How long does it take to get an Ajman free zone licence in 2026?

AFZA issues most licences within 5-7 working days once all documents and payment are received.

Can I apply for an Ajman free zone company while outside the UAE?

Yes. The entire process can be completed remotely using a local service provider with power of attorney.

What is the minimum capital required for an Ajman free zone company?

There is no minimum share capital mandated by AFZA for most activities; however, banks may ask for AED 50,000 when opening accounts.

Do I need a physical office in Ajman Free Zone?

A flexi-desk or co-working package from an AFZA-approved provider is sufficient and legally accepted.

Can I hire staff outside the free zone with an Ajman licence?

Yes. After obtaining your licence you can sponsor employees and open a mainland branch if needed through ICP.

How to Apply for Free Zone Company in Ajman 2026

Quick answer

Applying for a free zone company in Ajman in 2026 is a straightforward four-step process: choose your activity, reserve the name, submit documents through the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA), and receive your licence within 5-7 working days. Expect a starting package of AED 12,000-15,000 depending on activity and visa requirements. Always verify the latest fees with AFZA before payment.

Why Ajman Free Zone is popular with expats

Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) is the smallest but often the fastest and most cost-effective free zone in the UAE. 100 % foreign ownership, zero personal or corporate tax for qualifying income, and the ability to trade within the UAE and internationally make it attractive for consultants, e-commerce sellers, and light manufacturers.

Step-by-step: how to apply for a free zone company in Ajman

1. Choose your legal structure and activity

Most expats start with a Limited Liability Company (LLC-FZ) or a Branch. Pick an activity from AFZA’s approved list—trading, consulting, IT services, and light industrial are common. Activities determine the minimum space and visa allocation.

2. Reserve your trade name

Use AFZA’s online portal or approved business centres to check and reserve a name. The name must follow UAE rules: no religious or political references, and it must include your legal structure suffix (LLC-FZ).

3. Prepare and submit documents

Typical documents include:

Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
Passport-size photos
Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
Business plan (only for certain industrial activities)
Completed AFZA application form

Upload everything via the AFZA e-portal. If you need visas, add medical fitness and Emirates ID requirements later.

4. Pay fees and receive your licence

Pay the package fee (starting AED 12,000 for a 0-visa consultancy licence). AFZA issues the licence, Articles of Association, and share certificates within 5-7 working days. You can then open a corporate bank account and apply for residence visas.

2026 fees you should know

AFZA publishes an official price list every January. The most common packages for 2026 are:

Consultancy licence, 0 visas: AED 12,000-13,500
Trading licence, 2 visas: AED 18,000-22,000
Light industrial, 3 visas: AED 25,000-30,000

Additional costs include medical test (AED 1,200), Emirates ID (AED 370), and Ejari tenancy contract for flexi-desk (AED 2,500-4,000). Always verify current fee with AFZA before payment.

Common mistakes expats make

Choosing an activity that later needs extra approvals from Dubai or federal ministries
Forgetting to budget for annual renewal fees (around 70 % of setup cost)
Using a residential address on the application instead of a free-zone approved flexi-desk
Not checking whether their nationality requires extra security clearance

Comparison: Ajman vs other UAE free zones

Factor	Ajman Free Zone	DMCC (Dubai)	IFZA (Dubai)
Minimum package 2026	AED 12,000	AED 25,000	AED 12,900
Time to licence	5-7 days	10-14 days	3-5 days
Distance to Dubai	30 min drive	Inside Dubai	45 min drive
Best for	Cost-conscious consultants, e-commerce	Commodities, high-profile firms	Fast setup, multiple visas

Tips for a smooth application

Use an AFZA-approved business centre for the Ejari tenancy contract; it speeds up approval.
Opt for a 3-year licence if you plan to stay long-term—saves roughly 15 % versus renewing annually.
Prepare digital copies of all documents in PDF under 2 MB each to avoid portal rejections.
Book your medical fitness test slot at Al Muwaihat or Al Jurf centres before you submit the visa stage.

After you receive your licence

Within 30 days you must:

Open a corporate bank account (Emirates NBD, RAKBANK, and Mashreq have Ajman branches)
Register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority if turnover exceeds AED 375,000
Apply for residence visas for shareholders and employees
Get a UAE phone number and open a local business bank account for DEWA and Etisalat bills

Key takeaway

Setting up a free zone company in Ajman in 2026 remains one of the quickest and most affordable ways for expats to start a 100 % foreign-owned business in the UAE. Follow the four clear steps—activity selection, name reservation, document submission, and payment—and budget for both setup and annual running costs. Verify every fee directly with AFZA and use approved service providers to avoid delays.