Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the UAE’s most affordable and straightforward free zones, making it popular for small businesses and startups. Here is a complete guide to Ajman Free Zone in 2025.
About Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone is managed by the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) and is located in the emirate of Ajman, the smallest of the UAE’s seven emirates. Despite its size, Ajman Free Zone is a fully functional free zone with: over 9,000 registered companies from 160+ countries, a wide range of business activities, Ajman port access for trading companies, and warehouse and factory space at competitive rates. Key advantage: Ajman is only 25km from Dubai (approximately 30-40 minutes drive), making it accessible for Dubai-based entrepreneurs who want the cost benefits of Ajman while staying close to Dubai’s markets.
Ajman Free Zone Pricing 2025
Ajman Free Zone is one of the most affordable free zones in the UAE: Licence from: AED 6,000-10,000/year for a basic professional or general trading licence. Visa allocation: 1-3 visas included depending on the package. Physical office space: available from AED 12,000/year for a small office unit. Warehouse space: from AED 10,000-30,000/year (competitive vs. Sharjah and Dubai warehouse rates). E-commerce licence: AED 8,000-12,000/year (growing popular option for Amazon/e-commerce businesses).
Ajman Free Zone vs. RAKEZ vs. IFZA
Ajman Free Zone is comparable to RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) and IFZA in the budget free zone category. Ajman advantage over RAKEZ: proximity to Dubai (RAKEZ is further north). Ajman advantage over IFZA: lower price for companies that do not need the prestige of a Dubai address. IFZA advantage over Ajman: Dubai address, stronger brand recognition with banks and clients. Best choice depends on: your budget, how important a Dubai address is to your clients, and whether you need warehouse space.
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: Complete Setup Guide for Small Businesses | 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.