai or Abu Dhabi mainland. The emirate’s low living costs also make it attractive for first-time founders who want to keep overheads low.

2026 licence packages & what you actually pay

Standard 3-activity trading licence

Initial licence fee: AED 12,500–14,500 (one year, up to three activities)
Flexi-desk or warehouse: AED 4,000–7,500 (Ejari contract required)
Registration & admin: AED 1,500
Total first-year cash out: AED 18,000–23,500

Professional services licence (consulting, IT, marketing)

Licence fee: AED 11,000–13,000
Flexi-desk: AED 3,500–5,000
Admin: AED 1,000
Total first-year: AED 15,500–19,000

AFZ publishes prices on its portal; confirm the current tariff before you sign.

Visas: how many you get and what they cost

Every company is entitled to two 2-year residence visas for every 100 m² of leased space. A flexi-desk package usually supports one investor visa plus one employee visa. Budget AED 3,500 per visa for medical + Emirates ID + stamping. Add AED 300 typing fee per application.

Step-by-step: Ajman Free Zone company formation in 2026

Reserve your company name (AED 200, valid 30 days).
Choose activities and submit online application with passport copies.
Receive preliminary approval within 1–2 working days.
Sign the tenancy contract (Ejari) at AFZ-approved broker.
Pay the licence invoice via bank transfer or card.
Complete medical fitness test at AFZ clinic or authorised centre (AED 700).
Collect Emirates ID and stamped visa—ready to open corporate bank account.

Common mistakes expats make

Underestimating annual renewal costs; many assume the first-year price is recurring.
Forgetting to budget for 5 % VAT on licence fees and 5 % municipality tax on rent.
Choosing too many activities; each extra activity adds AED 1,500–2,000 per year.
Skipping Ejari registration—your visa stamping will be rejected.

Cost comparison: Ajman Free Zone vs Dubai mainland vs DMCC

Item	Ajman Free Zone	Dubai Mainland	DMCC
First-year licence	AED 12,500–14,500	AED 15,000–20,000	AED 35,000+
Flexi-desk rent	AED 4,000–7,500	AED 12,000–18,000	AED 25,000
Investor visa cost	AED 3,500	AED 4,500	AED 5,500
Renewal (year 2+)	AED 10,000–13,000	AED 12,000–15,000	AED 30,000

Tips to keep your 2026 setup under AED 18,000

Start with a professional-services licence; it is AED 1,500 cheaper than trading.
Share a flexi-desk with another founder to split the Ejari cost.
Pay the full two-year package when available—AFZ offers 10 % discount.
Use the free online portal to avoid typing-centre fees.
Book medical test slots early; walk-ins cost AED 200 more.

Bank account opening after licensing

Most founders open a corporate account with RAKBANK or Commercial Bank of Dubai in Ajman. Expect 2–4 weeks processing. Bring: licence, tenancy contract, passport copies, business plan, and proof of address. Minimum balance is usually AED 10,000, waived for the first six months.

Key takeaway

Ajman Free Zone remains the most affordable mainland free-zone option for 2026, with total first-year costs between AED 15,000 and AED 22,000 including one visa. Budget an extra AED 3,500–4,000 for each additional visa and keep AED 10,000–13,000 aside for annual renewal. Verify the latest fees directly on the AFZ portal or with their client-relations team before you transfer any funds.