Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the UAE’s most affordable free zones. Here is the complete 2025 guide.
Ajman Free Zone Overview
Ajman Free Zone is located in Ajman, the smallest of the seven UAE emirates (situated between Dubai and Sharjah). AFZ is operated by the Ajman government. AFZ is particularly popular with: start-ups looking for the most affordable UAE licence and visa, small traders and service companies that do not need a Dubai address, and Indian, Pakistani, and African entrepreneurs entering the UAE market on a tight budget. Cost: Ajman Free Zone is one of the cheapest UAE free zones — licences from AED 4,000-6,000/year (potentially the most affordable free zone with visa eligibility in the UAE).
Ajman Free Zone Business Setup
Company types: FZE (1 shareholder), FZC (2-5 shareholders), branch. Activities allowed: trading, services (IT, consultancy, HR, marketing), light manufacturing, general maintenance, and media. Visa: 1-3 visas depending on package and office space allocation. Office: flexi desk option available (no physical office required). Key limitation: Ajman is 45-60 minutes from central Dubai. If your clients are in Dubai, the commute and the Ajman address may be disadvantages. For purely online or digital businesses: the address matters less and Ajman is great value. Banking: Ajman Bank is the local Islamic bank (Sharia-compliant). Most UAE banks will open accounts for AFZ-licensed companies.
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 Guide 2025: Affordable UAE Business Setup | 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.