Introduction
The UAE remains one of the most dynamic places in the world for entrepreneurs. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi often take the spotlight, Ajman has quietly positioned itself as one of the most affordable, strategic, and straightforward hubs for startups, freelancers, and SMEs.
Starting a business in Ajman in 2025 is simpler than ever, thanks to modernised online registration systems, reduced costs, and a growing ecosystem of free zones and mainland opportunities. Whether you’re a freelancer seeking a low-cost licence, an e-commerce seller needing warehousing, or an industrial manufacturer, Ajman offers tailored pathways.
This updated guide explains how to start a business in Ajman step by step — covering everything from activities and licences to banking, visas, and growth strategies.
1️⃣ 🏷️ Choose your business activity & legal structure
Before diving into paperwork, clarify your activity. Ajman authorities categorise businesses into:
- Commercial / Trading – import/export, retail, wholesale
- Service / Consultancy – marketing, IT, design, education
- Industrial – manufacturing, production, processing
- Freelancer Permit – individuals offering professional skills
- E-commerce Licence – digital or online trade
💡 Tip: If you’re planning a digital-first startup, Ajman Media City Free Zone offers cost-effective licences for freelancers and small service businesses.
Legal structures available include:
- Free Zone Establishment (single shareholder)
- Free Zone Company (multiple shareholders)
- Branch office of a foreign or UAE company
- LLC (mainland)
👉 Picking the right activity matters because your licence, visa eligibility, and even office requirements depend on it. For example, a restaurant startup must secure food safety permits, while an online consultancy may only need a service licence.
2️⃣ 🧾 Decide: Free Zone, Media City, or Mainland
Ajman provides three main routes to register a company:
🔹 Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
- Established in 1988, one of the oldest free zones in the UAE
- Known for cost-effective packages starting from a few thousand AED
- 100% foreign ownership, easy customs procedures, and warehouses
🔹 Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ)
- Tailored for freelancers, creatives, and digital professionals
- Very affordable licence packages with or without visas
- No office requirement for many activities
🔹 Ajman Mainland (Ajman DED)
- Register directly under the Ajman Department of Economic Development
- Access to the wider UAE market without free-zone restrictions
- Often chosen by businesses seeking government contracts or retail outlets
2025 update: The Ajman DED has streamlined digital applications, cutting average approval times for low-risk licences by 40%.
3️⃣ 🧭 Naming, documentation, and approvals
Your trade name is more than branding — it’s a legal requirement. In Ajman:
- Avoid religious, political, or offensive terms
- Names should match the activity (e.g., “Tech Solutions LLC”)
- Reserve the name through the DED or free zone portal
Documents required (2025 checklist):
✔ Passport copies of shareholders
✔ Digital passport photo
✔ Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)
✔ Business plan (for certain activities)
✔ Tenancy agreement or virtual office contract
✔ NOC (if UAE resident under another sponsor)
Approvals may include:
- Food Control Department for restaurants
- Ministry of Health for medical services
- Ministry of Education for training institutes
👉 Expect free-zone approvals in 1–3 days and mainland approvals in 1–3 weeks, depending on activity.
4️⃣ 🏢 Licences & office solutions
Ajman offers five main licence categories:
- Trading Licence – import/export, general trading
- Service Licence – consultancies, agencies, IT firms
- Industrial Licence – factories, manufacturing
- E-commerce Licence – online-only businesses
- Freelancer Permit – individuals
Office solutions include:
- Flexi-desk packages – shared desk spaces (great for startups)
- Private offices – required for larger visa quotas
- Warehouses – Ajman Free Zone has dedicated industrial zones
💡 2025 insight: Ajman Free Zone recently launched “Digital Business Licence” packages for remote-first entrepreneurs, allowing them to register fully online without a physical presence.
5️⃣ 💳 Costs, banking & tax updates
Starting a business in Ajman is cheaper than Dubai or Abu Dhabi:
- Freelance permits: ~AED 6,000–8,000 annually
- E-commerce licences: ~AED 8,000–10,000 annually
- Trading/service licences: ~AED 12,000–20,000 depending on visas
- Industrial licences: from AED 25,000+
Banking:
Once licensed, open a UAE corporate bank account. Prepare:
✔ Trade licence copy
✔ Shareholder documents
✔ Company profile and business plan
✔ Proof of office/warehouse
Banks like Emirates NBD, RAKBank, and Mashreq are common choices.
Taxes (2025 update):
- UAE corporate tax of 9% applies only if profits exceed AED 375,000.
- Free-zone companies may enjoy exemptions if they are compliant with the “Qualifying Free Zone Person” rules.
- VAT (5%) applies to most goods and services.
👉 Keep track of deadlines for VAT filings and corporate tax returns to avoid penalties.
6️⃣ 🛂 Visas, hiring & HR compliance
Visa quotas depend on your office size and licence package. For example, a flexi-desk package may allow 1–3 visas, while larger offices can support dozens.
The visa process includes:
- Entry permit issuance
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID application
- Residence visa stamping
Hiring rules (2025):
- Employers must comply with the updated UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, amendments in 2024).
- Contracts can be fixed-term or unlimited.
- End-of-service benefits follow a gratuity system.
- Mandatory health insurance must be provided to employees.
💡 Tip: Ajman’s relatively lower office rents make it attractive for startups planning to hire locally without huge overheads.
7️⃣ ⚖️ Compliance, renewals & regulations
Running a business in Ajman is not just about starting; staying compliant matters.
Annual tasks include:
- Renewing trade licence
- Renewing tenancy agreement or virtual office lease
- Renewing visas and Emirates IDs
- Filing VAT (quarterly or monthly, depending on turnover)
- Filing corporate tax returns (if applicable)
Special compliance notes:
- Food, health, and education businesses undergo periodic inspections.
- Import/export companies must comply with customs requirements.
- Companies must maintain proper accounting records for seven years.
👉 In 2025, Ajman Free Zone introduced a digital compliance dashboard that reminds businesses of renewal deadlines, reducing the risk of fines.
8️⃣ 🚀 Scaling & local business support
Ajman’s small size makes networking and growth faster. Entrepreneurs can connect through:
- Ajman Chamber of Commerce – networking and business support
- Ajman Free Zone Accelerator Programs – training and mentorship
- Ajman Tourism Development Department – if operating in hospitality or travel
- UAE Startup platforms – Dubai Expo legacy hubs, incubators, and angel networks
Growth tips for 2025:
- Use Ajman’s warehouses for cross-border e-commerce storage
- Tap digital marketing (social ads + SEO) to reach UAE-wide customers
- Leverage cost savings in Ajman to reinvest in talent and technology
- Explore neighbouring emirates (Dubai, Sharjah) to scale quickly
💡 Ajman’s affordability allows startups to keep overheads lean while accessing the same national infrastructure as Dubai-based companies.
Conclusion
Starting a business in Ajman in 2025 is a smart choice for entrepreneurs who want affordability, accessibility, and flexibility all in one place. Whether you are a freelancer, SME, or large-scale investor, setting up a business in Ajman gives you access to strategic markets, competitive costs, and supportive government policies.
Many expats and residents now prefer launching a business in Ajman because the emirate provides low licence fees, simplified visa processes, and excellent free zone infrastructure. Choosing to register a business in Ajman also allows you to operate across the UAE, while enjoying the benefits of local and international connectivity.
The demand for e-commerce, consultancy, and industrial setups continues to rise, making it the perfect time to start a business in Ajman. Whether you want to trade goods, launch an online brand, or open a factory, a business in Ajman can be tailored to your specific needs.
The government has introduced streamlined digital services, which reduce waiting times and increase efficiency, giving every new business in Ajman a head start. From Ajman Free Zone to Ajman Media City and the mainland, you have multiple options to launch your business in Ajman in a way that suits your budget and vision.
In 2025, investors are finding that a business in Ajman not only reduces overhead costs but also provides long-term stability and room to scale. If your goal is to establish a sustainable and profitable venture, there has never been a better time to set up a business in Ajman.
👉 The future is bright, and entrepreneurs who choose to build their business in Ajman today will enjoy both growth and opportunity tomorrow.
External Links & Official Resources
- Ajman Department of Economic Development
- Ajman Free Zone Authority
- Ajman Media City Free Zone
- UAE Federal Tax Authority
- UAE Government Business Portal
Also Read: Top Family-Friendly Areas to Live in Ajman — 2025 Guide