Startups and cost-focused investors
Business Setup in Ajman Mainland
Ajman mainland company setup starts from AED 26,000* and license is issued within 7-14 working days. It suits startups, SMEs, traders and consultancies that want to trade directly in the UAE, while enjoying 100% foreign ownership in Ajman mainland and low operating costs. Dubiz Business Setup handles your license, approvals and visa applications.
Quick introduction to Ajman Mainland
Ajman mainland or Ajman onshore is one of the most affordable mainland jurisdictions in the UAE. The area lies outside Ajman free zones and companies here are licensed and regulated by the Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED).
An Ajman mainland company can access the full UAE market, bid for government contracts, and sponsor investor, staff and family visas within the scope of its licensed activities.
Ajman mainland company formation particularly suits:
Professionals and consultancies
E-commerce sellers who want wider UAE market access
Companies that need a global base without Dubai-level costs
Traders looking for Dubai, Sharjah, Northern Emirates access
Free zone companies looking for simpler mainland expansion
What is the cost of setting up a company in Ajman mainland?
Ajman mainland business setup cost starts from around AED 26,000* for a business license + 1 investor visa package.
Here is a detailed breakdown of indicative first-year costs for Ajman mainland business setup, and what to expect at renewal:
| Cost Element | First Year Fees (AED) | Renewal Fees (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Approval | 150 | 0 |
| Medical Approval | 600 | 0 |
| MOA Typing & Notary Fees | 1,500 | 0 |
| Tenancy Contract Fees (5% of total rent amount for Ajman Municipality) | TBD | TBD |
| Estimated License Fees | 9,000 | 9,000 |
| Estimated Investor Visa Fees | 3,000 | 0 |
| Trade Name | 500 | 0 |
| Chamber Certificate | 200 | 200 |
| Immigration Card | 1,000 | 0 |
| E-channel Deposit | 2,500 | 0 |
| Service Fee (inclusive of 5% VAT) | 6,340 | TBD |
| Labour Card | 1,210 | 0 |
| Total | AED 26,000 + TBD items | AED 9,200 + TBD items |
Which license do you need?
Types of Ajman mainland business license
Before you plan your company formation in Ajman mainland, familiarize yourself with the types of Ajman mainland trade license that DED offers:
Commercial License
Ajman Mainland offers a commercial license for businesses that wish to trade products inside the UAE and/or globally.
Common examples:- Retailers and wholesalers
- Exporters / importers
- Local vendors
Industrial License
Activities related to manufacturing, processing, assembling and other industrial operations can be conducted under an industrial license in Ajman mainland.
Common examples:- Food manufacturing
- Building materials production
- Metal welding and fabrication
Professional License
If you have relevant expertise and skills, you can start offering services to customers after getting a professional license.
Common examples:- IT and web development
- Freelancer
- Accounting and consultancy
E-commerce Activity (commercial or professional)
An e-commerce license lets you sell products and services online via social media platforms, websites and marketplaces like Noon, Amazon and Shopify.
Common examples:- Instagram stores
- Amazon sellers
- Dropshipping
General Trading License
If you plan to combine multiple product groups under one license, a general trading license is the right choice.
Common examples:- Multi-product traders
- Furniture, machinery, and building material
- Electronics, appliances and office supplies
Benefits of starting business in Ajman mainland
Ajman DED reports more than 41,000 active business licenses in 2026. Here are the genuine reasons why entrepreneurs choose Ajman mainland:
You can trade directly with UAE customers as well as international clients. License is recognised across all the seven Emirates, beyond Ajman.
For businesses looking for lower costs than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Ajman mainland is a practical alternative.
Strategic location next to Dubai and Sharjah. Well-connected infrastructure and logistics for local and global market access.
After 2021 company law reform, you can enjoy 100% foreign ownership for most activities in Ajman mainland.
Enjoy 0%* corporate tax on annual taxable income up to AED 375,000, on meeting FTA conditions.
How to set up a business in Ajman mainland?
Ajman mainland business setup process involves dealing with several authorities: Ajman DED, Ajman Municipality, ICP, MOHRE and UAE bank. Dubiz Business Setup becomes your single point of contact for all of them.
Our process
Indicative timeline
7 – 14 working days
Choose your business activity.
Match your activity to an Ajman DED code from the official activity list. Our experts can help you confirm activities.
Choose legal structure and name.
Select sole establishment, a limited liability company, a joint stock company, or some other form. A unique, law-compliant trade name is registered.
Prepare MOA and legal documents.
Finalise the MOA. Keep passport copies, photos, and essential documents ready.
Collect approvals from concerned authorities.
Includes NOC from Ajman DED along with any additional permits specific to your business activity, e.g., health businesses seek permit from Ajman’s Health Department.
Sign and attest your tenancy contract.
Office tenancy contract is prepared and attested through Tasdeeq, Ajman Municipality’s system.
Obtain your trade license from Ajman DED.
Business license and incorporation certificate are issued by Department of Economic Development – Ajman, in both digital and physical copy (on request).
Indicative timeline
5 – 10 working days
Apply for the residence visas.
This stage involves obtaining investor visas, company Establishment Card, and employee visas, done via ICP and MOHRE.
Indicative timeline
2 - 4 weeks, longer based on risk profile.
Open a corporate bank account.
A business bank account is opened in the company’s name, subject to the bank’s KYC and approval process.
Documents required for Ajman mainland company registration
General documents
- Passport copy (min. 6-month validity)
- Passport-sized photo (white background)
- Entry stamp (expat) or visa copy (UAE resident)
- Trade name approval certificate
- Business activity details
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Attested office lease agreement
- License copy & board resolution (for company shareholder)
Conditional documents
- Attestation or translation of foreign documents
- Activity-specific NOC
- Ownership disclosure (UBO details)
- Bank reference letter
- NOC, if applicant is on a sponsored UAE residence visa
Dubiz Business Setup confirms the exact list for your case before you submit.
Can non-residents start a business in Ajman mainland?
UAE law now allows foreign investors to register, own, and manage an Ajman mainland company without relocating to Emirates.
Mainland premises: You still need a registered office address in Ajman.
License cost: Starts from AED 9000*, excluding visa and office.
Visit required for:
Some bank accounts: For KYC and verification, at bank’s discretion.
Residence visa: For medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, if applying for.
You will still need a reliable PRO in UAE to handle the paperwork. Talk to our experts.
Ajman mainland vs Dubai mainland vs Ajman free zone
Each option suits a different type of business. Here is how they compare on the points that usually decide the choice:
Factor | Ajman Mainland | Dubai Mainland | Ajman Free Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Ajman DED | Dubai DET | Ajman Free Zone Authority |
| Trading across UAE | Direct | Direct | Through distributor or a mainland permit |
| Typical setup cost | Low | Moderate | Lowest |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% for many activities | 100% |
| Office cost | Budget-friendly | Higher cost | Low-cost options (flexi-desk) |
| Best location advantage | Near to Ajman port, ~30 minutes away from Dubai | Prime business address, largest local market | Proximity to sea and airport |
| Best suited for | Startups, SMEs, cost-conscious traders | Larger budget firms, global companies | International businesses, remote setups |
Ajman mainland business: Visa options and costs
Business setup in Ajman mainland opens up UAE residency visa, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Ajman Immigration authority.
Investor or partner visa
For owners, usually valid for 2 years and renewable.
Cost: AED 3,000 onwards
Processing time: 5-10 working days
Trade license: Valid copy required
Employee visa
Sponsored by the company. The number you can hold depends on office size and activity.
Cost: AED 5,000 per visa
Processing time: 5-10 working days
Labour contract: Requires MOHRE approval
Dependent visa
For spouse and children. Requires sufficient income and a tenancy contract.
Cost: AED 3,000 – AED 7,000 per visa
Processing time: 5-10 working days
Salary and accommodation: Meet minimum threshold
What are the office space requirements in Ajman mainland?
Every Ajman mainland company needs a registered address to operate. Your tenancy contract is attested through Ajman Municipality's Tasdeeq system, which is Ajman's equivalent of Dubai's Ejari.
The office rental costs in Ajman start from AED 6,000* – AED 20,000* which is comparatively lower than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, it depends on the office type, size, and location. Also, your office space, subject to MOHRE’s approval (Labour Department), determines the number of visas you can apply for.
Basic rules:
- Space should be approved by Ajman Municipality
- Tasdeeq-registered tenancy contract is required for license application
- Office type (dedicated or shared) affects how banks assess risk in account applications.
The types of legal structures that can be established in Ajman Mainland
Whether you are a solo owner, a group of partners or an existing company, Ajman mainland has a structure for you:
- Sole proprietorship
- Limited liability company (LLC)
- Branch of an existing GCC / foreign company
- Civil company / partnership firm
- Joint stock company
Each structure is defined by its own rules. In some cases, a local service agent (LSA) may be appointed for foreign investors. Structures, like LLC, provide better asset protection, while others may offer greater flexibility in ownership. We suggest discussing your plans with our experts before choosing.
Additional approvals for Ajman mainland business setup
Regulated activities need permits from specific authorities, such as:
| Area | Authority | Who needs (common examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Safety | Ajman Municipality, Food Safety Department |
|
| Healthcare | Ajman Health Department (AHD) |
|
| Financial Services | UAE Central Bank / Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) |
|
| Telecom & Digital | Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) |
|
| Employment | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) |
|
Ongoing legal compliance support for Ajman Mainland companies
Compliance is not a one-time task. It is a repetitive commitment that guards your Ajman mainland company from legal penalties.
Trade license renewal
Ajman mainland business license carries a validity, typically of 1 year. To keep it legally active, it needs to go through annual renewal. Application should be made 30 days prior to license expiry.
UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner)
Companies must clearly declare the individuals who ultimately own or control them, including when there is a change. This is to prevent illegal activities.
AML compliance (Anti-Money Laundering)
Where applicable, firms must verify customer identities through KYC, train staff, monitor transactions to prevent, detect and report suspicious financial activities.
UAE tax compliance
Businesses must register for corporate tax and file returns on time. Standard UAE corporate tax rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, and 0% on income below that.
VAT registration
Value Added Tax is charged at 5% on goods and services sold in UAE. Registration is mandatory when annual taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 (in the past 12 months, or expected within the next 30 days), and optional above AED 187,500.
Financial reporting and bookkeeping
Companies should maintain corporate tax records for at least 7 years as per the UAE corporate tax law. FTA may ask for ledgers, invoices, contracts, or bank statements for auditing and other purposes.
Start your Ajman mainland company with Dubiz Business Setup
At Dubiz Business Setup, our Ajman mainland experts have set up over 450 companies in Ajman mainland and over 7,000 across the UAE. The 9+ years of UAE experience and established working relationships with local Ajman authorities sit behind every successful setup.
Our Ajman mainland consultants, Mr. Zaid Mukhtar and Mr. Nahush Hegde, help founders set up trading, professional, industrial and e-commerce companies here. They handle the MOA, license, security approvals, bank accounts, and visas, and keep each setup on schedule. If you are planning your own Ajman mainland company, they are ready to assist.
Mr. Nahush Hegde
Mainland Setup Consultant
Mr. Zaid Mukhtar
Business Setup Consultant
Why work with Dubiz?
Mistakes lead to delays and fines. We help you avoid both.
Pick the right business activity the first time
Choose a legal structure you won’t have to undo later
Get the right approvals before delays hit your application
Prepare bank applications the way banks expect them
Leave renewals, filings and deadlines to us
Get an itemised quote for every service, no hidden fee
Get fast turnover because of efficient processes
7000 + Success Stories
Happy Clients Make Us the Happiest!
Valuable feedback like this is what pushes us to do even better. For every successful business setup in Dubai done by us, we feel immense joy knowing we've helped dreams become reality.
Good job Shivani!! Fast and efficient. Got my visa!!!
Nicholas Yau
Google reviewBest service ever, Sharihan and the dubiz team did an exceptional job! Wonderful service, quick responses and very quick turn around. Would highly recommend!
Tehseen
Google reviewThe team at Dubiz, especially Mr. Hanan Shah, did a great job assisting me with my resident visa application. They were professional, helpful, and guided me smoothly throughout the proc...
Mohammed Ibrahim Farooqui
Google reviewDubiz made my Dubai company formation process stress free. The setup was handled efficiently back in 2025, and when it was time for license renewal and visa processing, their turnaround...
Samiya Fatima
Google reviewI applied for a DIFC license with Hanan Shah and got my license without any hassle, the consultation and support was seamless.
Syeda Noureen Fatima
Google reviewGood job Shivani!! Fast and efficient. Got my visa!!!
Nicholas Yau
Google reviewBest service ever, Sharihan and the dubiz team did an exceptional job! Wonderful service, quick responses and very quick turn around. Would highly recommend!
Tehseen
Google reviewThe team at Dubiz, especially Mr. Hanan Shah, did a great job assisting me with my resident visa application. They were professional, helpful, and guided me smoothly throughout the proc...
Mohammed Ibrahim Farooqui
Google reviewDubiz made my Dubai company formation process stress free. The setup was handled efficiently back in 2025, and when it was time for license renewal and visa processing, their turnaround...
Samiya Fatima
Google reviewI applied for a DIFC license with Hanan Shah and got my license without any hassle, the consultation and support was seamless.
Syeda Noureen Fatima
Google reviewFrequently Asked Questions
The Ajman DED license fee is around AED 9,000* per year. Though it may vary based on license and structure type.
License issuance typically takes 7-14 working days, and the investor visa takes a further 5-10 working days once the license is issued.
Most paperwork can be handled remotely through Dubiz, but the investor visa needs a medical test and Emirates ID biometrics in the UAE.
Yes, for most activities since the 2021 company law reform, though some regulated or strategic activities like security and financial sectors have ownership conditions.
You need an Ajman Municipality-approved office with a Tasdeeq-attested tenancy contract.
Yes, you can apply once your license is issued, and it typically takes 2-4 weeks for UAE residents applying.
Yes, at 9% on annual taxable income above AED 375,000* subject to FTA-rules.
Ajman mainland license lets you trade freely in UAE, including Dubai.