Pricing For – (AFZ) Ajman Free Zone
About Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Established in 1988, the Ajman Free Zone is one of the mature Free Zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It caters to a diverse range of industries, including trading, professional, industrial, and e-commerce.
AFZ offers affordable and flexible office packages and a quick and easy licensing process, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
A major highlight of the Free Zone is its strategic location that provides easy access to two international airports and four major seaports.
The prices start from AED 11,000.
Average business setup time: 5-7 days.
Benefits of setting up a company in AFZ - ajman free zone
100% BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL REPATRIATION
- As an expatriate, you have the option to fully own the company and send all profits back to your home country.
LOW OPERATING COSTS
- Ajman Free Zone offers a highly competitive facility usage, power, and leasing rate.
FAST SETUP PROCESS
- At AFZ, business licences can be issued within just 2 working days.
STRATEGIC LOCATION
- The Emirate of Ajman is a vital hub for international travel and trade.
OPEN TO ALL
- AFZ welcomes almost all business activities, from industrial to e-commerce.
ONE-STOP-SHOP
- AFZ offers a one-stop counter service for visa processing and many other business services.
Ajman Business Activities
Ajman Free Zone welcomes a range of financial and professional business activities. Here are some of the most popular options:
Consultancy
Trading
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Delivery Services
E-commerce
Waste Management
IT Infrastructure
Transport
Education
Advertising
Industrial
Hospitality
Marketing
Web Design
Translation Services
Physical Presence Requirement
You don’t need to be physically present for the company setup process.
Setting up a business in the Ajman Free Zone
If you’re considering starting a business in the Ajman Free Zone, you should know some essential things before beginning the business setup process.
This guide will give you an overview of what it’s like to do business in the Ajman Free Zone, as well as some tips for new business owners and comparisons to other UAE Free Zones.
Additionally, we’ll introduce you to our business setup service, which can help simplify the process for you. If you’re ready to start your own company in Ajman Free Zone UAE, keep reading!
What Is a Free Zone?
A Free Zone is a specific area that aims to encourage business activity and foreign investment.
There are several types of Free Zones in the UAE, all of which offer various benefits to businesses that operate within them. These benefits may include tax exemptions, freedom from certain regulations, and more flexibility regarding business operations.
Dubai is home to many Free Zones, including Ajman, which offers numerous advantages to businesses that choose to operate there.
What Is the Ajman Free Zone?
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) was founded in 1988 to support the industrial growth of the UAE and attract numerous companies seeking investment privileges. As a self-reliant and dynamic ecosystem, AFZ provides businesses and investors with a sustainable environment to accelerate their growth plans.
Located within easy reach of Ajman Port, AFZ is one of the region’s top investment destinations and plays a crucial role in contributing to the economic sector. The Free Zone offers top-notch services to over 9,000 companies, investors, and entrepreneurs from more than 160 countries.
Strategic Location
The AFZ’s location at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf makes it an excellent location to serve both eastern and western trade markets. Its proximity to Dubai and Sharjah international airports, as well as easy accessibility to Ajman Port, makes it a great option for businesses seeking better connectivity to some of the world’s most popular business hubs.
Currently, approximately 256 industrial firms have established themselves in the Free Zone, accounting for 20% of the UAE’s total industrial units and ranking third among all the Emirates.
Strategic Location
The AFZ’s location at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf makes it an excellent location to serve both eastern and western trade markets. Its proximity to Dubai and Sharjah international airports, as well as easy accessibility to Ajman Port, makes it a great option for businesses seeking better connectivity to some of the world’s most popular business hubs.
Currently, approximately 256 industrial firms have established themselves in the Free Zone, accounting for 20% of the UAE’s total industrial units and ranking third among all the Emirates.
Types of Companies in the Ajman Free Zone
There are various types of companies that can be established in the Ajman Free Zone:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- Free Zone Company (FZC)
- Branch of a Foreign Company
- Branch of a Local Company
To set up a business in AFZ, you need to complete a few steps. First, you need to finalize and formulate your business activities. Then, you need to register your trade name and apply for a business license. After that, you need to open a corporate bank account and obtain visas for your employees.
AFZ is now welcoming businesses from various sectors, such as Food and Beverages, Automotive, Health and Beauty, Construction, Education, Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Paper and Packaging, Jewelry (Gold and Diamonds), Marine, Textile, Advanced Technology, Sports, Petrochemical Industry, and Trade. This presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses across multiple industries to flourish within the Free Zone.
Licenses Available in Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone provides a variety of licenses to meet different business requirements, such as commercial, industrial, e-commerce, and trading licenses. These licenses are customized to fit specific business types and activities, ensuring a hassle-free setup process and compliance with local regulations.
Whether you’re planning to start a food & beverage company, automotive business, health & beauty venture, construction firm, or education and training facility, Ajman Free Zone offers the necessary licenses, infrastructure, and support services to help your business flourish. With multiple options available, it’s no wonder that AFZ is becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses seeking growth and expansion in the UAE.
Advantages of Company Formation in Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Investor-Friendly Regulations
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a reliable and investor-friendly platform in the UAE and the Middle East. It offers various licenses for businesses like trading, services, light industrial activities, and offshore licenses for businesses operating only outside the UAE.
AFZ provides flexibility to international entrepreneurs with five different license types to choose from, such as trading, e-commerce, professional, and industrial licenses. The company formation process is quick and easy, making AFZ a top choice for investors.
Economic Advantages
One of the major economic advantages of registering a company in the Ajman Free Zone is the lower costs associated with various aspects of doing business. This includes affordable lease rents, competitively-priced land and office spaces, minimal customs duty for import/export operations, and cheap energy.
Additionally, the Ajman Free Zone is strategically located, with easy access to two international airports and four ports, including the Ajman Marine Port. This port is capable of receiving over one thousand vessels per day, making it one of the most reliable and convenient transportation hubs in the region. Furthermore, the average profitability of industrial operations is higher in Ajman due to its cheaper rental and utility fees.
100% Ownership and Tax Exemptions
Expatriates who set up their companies in the Ajman Free Zone are allowed to have 100% ownership without the need for a local partner. They can also enjoy 100% repatriation of capital and profits. Ajman Free Zone has no personal or corporate taxes, making it a favourable environment for conducting business.
For businesses involved in international trade and operating in Ajman Free Zone and Ajman Media City, there are exemptions from payment on import and export duties, which makes it more attractive to them. Moreover, the UAE government only imposes a corporate tax on oil companies and foreign banks, giving businesses registered in the Ajman Free Zone an exemption from corporate tax for a certain time period, which can be extended.
Ajman Free Zone offers a unique payment option for business setup fees. Investors can choose to pay in 2, 3, or 6 instalments, making it easier for those with a limited budget to establish their business. The payment plan is only offered by Ajman Free Zone Authority, which makes it a distinct advantage for investors looking for a more convenient payment plan.
Furthermore, investors can enjoy additional benefits such as resident or employment visas for themselves and their employees, as well as support for their families. Ajman Free Zone is an investor-friendly destination because of its regulations, economic advantages, and options for 100% ownership and tax exemptions. Therefore, it is an attractive location for companies looking to establish their presence in the UAE.
Steps to Set Up a Business in Ajman Free Zone
Finalizing Business Activities
It’s important to determine the nature of your business before starting the setup process. Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) offers a wide range of business activities, such as trading, service, and industrial activities.
In 2019, AFZA introduced a Freelance permit category for businesses involved in electronic trading activities. It’s crucial to keep in mind the specific activities or industries that different Free Zone locations support, as this can affect your business’s operations.
However, some Free Zones, which were previously sector-specific, have started accepting general business activities as well.
Registering the Trade Name
Before choosing a company name in the UAE, it is crucial to be aware of the strict naming conventions. Offensive language and references to political or religious groups must be avoided. If you decide to name your business after a person, make sure to use their full name without any abbreviations or initials.
Applying for a Business License
Once you have finalized your business activities and trade name, the next step is to apply for a business license. Ajman Free Zone offers different types of licenses, including commercial licenses, industrial/manufacturing licenses, services licenses, and e-commerce licenses.
The requirements for the license application may vary depending on the location of your business setup. However, most applications will need a completed application form, copies of shareholder passports, and a business plan. After processing your application, the government will issue your company license, which will enable you to start operating your business.
Opening a Corporate Bank Account
To start trading in the UAE, you need to open a corporate bank account. Approach banks with your company license to set up an account.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a plethora of local and international banks, including Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Noor Bank, Emirates Islamic, Mashreq, RAKBANK, and Ajman Bank. You’ll also find global financial institutions like HSBC, Citibank, and Barclays.
To open a bank account in the UAE, it typically takes two to four weeks. During this period, the bank will want to know about your primary business areas, the expected volume of currency, total deposits, and revenue levels, as well as information about your main customers and suppliers.
Once you have completed all these steps, you can begin to operate your business in this flourishing region.
Offices and Warehouses in Ajman Free Zone
Low-Cost Smart Offices
Low-cost smart offices are available for those who want to start a business in the Ajman Free Zone. These offices are an excellent option for entrepreneurs and startups, providing an affordable investment opportunity for those who want to establish their businesses.
The smart office packages come with two employment visas that ensure smooth business operations. Both flexi-desks and offices can be located either within the Free Zone headquarters or in a separate tower nearby.
Executive Offices for Large Corporations
Ajman Free Zone provides executive offices to accommodate larger corporations. The executive office package includes up to five employment visas and offers excellent facilities, convenient parking, and high-level security.
These offices are strategically located within the Ajman Free Zone, providing businesses with an ideal location to operate from.
Warehousing Facilities
Warehousing facilities are an essential part of any successful business operation, and Ajman Free Zone excels in this regard. The warehouses available within the Ajman Free Zone are modern, newly constructed, and equipped with electricity and water connections. The sizes of the warehouses range from 100 square meters to 1000 square meters, ensuring that businesses operating in the Ajman Free Zone have access to warehouses that are suitable for their needs.
Ajman Free Zone is a UAE-based facility that offers industrial warehouses for rent. These warehouses are located next to the Ajman port and customs office, providing easy access to Dubai.
Businesses interested in leasing a warehouse at Ajman Free Zone must provide a comprehensive business plan detailing the activities and procedures to be carried out in the warehouse.
Additionally, the plan should include the number of staff who will be working there and the electricity and water requirements. If any alterations are planned, the business needs to submit a drawing for review.
Other UAE Free Zones
Considering other UAE free zones in addition to Ajman free zones is important for new business owners.
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
- Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA)
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone (RAKEZ)
- Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIFZ)
There are over 50 Free Zones in the UAE.
Differences Between Ajman Free Zone and Other Free Zones
One of the key distinguishing features of the Ajman Free Zone is that it does not impose any restrictions on the type of company that can be established in its jurisdiction. This means that entrepreneurs can start any business they desire without worrying about the industry or the type of company they want to set up.
This is in contrast to Dubai Media City, which is primarily designed for media companies, and Dubai Internet City, which caters to technology companies.
No Quotas
There are no limits to the number of businesses that can be established in the Ajman Free Zone. Therefore, you can have as many companies as you want there.
Flexible Offices
The Free Zone, located in Ajman, provides a range of office options to choose from. You can rent a fully furnished office, opt for serviced offices that come with complete IT support, or simply acquire virtual office space.
The biggest advantage of these flexible options is that they make doing business at Ajman Free Zone extremely convenient for entrepreneurs. There are no restrictions on working from home or using virtual offices. However, in some other Free Zones, a physical office is mandatory.
Inexpensive
Ajman is a cost-effective Free Zone for entrepreneurs, especially for freelancers. They offer a Freelancer Package for just AED 6000. Additionally, if you’re between 20 and 30 years old, you may be eligible for their Pioneers Package, which costs only AED 5000.
Living in Ajman Free Zone
One of the Free Zones, Ajman, has a more traditional demographic with fewer expats and more locals residing there. This makes it a more affordable option compared to other Free Zones in the region. For instance, renting an apartment in Ajman could cost as little as 25% of what it would cost for a similar apartment in Dubai.
Dining in Ajman
Restaurants in Ajman offer a diverse range of international cuisine, but one can also find affordable local eateries. For those seeking an authentic Emirati meal, there are options available.
Ajman Nightlife
The nightlife scene in Ajman is mostly centred around the hotels, although there are some worthy places to visit outside of them. For instance, the Hilton and Marriott are home to popular clubs that are worth checking out.
If you’re looking for a pleasant evening walk, the Ajman Corniche is a great place to go. It also has some lovely cafes that offer stunning views of Dubai’s skyline.
Ajman Real Estate
The Ajman Free Zone is a rapidly growing business hub, attracting a large number of businesses. Consequently, the real estate market in the area is also flourishing. However, choosing the right place to live in this area can be a challenging task, as there are many good options.
If you are looking for an affordable option, consider apartments near the beach, which are relatively cheaper than other Free Zones. Moreover, these apartments often come with shared amenities such as gyms and pools. On the other hand, if you prefer luxury living, you have many options for apartments and villas with all the amenities you need.
Schools
There are a number of schools in or near Ajman Free Zone that offer education in English. These include:
- Ajman Academy
- Ajman American Private School
- Crown Private School
- The Bloomington Academy.
Moving to Ajman Free Zone with your whole family is a comfortable option. It is located close to Dubai, which offers the amenities of a cosmopolitan city, yet the area is still traditional and peaceful.
Leisure in Ajman Free Zone
Ajman offers an array of activities to indulge in. The beaches and shopping centres are the major attractions of the city. Ajman is also home to a museum and cultural centre where visitors can gain insight into Emirati culture. Moreover, Ajman boasts many mosques, which makes it an ideal place to learn more about Islam. It’s not as Westernized as some free zones, offering tourists a real taste of historic Emirati culture.
Business Setup Service in Ajman Free Zone
Many companies are opting for Ajman Free Zone as it offers great opportunities for new businesses. At Gulf Gateway CSP, we provide business setup services as well as a range of other services to assist you.
Our team can help you with:
- Visa applications
- Company formation
- Office space
- Procurement of licences and permits
- Opening a business bank account
To get started, you need to evaluate which Free Zone suits your needs the best. Although each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, the one you initially considered may not be the best fit for your business.
By consulting with the specialists at Gulf Gateway CSP, we can assist you in selecting the most appropriate Free Zone that aligns with your company’s requirements.
Skyrocket Your Business Success in Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a comprehensive solution suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries. It offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities for growth. The location of AFZ is strategic and can cater to all types of businesses. It boasts of investor-friendly regulations and high-tech facilities, making it a top contender in the UAE Free Zone arena.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur seeking an affordable start or an established corporation looking to expand, Ajman Free Zone is the perfect place for you. It’s a fertile ground for your business to thrive. Furthermore, the presence of four seaports and two airports near AFZ makes it an even more attractive central hub for global trade and commerce.
If you start your business in the Ajman Free Zone, you will not only get access to a thriving business culture in the UAE but also position your company for success in the global market. Join other successful businesses that have made AFZ their home and watch your enterprise grow to new heights!
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