Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) — Affordable UAE Free Zone Complete Guide 2026
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of UAE’s most affordable free zones, making it popular with budget-conscious entrepreneurs who want a UAE free zone company. Located in Ajman (neighbouring Sharjah and Dubai), AFZ has been operating since 1988. This guide covers Ajman Free Zone for 2026.
AFZ Overview
- Established: 1988
- Location: Ajman; neighbouring Sharjah; 40 minutes from Dubai International Airport
- Regulator: Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA)
- Companies: 8,000+ companies from 120+ countries
- Character: primarily commercial and service companies; some manufacturing; very affordable
AFZ Licence Types and Costs 2026
- Commercial licence (trading): from AED 8,000/year (1 activity, virtual office)
- Service licence (consulting, services): from AED 7,500/year
- Industrial licence (manufacturing): from AED 9,000/year + factory/warehouse requirement
- E-commerce licence: from AED 8,500/year
- All-in packages (2 visas, flexi-desk): from AED 15,000–18,000/year
AFZ vs Shams vs IFZA — Budget Free Zone Comparison
- AFZ: one of cheapest UAE free zones; Ajman address; weaker banking relationships than Shams/IFZA; some banks less familiar with AFZ
- Shams (Sharjah Media City): good for media/creative; Sharjah address; solid banking relationships; slightly more expensive than AFZ but better credibility
- IFZA: Dubai Techno Hub address; broadest activity list; better banking; more expensive than AFZ but more credible internationally
AFZ Banking Reality
- Major UAE banks: less familiar with AFZ than DMCC, IFZA, or JAFZA; account opening can be more challenging
- Digital banks: WIO, RAKBank digital — work well for AFZ companies
- Recommendation: if banking credibility is important (international clients, bank financing), consider IFZA or Shams instead; if primary goal is cheapest UAE licence with digital banking, AFZ works
AFZ Visa Allocation
- Flexi-desk: 2-3 visas
- Office upgrade: additional visas with office upgrade
- Industrial (factory/warehouse): visa quota based on space; larger space = more visas
AFZ Industrial Facilities
- Warehouses: from 200 sqm; competitive rental rates
- Factory shells: for light manufacturing; Ajman’s industrial area supplement to AFZ
- UAE-India trade route: Ajman is popular with Indian manufacturers importing from India; UAE re-export base
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) — Affordable UAE Free Zone Complete Guide 2026 | Current authority package | Quote-based - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based renewal - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on renewal Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Depends on package and office allocation | Authority quote required | Authority quote required | Current package / renewal confirmation required | June 2026 |
| What is included | Confirmed only after authority or partner quote. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visas, insurance, medical, Emirates ID, office upgrades, amendments and cancellation unless quoted. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Confirm establishment card, visas, office/flexi desk, insurance, renewal and cancellation before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium - depends on activity and documents |
| Best fit | Founders comparing this free zone against activity, visa, office, banking and renewal requirements. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed June 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.