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Ajman Free ZoneCompany Formation
Set up with the Ajman Free Zone Authority, one of the UAE’s longest-running free zones, with cost-efficient licences and warehouses next to Ajman Port.
- 100% Ownership
- Next to Ajman Port
- Warehouses
- Low Setup Cost
- Bank Account Support
Published Updated
Ajman Free Zone: an established zone for trade and industry
Ajman Free Zone was established in 1988, making it one of the oldest free zones in the UAE. It sits next to Ajman Port and licenses trading, industrial, service and e-commerce businesses.
The zone offers everything from flexi-desks to offices, warehouses and industrial units, at prices below Dubai’s. Its location by the port and near Sharjah and Dubai makes it practical for importers, distributors and light manufacturers.
Best known for: trading, warehousing & light industry
Why Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone pairs low costs with port access and physical space for goods-based businesses.
Next to Ajman Port
Import, export and re-export directly through the neighbouring port.
Warehouses & industrial units
Ready-built warehouses and units for storage, assembly and light manufacturing.
Cost-efficient packages
Licence and rent costs generally below those of Dubai free zones.
Long track record
Operating since 1988, with an established community of trading and industrial companies.
100% foreign ownership
Full ownership with no local partner, and profits and capital can be repatriated freely.
Close to Sharjah and Dubai
A short drive to Sharjah and Dubai customers, suppliers and airports.
Ideal for
- Importers & re-exporters
- Distributors needing storage
- Light manufacturers
- E-commerce with stock
- Cost-conscious service businesses
Ajman Free Zone Licence Types
Ajman Free Zone groups activities into a few licence types. Your activities decide which one fits.
Trade Licence
For importing, exporting, distributing and storing goods.
- General trading
- Import & re-export
- Auto parts trading
- Foodstuff trading
- E-commerce
Industrial Licence
For manufacturing, processing and assembly in the zone’s units.
- Light manufacturing
- Assembly & packaging
- Food processing
- Garments
- Plastics
Service Licence
For consultancy and professional services.
- Business consultancy
- IT services
- Marketing services
- Logistics services
- Maintenance services
Legal Structures in Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone offers the usual free zone forms. Most founders choose a single- or multi-shareholder company.
01
Single-Shareholder Free Zone Company
One individual or corporate owner, with liability limited to share capital. The usual start for solo founders.
02
Multi-Shareholder Free Zone Company
Two or more shareholders, individual or corporate, with shares and voting set in the Articles.
03
Branch of a Foreign Company
An overseas company operating in the zone under its own name, with the parent liable for the branch.
04
Branch of a UAE Company
A mainland or other free zone company adds a presence in the zone without forming a new entity.
How a Ajman Free Zone Company Is Formed
Free zone setup is mostly online. We prepare and file each step with the Ajman Free Zone Authority for you.
- 01
Choose Activities & Package
We match your business to Ajman Free Zone’s activity list and pick the licence package and visa allocation that fits.
- 02
Reserve the Company Name
We check your name options against the zone’s naming rules and reserve the best one.
- 03
Submit the Application
Application forms, shareholder documents and any business profile filed with the zone, with compliance (KYC) checks.
- 04
Sign the Constitutional Documents
Articles of Association and resolutions signed, in person or by e-signature where the zone allows it.
- 05
Office or Flexi-Desk
Flexi-desk, office, warehouse or industrial unit, depending on your activity and the visas you need.
- 06
Licence Issued
The Ajman Free Zone Authority issues the licence and certificate of incorporation, usually as digital documents.
- 07
Establishment Card, Visas & Bank
We open the immigration file, run investor and staff visas, and prepare the bank application in parallel.
Documents Required for Ajman Free Zone Setup
What we need depends on whether each shareholder is a person or a company. Documents issued abroad must be notarised and attested for use in the UAE; we arrange this for you.
Individual Shareholders
- Passport copy of each shareholder and manager
- UAE visa or entry stamp, if any
- Emirates ID, if resident in the UAE
- Passport-size photo
- Three trade name options
- Proof of home address
- Short business profile, if requested
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation or trade licence
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board resolution approving the Ajman Free Zone company
- Certificate of good standing
- Passport copy of the appointed manager
- Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) declaration
Why Choose an Ajman Free Zone Company
Ajman Free Zone suits goods-based businesses that need port access and affordable space.
100% foreign ownership
Possible 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income
Next to Ajman Port
Warehouses and industrial units
Lower costs than Dubai free zones
Established since 1988
Close to Sharjah and Dubai
Tax & Compliance Position: Ajman Free Zone
Companies in Ajman Free Zone can pay 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, but only if they meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions every year. We check this before you choose the zone, not after.
UAE Corporate Tax
0% on qualifying income · 9% on the rest
To be a Qualifying Free Zone Person, the company needs real substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited financial statements and arm’s-length dealings with related parties. Taxable income that doesn’t qualify is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
Selling to mainland customers?Most mainland revenue isn’t qualifying income. If non-qualifying revenue passes 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower, QFZP status is lost for that year and the next four. We model this with you upfront.
UAE VAT
5% standard rate · same rules for services
Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in 12 months and optional from AED 187,500. Free zone services are taxed exactly as they are on the mainland.
Designated zone statusSome free zones are VAT designated zones, where certain supplies of goods inside or between them fall outside UAE VAT. It never covers services. We confirm how Ajman Free Zone’s status applies to your trade.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
- Corporate Tax return within 9 months of year end
- Audited financial statements (needed for QFZP status)
- VAT returns once registered
- Annual licence renewal with the Ajman Free Zone Authority
- Office or flexi-desk lease renewed with the licence
- UBO register kept up to date
Sources & official references: Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023 & Ministerial Decision No. 265 of 2023 (Qualifying Free Zone Persons) · Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 (VAT) · Ajman Free Zone Authority
Where Ajman Free Zone Companies Operate
Trading and light industry make up much of the zone, with a growing services community.
Import & Re-export
Logistics & Warehousing
Light Manufacturing
E-commerce
Food Trading & Processing
Building Materials
Consultancy
Professional Services
The TMFS Advantage
We handle Ajman Free Zone setups end to end, from activity selection and Ajman Free Zone licensing to a banked, visa-ready company registered for Corporate Tax and VAT.
Activity & Licence Advice
Matching your business to the right Ajman Free Zone activities and licence category.
Package & Office Choice
Flexi-desk, office or warehouse sized to the visas you need, so you don’t pay for space you won’t use.
Application & Constitutional Documents
Application forms, resolutions and Articles prepared and filed with the zone for you.
Corporate Bank Account
Your application prepared alongside the licence and matched across our 18 partner banks.
Investor & Staff Visas
Investor, partner and employee visas with medicals and Emirates ID.
QFZP & VAT Compliance
Corporate Tax and VAT registrations, audited accounts and the yearly checks that keep 0% status intact.
Why Founders Choose TMFS in Ajman Free Zone
Three things clients mention most.
Free zones compared, not sold
We work across several free zones and recommend the one that fits your activity, visas and tax, not the one with the biggest commission.
One team, end to end
Licence, documents, premises, bank account, visas and tax with one consultant, from first call to renewal.
Written costs upfront
A written breakdown of government fees and our fee before you commit, with no surprises at renewal.
Compare Other UAE Free Zones
Ajman Free Zone suits trading and light industry. Other zones fit services or a Dubai address.
UAE Free Zones Overview
How the UAE’s free zones compare on cost, activities, visas and tax. Start here to choose.
Read more
IFZA
Fast, cost-efficient consultancy and services licences. The usual first company for solo founders.
Read more
Meydan Free Zone
E-commerce and digital licences with a Dubai address and quick issuance.
Read moreRAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. Low-cost industrial, trading and service licences.
Read moreSHAMS
Sharjah Media City. Media, creative and consultancy licences, plus freelance permits.
Read moreSPC Free Zone
Sharjah Publishing City. Low-cost setup for publishing, media and services.
Read more
SRTIP
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. Tech, R&D and industrial licences.
Read moreDMCC
Commodities and trading hub with strong bank acceptance. We advise on DMCC structures.
Read moreDIFC
Common-law jurisdiction for finance, funds and holding structures. We advise on DIFC setups.
Read moreWhat Clients Say
Feedback from founders who set up with TMFS.
Ajman Free Zone: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about setting up an Ajman Free Zone company.
Ajman Free Zone or Ajman mainland?
Choose the free zone for import, re-export, light industry and possible 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income. Choose mainland if you sell directly to UAE consumers or need a shop.
Can I rent a warehouse in Ajman Free Zone?
Yes. The zone offers warehouses and industrial units as well as offices and flexi-desks.
Do I need to live in Ajman?
No. An Ajman Free Zone visa lets you live anywhere in the UAE.
How many visas can I get?
It depends on the package and premises you choose. Warehouses and larger offices support more visas.
Will my Ajman Free Zone company pay 0% Corporate Tax?
Only on qualifying income, and only if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions every year. Other income is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
Can you open the company bank account?
Yes. We prepare the bank application alongside the licence and match it to the partner bank most likely to approve your profile.
Verification & independence
Checked against publicly available the Ajman Free Zone Authority and UAE federal sources in October 2026. Time Machine Financial Services is independent of the Ajman Free Zone Authority and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Ajman or any UAE authority.
Activity lists, package prices, approvals and tax rules change. Confirm the current position for your activity with the Ajman Free Zone Authority and the Federal Tax Authority, or ask us, before acting on this page.
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