Ajman Free Zone vs Kpftz — UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026
Deciding between Ajman Free Zone and Kpftz for your UAE company? This side-by-side comparison breaks down costs, visa quotas, setup time, and banking ease so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
- Cheapest year 1: Ajman Free Zone (AED 11,000)
- Fastest setup: Ajman Free Zone (10 business days)
- Easiest banking: Kpftz
- Best 3-year value: Ajman Free Zone (saves AED 24,600)
Ajman Free Zone vs Kpftz — Full Comparison Table
| Factor | Ajman Free Zone | Kpftz |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence Cost | AED 11,000 | AED 20,000 |
| Annual Renewal Cost | AED 9,500 | AED 17,000 |
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,200 | AED 3,800 |
| Visa Quota (base) | 1 | 1 |
| Setup Time | 10 days | 14 days |
| Banking Ease | Challenging | Moderate |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 33,200 | AED 57,800 |
When to Choose Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone is the stronger choice if you prioritise lower upfront costs — AED 9,000 cheaper in year 1. It is best suited to entrepreneurs and solo founders looking for an affordable entry point into the UAE.
When to Choose Kpftz
Kpftz wins if easier bank account opening is your priority. It suits businesses whose primary clients are international and who can work around the longer bank account opening process.
3-Year Cost Deep Dive
Year 1 costs include the licence fee and first visa. Years 2 and 3 use the renewal rate. Over 3 years with 1 visa:
- Ajman Free Zone: AED 33,200 (Year 1: 11,000 + Year 2: 9,500 + Year 3: 9,500 + Visa: 3,200)
- Kpftz: AED 57,800 (Year 1: 20,000 + Year 2: 17,000 + Year 3: 17,000 + Visa: 3,800)
Ajman Free Zone saves AED 24,600 over 3 years. For multiple visas, multiply the visa cost by the number of people you need to sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate from both Ajman Free Zone and Kpftz simultaneously?
You can set up separate companies in both zones simultaneously, which some business groups do for different activities or for liability separation. However, each company has its own licence fees and visa costs. Most solo founders and small teams are better served by choosing one zone.
Which zone is better if I need to open a UAE bank account quickly?
Kpftz has a lower banking difficulty score, meaning it is generally easier to open a UAE business bank account as a licensee of this zone. For the fastest bank account opening, also consider using Wio Business or Mashreq Neo Biz, which have lower barriers for new free zone companies.
Is the setup process significantly different between the two zones?
Yes — Ajman Free Zone is notably faster at 10 business days vs 14 days. If speed is a priority (e.g., you need to start invoicing clients quickly), factor this into your decision.
Compare more options: See all 50+ UAE free zones → | Take the Zone Finder Quiz →