Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) is consistently one of the cheapest free zones in the UAE, making it popular with micro-businesses, sole traders, and startups with limited initial capital. It is located 30 minutes from Dubai and 15 minutes from Sharjah.
Ajman Free Zone Licence Costs
| Package | Annual Cost (AED) | Visas Included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter (1 activity, virtual office) | 5,750 | 1 visa |
| Professional (2 activities, flexi desk) | 7,500 | 2 visas |
| Trading (3 activities, warehouse access) | 9,500 | 3 visas |
Who Uses Ajman Free Zone?
- First-time UAE entrepreneurs testing a business idea with minimal upfront cost
- Freelancers and consultants who primarily work remotely and need UAE residency
- Small trading companies importing goods via Ajman Port
- Companies that qualify for a UAE residency visa on a tight budget
Limitations of Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone has less international prestige than DMCC, DIFC, or IFZA. Some UAE banks are less familiar with Ajman Free Zone entities — expect more KYC questions during account opening. The free zone is not suitable for companies needing a premium Dubai address or working with corporate clients who verify addresses.
Ajman Free Zone vs RAKEZ
RAKEZ is Ajman’s closest competitor in terms of price. RAKEZ (AED 9,000–18,000/year) offers more credibility and a wider range of industrial activities. Ajman Free Zone (AED 5,750–9,500/year) wins on absolute cost. For ultra-budget setups where prestige is secondary, Ajman Free Zone is the most economical UAE free zone option.