How to Get Trade a License in Ajman (2026)

A trade license in Ajman enables you to start a new company or expand an existing one in Ajman, UAE. Local and foreign entrepreneurs who want 100% business ownership, tax reliefs, and low-cost setup often start their companies in Ajman.

Both the Ajman mainland and free zones offer a trade license to investors. To obtain a trade license in Ajman, an application can be made to the Department of Economic Development (DED-Ajman) or to the respective zone authority.

Quick summary:

• A trade license in Ajman allows legal business.
• It supports 3500+ commercial, industrial, and professional activities.
• Both the mainland and the free zone accept license applications.
• Valid passport, business plan, and trade name are required.
• An Ajman trade license is cheaper than a Dubai or Abu Dhabi license.

Being located close to Dubai, Sharjah, and major ports, Ajman offers a convenient base to start local and international business operations. This guide explains the Ajman business licensing process in depth. Read to know what documents you need, the cost of the license, and how to secure the trade license in 2026 successfully.

What is a Trade License in Ajman?

A trade license in Ajman is a legal authorization granted to business entities and companies wishing to operate within the Emirate.

Who Should Apply for a Trade License in Ajman?

Anyone planning to conduct business activities in Ajman must apply for a trade license. Whether you are looking to start a café in Ajman, a financial consultancy, a digital marketing agency, an online store, or a food factory – no economic activity can be legally conducted in Ajman without securing a business license first.

Ajman is extremely welcoming to investors. Both local and foreign entrepreneurs can apply for a trade license in Ajman, provided they meet the basic eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a valid passport.
• Maintain a clean criminal record.
• Have a viable business plan.
• Demonstrate financial readiness.

What are the Types of Trade Licenses in Ajman?

Before applying for the trade license in Ajman, understanding its types is essential. It gives you a clear idea of which one best matches your business activity. Below are the main types of trade licenses in Ajman:

Commercial License:

All trading companies in Ajman require a commercial license to operate legally. Trading companies buy, sell, distribute, or import/export goods and commodities in Ajman and international markets. Common examples include clothing merchants, grocery stores, wholesalers, electronics shops, retailers, and an automobile dealer.

Professional License:

A professional license in Ajman allows you to offer intangible services to customers, based on expertise and qualifications in a specific field. For example, you can start a healthcare business, a management consultancy, a beauty salon, or a similar service-based firm.

Industrial License:

Businesses involved in manufacturing, production, and processing activities must hold a valid industrial license in Ajman. Industrial activities include importing raw materials, processing them, producing finished goods, and assembling components. Examples: textile producers, food manufacturing companies, and chemical processing businesses.

E-commerce license:

You can sell products via websites, social media, and online marketplaces after getting an e-commerce license in Ajman. Given the rising online shopping trends and internet accessibility, such a business can be highly profitable. Additionally, it requires no investment in physical stores.

Freelance license:

An Ajman freelance license allows individuals to work in areas such as consultancy, media, and marketing. This license is perfect for professionals like designers, writers, and social media managers. They can operate independently and do not require a formal office setup.

Please note that getting the right type of trade license in Ajman, as per your business activity, is crucial. You can consult any of our business setup experts in the UAE for guidance.

Ajman Trade License Activities List

Ajman DED and free zones offer a wide range of trade license activities across trading, industrial, services, e-commerce, healthcare, education, and more sectors. Ajman trade license activities list contains more than 3500 business opportunities.

A few examples are given in the table below:

How to Get a Trade License in Ajman Step-by-Step?

To get a trade license in Ajman, you must apply with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a preferred free zone authority (like AFZ). The process involves getting the trade name registered, receiving the government approvals, submitting documents, and collecting the license.

Given below is the explanation of the steps involved in the Ajman trade license process:

Step 1: Choose your business activities:

In the first step, you must finalize the list of activities you want to conduct in Ajman. You can choose one or a few. Related activities can be combined in a single license under specific rules. Your decision will impact the type of business license you must register for (commercial, professional, or industrial).

Step 2: Determine legal structure:

Next, choose an appropriate legal structure you prefer. Businesses can take up various legal forms in Ajman, like:

• Sole proprietorship: You can start a business in Ajman as a single person. All the profits and losses will be yours. However, it imposes unlimited liability on the owner.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This structure is suitable for a company that needs 2 to 50 shareholders. Each shareholder has limited liability. LLC is the most popular legal form in Ajman due to the protection of personal assets.
• Joint stock company: A Business that needs to raise huge capital can choose this structure. Shares are sold to private or public shareholders.
• Partnership firms: Two or more individuals can start a business in Dubai as partners. They sign a partnership agreement and share control over the business. If such a firm is started by the same professionals (e.g., lawyers), then it falls under the category of “civil company.”
• Branch or representative offices: Existing GCC or foreign companies wishing to expand to Ajman can open a branch in the Emirate.

The legal structure depends on the jurisdiction and nature of the business activity. Once decided, it will shape your firm’s tax responsibilities, ownership rules, and setup costs.

Step 3: Register a trade name

Every business in Ajman must have a registered trade name. Therefore, you should choose a suitable name and get it registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the respective free zone authority.

The UAE naming guidelines also apply to Ajman businesses, so make sure to follow them:

• The name must reflect the business activity.
• It should not mention any government authority.
• The legal structure of the business should be indicated in the name.
• Words used must respect religious and cultural values.

Step 4: Finalize the office space

Having a physical office is a mandatory requirement for businesses in the Ajman mainland. You must lease a space based on the scale and requirements of your business. In free zones, there is more flexibility with virtual and shared office spaces. At the time of the trade license application, you will be required to submit the Ejari lease contract.

Step 5: Get the necessary government approvals

Foreigners looking to start a business in Ajman need approval from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), and an initial approval for business setup from DED or a free zone.

In addition, many sectors require clearance from specific government departments depending on the nature of the business, such as the healthcare department, municipality, and police.

Step 6: Fulfill documentation requirement

At the time of applying for a trade license in Ajman, the government will ask for certain documents. Having them ready beforehand can help expedite the license process.

Here are the required documents for a trade license in Ajman:

• Passport copies of owners or partners
• Coloured photographs of owners or partners
• Detailed business plan
• Name approval certificate
• Security clearance (for residents)

More or fewer documents may be needed depending on the business nature.

Step 7: Apply for the trade license

You can apply for an Ajman trade license through the Ajman-DED portal or the respective free zone portal, depending on whether you want a mainland or free zone license. The process involves filling out the application form, submitting all required documents, and paying the necessary fees.

Step 8: Wait for government approval

Once the government receives your application, it will review it. They will check that all documents are complete and correct, and that you have met the regulatory requirements. Additionally, this step may include background checks. The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the completeness of your application.

Step 9: Collect your trade license

Once approved, you can collect your Ajman trade license from the relevant authority. The license includes your business name, activity, validity, and other essential information. Once you get your trade license, finalize your UAE residence visa and corporate bank account.

Renewal of Trade License in Ajman

An Ajman trade license is usually valid for one year. Before it reaches its expiry, you must get it renewed if you wish to continue your operations.

These are the steps of Ajman trade license renewal online:

1. Visit the office or government portal: Depending on your business jurisdiction, contact the DED or the relevant free zone authority.
2. Submit the application: Fill out the license renewal form and submit all the necessary documents.
3. Pay the required fees: Pay the applicable renewal fees to the authority.
4. Authority review: The authority will verify that your business continues to meet regulations and that all documents are up to date.
5. Receive your renewed license: Once approved, you will receive your renewed trade license in Ajman through courier or at their office, allowing you to continue operations legally.

Documents required for trade license renewal in Ajman:

• Copy of existing trade license
• A passport copy of the owner
• Updated the lease agreement for the office
• Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Additional documents are required by Ajman DED or the relevant free zone.

Pro tip: Initiate the renewal process a month before license expiry to avoid last-minute issues and delays.

Trade License Issuing Authorities in Ajman

Mainland-DED and free zones are the two authorities that issue trade licenses to companies in Ajman:

Trade license in Ajman Mainland:

Mainland refers to onshore areas that lie outside the free zones. Companies established and operating in the mainland are regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Some features of a mainland business setup include:

• Trade license issued by DED
• Free access to the UAE markets and international markets
• Wide range of business activities across industrial, trading, commercial, and professional sectors
• Flexible visa applications depending on office size
• Ability to work on government contracts
• Physical office required for business setup

If you are looking for more information, please check out our Ajman mainland company formation guide.

Trade license in Ajman Free Zones:

Free zones are independent economic areas that support companies across various industries in Ajman. Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) and Ajman Media City, both free zones, offer attractive benefits to entrepreneurs looking to start a company in the UAE.

Features of the free zone trade license in Ajman:

• Trade license issued by the respective free zone authority
• 100% foreign business ownership allowed
• Access to flexible and shared workspaces
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• Eligible for 0% corporate tax
• A diverse ecosystem that supports networking and funding

If you would like to learn more, explore the business setup in Ajman Free Zone.

Based on evaluating the features of both jurisdictions and your business needs, you can select the most suitable option.

Trade License Cost in Ajman

Ajman trade license cost varies in the mainland and free zones.

The general business setup costs in Ajman include:

• Trade license fee (varies depending on license type)
• Company registration fee
• Medical check-up
• MOA drafting charges
• Emirates ID cost
• Office space rental cost
• UAE residence visa fee

Ajman trade license renewal fees are typically the same as the initial license cost. The costs vary based on jurisdiction, nature of business, type of legal structure, etc.

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What makes a Trade License in Ajman a Good Choice – Expert Insights

Trade license in Ajman offers key benefits like a cost-effective option, 100% foreign ownership, and business credibility. Here are some key advantages:

Low-cost option:

Ajman offers some of the cheapest trade licenses in the UAE, whether in the mainland, free zone, or offshore. Office rental costs are significantly low, and there are no minimum capital requirements for most business structures. Ajman is an excellent choice for startups and small to medium-sized businesses.

0% tax advantage:

Companies licensed in Ajman can enjoy significant tax advantages. Qualifying businesses benefit from 0% corporate tax, along with no personal income tax, no property tax, and no inheritance tax.

Wide range of activities:

Ajman mainland and free zones support more than 3,500 economic activities across multiple sectors. Businesses can also combine multiple activities under a single license, offering more flexibility and chances of business expansion.

Minimum documentation:

You need a few basic documents to apply for a trade license in Ajman. There are very few government formalities involved compared to other Emirates. It takes very less time to get your business started.

Access to banking and visas:

With a trade license, you can easily open a business bank account in Ajman and get the necessary UAE residency visa. It also allows access to public utilities services such as electricity, water, and all of which are required for business operations.

Convenient market access:

Ajman’s well-developed infrastructure, modern transportation networks, and proximity to ports make it an efficient base for industrial and commercial operations.

Ajman is strongly committed to innovation, investor-friendly policies, and diversified growth. Today, it is one of the top destinations for business in the Gulf region.

Getting Trade license in Ajman – takeaway

If you are willing and eligible, you can get a trade license in Ajman. You can be a local entrepreneur or a foreign entrepreneur; it does not matter. Just identify your business activities, make sure you have all the required documents, and proceed with the license application.

You can choose between the mainland and the free zone. In the mainland, approval is given by Ajman DED, while in the free zone, a license is issued by the respective authority. All processes are conveniently handled online.

It takes a few days to get the license. If you are unsure or have any doubts, work with a professional business setup consultant in the UAE. They make the process way easier and faster.

How Dubiz Helps with Ajman Trade License

Dubiz Business Setup simplifies trade license applications, renewals, and amendments in Ajman. We offer end-to-end guidance for both mainland and free zone licensing. Our experts handle documentation, government approvals, license applications, and compliance on your behalf.

We have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs with company setup in the UAE, including Ajman, and would be happy to assist you with our business setup services:

• Ajman mainland and free zone licensing
• Transparent and affordable Ajman trade license costs
• Corporate bank account assistance
• UAE residence visa processing
• VAT services, compliance services, and UAE company auditing

Get your trade license in Ajman today:

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

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