


Business Setup
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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
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
Ajman Free Zone offers several legal structures:
Your structure affects the incorporation documents, shareholder requirements and company management arrangements.
Ajman Free Zone offers several advantages:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Ajman Free Zone provides e-commerce licences for approved online trading activities, including fashion, food and beverage, jewellery, automotive products and household goods.
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.
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.
Yes. Ajman Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership for eligible free zone companies.
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.
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.