Ajman is the smallest UAE emirate by area and one of the most affordable for business setup. Here is the 2025 guide to setting up a business in Ajman.
Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone was established in 1988 and is one of the most affordable UAE free zones. AFZ cost 2025: Professional licence from AED 6,000-10,000/year. Trading licence from AED 8,000-12,000/year. Includes 1-2 visas. Warehouse from AED 10,000-25,000/year. Why Ajman Free Zone: located 25km from Dubai (35-45 min drive) — more accessible than RAK or Fujairah. Ajman port access for trading companies. Lower cost than Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi free zones. Ajman Free Zone limitations: fewer large corporate clients in Ajman vs. Dubai. Some banks may be slower to open accounts for Ajman FZ companies vs. IFZA or DMCC. Bank account options: RAKBank and WIO are generally the most accessible banks for Ajman FZ companies.
Ajman Mainland
Ajman DED mainland licences are available at competitive pricing. Ajman mainland advantage: lower commercial rent than Dubai and even Sharjah. Ajman is particularly popular for: small trading businesses serving local markets, manufacturing and industrial businesses (Ajman’s industrial area), and retail businesses serving the northern emirates population.
Ajman for Budget Entrepreneurs
Ajman is the right choice when: budget is the primary constraint, you need a close-to-Dubai location (unlike RAK at 100km), and you do not need a prestigious Dubai or DMCC address for client-facing work. Ajman offers the best combination of low cost and relatively close proximity to Dubai among the northern emirates free zones.