Ajman New Venture Free Zone: Company Setup Guide 2025

Business Setup in Ajman

How to Start a New Business Venture in Ajman Free Zone: A Complete 2025 Guide

12 minutes

May 12, 2025

How to Start a New Business Venture in Ajman Free Zone: A Complete 2025 Guide
How to Start a New Business Venture in Ajman Free Zone: A Complete 2025 Guide

Introduction:

Located between Dubai and Sharjah, the Ajman New Venture Free Zone Location provides fast access to Ajman Port, two international airports, and major UAE highways, making regional and global trade smooth and convenient.

Table of Contents

New Venture Ajman: A Rising Destination for Ambitious Entrepreneurs

Since 1988, Ajman Free Zone stands out as one of the most cost-effective and business-friendly zones in the UAE. It has over 9,000 registered companies and a steady increase in foreign direct investment. Ajman also offers a compelling location for entrepreneurs aiming to build sustainable businesses.

Starting an Ajman new venture gives entrepreneurs the advantage of 100% foreign ownership, zero personal or corporate taxes, and access to purpose-built facilities across logistics, retail, media, consultancy, and manufacturing. Interest in Ajman new projects has increased, especially around the Ajman new industrial area, where industrial units and warehouses are designed to meet modern operational needs.

The Ajman new venture center serves as a dedicated support hub, offering tailored packages and fast-track licensing solutions for startups and SMEs. Business setup services are fully digitised, and operational support is available in multiple languages.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose the Ajman Free Zone for Their New Business

100% Foreign Ownership

Investors can retain complete control of their business operations with Ajman Free zone company formation, with no requirement for a local sponsor.

Cost-Effective Business Setup

The Ajman Free Zone is one of the most affordable options in the UAE. License packages are flexible and tailored to suit startups, freelancers, and established companies alike.

Tax-Free Benefits

Companies operating within the free zone enjoy zero corporate and personal income tax, which significantly reduces the financial burden on businesses.

Strategic Connectivity

Located close to Ajman Port, and just minutes away from Dubai and Sharjah airports, the free zone offers excellent access to regional and international markets.

Customisable Business Packages

Entrepreneurs can choose from various license types trading, service, industrial, or freelance based on their exact needs.

No Currency Restrictions

Conduct business in any foreign currency without the worry of limitations, enabling smoother international transactions.

Digital Business Setup

Thanks to a digitised application process, obtaining your Ajman Free Zone license and managing daily operations is efficient and user-friendly.

World-Class Infrastructure

With modern warehouses, executive offices, and scalable business centres, the Ajman New Venture Free Zone is ready to support businesses of all sizes.

Support Services

The Free Zone Authority offers business support services like visa assistance, immigration help, and banking facilitation, making it easier for entrepreneurs to focus on what matters most: growth.

What Sectors Are Thriving in Ajman Free Zone?

Ajman’s forward-thinking business environment supports a wide range of industries. If you’re considering a new venture Ajman, here are the sectors seeing significant momentum:

Food & Beverage

The F&B sector is thriving in Ajman due to rising demand and robust supply chain access. The Free Zone offers strategic facilities to support this high-demand industry.

Automotive

With a growing regional market and steady consumer demand, Ajman is an attractive base for car importers, spare parts distributors, and vehicle service businesses.

Health & Beauty

With wellness and personal care on the rise, this industry enjoys strong infrastructure support and a consumer-driven market in the Free Zone.

Construction

With many Ajman New Projects under development, the construction sector continues to be a top performer. Businesses benefit from warehousing, staff accommodations, and easy import-export logistics.

Agriculture

Agribusiness is being promoted within the Ajman New Industrial Area, positioning the emirate as a potential agricultural hub in the region.

Education

Ajman is home to over 170 educational institutions, and the Free Zone supports new academic ventures aligned with the UAE’s national development goals.

Facilities Offered in Ajman New Venture Free Zone

The Ajman new venture free zone offers modern, scalable, and business-ready facilities tailored to startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. These facilities are strategically within the Ajman new venture free zone location, providing unmatched connectivity to the Ajman new industrial area, Ajman Port, and other business districts.

Ajman Business Facilities

S.No Facilities Description
1 Executive Offices Customisable and fully serviced offices built for professionals who require privacy, comfort, and a strategic business address.
2 Furnished Office Spaces Plug-and-play spaces with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and administrative support are ideal for growing startups.
3 Ajman New Venture Center A dedicated business hub offering shared workspaces, licensing support, networking lounges, and fast-track setup for entrepreneurs.
4 Freelancer & Startup Hub Affordable co-working spaces for freelancers, remote workers, and fresh graduates looking to launch new ventures in Ajman.
5 AI & Robotics Facility Specially designed for tech entrepreneurs working in AI, robotics, and automation. Includes R&D support and event hosting areas.
6 E-Commerce Zone Tailored facilities for online businesses, offering integrated logistics support, shared storage, and digital marketing assistance.
7 Eco-Friendly Warehouses LEED-certified spaces with climate control, near Ajman Port suitable for logistics, retail, and storage businesses focused on sustainability.
8 Pre-Built Warehouses Move-in-ready warehouses in the Ajman New Industrial Area, starting at 100 sq m., with easy highway and port access.
9 Long-Term Land Leasing 20+ year lease options for companies planning to build customised operational or manufacturing units inside the Ajman New Projects zone.
10 Onsite Accommodation Fully furnished staff accommodation with restaurants, prayer rooms, laundry, and 24/7 security located close to the main business centres.

 

Who Can Start a Business in Ajman New Venture Free Zone?

To set up a business in the Ajman new venture free zone, certain requirements must be met. These eligibility rules ensure that each venture aligns with legal and operational standards set by the authorities.

  • Business Activity: The Free Zone allows commercial, industrial, and professional licenses. Your business type must align with one of these.
  • Legal Structure: Acceptable structures include LLCs, FZEs, and branch offices of UAE or foreign companies.
  • Shareholder Requirements: A business must have at least one shareholder. The shareholder can be an individual or a corporate body.
  • Capital Requirements: Minimum capital depends on your business activity and chosen license.
  • Physical Space: Renting a workspace inside the Free Zone is a mandatory options that include flexi desks, offices, or warehouses.
  • Required Documents:
    – Shareholder Passport Copies
    – Business Plan
    – NOC (for UAE Residents Under Sponsorship)
  • Visa Allocation: The Number of employee visas depends on the facility type you rent.
  • Annual Renewal: Every company must renew its registration annually. Renewal costs vary based on your setup and license type.

Legal Structures Available in Ajman New Venture Free Zone

Ajman offers multiple business formation options to suit different business sizes and ownership structures. These options are suitable for entrepreneurs, large investors, and even foreign companies.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

Ideal for single-owner setups, this structure allows full control and 100% ownership by either an individual or a corporate entity.

Free Zone Company (FZC / FZ-LLC)

Designed for businesses with 2 to 50 shareholders. This structure is best for partnerships and joint ventures within the Ajman New Venture.

Branch of a Foreign Company

Foreign businesses can expand operations by registering a branch in Ajman. While operations are independent, ownership remains with the parent entity abroad.

Branch of a UAE Company

Local businesses can extend their reach into the Free Zone by opening a branch office, enabling expansion while keeping their UAE mainland license active.

Types of Ajman Free Zone Licenses

AFZA offers several business licenses based on your industry and business activities. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

General Trading License

Allows companies to import, export, distribute, and store a wide range of goods under a single license. Perfect for businesses handling multiple product categories like electronics, food items, or furniture.

Commercial License

Ideal for companies trading in specific goods. This license allows local and international trade of the listed items under the Ajman Free Zone jurisdiction.

Industrial License

Designed for manufacturers, this license allows for the assembling, production, and processing of goods. Companies can import raw materials and export finished products.

Service License

Tailored for professionals offering specialised services such as consultancy, IT, logistics, or legal support.

E-commerce License

Empowers businesses to operate online via websites or apps. Ideal for startups and tech-based firms wanting to sell goods or services online.

National Industrial License

Meant for industries with strategic importance to the UAE economy. Businesses must have at least 51% GCC ownership.

Business Activities in Ajman Free Zone

AFZA provides licenses for a wide range of business activities, including but not limited to:

  • Trading: Import/export, general trade, and niche commodities
  • Industrial: Manufacturing, assembling, packaging
  • Services: Marketing, logistics, HR, tech, accounting
  • E-commerce: Digital platforms, marketplaces, online stores
  • Consultancy: Legal, financial, IT, and management advice
  • Media: Production, publishing, advertising
  • Education: Training centers, tutoring, edtech
  • Health & Wellness: Clinics, wellness centers
  • Hospitality: Cafes, restaurants, event management
  • Transport & Logistics: Warehousing, delivery, cargo

Ajman Free Zone Company Formation Process Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a company in the Ajman new venture free zone is a quick and efficient process that can be completed in just 1 to 3 working days provided you have all the required documents ready. Whether you’re eyeing the Ajman new industrial area or want to operate within the Ajman new venture center, here’s how you can bring your business vision to life:

Step 1: Define Your Business Activity

Start by selecting the activity you intend to pursue be it trading, manufacturing, logistics, consultancy, or any specialized service. Use the Ajman Free Zone activity list to match your vision with approved business categories. For entrepreneurs looking to tap into Ajman new projects, having a clear business model helps speed up approvals.

Step 2: Choose a Legal Structure & License Type

The next step is to decide your company’s legal structure:

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Ideal for solo entrepreneurs
  • Free Zone Company (FZC): Suitable for multiple shareholders
  • Branch of a Local or Foreign Company: For established firms expanding to the UAE

Your license type commercial, industrial, or service should align with your core operations. Many industrial ventures launching in the Ajman new industrial area prefer the industrial license for its flexibility and logistics support.

Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name

Pick three unique business names and submit them to the Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) for approval. Make sure your name complies with UAE’s naming conventions (no religious or political references, and must reflect your activity if possible).

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Get your paperwork in order. You’ll need:

  • A valid passport copy
  • Passport-sized photo (white background)
  • Contact details: phone, email, and residential address
  • Proposed business name and chosen activity
  • Payment of all registration and licensing fees

If you’re targeting the Ajman new venture center, digital submissions are often accepted for faster processing.

Step 5: Receive Initial Approval

Once AFZA reviews and approves your documents, you’ll get an initial approval letter. This is your green light to proceed further with the setup.

Step 6: Sign Your Lease Agreement

To legally operate in the Ajman new venture free zone location, you’ll need to lease an office, warehouse, or flexi-desk. Signing the lease agreement is a mandatory step before license issuance. The Ajman new venture center offers a variety of scalable space options for startups and SMEs.

Step 7: Obtain Your License & Registration Certificates

Once all formalities are complete, you will be issued:

  • Your official Ajman Free Zone Business License
  • Chamber of Commerce Certificate
  • Signed Lease Agreement
  • Memorandum of Association (if multiple shareholders)

These documents are crucial for opening your UAE-based corporate bank account.

Step 8: Apply for an Establishment Card

The establishment card serves as your company’s identity with UAE immigration. It is required for sponsoring visas for your employees and executives.

Step 9: Entry Permit for Foreign Owners

If you’re currently outside the UAE, an entry permit allows you to enter legally. If you’re already within the country, you can simply change your visa status to proceed with residency formalities.

Step 10: Medical Test & Residency Visa Submission

A mandatory medical fitness test is required for your visa to be processed. The good news? You can get this done in Dubai without needing to travel to Ajman.

Step 11: Emirates ID Application

Your Emirates ID is the official national ID and essential for everything banking, telecom, tenancy, and more. Submit your biometrics and application promptly.

Step 12: Biometrics Enrollment

Attend your scheduled appointment at any Emirates ID center to complete fingerprint and face verification.

Step 13: Receive Residency Visa & Emirates ID

Post-biometric verification, your visa and Emirates ID will be issued.

Step 14: Open Your Corporate Bank Account

With all legal documents in hand, proceed to open your UAE business bank account. Some banks may take a few weeks to approve applications, but once done you’re officially open for Ajman New Venture Free Zone.

Setting Up You Business in Ajman Free Zone With G12

Ajman New Venture Free Zone opens the door to numerous advantages: 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits and capital, zero personal income tax, low corporate tax rates, and no customs duties on imports or exports.

The Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) offers end-to-end support, from business licensing and visa assistance to handling legal documentation.

To begin your Ajman Free Zone company formation, simply visit our website, explore the available services, and choose the one that fits your business model. The process is simple: submit the required documents, pay the applicable fees, and you’ll be ready to operate within just a few working days.

Keep in mind that requirements may vary based on your selected business activity. Our team of experts is well-versed in the Ajman Free Zone activity list and can guide you on licensing, restrictions, and approvals ensuring your venture is fully compliant and ready for growth.

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