Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) Company Formation in Ajman 2025: 100% Ownership & Tax-Free Setup
Set up your Ajman Free Zone company in Ajman 2025 with 100% ownership, 0% tax, and costs from AED 11,500. Complete in 1-2 weeks with Incorporate.ae.
Regulated by
Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZ)
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ), a dynamic hub for SMEs, e-commerce, and general trade, offers a tax-free and cost-effective environment, contributing to the UAE's AED 1.5 trillion economy. AFZ company formation in Ajman 2025 provides 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, and a rapid 1-2 week setup, making it ideal for startups, online businesses, and trading firms. Strategically located near Ajman Port and Dubai, AFZ supports over 800 activities and hosts 8,000+ companies with AED 2 billion+ in annual trade. This guide details the AFZ business setup process 2025, costs starting at AED 11,500, and strategies to leverage Ajman's SME and e-commerce ecosystem. Launch your business seamlessly with Incorporate.ae.
Why Choose Ajman Free Zone for Business Setup in Ajman?
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a leading free zone for SMEs, e-commerce, and general trade, offering 0% corporate tax, 100% foreign ownership, and customs exemptions under UAE's Federal Decree-Law No. 32/2021. Unlike mainland setups, AFZ companies benefit from streamlined compliance and proximity to Ajman Port, making it a top choice for online retailers, trading firms, and small businesses. With 2025 enhancements to its digital portal and e-commerce facilities, AFZ reduces setup costs by 20-25% compared to Dubai free zones, aligning with Ajman's Vision 2030. Its affordability and strategic location near Dubai make AFZ company formation 2025 ideal for cost-conscious SMEs and e-commerce startups.
Key stats: AFZ hosts 8,000+ companies, contributing 25% to Ajman's non-oil trade.
Top Benefits of AFZ Company Formation
100% Foreign Ownership
Full control for all activities with no local sponsor.
Zero Corporate Tax
0% tax on profits, unlike mainland's 9% over AED 375k.
Customs Exemptions
No duties on imports/exports, reducing costs by 15-20%.
E-commerce Support
Dedicated facilities for online businesses with logistics.
Diverse Activities
Over 800 activities combinable under one license.
Visa Flexibility
Up to 6 visas per package, expandable for growth.
Cost Efficiency
Lower costs than Dubai free zones (20% savings).
AFZ offers unmatched advantages for 2025's SMEs, e-commerce, and general trade businesses, combining tax benefits with strategic infrastructure:
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Full control for all activities with no local sponsor, per 2021 reforms.
- Zero Corporate Tax: 0% tax on profits, unlike mainland's 9% over AED 375k.
- Customs Exemptions: No duties on imports/exports, reducing costs by 15-20% for trading firms.
- E-commerce Support: Dedicated facilities for online businesses, with logistics integration.
- Diverse Activities: Over 800 activities, including e-commerce, trading, and services, combinable under one license.
- Visa Flexibility: Up to 6 visas per package, expandable for team growth and family sponsorship.
- Cost Efficiency: Lower setup and operational costs than Dubai free zones (20% savings).
These benefits make AFZ a top choice for cost-conscious SMEs and e-commerce ventures, per 2025 reports.
Step-by-Step Guide to AFZ Company Registration Process 2025
The AFZ business setup process 2025 is optimized for SMEs, e-commerce, and general trade, taking 1-2 weeks via AFZ's digital portal or partners like Incorporate.ae. Fully remote options cater to global entrepreneurs:
Activity & Package Selection (Day 1)
Choose from 800+ activities (e.g., e-commerce, trading). Select a package (e.g., zero-visa, multi-visa).
Trade Name Reservation (Day 1-2)
Submit 3 names via AFZ portal; fee AED 900. Names must comply with UAE rules.
Application Submission (Day 2-3)
Submit passports, business plan, and application form; no initial approval fee.
Facility Selection (Day 3-5)
Choose flexi-desk or warehouse (optional); sign agreement if needed.
License Issuance (Day 5-7)
Pay license fees (AED 11,500+), receive license, and apply for visas.
Banking & Visas (Week 2)
Open bank account and process visas (if included in package).
Pro Tip
Partner with Incorporate.ae for 75% faster processing and compliance.
AFZ License Types and Costs in 2025
AFZ offers flexible packages for SMEs, e-commerce, and trading firms, with costs starting at AED 11,500 for zero-visa licenses. Fees include registration and license; renewals are ~60% of setup costs. Flexi-desk options start at AED 4,500/year, with warehouses at AED 15,000+.
| Package Type | Activities | Visa Quota | Setup Cost (AED) | Renewal (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Visa | E-commerce, Trading | 0 | 11,500 | 6,500 | Startups |
| Standard (2 Visas) | SMEs, Services | 2 | 14,500-18,000 | 7,500-9,000 | SMEs |
| Premium (4-6 Visas) | General Trade | 4-6 | 18,000-25,000 | 9,000+ | Growing firms |
| Custom | Multiple Activities | 6+ | 25,000+ | 12,000+ | Large enterprises |
Additional: Visa AED 2,500-4,000 each; Emirates ID AED 370; medical test AED 700.
Requirements and Documents for AFZ Setup
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; minimum 1 shareholder. No local sponsor required for any activity.
- Passport copies (shareholders/directors)
- Proof of address (utility bill/bank statement)
- Business plan summary
- Application form (via AFZ portal)
- Optional: Warehouse lease agreement (if not using flexi-desk)
Submit digitally via AFZ portal; 2025 enhancements enable 100% remote KYC verification.
Business Activities and Industries in AFZ
AFZ supports over 800 activities tailored to 2025's SME, e-commerce, and general trade markets, combinable under a single license:
E-commerce
Online retail, dropshipping (35% of setups).
General Trade
Import/export, wholesale.
SMEs
Consulting, IT, small-scale manufacturing.
Services
Marketing, logistics support.
High-growth niches: Cross-border e-commerce, sustainable trading, and SME tech solutions, per Ajman's Vision 2030.
Visa Options and Residency in AFZ
Visa quotas range from 0-6 per package, expandable based on business needs (2-3 year validity):
- Entry permit (AED 800).
- Medical test and biometrics (AED 700).
- Emirates ID and residency stamp (AED 370).
Family sponsorship included. 2025 update: Golden Visa eligibility for AED 2M+ investors. Total visa cost: AED 2,500-4,000 each.
Timeline for AFZ Business Setup
| Step | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name & Package Selection | 1-2 days | Digital via AFZ portal |
| Application Submission | 1-3 days | Remote KYC |
| License & Visas | 5-7 days | Includes facility setup |
| Total Operational | 1-2 weeks | Faster than mainland |
Faster than Ajman DED's 1-3 weeks, ideal for SMEs and e-commerce startups.
AFZ vs. Other Zones: Comparison
| Feature | AFZ | Ajman DED Mainland | SAIF Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost | AED 11,500 | AED 10,000 | AED 10,000 |
| Ownership | 100% | 100% (most) | 100% |
| Timeline | 1-2 weeks | 1-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Best For | SMEs/E-commerce | Retail/Industrial | Trading/Logistics |
| Market Access | Zone/Exports | Full UAE | Zone/Exports |
| Tax | 0% | 9% over AED 375k | 0% |
AFZ excels for tax-free SME and e-commerce operations.
FAQs: AFZ Company Formation
What is the cost of AFZ company formation in 2025?▼
Starts at AED 11,500 for basic setups; up to AED 25,000 with visas/warehouse.
Can I get 100% foreign ownership in AFZ?▼
Yes, for all activities with no sponsor.
How long does AFZ setup take?▼
1-2 weeks, fully operational.
What documents are needed for AFZ setup?▼
Passports, business plan, application form.
Is there corporate tax in AFZ?▼
0% corporate tax for free zone businesses.
Can I add visas later?▼
Yes, up to 6 visas, expandable.
What activities are allowed in AFZ?▼
800+, including SMEs, e-commerce, general trade.
AFZ vs. Ajman DED Mainland: Key differences?▼
AFZ: Tax-free, export focus; Mainland: Full UAE access.
Do I need a physical office in AFZ?▼
Optional; flexi-desk or warehouse available.
How to renew AFZ license?▼
Annually, fees AED 6,500+.
Is remote AFZ setup possible in 2025?▼
Yes, fully digital via portal.
What are AFZ's 2025 updates?▼
Expanded e-commerce and SME facilities, faster approvals.
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