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If you’re trying to estimate the total cost of an Ajman freelance visa in 2026, this guide breaks it down in clear numbers you can budget for. You’ll get the expected costs for the freelance permit, establishment card, residency visa, Emirates ID, medical tests, and other government fees and understand how Arnifi simplifies the Ajman freelance visa process by managing licensing, visa formalities, and documentation from the very start.
Ajman Free Zone is rapidly gaining popularity among freelancers due to its affordable and flexible setup options. The setup is easy, with very little paperwork, which is the main attraction for anyone trying to kick-start an independent career in the UAE in no time. The fact that freelancers can work anywhere in the UAE without the hassle of taking an office is another major plus point, extending its allure to the entire global talent pool.
An Ajman freelance visa is a legal permit that allows professionals to stay and work in the UAE as independent contractors. These are different from a regular trade license, as it has particular considerations for individuals providing professional services as opposed to goods and trade. Ajman Free Zone permits a wide range of activities under this license, including media, design, IT, and consultancy. A crucial plus point is that the freelancer need not rent a physical office space for carrying out his/her activity.
Both residents and non-residents of the UAE can apply for the Ajman freelance visa. Eligibility usually requires the applicant to be at least 18 years old and to have a passport that is valid for at least six months.
Key Documents:
The application procedure for an Ajman freelance license and visa is fast and straightforward:
For individuals who do not need residency visas, apply via cheaper channels (for example, those who are already being sponsored as dependents by a spouse or parent). The freelance permit is anticipated to cost anywhere between AED6,000 and AED7,500. A separate charge for the establishment card, which is generally between AED1,000 and AED1,500, will be levied.
If a resident visa is required, package offers are available. The cost of a two-to-three-year residency visa is estimated at about AED 3,500 to AED 4,500. There are other mandatory costs, which comprise:
It is good practice to confirm whether they might require any security deposit fees for the free zone.
Accordingly, the following are some sample total setup costs for 2025 based on the estimates above:
Although uncommon, it is worth asking the Ajman Free Zone directly for lifetime offers or those available every three years.
Ajman Free Zone has one other considerable advantage-it allows for fee payment by installments. They may allow payments in 2, 3, or 6 installments, often requiring post-dated checks from a UAE bank. This can be a crucial factor for new freelancers managing their initial setup costs. Expats who do not yet have a local bank account may need to make alternative arrangements.
Audits of cost-effectiveness for the package option for freelancers commencing and setting up base in Ajman generally rate the packages among the cheapest by comparison with those redeemable in RAKEZ, UAQ, and SHAMS. Khaleej-Free Zone has generally offered the lowest-to-middle range prices, with Ajman, assuming high rates upon comparing almost all other available free zones, for reasons of affordability.
On Reddit and other online communities, you could more or less get the real-life gist of the matter. Current discussions have been mentioning words such as “AED 5,555 for a zero-visa” package “, AED 12,121 for a one-visa” package. Just remember not to fall into believing everything you see and hear; beware of hidden agent fees, and always ask what is included in any price specified. Another recurrent topic is possible roadblocks in opening an account with a bank.
Here are a few pitfalls freelancers should watch out for:
It is equally important to budget for annual renewals. Generally, the licensing renewal fee will oscillate around AED 6,000. Other costs to consider for renewals will be the establishment card renewal, renewal of visas every 2-3 years, and periodic fees for medical insurance and Emirates ID. Annual health insurance cost is also a key one that is mandatory. Altogether, renewal costs are estimated at around AED 8,000 or more yearly.
Pros:
Cons:
The Ajman freelance visa is best suited for individual creative professionals, consultants, and other service-based entrepreneurs, where a large operational setup is not a requirement.
The estimated cost of setting up an Ajman freelance visa depends on whether you choose the license-only option or include a residence visa. The estimated cost for a freelance license or permit typically ranges between AED 6,000 to AED 7,500. The establishment card, which is mandatory, has an estimated cost of around AED 1,000 to AED 2,000. For those opting for a residence visa, the estimated visa processing fee ranges between AED 2,900 to AED 3,600.
Additionally, E-channel registration is required, with an estimated cost of approximately AED 2,300, along with a refundable deposit. Medical fitness testing is another requirement, with estimated costs ranging from AED 300 to AED 800, while the Emirates ID application has an estimated cost of around AED 370. Health insurance is mandatory for residents and its estimated cost may vary depending on the provider and coverage.
Overall, the estimated total setup cost for a license-only option ranges between AED 7,000 to AED 9,500. If opting for a freelance visa package, the estimated total cost ranges between AED 15,570 to AED 19,270, excluding refundable deposits and variable expenses like insurance. Additionally, annual renewal costs are estimated at around AED 3,000 to AED 6,000, depending on the components included.
Note: These are estimated costs for 2026 and are subject to change.
Q: How much does the Ajman freelance visa cost in 2026?
A: Typical packages range from about AED 6,000–AED 7,500 for the freelance permit and can go up to AED 15,000–AED 19,000+ for a full residency visa package with fees included.
Q: Does the freelance visa cost include medical and Emirates ID?
A: No — the base permit usually excludes medical tests and Emirates ID costs, which are separate and add several thousand dirhams to the total.
Q: Can I pay Ajman freelance fees in installments?
A: Ajman Free Zone sometimes allows installment payments for license fees when setting up.
Q: How much is the establishment card fee for Ajman freelance?
A: The establishment card usually costs around AED 1,000–AED 2,000.
Q: Does the visa cost include sponsor or dependent fees?
A: Dependent sponsorship costs are separate and depend on the number of family members.
The Ajman freelance visa is a solid and economic way for an independent professional to establish him or her in the UAE. With good planning of the budget and knowledge of the whole process, freelancers can make their way through the setup easily and on to their entrepreneurial journey.
Checklist:
Navigating the freelance visa process in Ajman may seem complicated, but it has been made easy by Arnifi. The visiting providers who render corporate services in business setups in the UAE are Arnifi, as they help clients have a smooth, compliant, and transparent experience. They assist clients in choosing the correct freelance activity, organizing all the necessary documentation, and handling the application from submission to visa issuance.
Arnifi offers simplified upfront pricing with no hidden fees to ensure that they will explain to you the actual costs (including license, visa, and renewal fees) so that your freelance venture begins on a solid, predictable financial footing.
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