# AFZ vs AMCFZ: UAE free zone comparison

> Figures as published by each zone; each value links to its official source and shows the date it was checked. "Not published" means no official source states it. Bold marks the lowest price or largest quota in a row. Prices are compared for three reference set-ups: solo, no visa (one founder, no residence visa, no office beyond a desk or virtual address, one activity); founder + 1 visa (one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office); team, 3 visas (three residence visas, flexi-desk or small office).

| Criterion | AFZ | AMCFZ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Cost for your scenario** |  |  |
| Solo, no visa (year 1) (published by 17 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | [AED 4,999](https://amc.gov.ae/packages) · 2026-10-24 |
| Founder + 1 visa (year 1) (published by 13 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | [AED 12,999](https://amc.gov.ae/packages) · 2026-10-24 |
| Team, 3 visas (year 1) (published by 6 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | [AED 22,999](https://amc.gov.ae/packages) · 2026-10-24 |
| Lowest package of any size (year 1) (published by 17 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | [AED 4,999 (Business Club)](https://amc.gov.ae/packages) · 2026-10-24 |
| Lowest licence fee (published by 30 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | [AED 4,999](https://amc.gov.ae/business-club-package) · 2026-10-24 |
| **Activities and licences** |  |  |
| Licence types (published by 37 of 43 zones) | [Trading, General trading, Services / consultancy, Industrial, E-commerce, Freelancer, Other](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/business-license-types.html) · 2026-10-24 | [Services / consultancy, Trading, E-commerce, Freelancer, General trading](https://amc.gov.ae/activity-list) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 |
| General trading licence | [Yes](https://afz.gov.ae/activity-list/) · 2026-10-24 | [Yes](https://amc.gov.ae/activity-list) · 2026-10-24 |
| Freelancer permit | [Yes](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/business-license-types.html) · 2026-10-24 | [Yes](https://amc.gov.ae/faq) · 2026-10-24 |
| Official activity list (published by 29 of 43 zones) | [Published](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business.html) · 2026-10-24 | [Published](https://amc.gov.ae/activity-list) · 2026-10-24 |
| **Visas and office** |  |  |
| Largest visa quota in a published package (published by 23 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | [3](https://amc.gov.ae/packages) · 2026-10-24 |
| Minimum office (published by 22 of 43 zones) | [Flexi-desk](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | [Flexi-desk](https://amc.gov.ae/packages) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 |
| Facility types (published by 37 of 43 zones) | [Flexi-desk, Serviced office, Private office, Warehouse, Light industrial unit, Land plot, Retail unit, Staff accommodation](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/product.html) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | [Flexi-desk, Private office](https://amc.gov.ae/services) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 |
| **Company, compliance and banking** |  |  |
| Company types (published by 37 of 43 zones) | [FZE (single shareholder), FZCO (several shareholders), Branch of a UAE company, Branch of a foreign company, Other](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/type-of-business.html) · 2026-10-24 | Not published · 2026-10-24 |
| Minimum share capital (published by 28 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | Not published · 2026-10-24 |
| Legal system | [UAE civil law](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | [UAE civil law](https://amc.gov.ae/rules-regulations) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 |
| Annual audited accounts required (published by 30 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | Not published · 2026-10-24 |
| UBO filing required (published by 37 of 43 zones) | [Yes](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | [Yes](https://amc.gov.ae/rules-regulations) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 |
| Zone offers help with bank accounts (published by 24 of 43 zones) | [Yes](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | Not published · 2026-10-24 |
| **Setup** |  |  |
| Incorporation time (stated by the zone) (published by 24 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | Not published · 2026-10-24 |
| Apply directly without an agent (published by 37 of 43 zones) | [Yes](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business.html) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | [Yes](https://amc.gov.ae/) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 |
| **Tax status and market access (zone-specific)** |  |  |
| On the FTA VAT Designated Zone list (published by 41 of 43 zones) | [Yes](https://tax.gov.ae/DataFolder/Files/Legislation/Designated%20Zones%20-%2021%2009%202021%20sep21.pdf) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | [No](https://tax.gov.ae/DataFolder/Files/Legislation/Designated%20Zones%20-%2021%2009%202021%20sep21.pdf) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 |
| Mainland operations without an extra licence (published by 31 of 43 zones) | Not published · 2026-10-24 | Not published · 2026-10-24 |
| **Public record** |  |  |
| Emirate | [Ajman](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/contact-us.html) · 2026-10-24 | [Ajman](https://amc.gov.ae/contact) · 2026-10-24 |
| Licensing authority | [Free Zones Authority - Ajman](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | [Free Zones Authority of Ajman](https://amc.gov.ae/about-fza) · 2026-10-24 |
| Parent group or government body (published by 35 of 43 zones) | [Government of Ajman (public-sector authority granted independent status by the Ruler of Ajman)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/about-us/profile.html) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 | [Government of Ajman (through the Free Zones Authority of Ajman)](https://amc.gov.ae/documents/AMC-Customer-Charter-EN.pdf) (partly dated) · 2026-10-24 |
| Year established (published by 33 of 43 zones) | [1988](https://afz.gov.ae/en/about-us/profile.html) · 2026-10-24 | Not published · 2026-10-24 |
| On the MoET free-zone registrar list (published by 42 of 43 zones) | [Yes](https://www.moet.gov.ae/en/company-registrars-in-free-zones) · 2026-10-24 | [Yes](https://www.moet.gov.ae/en/company-registrars-in-free-zones) · 2026-10-24 |
| Last checked | 2026-10-24 · 2026-10-24 | 2026-10-24 · 2026-10-24 |

## Rules that apply to all of these zones

UAE-wide and emirate rules from government sources, shown once; the table holds only what differs by zone.

### Corporate tax: Free Zone regime and Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP)

_Applies to all UAE free zones._ Under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 a Free Zone Person that meets all conditions to be a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) pays 0% corporate tax on its Qualifying Income and 9% on its other taxable income. The FTA's Free Zone Persons guide (CTGFZP1, May 2024) lists the conditions: the regime applies to a Free Zone Person (3.2.1); it must maintain adequate substance in a Free Zone (3.2.2); derive Qualifying Income (3.2.3); not have elected to be subject to the standard corporate-tax rules (3.2.4); comply with the arm's-length principle (3.2.5); maintain transfer-pricing documentation (3.2.6); maintain audited financial statements (3.2.7); and its non-qualifying revenue must meet the de minimis requirements (3.2.8). A QFZP that fails any condition, or elects out, ceases to be a QFZP from the beginning of that tax period and for the four subsequent tax periods. The guide states that all taxpayers should check with their respective Free Zone Authority to confirm whether they operate in a Free Zone or Designated Zone for corporate-tax purposes.

Sources: [1] [Government source, 2024-05 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://tax.gov.ae/Datafolder/Files/Guides/CT/Free%20Zone%20Persons%20-%2020%2005%202024%20final%20for%20GCD.pdf)

### Corporate tax: Qualifying Activities, Excluded Activities and de minimis (Ministerial Decision 229/2025)

_Applies to all UAE free zones._ Ministerial Decision No. 229 of 2025 (issued 28 August 2025, effective 1 June 2023, repealing Ministerial Decision 265 of 2023) lists the Qualifying Activities of a QFZP: (a) manufacturing of goods or materials; (b) processing of goods or materials; (c) trading of Qualifying Commodities; (d) holding of shares and other securities for investment purposes; (e) ownership, management and operation of ships; (f) reinsurance services; (g) fund management services; (h) wealth and investment management services; (i) headquarter services to Related Parties; (j) treasury and financing services to Related Parties or for its own account; (k) financing and leasing of aircraft; (l) distribution of goods or materials in or from a Designated Zone; (m) logistics services; (n) activities ancillary to (a)-(m). Excluded Activities are: (a) any transactions with natural persons, except in relation to activities (e), (g), (h) and (k); (b) banking activities; (c) insurance activities (without prejudice to (f) and (i)); (d) finance and leasing activities (without prejudice to (c), (e), (j) and (k)); (e) ownership or exploitation of immovable property, other than Commercial Property in a Free Zone transacted with a Free Zone Person; (f) activities ancillary to those. De minimis: non-qualifying revenue in a tax period must not exceed the lower of 5% of total revenue or AED 5,000,000. A QFZP must also prepare audited financial statements under Ministerial Decision 84 of 2025. Distribution in or from a Designated Zone requires that goods entering the UAE are imported through the Designated Zone and are supplied to a customer who resells, processes or alters them, or to a public benefit entity. Shares are deemed held for investment when held for an uninterrupted 12 months.

Sources: [1] [Government source, 2025-08-28 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://mof.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/EN-Ministerial-Decision-No.-229-of-2025-Regarding-Qualifying-Activities-and-Excluded-Activities.pdf)

### Corporate tax: the official list of Free Zones (Cabinet Resolution 54/2023) was not available

_Applies to all UAE free zones._ Cabinet Resolution No. 54 of 2023 (dated 30 May 2023) defines the Free Zones for the purposes of the Corporate Tax Law by reference to an attached schedule. The only official copy found (hosted by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority) contains the two-page body without the schedule, so this research cannot confirm from a primary source which zones are Free Zones for corporate-tax purposes. Zone records therefore publish a zone's own statement, if any, and the FTA's advice to confirm with the Free Zone Authority.

Sources: [1] [Government source, 2023-05-30 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/cabinet-resolution-no-54-of-2023-regarding-defining-free-zones-for-the-purposes-of-the-corporate-tax-law-pdf)

### Free Zone and Designated Zone definitions for corporate tax, VAT and excise (FTA Public Clarification TAXP010)

_Applies to all UAE free zones._ FTA Public Clarification TAXP010 (October 2026) explains that the definitions of Free Zone and Designated Zone differ between the corporate-tax, excise-tax and VAT laws, and that a business must determine its status under each law separately. A Corporate Tax Free Zone is a designated and defined geographic area within the UAE specified in a Cabinet decision at the suggestion of the Minister. A Corporate Tax Designated Zone is a VAT Designated Zone (listed in Cabinet Decision 59/2017 as amended) that is also a Free Zone under the Corporate Tax Law. A VAT Designated Zone is a Free Zone listed in Cabinet Decision 59/2017 and its amendments that meets the conditions of Article 51(1) of the VAT Executive Regulation. An Excise Tax Designated Zone is a free zone or specified area meeting the conditions of the Excise Tax law and regulation, approved by the FTA. Businesses should confirm with their Free Zone authority whether they are in a Free Zone or Designated Zone for corporate-tax purposes, and may check the FTA's published list for VAT.

Sources: [1] [Government source, 2026-10 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://tax.gov.ae//Datafolder/Files/Pdf/2026/Guide/TAXP010%20-%20Designated%20Zones%20for%20CT%20VAT%20Excise%20-%2010%202026.pdf)

### VAT Designated Zones: FTA list (Cabinet Decision 59/2017 as amended to Cabinet Decision 81/2021)

_Applies to listed zones._ The FTA's List of Designated Zones for VAT (English section marked an unofficial translation; based on Cabinet Decision 59/2017 effective 1 January 2018 and amending decisions 35/2018, 43/2019, 34/2021, 63/2021 and 81/2021) names: Abu Dhabi - Free Trade Zone of Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone, Khalifa Industrial Zone (all from 01/01/2018), Al Ain International Airport Free Zone and Al Butain International Airport Free Zone (from 18/06/2018). Dubai - Jebel Ali Free Zone (North-South), Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ), DAFZA Industrial Park Free Zone - Al Qusais, Dubai Aviation City, Dubai Airport Free Zone (all from 01/01/2018), International Humanitarian City - Jebel Ali (from 18/06/2018), Dubai CommerCity (from 01/01/2021); Dubai Textile City was designated 01/01/2018 to 04/04/2021 and the Free Zone Area in Al Quoz 01/01/2018 to 01/07/2021. Sharjah - Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (01/01/2018). Ajman - Ajman Free Zone (01/01/2018). Umm Al Quwain - Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone in Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (01/01/2018). Ras Al Khaimah - RAK Port Free Zone, RAK Maritime City Free Zone (01/01/2018), RAK Airport Free Zone (01/01/2018 to 04/07/2019), Al Hamra, Al Ghail and Al Hulaila Industrial Zone - Free Zone (from 04/07/2019). Fujairah - Fujairah Free Zone, FOIZ (Fujairah Oil Industry Zone) (01/01/2018). This is the latest list found (dated 21 September 2021); zones not on it were not VAT Designated Zones as of that date.

Sources: [1] [Government source, 2021-09-21 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://tax.gov.ae/DataFolder/Files/Legislation/Designated%20Zones%20-%2021%2009%202021%20sep21.pdf)

### Customs treatment and mainland market access for free-zone companies (u.ae)

_Applies to all UAE free zones._ The UAE Government portal (u.ae, page 'Running a business in a free zone', updated 28 September 2026) states that free-zone companies can be fully owned by foreign investors; may import goods from outside the UAE, export and re-export with generally no restrictions as long as goods do not enter the mainland market without customs clearance; pay 0% customs duty on goods imported into the free zone and none on goods stored for re-export, with duty due only when goods move into the mainland market. Access to the mainland market is regulated: to sell goods or services locally, a free-zone company must work through a licensed mainland distributor or establish a mainland branch or company, and direct mainland sales are generally not permitted without the required mainland licences or approvals. The page refers to Federal Decree-Law 32/2021 on Commercial Companies and Dubai Executive Council Resolution 11/2025.

Sources: [1] [Government source, 2026-09-28 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/business/Doing-business/doing-business-in-free-zones/running-a-business-in-a-free-zone-)

### Media activities in free zones (Federal Decree-Law 55/2023) and National Media Authority permits

_Applies to media free zones and media activities in any free zone._ Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 Concerning Media Regulation applies to all persons, media establishments and institutions, media outlets and media free zones that practise media activities in the UAE (Article 2). The Competent Authority (the local government body concerned with licensing media activities, or the Council where there is none) issues licences or permits to practise media activities in free zones; the activity must be practised within the free zone's geographical borders, otherwise the laws in force in the country apply; licensees must keep to the activities in their licence and renew on time, and are subject to the Competent Authority's oversight (Article 6). The National Media Authority (nma.gov.ae) publishes federal e-services: a ground filming permit within the country at AED 500 per day (apply 15 working days ahead; 5 working days processing); a permit for an individual to provide advertising or media content on social media, free for three years and then AED 1,000 (3 working days); and issuance of media licences of a commercial nature, whose fee 'depends on the service'.

Sources: [1] [Government source, 2023 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/FC851090038F4C97B352FBB5F0BD929F.pdf) · [2] [Government source, 2026 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.nma.gov.ae/en/services/ground-filming-permit-within-the-country) · [3] [Government source, 2026 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.nma.gov.ae/en/services/permit-for-an-individual-to-provide-advertising-or-media-content-on-social-media-and-other-digital-platforms) · [4] [Government source, 2026 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.nma.gov.ae/en/services/issuance-of-media-licenses-of-a-commercial-nature)

### Ministry of Economy and Tourism: register of company registrars in free zones

_Applies to all UAE free zones._ The Ministry of Economy and Tourism publishes a page of company registrars in free zones, grouped by emirate licensing authority (page footer date 23 October 2026). It lists, for Abu Dhabi: Masdar, Media Zone Authority - TWOFOUR54, Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone, KIZAD and Abu Dhabi Global Market. Dubai: the Dubai Development Authority districts (Dubai Internet City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Outsource City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Design District, Dubai Wholesale City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Media City, Dubai International Academic City), Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dubai Maritime City Authority, Trakhees, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority, Meydan, International City for Humanitarian Services Authority, Dubai South, Dubai World Trade Center Authority, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Commerce City, Jebel Ali Free Zone with Dubai Textile City, Dubai Auto Zone, Dubai Industrial Park and Dubai Gold and Diamond Park. Sharjah: Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, Sharjah Publishing City, Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park, Sharjah Media City - Shams. Ajman: Ajman Media City, Ajman Free Zone. Ras Al Khaimah: RAKEZ, Ras AlKhaimah Maritime, Innovation City. Umm Al Quwain: Umm AlQuwain Free Trade Zone. Fujairah: Fujairah Free Zone, Fujairah Creative City. Not on the list as of that date: Ajman NuVentures Centre, Sharjah Healthcare City, Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, IFZA (International Free Zone Authority), Sharjah COMTECH and Dubai Carpet Free Zone. Absence from this register is recorded as a fact, not as a statement that a zone cannot license companies.

Sources: [1] [Government source, 2026-10-23 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.moet.gov.ae/en/company-registrars-in-free-zones) · [2] [Government source, 2026-10-23 (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.moet.gov.ae/company-registrars-in-free-zones)

## The zones' own statements, side by side

### Set-up costs in detail

**AFZ**: Visa fees: AFZ publishes only partial items: labour insurance AED 265 per employee (mandatory since 1 Sep 2019, covers unpaid wages/end-of-service up to AED 20,000 per worker); company E-Channel renewal AED 1,100 per year; medical test at Al Hamidiya Health Center, Ajman (fee not stated). Entry permit, status change, residence and Emirates ID fees are not stated by AFZ. [1] MoA / notary / attestation fees: AED 2,000. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html)

**AMCFZ**: Visa fees: Not itemised. Visa packages bundle: Investor Security Approval, Visa Status Change, UAE Residency, Medical, Emirates ID, Establishment Card and E-Channel Registration. For the freelance licence, visa and immigration charges are calculated separately. [1] Extras included: Co-working space lease agreement and utilities (all company packages); Establishment Card and E-Channel Registration (visa packages); Investor Security Approval, Visa Status Change, Medical and Emirates ID (visa packages); Immigration services (visa packages). [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://amc.gov.ae/visionary-package) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://amc.gov.ae/packages)

### Renewal and amendment fees

**AFZ**: Renewal grace period: 30 days. [1] Fee for shareholder change: AED 4,035. [2] Deregistration / liquidation fee: AED 2,500. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html) · [2] [Calculated from the zone's figures (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html)

**AMCFZ**: Renewal costs more than the first-year price: no. [1] Multi-year licence discounts: Multi-year licences are available to avoid annual renewal; no discount or multi-year price is published. [2] Current promotions and expiry: . [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://amc.gov.ae/packages) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://amc.gov.ae/faq)

### Visa rules

**AFZ**: Visa quota rule: Quota is fixed per facility/package. Published: Executive Offices - two resident visas; Offices (furnished) - two resident visas; Freelancer & Pioneers Hub - two residence visas plus family sponsorship (licence-types page and FAQ: one visa for Pioneers; FAQ: two for Freelancer); Warehouses and short-term warehouses (from 100 sqm) - minimum of 14 resident visas; Land (from 1,000 sqm) - quotas tailored to the investor; Business Centre - no quota published. Additional quota is location-based and subject to Immigration approval. [1] How to increase quota and cost: Additional quota depends on the location held; upgrade via a 'Change location' service request in the customer portal; extra visas processed subject to Immigration approval. Cost not published. [2] Investor / partner visa available: yes. [3] Employee visa available: yes. [3] Dependant / family visa sponsorship allowed: yes. [2] Golden Visa support: FAQ explains federal Golden Visa categories (Cabinet Resolution 8/2021, ICP); no AFZ-specific nomination or support service described. [2] Time in the UAE to keep a visa valid: AFZ FAQ: an investor/partner holding a valid UAE residence visa may re-enter within one year of the exit date; a visa of someone outside the UAE for six months or more can be cancelled without the original passport. [2] Visa process can start before the founder arrives: yes. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/product.html) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/product/executive_offices.html)

**AMCFZ**: How to increase quota and cost: Packages above three visas (up to 10 visas for shareholders) are offered through an enquiry form; no prices published. Business Club is 'Upgradable to higher package'. [1] Investor / partner visa available: yes. [2] Employee visa available: yes. [2] Dependant / family visa sponsorship allowed: yes. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://amc.gov.ae/packages) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://amc.gov.ae/faq)

### Offices and facilities

**AFZ**: Flexi-desk access terms: Freelancer & Pioneers Hub: open 24-hour office space; Business Centre: 24-hour security and full accessibility. [1] Warehouse sizes: From 100 sqm (pre-built, eco-friendly and short-term warehouses); land plots from 1,000 sqm. [2] Cold storage available: yes. [3] Land plots for build-to-suit: yes. [4] Meeting rooms, co-working, amenities: Shared co-working spaces; Bookable meeting rooms; Lounges with open canteen (free tea and coffee); Free Wi-Fi and laptops; 24-hour security and surveillance; Networking lounge. [5] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/product/freelancer-and-pioneers-hub.html) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/product/warehouses.html) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/product/eco-friendly-zone.html) · [4] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/product/land.html) · [5] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/product/business-center.html)

**AMCFZ**: Meeting rooms, co-working, amenities: Flexi-desks; Shared workspaces; Executive offices; Creative studios and collaborative environments; Fully digital lease agreements and renewals. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://amc.gov.ae/services)

### Set-up process

**AFZ**: Documents for an individual shareholder: Passport copy valid for at least 6 months; Coloured photograph; No Objection Letter from sponsor if the applicant is a UAE resident; Visa copy or UID. [1] Attestation requirements for corporate shareholders: Corporate partner documents: MoA or AoA, board resolution, certificate of incorporation, power of attorney, passport copy of representative/manager, registration certificate from the home-country authority; feasibility study for industrial and services enterprises. Attestation/legalisation level not stated. [2] Trade name rules: Name change via portal 'Company Amendments' request with a 15-day advertisement period; legal-form suffix (FZE/FZC) applies. No other naming rules published. [2] Refund policy if rejected: Service-request fees are non-refundable once paid; unused entry-permit fees non-refundable; guarantees (office, visa, E-Channel) refunded after cancellation within about 10 working days on request. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/type-of-business.html) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html)

**AMCFZ**: Not published.

### Market access and customs

**AFZ**: Rules for selling/shipping to UAE consumers: Selling online through third-party portals to clients in the UAE and abroad requires an E-commerce licence (not the Freelancer Package); an E-commerce licence holder needs a separate licence with an import/export activity to import goods. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html)

**AMCFZ**: Not published.

### Compliance

**AFZ**: Substance requirements enforced by zone: No zone-specific substance rule found; AFZ FAQ reproduces federal Economic Substance Regulations guidance (Cabinet Resolution 57/2020, Ministerial Decision 100/2020). [1] Activities needing anti-money-laundering registration: Brokers and real estate; Dealers in precious metals and precious stones; Independent accountants & auditors; Legal consultancy; Company service providers. [1] Wage Protection System applies: yes. [1] Annual return and renewal documents: Trade licence renewal request via customer portal; Establishment card renewal (expiry separate from licence); E-Channel renewal (AED 1,100 per year); Lease renewal for the facility; UBO/shareholder register updates within 15 days of any change. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html)

**AMCFZ**: Substance requirements enforced by zone: Zone publishes Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) material and ESR notifications on its rules page; no AMC-specific substance test is described. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://amc.gov.ae/rules-regulations)

## Ajman Free Zone

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a general business, industrial and e-commerce free zone in Ajman, licensed by Free Zones Authority - Ajman, established in 1988.

Details: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/ajman/afza

## Ajman Media City Free Zone

Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ) is a media and general business free zone in Ajman, licensed by Free Zones Authority of Ajman. The lowest package it publishes without stated conditions is AED 4,999 for year 1 (Business Club).

Details: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/ajman/ajman-media-city

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Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.
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Source: FreezoneGuide (https://freezoneguide.com/). AED, as published by each zone on its official channels. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.