All about the Ajman Free Zone
Are you an investor or business owner looking to set up a venture in Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)? Free trade zones are designated geographic areas with special tax exemptions for operating enterprises. Apart from enjoying 100% ownership, those who own businesses in free zones also get additional perks like reduced start-up and operational costs.
What is the Ajman Free Zone and why is it beneficial for business owners to open ventures here? If you have been asking yourself these questions, here are some details about this free zone in Ajman.
About the Ajman Free Zone
Established in 1988, the Ajman Free Zone was given independent status by the ruler of Ajman, His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. Its strategic location at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf makes it an appealing platform for trade, especially for foreign businesses and investors looking at tax-free destinations for corporate pursuits.
Ajman Free Zone Location
The Ajman Free Zone’s location offers businesses easy access to the western and eastern markets. Apart from a desirable area, the zone is within easy reach from four seaports and two international airports. For example, the AFZ is located beside the Ajman Port — a busy seaport which serves over 1,000 ships every year.
Additionally, the trade zone is within a 30-minute drive to both the Dubai International Airport and Sharjah Airport. Major highways, including the E11, connect the area with other major emirates like Dubai which is situated 12 kilometres away.
Here are the details for the location:
- Ajman Free Zone Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Ajman – UAE
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday – 07:30 am to 03:30 pm and 03:30 am to 11:30 am (GMT)
Why set up a business with the Ajman Free Zone?
The free trade zone in Ajman offers a wealth of essential and budget-friendly benefits for investors, entrepreneurs and company owners looking to set up or expand businesses in the UAE. To make the prospect convenient for its clients, the AFZ offers a range of customisable products and services — with a focus on simplifying business requirements.
A location close to the emirate of Sharjah, which has ports on the coast of the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf, also makes the Ajman Free Zone a favourable business prospect.
Here are some of the benefits for AFZ clients:
Seven types of licences offered
The Ajman Free Zone offers clients a one-stop solution to acquiring the necessary licencing to set up businesses. Licencing services at the AFZ are offered for a range of business owners from entrepreneurs and freelancers to industrialists. Here is an overview of each with Ajman Free Zone licence requirements:
- Commercial Licence: Enables businesses to export, import and distribute entertainment products across the UAE
- Industrial Manufacture Licence: Provides the necessary manufacturing facilities within the free zone where holders can run operations such as the development of listed goods and international exports
- Services Licence: Authorises holders to operate services that are listed on the contract clause
- Pioneers Licence: Focuses on empowering the youth and is available for holders between 20 to 30 years of age — making it ideal for young entrepreneurs
- Freelancer Licence: Offers licensures for around 40 freelancer categories
- E-commerce Licence: Packages for conducting online businesses in areas such as F&B Retail E-Trading, Industrial Equipment E-Trading, Fashion Retail E-Trading and others
- Off-shore licence: Offers foreign enterprises access to a variety of activities including International Services, Professional Services, Property Ownership and more.
The Ajman Free Zone Licence cost varies according to the type of licence required and the individual need.
Products offered
The Ajman Free Zone Authority covers all the basic needs of clients from providing delivery services to taking care of insurance and medical requirements. Products offered by the service include:
- Offices: A wide range of customisable offices with tailor-made amenities
- Executive Offices: A choice of furnished and unfurnished corporate spaces
- Business Centre: The AFZ Business Centre has shared-co-working spaces where startups or SMEs can operate without incurring high overhead costs
- Freelancer and Pioneers Hub: Flexible co-working spaces for freelancers and graduates
- Warehouses: Spacious pre-built warehouses starting at 100 sq.m located within easy access to ports and airports
- Onsite Accommodations: Comfortable accommodations for employees with amenities like prayer areas, laundry services, air-conditioning, parking spaces and more.
- Land: Investors interested in building their own facilities can get land with a lease of 20-plus years.
Business Sectors at the AFZ
Interested clients may opt to set up operations within any of the business sectors that the AFZ specialises in. These include:
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Education
- Food and Beverage (F&B)
- Advanced Technology
Business Communities in the Ajman Free Zone
Apart from small and medium enterprises, the AFZ Authority also facilitates business hubs which, in addition to business operations, also facilitate leisure and lifestyle activities. The communities include:
Ajman Boulevard
Apart from providing an exclusive range of services Ajman Boulevard offers businesses easy access to main roads and proximity to Ajman Port.
Al Zorah
Ajman Free Zone companies can set up businesses in Al Zohra, a premium leisure and lifestyle destination which also accommodates several residential complexes like The Pavilion. The furnished AFZ Business Centre at The Pavilion comprises nine executive and eight smaller offices with ample on-site parking. Those looking to explore opportunities at the F&B and retail sector are encouraged to try The Marina which is also a vibrant tourist destination.
China Mall
Clients can set up shop at China Mall, a popular shopping hub which can give retail organisations the chance to grow.
The Car Market
This entails opportunities for motor trade companies to thrive within Ajman’s Auto Market — which already boasts of a range of renowned showrooms, used and new car dealerships.
Ajman Free Zone Company Setup
Thanks to the aforementioned benefits, a lot of companies have turned to the Ajman Free Zone to set up lucrative ventures in the UAE. A convenient setup process is also a major advantage for those who want to partner with the AFZ.
The Ajman Free Zone accommodates a range of businesses with services that include:
- Issuing business licences
- Providing ongoing services to existing clients
- Providing employee and investor visas
Setting up a business with the AFZ is done in three steps:
1 – Choose your business type: Sales experts at AFZ are on-hand to help you choose a suitable legal identity, facility and licence type.
2 – Submit the application with documents: Clients are guided on everything from filling the submission form to the final submission after which they can pay via a variety of payment methods
3 – Obtain your business licence: Receive the business licence and bank letter with the registration kit
The visa process starts after the aforementioned formalities are completed.
Business Categories
Clients can apply for ownership for these types of business categories in the Ajman Free Zone:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Companies obtaining licences under an FZE obtain the status of an entirely independent corporate identity
- Branch of a local company: Free Zone Companies that have valid licences from any UAE licencing authority are eligible for this service
- Branch of a foreign company: This is for companies that have bases outside the UAE but their sales can only be via a UAE-registered distributor or agents
- Free Zone Company (FZC): Individuals who form a company can be granted an Ajman Free Zone licence under this category for operating industrial/manufacturing or commercial services.
The documents required for applications differ for a branch company and a Free Zone Establishment (FZE).
For example, requirements for an FZE include a no-objection letter from the sponsor if the applicant is a UAE resident, a copy of the applicant’s passport, visa copy or UID and a coloured photograph.
Documents for a subsidiary company include a passport copy and visa copy or UID of the company manager, Board Resolution copy, copy of the Trade Licence and others.
Those who like to register their interest can do so on the Ajman Free Zone official website.
Customer Portal
The Ajman Free Zone Authority offers digital services to make corporate setups and related services accessible and convenient for clients. An online customer portal and award-winning customer services team allow clients to accomplish tasks in one place.
AFZ Connect
AFZ CONNECT is a B2B platform that enables AFZ clients to grow their businesses, connect and improve on their e-commerce trade. The online resource is free to use for all clients and comes with a range of digital features. A great way to network and build businesses online globally, AFZ CONNECT enables members to:
- Access the AFZ business directory
- Buy, sell, network and expand their reach
- Engage in e-commerce trade
- Connect internationally with like-minded professionals
- Communicate and promote their services
Ajman Free Zone contact
Interested individuals may contact the AFZ Authority by filling a contact form on their official website. Besides this, you can also get in touch via the following Ajman Free Zone contact number and other details:
- Customer Care Centre: 800-AFZA (2392)
- Email: info@afza.ae
- Opening hours: 07:30 am to 03:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
We hope that this review of the Ajman Free Zone will help those looking to establish businesses in the emirate and benefit from a growing GCC market. If you want to expand to other free zones in the UAE, consider setting up a business venture at the Al Hamriyah Free Zone in Sharjah.
Business owners looking to set up in the major emirates can check out the list of free areas zones in Dubai. And those who want to establish corporate ventures in the capital city may consider free zones in Abu Dhabi.
