UAE remains the global top destination to do business, and business setup in Ajman is turning out to be a massive success in 2025. Low-cost of licensing, low-cost office rentals, and fast-track registration, Ajman is rapidly becoming popular among small businesses, start-ups, and foreign investors.

Regardless of the business you wish to commence, trade, consultancy, manufacturing, or e-commerce, Ajman provides affordable entry points. In this guide here, we summarize all that you wish to know costs, Mainland and Free Zone difference, documents required, and most valuable advantages so you can start a business in Ajman 2025 with complete confidence and take advantage of new opportunities. Additionally, If you are interested in property investment in Ajman, here you can Get Started with Property Investment Guide

Start a Business in Ajman 2025: Overview of the Business Environment

Strategically located in the heart of the UAE, Ajman is easily reached by major roads, sea ports, and airports at lower setup and operating expenses than Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Some of the most prominent advantages are:

  • 100% foreign ownership (in Free Zones and most of Mainland commerce)
  • Low cost of business license and office rental
  • No corporate tax or personal income tax
  • Simple and speedy registration process (achievable within days)
  • Few allowed activities, i.e., manufacturing, services, trade, and logistics

Ajman business environment is particularly friendly to SMEs, freelancers, and online businesses seeking low-cost but strategic places to do business.

Free Zone or Mainland: What Is Best for Business Setup in Ajman?

To set up business in Ajman, two most important choices are Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) and Ajman Mainland. Both have their own regulations, benefits, and best-fitted business types.

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)

Ajman Free Zone is a mature and well-established Free Zone in the UAE. It has competitive packages for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Key Features:

  • 100% foreign entity ownership
  • Repatriation of capital and profits
  • Import/export duty-free
  • Rapid licensing (2–3 working days)
  • Low-budget flexi-desk and common office space
  • E-commerce policy-friendly
  • Freedom to conduct Free Zone business and international business

Restrictions:

  • Cannot trade with the UAE mainland directly except with the use of a distributor
  • Office space is needed to be rented for getting the license

Ajman Mainland

If you want to work in the UAE independently, the Mainland would be most appropriate.

Main Features:

  • Independent to do business anywhere in the UAE without restriction
  • No restriction on business activity (provided it is licensed)
  • Can take part in government tenders
  • Physical office space needs to be rented in Ajman
  • All activities are now 100% foreign owned (excluding exceptions)

Restrictions:

  • A bit higher registration and office rent expense than Free Zone
  • May perhaps have additional regulatory procedures by activity type

Verdict: Select Ajman Free Zone if your customers are predominantly international or online. Select Ajman Mainland if your business model is local trade or physical market access within the nation.

Business Setup Cost in Ajman (2025)

Ajman is also one of the lowest-cost emirates to start a business. The estimated breakup of both Free Zone and Mainland setup costs in 2025 are reflected below:

Ajman Free Zone:

  • License Package (Zero Visa): AED 5,500 – AED 8,000
  • License + 1 Visa Package: AED 9,000 – AED 12,000
  • E-commerce License: AED 6,500 – AED 10,000
  • Flexi Desk: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per year
  • Shared Office or Executive Office: AED 8,000 – AED 15,000 per year

Ajman Mainland:

  • Trade License: AED 10,000 – AED 15,000
  • Professional/Service License: AED 8,000 – AED 12,000
  • Rental of an office (per annum): AED 10,000 – AED 25,000
  • Cost of Visa per Person: AED 3,500 – AED 5,000

Other Costs to be incurred:

  • Immigration card fees
  • UAE local sponsor (wherever required by the activity)
  • Charges for notary and translation
  • Establishment card and medical test fees

Setting Up a Business in Ajman

The following is a step-by-step guide to setting up your business in Ajman:

Select Business Activity
You must select your commercial, professional, or industrial activity. The activities shall be endorsed by Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED) or AFZ.

Select Legal Structure

Ones are:

  • Sole Establishment
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Civil Company (for professionals)
  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZCO)

Select Location
Based on your selection of Free Zone or Mainland; select your office type (virtual desk, flexi-desk, or physical office).

Present your Documents
Common documents to present:

  • Copy of passport
  • Passport photos
  • Copy of entry visa or stamp
  • NOC (where needed)
  • Business plan (in certain activities)
  • Tenancy agreement (in case of Mainland)

Pay License Fees
After your documents are processed, pay for visa and license.

Receive Trade License
Your business license would usually be received in 2–5 working days, depending on activity and area.

Get Visas
Obtain your visa and employee visas, if part of the package.

Top Business Sectors in Ajman (2025)

Ajman has a diversified list of profitable business operations. The top business sectors of 2025 include:

  • E-commerce and Drop shipping
  • Import/Export and Logistics
  • Food and Beverage Trading
  • Construction and Building Materials
  • Education and Training Centers
  • Beauty and Personal Care Services
  • Digital Marketing and IT Services
  • Freelance and Consultancy Services

Select a business activity suiting your target market and need of customer, as every industry has its specific licensing and legal process.

Ajman Business Setup: Legal Issues

In establishing your business setup in Ajman, remember the following:

  • Visa Requirements: Zero to three visas is normally included in most of the license packages; additional visas will incur extra office space.
  • Taxation: The individual tax cannot be imposed. From 2023 and beyond, companies with more than AED 375,000 turnover a year are taxed at 9%.
  • Opening a Bank Account: After securing the license, open a bank account. These are trade license, share documents, and business plan.
  • Compliance with: Proper bookkeeping and reporting audit reports (as per the new corporate tax compliance regulations).

Living in Ajman as a Business Owner

Ajman is suitable for those who wish to work and reside in the same location but do not require high costs of big cities. A few of the most significant lifestyle benefits are:

  • Reasonable housing
  • Quiet neighborhoods
  • Close proximity to work
  • Quick access to Dubai and Sharjah
  • Diverse expat communities of different nations
  • Close proximity to schools, clinics, and government departments

Easiness of living leads to improved job-satisfaction for businessmen working from Ajman.

Conclusion

Business setup in Ajman is a smart move for 2025 entrepreneurs. Cost-effective licensing, favorable government policy, and ease of access to major markets render Ajman more attractive to new enterprises by local and international investors.

If you’re ready to start a business in Ajman 2025, now is the time to capitalize on its business-friendly environment and rising demand across sectors. The emirate has all the essentials minus the heavy costs. If you are interested in becoming a resident in Ajman UAE, you can go through A Detailed Insight into U.A.E.'s Residence by Investment.

For more information regarding real estate in Ajman, reach out to experts at www.ajmanproperties.ae.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Question

How much does it cost to start a business in Ajman in the year 2025?

The cost differs with the type of license and location of the license. At Ajman Free zone, the cost of setting up vat can be between AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 a year, whereas the Mainland set up can be between AED 10,000 to AED 25,000+ inclusive of the trade license, office area rent, and the visa fees.

What are the main peculiarities of Ajman Free Zone and Mainland business setup?

Ajman Free Zone provides easy, tax benefits, 100% foreign ownership and it entails that online business and import/export activities are suited to this Free zone. Mainland businesses give you the freedom of operating directly in the UAE market although you might need local service agents when carrying out some activities.

Is it possible to have a business license in Ajman and to receive a residency visa?

Yes, Free Zone and Mainland business structure in Ajman provides eligibility of owners, employees and dependents to get residence visas in UAE, depending on the license package and office space needs.