Ajman is one of the prominent destinations in the UAE that provides an ideal environment for investors and entrepreneurs looking to establish their own companies. Thanks to its strategic location and the unique advantages offered by the free zones, Ajman has become a preferred choice for many looking to enter the UAE market with the lowest costs and maximum flexibility. Establishing a company in the Ajman Free Zone represents a golden opportunity to benefit from an advanced business environment characterized by simplified incorporation procedures, attractive tax exemptions, and comprehensive support services. This location gives you access to a wide commercial network and encouraging incentives that help you achieve success and growth.

Through its free zones, Ajman seeks to attract foreign and local investments by providing a supportive environment and competitive advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, flexible establishment procedures, and tax incentives. Ajman’s free zones also offer multiple opportunities in various sectors such as trade, industry, and services, making them an attractive destination for establishing companies of all kinds. In this article, we will review the most important points to consider when thinking about establishing a company in Ajman Free Zone, including the required procedures, costs, and the main benefits it offers.

Basic Procedures for Establishing a Company in Ajman Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Ajman Free Zone is a process that requires following a set of basic procedures to ensure your compliance with local laws and facilitate the establishment process. Here are the basic steps to establish a company in the Ajman Free Zone:

1. Choose the type of company: Decide what type of company you want to form, such as a limited liability company, a sole proprietorship, or a branch of an existing company. Different types of companies come with different requirements and procedures.
2. Determine the business activity: Determine the business activity that the company will be conducting, as you will need to define the activity accurately to determine the type of license required.
3. Choosing a company name: Choose a distinctive trade name for your company. Make sure that the name complies with local laws and is not similar to other company names. You can check the availability of the name through the Ajman Free Zone e-portal.
4. Submitting a registration application: Submit a company registration application through the Ajman Free Zone e-portal or by visiting the registration offices. The application includes details of the company type, business activity, and trade name.
5. Prepare and notarize documents: Prepare and notarize the required documents, which usually include passports, personal photos, office lease agreement, and articles of association. You may need to notarize some documents from the relevant authorities.
6. Obtaining the license: After submitting the application and the required documents, you will need to obtain the appropriate license for the company’s activity. Ajman Free Zone will issue the license after reviewing and approving all the documents.
7. Open a bank account: Open a bank account in the name of the company at a local bank. You will need to provide the license and other certificates related to the company.
8. Securing Work and Residence Visas: Submit applications for work and residence visas for employees and investors, through the free zone’s immigration and passport procedures.
9. Complete the logistical arrangements: Set up the office according to the requirements of the free zone, and ensure that all the logistical arrangements necessary to operate the business are completed.
10. Starting Business Operations: After completing all the procedures and obtaining the necessary licenses, you can start the business and operate the company officially.

Documents required to establish a company in the Ajman Free Zone

To establish a company in Ajman Free Zone, you will need to submit a set of basic documents to complete the registration process and obtain the license. Here is a list of the required documents:

• Company Registration Application: Registration application form which can be obtained from the Ajman Free Zone e-portal or from the registration offices.
• Passports: Colour copies of passports of all shareholders and directors of the company. Passports must be valid.
• Personal photographs: Recent personal photographs of both shareholders and directors, usually with a white background.
• Articles of Association: A copy of the articles of association detailing the partners, the company’s activities and the distribution of shares. It must be notarized by the competent authorities if necessary.
• Lease Agreement: A lease agreement for an office in the free zone. The lease agreement can be temporary or long-term, and must be in writing and signed.
• Activity Approval Letter: A letter stating the business activity that the company will undertake and requesting approval from the Free Zone Administration if the activity requires special permits.
• Additional Licenses and Activities : Additional documents related to the specific business activity if it requires a special license, such as import and export permits or medical licenses.
• Statement of Ownership: A statement showing ownership of assets such as an office or equipment, if this needs to be clarified based on the type of company.
• Bank account details: Details of the company’s bank account, including copies of bank certificates or letters from banks confirming the opening of the account.
• Directors’ appointment documents: Documents appointing directors and key officers, including their CVs and personal details.
• Financial Reports: In the case of companies that register branches or expansions, you may need to submit financial reports to the parent company.
• Business Plan: A detailed business plan that outlines the strategy, goals, and projected growth of the company.

What license do I need to establish a company in Ajman Free Zone?

When establishing a company in Ajman Free Zone, you will need to obtain the appropriate license that specifies the business activity that the company will be conducting. There are several types of licenses available depending on the type of business activity. Here are the most important types of licenses that you may need:

• Commercial License: Granted to companies that engage in general commercial activities such as wholesale and retail trade. This license includes permits to engage in commercial activities and sales.
• Industrial License: Granted to companies that carry out industrial activities including manufacturing and production. This license requires fulfilling conditions related to industrial equipment and facilities.
• Service License: Granted to companies that provide consulting or professional services, such as legal, accounting, or consulting services. This license allows companies to provide specialized services.
• Professional License: Granted to individuals or companies that engage in specific professional activities, such as law firms or design companies. This license focuses on activities that require specific skills or specializations.
• Private Activity License: This license includes activities that do not fall under other general categories, such as cultural or sports activities. This license requires specific details about the private activity.
• Determine the type of activity: Choose the appropriate type of license based on the business activity you will be conducting.
• Submitting a license application: Submit a license application through the Ajman Free Zone’s electronic portal or visit the registration offices, along with the required documents.
• Submitting documents: Required documents typically include passports, passport photos, articles of incorporation, lease agreement, and business plan.
• Application Review: The Free Zone Administration reviews the application and submitted documents and ensures that they meet the requirements.
• Obtaining a license: After the application is reviewed and approved, you will receive the license for your business.

Cost of establishing a company in Ajman Free Zone

The cost of establishing a company in the Ajman Free Zone includes several main aspects that vary based on the type of company, the size of the activity, and the specific requirements. In general, these costs include:

1. Registration Fees: This includes the company registration fee which is paid when submitting the application for incorporation. These fees may include the cost of reviewing documents and issuing the license.
2. Licensing costs: Licensing costs vary depending on the type of business and services offered. They include fees associated with obtaining the appropriate business license and specific activity.
3. Office costs: This includes the cost of renting office space within the free zone, which may include rent, insurance and maintenance costs. These costs depend on the size and location of the office.
4. Visa fees: Includes the cost of issuing work and residence visas for investors and employees, which also includes application and visa fees.
5. Consultant Fees: You may need to consult with a legal or business advisor to assist you with legal and administrative procedures. These fees vary depending on the level of service provided.
6. Documentation costs: This includes the cost of documenting the required documents such as the articles of association and lease contracts from the relevant authorities.
7. Office fit-out costs: These include costs associated with office fit-out such as furniture and equipment, which depend on the size of the office and your needs.

In conclusion, establishing a company in Ajman Free Zone is a strategic step towards success and growth in the UAE market. Ajman provides an ideal business environment characterized by flexibility and facilities that enable investors to focus on developing their businesses instead of dealing with complex bureaucracy. Thanks to the many advantages offered by Ajman Free Zone, such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simple procedures, you can start your project with confidence and without complications.

Ajman is a great starting point for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in a region of economic stability and continued growth. In Ajman, you will find a stimulating environment that supports innovation and provides you with the opportunities you need to achieve your business goals. With government support and great economic potential, you can focus on building and expanding your business in an open and thriving market.

So, if you are thinking of starting a company in the UAE, Ajman Free Zone offers you everything you need to get started successfully. Prepare your plan carefully, use the resources available to you, and take advantage of the unique advantages that Ajman offers to make your project an inspiring success story in the business world.

The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Ajman Free Zone