Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the UAE’s most affordable and flexible free zones, popular with SMEs and entrepreneurs seeking a cost-effective UAE business licence. Here is a complete guide to Ajman Free Zone in 2025.
Ajman Free Zone Overview
Ajman Free Zone is located in Ajman — the smallest UAE emirate by area — approximately 45 km north of Dubai. AFZ has: 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal income tax, no import/export duties within the free zone, and annual licence costs starting from AED 4,500 (some of the lowest in the UAE). Ajman Port (Port of Ajman) is adjacent to the free zone, providing sea freight access to the Gulf.
Ajman Free Zone Licence Types
Trading/Commercial: Import, export, and general trading — starting from AED 6,500/year. Service/Professional: Consulting, IT, marketing, financial advisory — starting from AED 4,500/year. Industrial/Manufacturing: Light manufacturing, assembly — starting from AED 8,000/year. E-Commerce: Online trading with UAE business registration — starting from AED 5,500/year. Virtual office included in all packages; physical office and warehouse space available at additional cost.
Ajman Free Zone for e-Commerce
AFZ is popular for UAE e-commerce entrepreneurs because: lowest-cost UAE licence that permits e-commerce activity, proximity to Dubai for customer delivery (1-hour drive), Ajman Port access for sea freight imports, and bank account opening is generally straightforward with established Ajman and UAE banks. Limitation: prestige factor — large UAE enterprise clients may prefer a DMCC, DIFC, or Dubai DED address over Ajman.