Ajman Free Zone General Trading License & Trade License Fees 

Thinking of setting up a trading business in the UAE with little establishment cost? The Ajman Free Zone offers the most affordable and flexible option for general trading and trade licenses. Let’s delve into its trading license and know more about it.

1. Introduction

One of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE, Ajman Free Zone is attractive to foreign entrepreneurs and investors on account of its cheap licensing and good infrastructure, besides being near the main logistics hubs. Ajman Free Zone is also a key international gateway, with a travel distance of only 30 minutes from Dubai.

Amongst others, licenses like an Ajman Free Zone general trading license and an Ajman Free Zone trade license are among the highest in demand, as these are permits for operators to trade and conduct legal commercial activities under simplified regulations, such as import/export, wholesale, and distribution of goods from a wide range of categories. 

As a venue for multi-category trading or transaction of a few product lines, Ajman Free Zone, in fact builds up an environment to enhance your business in a cost-effective and legal way.

2. Why Choose Ajman Free Zone for Your Business?

What sets Ajman Free Zone apart from all jurisdictions in the UAE is:

• Strategic location between Sharjah and Dubai
• Affordable licensing and office packages
• 100% foreign ownership
• Zero import or export duties
• Quick business setup process (as fast as 1 day)

Offering low barriers for entry, AFZ is attractive to SMEs, startups, and investors planning to set up businesses within the zone. In particular, those who found Dubai Free Zones or Abu Dhabi to be cost-prohibitive find it even more appealing.

3. What is an Ajman Free Zone Trade License?

An Ajman Free Zone trade license constitutes a legal permit for the trade of goods and products both inside and outside the UAE. It is suitable for businesses involved in specific trading activities such as electronics, textiles, or auto spare parts.

Types of trade licenses in Ajman Free Zone:

• Commercial License: The license is for trade in listed goods
• General Trading License: For multiple categories of goods
• E-commerce License: For use in online retailing and dropshipping

While the trade license is limited to certain goods, the general trading license issued by the Ajman Free Zone has the undeniable advantage of flexibility on its part. A further examination is warranted.

4. Ajman Free Zone General Trading License Explained

The Ajman Free Zone general trading license permits the holder to trade across unrelated goods under one license within the general trading framework of the Ajman Free Zone. General trading differs from trade licenses in that it opens up a range of products, running from electronics and garments to household items and accessories.

The major advantages of the license:

• The ability to trade in multiple categories of products under a single license.
• Most conducive for purposes of import/export and wholesale.
• Fewer licenses or approvals are required.

If your business plans to operate with diverse products or you’re looking to scale your business in a shorter period, the Ajman Free Zone general trading license is your best pick.

5. Ajman Free Zone Trade License Fees

Fees for the Ajman Free Zone trade license are one of the cheapest compared with other free zones in the UAE. Here is a detailed breakdown of 2025 fees:

Product	Amount (AED)
Business License
Lease Agreement
Memorandum Of Association Or Articles of Association	14,000
Commercial Registry in Deeds / Certificate
Certificate of Incorporation
Share Certificate
Totals	14,000

Terms & Conditions

• Set up fees for Ajman Free Zone License + 1 visa issued
• Stage 1: License Issuance – 5-7 business days
• Stage 2: Immigration Card – 3-4 business days
• Stage 3: Visa Process – 9-10 business days

NOTES:

• E-Channel Guarantee of AED 1,025 applicable
• *Chamber Certificate fees are additional
• Health insurance is mandatory for the visa process. The cost will be confirmed during the medical process and will depend on factors like age, gender, and existing health conditions.
• For individuals who have not previously entered the UAE, UID generation is required and is subject to an additional fee.
• Payment of AED 1,000 – AED 1,500 (this seems to be a general payment detail mentioned at the top)
• Establishment card: AED 1,000 – AED 1,500 (also mentioned at the top)

Compared to trade license fees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi free zones, these fees are low, which is why the Ajman Free Zone draws so many price-conscious businessmen.

6. What’s Included in the License Package?

Each license package in the Ajman freezone contains:

• Business name registration
• MOA (Memorandum of Association) preparation
• Lease agreement for flexi-desk or office
• Company immigration file opening
• Visa quota (varies based on package)

Value-added services by AFZ include:

• Document clearance
• PRO support
• Business banking assistance
• Digital business dashboard for license management

Hire a business consultant like Arnifi, and he simplifies everything from ensuring compliance to placing all your efforts on your core business.

7. Step-by-Step Process to Get an Ajman Free Zone General Trading License

Step 1: Choose your business activity

State the classification of products you intend to trade with.

Step 2: Opt for either a trade license or a general trading license

If dealing in multiple categories, opt for the general trading license.

Step 3: Apply through the Ajman Free Zone Authority

Add business name, passport copies, and filled forms.

Step 4: Choose your visa package and space

Between flexi-desk and office options.

Step 5: The license approval and Emirates ID

Typically, this takes 3 – 5 business days.

Setting up in the Ajman Free Zone is time-saving and cost-effective due to minimum documentation and online processing.

8. FAQs on Ajman Free Zone Licenses

Q1. What is the cost of an Ajman Free Zone general trading license?

There are different rates set between AED 11,000 and AED 13,500, and these rates are based on the specifications of the visa and office.

Q2. How much are the Ajman Free Zone trade license fees for one visa?

One trade license with a visa for a single applicant costs AED 9,500 to AED 11,500, depending on inclusions like flexi-desk and establishment card.

Q3. Can I upgrade from a trade license to a general trading license?

Indeed, they can apply for an upgrade by submitting a new application along with paying the difference in license fee.

Q4. Is Ajman Free Zone better than other free zones for trading businesses?

For start-ups and cost-minded traders, Ajman Free Zone is a very affordable and flexible alternative to trading in Dubai or Sharjah Free Zones without compromising features.

9. Conclusion

If you are setting up your niche trading business or starting with something larger in its market capacity, an Ajman Free Zone general trading license and an Ajman Free Zone trade license blend affordability, flexibility, and speed to an excellent end. With some of the most competitive Ajman Free Zone trade license fees for 2025, it’s a smart choice for entrepreneurs targeting the UAE market. If you are ready to start, contact Arnifi today for expert advice and complete support regarding your Ajman Free Zone business setup.