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Business Setup

Ajman Free Zone License Cost 2026: Complete Breakdown by Business Activity

by Adnan Dahhan |

August 24, 2026

Are you looking for a most cost-effective free zone for e-commerce businesses, trading companies, and doing freelance?  Ajman Freezone is the right option as it comes with affordable business setup packages, digital setup process, and flexible visa options make it particularly attractive to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the estimated Ajman Free Zone Company Setup Cost 2026 and explains how costs differ by business activity.

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Trusted by 13,000+ entrepreneurs, Dahhan Business Services provides expert guidance on providing business setup solutions and PRO services across the UAE. The Ajman Free Zone is one of the UAE’s most cost-effective jurisdictions for freelancers, e-commerce businesses, trading companies, and industrial investors.

Business Setup in Ajman Free Zone

Ajman Free Zone offers affordable packages, digital setup process and flexible visa options make it particularly attractive to startups and SMEs. The Dubai free zone license cost in 2026 starts from approximately AED 4,888 for selected zero-visa packages. However, this starting price may not represent the complete cost of establishing and operating your business. Your final investment will depend on your selected business activity, license category, number of shareholders, visa requirements, workspace and any external approvals needed.

With more than 3,500 approved business activities, covering commercial trading, professional services, manufacturing, e-commerce, and several specialized industries, Ajman Free Zone works best for startups and SMEs. Dahhan Business Services provides an interactive online cost calculator based on the applicant’s activity, shareholders, visa requirement, and office preferences. Try out this cost calculator can provide you a breakdown of the estimated Ajman Free Zone company setup cost in 2026 and explains how costs different by business activity.

Ajman Free Zone License Cost by Business Activity

E-Commerce License - Estimated cost: From AED 5,555

An e-commerce licence is suitable for businesses selling goods or services through websites, social media, online marketplaces and mobile applications.

Ajman Free Zone officially advertises an e-commerce package starting from AED 5,555. The basic package may include:

Business licence

Registered company name

Company incorporation documents

Eligibility to apply for a UAE business bank account

Access to a co-working space

100% foreign ownership

Approved e-commerce categories include fashion retail, food and beverage products, jewellery and precious stones, automotive products, media and entertainment, industrial equipment, event ticketing and home or office products.

Additional charges may apply if you require residence visas, product-specific approvals, a warehouse, customs registration, payment-gateway support or an import code.

Professional and Service License  - Estimated cost: AED 9,000–15,000

A service licence authorises a company to provide professional or consultancy services. Professional license is commonly selected for:

Business consultancy

Marketing and advertising

IT consultancy

Software services

Management consultancy

Training and education support

Design and creative services

Human resources consultancy

Project management

Technical consultancy

The cost depends on the exact activity and whether external approval is required. Certain regulated activities, such as education, finance, healthcare or legal consultancy, may need permission from another government authority.

Ajman Free Zone describes its service licence as suitable for consultancy activities across different industries, with workspace options ranging from business-centre facilities to private and executive offices.

Commercial or Trading License - Estimated cost: AED 10,000–20,000+

A commercial licence is required for companies engaged in the import, export, storage or distribution of specified goods.

Suitable activities include:

Garments and textiles trading

Electronics trading

Auto spare parts trading

Building materials trading

Furniture trading

Foodstuff trading

Cosmetics trading

Machinery and equipment trading

Household products trading

Packaging material trading

The licence cost can increase depending on the number and type of products included. Businesses handling physical goods should also budget for warehousing, customs registration, logistics and any product approvals.

A standard commercial licence generally covers specified products. It should not be confused with a general trading licence, which allows a broader range of unrelated product categories.

General Trading License  - Estimated cost: AED 15,000–25,000+

A general trading licence allows a company to trade in a wider range of permitted products under one licence.

It is appropriate for entrepreneurs who plan to:

Import and export multiple product categories

Operate wholesale or distribution businesses

Supply goods to international markets

Manage several product lines through one company

Re-export products through UAE ports

Because of its broader scope, a general trading licence normally costs more than a single-activity commercial licence. The business may also require warehouse space, customs registration and product-related approvals.

The exact permitted scope should be confirmed before registration because restricted goods and regulated products cannot automatically be added under a standard general trading licence.

Freelancer License - Estimated cost: AED 6,000–9,000

The Ajman Free Zone freelancer package is designed for individuals providing specialised services under their own professional name.

Popular freelance categories may include:

Graphic design

Content writing

Photography

Digital marketing

Web development

IT services

Media production

Education support

Event management

Business consultancy

Ajman Free Zone describes the freelancer package as a cost-effective option with flexible co-working facilities. Eligible applicants may also have access to residence visa and family sponsorship options, subject to the selected package and immigration approval.

A freelancer licence is different from forming an FZE or FZC company. Applicants should compare both options based on their plans for hiring employees, adding shareholders and expanding their operations.

Industrial or Manufacturing License - Estimated licence cost: AED 17,000–25,000+

The total investment for an industrial company will usually be considerably higher because industrial activities require suitable operational premises.

An industrial licence may allow a company to:

Import raw materials

Manufacture approved products

Assemble or process goods

Package finished products

Export manufactured products

Store raw materials and finished goods

Additional expenses may include:

Warehouse or industrial unit rent

Electricity and utility deposits

Equipment installation

Civil Defence approval

Environmental approval

Municipality inspection

Health and safety compliance

Customs registration

Employee visas and accommodation

Ajman Free Zone offers warehouses starting from approximately 100 square metres, along with industrial land and customised facilities.

Investors should request a complete feasibility-based quotation instead of relying only on the basic licence fee.

Ajman Free Zone Visa Package Costs

Your visa requirement can significantly affect the total Ajman Free Zone business setup cost. Indicative package prices commonly advertised for 2026 include: Freezone license starts from AED 4,888 and the price varies depending on the visa required. Always confirm whether the following individual expenses are included:

Establishment card

Immigration file

Entry permit

Status change

Medical fitness test

Emirates ID

Residence visa issuance

Health insurance

Immigration deposits

A low-cost licence with “one visa eligibility” does not always mean every visa-processing charge is included.

Other Business Setup Costs to Consider

Establishment Card

An establishment card creates the company’s immigration file and is generally required before the company can sponsor owners or employees.

Medical Fitness and Emirates ID

Every residence visa applicant must complete the applicable medical examination and Emirates ID process. The cost depends on the visa duration and processing speed.

Health Insurance

Valid health insurance may be required as part of the residence visa process. Premiums depend on the applicant’s age, health profile and chosen coverage.

Workspace and Facility Costs

Ajman Free Zone provides several options:

  • Co-working spaces
  • Business-centre facilities
  • Executive offices
  • Furnished private offices
  • E-commerce hubs
  • Warehouses
  • Industrial land

On-site accommodation

The cheapest packages normally use a shared facility. A private office or warehouse will increase the annual setup and renewal cost.

Customs Registration

Commercial and industrial businesses importing or exporting physical goods may need a customs code. Customs deposits, clearing charges and logistics costs are separate from the trade licence.

External Approvals

Activities involving food, healthcare, education, finance, chemicals, cosmetics or other regulated sectors may require third-party approvals.

Corporate Bank Account Assistance

A licence allows you to apply for a UAE corporate bank account, but approval is decided by the bank. Banks may request proof of business activity, contracts, invoices, source-of-funds documentation and a suitable office.

VAT and Corporate Tax Compliance

Company formation and tax registration are separate processes. A business must assess whether it is required to register for VAT or UAE Corporate Tax and maintain proper accounting records.

Ajman Free Zone Renewal Cost

The renewal cost depends on the original package, licence category, facility, visa allocation and any amendments made during the year.

Before choosing a first-year promotional package, ask for:

Standard annual renewal fee

Facility renewal cost

Establishment card renewal

Visa renewal charges

Late-renewal penalties

Audit requirements, if applicable

Cost of changing or adding activities

Documents Required for Setting Up a Ajman FreeZone Business

The basic documents generally include:

Passport copy of each shareholder

Recent passport-size photograph

UAE visa or UID copy, if applicable

Proposed company names

Selected business activities

Contact details

No-objection certificate, where required

Company Structures Available

Ajman Free Zone offers several legal structures:

  • Free Zone Establishment: Generally used for a single shareholder
  • Free Zone Company: Used when there is more than one shareholder
  • Branch of a UAE Company
  • Branch of a Foreign Company

Your structure affects the incorporation documents, shareholder requirements and company management arrangements.

Why Choose Ajman Free Zone?

Ajman Free Zone offers several advantages:

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • More than 3,500 business activities
  • Competitive licence packages
  • Digital company formation process
  • Flexible visa allocations
  • Co-working spaces, offices and warehouses
  • Proximity to Ajman Port
  • Access to Sharjah and Dubai airports
  • Suitable packages for freelancers and startups
  • E-commerce and industrial facilities
  • Full repatriation of capital and profits, subject to applicable laws
  • Access to international and regional markets
  • Its proximity to Ajman Port is especially useful for commercial, logistics and light manufacturing businesses.

How Dahhan Business Services Can Help

Selecting the cheapest package is not always the same as selecting the right licence. An incorrect activity or visa allocation can lead to amendment costs, banking difficulties and operational restrictions.

Established in 2013, Dahhan Business Services provides end-to-end support for entrepreneurs and companies setting up in the UAE. Our consultants assess your proposed activity, ownership structure, visa requirements and budget before recommending a suitable jurisdiction and package. For business setup Dubai, contact us now!

Highlights of Dahhan Business Services

  • Serving UAE entrepreneurs since 2013
  • Experienced business setup consultants
  • Mainland, free zone and offshore formation support
  • Transparent and itemised quotations
  • Assistance with visas, banking and compliance
  • Multilingual professional support
  • Continued assistance after the licence is issued

With Dahhan Business Services, you receive more than company registration assistance. Our team supports you throughout the business journey—from selecting the correct activity to maintaining your company’s ongoing compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ajman FreeZone Business Setup

What is the cheapest Ajman Free Zone licence cost in 2026?

Selected zero-visa and e-commerce packages start from approximately AED 4,888. The final price depends on the activity, visa allocation, shareholders and workspace requirement.

Does the AED 4,888 package include a residence visa?

It is generally promoted as a zero-visa package. Applicants who need UAE residence visas must select a visa-eligible package and confirm which immigration charges are included.

How much does an Ajman Free Zone licence with one visa cost?

A one-visa package is commonly advertised at approximately AED 13,131, but medical, Emirates ID, insurance and other immigration charges should be confirmed separately.

Can I start an online business in Ajman Free Zone?

Yes. Ajman Free Zone provides e-commerce licences for approved online trading activities, including fashion, food and beverage, jewellery, automotive products and household goods.

Can an Ajman Free Zone company conduct business in Dubai?

The company can work with clients across the UAE, subject to the licence conditions and applicable commercial rules. Direct mainland trading or opening a physical outlet outside the free zone may require a distributor, additional permit or mainland structure.

Is a physical office compulsory?

Entry-level packages may include a shared workspace or registered facility. Private offices, warehouses or industrial facilities are required when the activity, staffing level or operational requirements demand them.

Can I get 100% ownership?

Yes. Ajman Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership for eligible free zone companies.

Can I open a UAE bank account with an Ajman Free Zone licence?

You can apply for a corporate bank account after receiving the licence and incorporation documents. Approval remains subject to the bank’s compliance and due-diligence procedures.

Final Thoughts

The Ajman Free Zone license cost in 2026 starts from approximately AED 5,555, making it an attractive option for startups, freelancers and e-commerce entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, the actual setup cost can be higher once visas, facilities, immigration processing and operational approvals are included.

Before registering, confirm your exact business activity, visa requirement, office needs, package inclusions and renewal cost. This will help you avoid amendments and unexpected expenses after incorporation.

Planning to establish your company in Ajman Free Zone? Contact Dahhan Business Services for a personalised, transparent quotation based on your business activity, visa needs and operational requirements.

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