HOW TO GETTRADE A LICENSE INAJMAN (2026)
A trade license in Ajman enables you to start a new company or expand an existing one in Ajman, UAE. Local andforeign entrepreneurs who want 100% business ownership, tax reliefs, and low-cost setup often start theircompanies in Ajman.Both the Ajman mainland and free zones offer a trade license to investors. To obtain a trade license in Ajman, anapplication can be made to the Department of Economic Development (DED-Ajman) or to the respective zoneauthority.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 andinternational business operations. This guide explains the Ajman business licensing process in depth. Read toknow what documents you need, the cost of the license, and how to secure the trade license in 2026successfully.Quick summary
Anyone planning to conduct business activities in Ajman must apply for a trade license. Whether you are looking to start a caféin Ajman, a financial consultancy, a digital marketing agency, an online store, or a food factory – no economic activity can belegally conducted in Ajman without securing a business license first.Who Should Apply for aTRADE LICENSE IN AJMANAjman 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 IS A TRADE LICENSE IN AJMANA trade license in Ajman is a legal authorization granted tobusiness entities and companies wishing to operate withinthe Emirate.
What are the Types ofBefore applying for the trade license in Ajman, understanding its types is essential. It gives you aclear idea of which one best matches your business activity. Below are the main types of tradelicenses in Ajman:TRADE LICENSES IN AJMANAll trading companies in Ajman require acommercial license to operate legally.Trading companies buy, sell, distribute, orimport/export goods and commodities inAjman and international markets. Commonexamples include clothing merchants,grocery stores, wholesalers, electronicsshops, retailers, and an automobile dealer.Commercial LicenseA professional license in Ajman allows youto offer intangible services to customers,based on expertise and qualifications in aspecific field. For example, you can start ahealthcare business, a managementconsultancy, a beauty salon, or a similarservice-based firm.Professional LicenseBusinesses involved in manufacturing,production, and processing activitiesmust hold a valid industrial license inAjman. Industrial activities includeimporting raw materials, processing them,producing finished goods, and assemblingcomponents. Examples: textile producers,food manufacturing companies, andchemical processing businesses.Industrial LicenseYou can sell products via websites, socialmedia, and online marketplaces aftergetting an e-commerce license in Ajman.Given the rising online shopping trendsand internet accessibility, such a businesscan be highly profitable. Additionally, itrequires no investment in physical stores.E-commerce license
Businesses involved in manufacturing,production, and processing activitiesmust hold a valid industrial license inAjman. Industrial activities includeimporting raw materials, processing them,producing finished goods, and assemblingcomponents. Examples: textile producers,food manufacturing companies, andchemical processing businesses.Industrial LicenseYou can sell products via websites, socialmedia, and online marketplaces aftergetting an e-commerce license in Ajman.Given the rising online shopping trendsand internet accessibility, such a businesscan be highly profitable. Additionally, itrequires no investment in physical stores.E-commerce licenseAn Ajman freelance license allowsindividuals to work in areas such asconsultancy, media, and marketing. Thislicense is perfect for professionals likedesigners, writers, and social mediamanagers. They can operateindependently and do not require aformal office setup.Freelance licensePlease 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 expertsin the UAE for guidance.
Popular trade license activities in AjmanTrading/commercialGeneral trading, building materials, electronics, foodstuffs, clothing, cosmetics, cars, stationery, andfootwearServicesRestaurants, management consultancy, IT consultancy, accounting services, marketing, translation,event management, cleaning services, real estate brokerageIndustrial Food processing, garment manufacturing, packagingE-commerce Web development, content writing, cloud kitchen, online tradingHealthcare Clinics, pharmacies, health consultancy, fitness coach, gymEducation Training centers, education consultancy, schoolsTourism Travel agency, resorts, tour operators, ship renting, car rentingAJMAN TRADE LICENSE ACTIVITIES LISTPlease 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 setupexperts in the UAE for guidance.A few examples are given in the table below:
Given below is the explanation of the steps involved in the Ajman tradelicense process:To get a trade license in Ajman, you must apply with the Department ofEconomic Development (DED) or a preferred free zone authority (likeAFZ). The process involves getting the trade name registered, receivingthe government approvals, submitting documents, and collecting thelicense.How to Get aTRADE LICENSE IN AJMAN STEP-BY-STEPStep 1: Choose your business activitiesStep 2: Determine legal structureStep 3: Register a trade nameStep 4: Finalize the office spaceStep 5: Get the necessary government approvalsStep 6: Fulfill documentation requirementStep 7: Apply for the trade licenseStep 8: Wait for government approvalStep 9: Collect your trade license
Renewal ofAn Ajman trade license is usually valid for one year. Before it reaches its expiry, youmust get it renewed if you wish to continue your operations.TRADE LICENSE IN AJMAN1.Visit the office or government portal: Depending on yourbusiness jurisdiction, contact the DED or the relevant freezone authority.2.Submit the application: Fill out the license renewal form andsubmit all the necessary documents.3.Pay the required fees: Pay the applicable renewal fees to theauthority.4.Authority review: The authority will verify that your businesscontinues to meet regulations and that all documents are upto date.5.Receive your renewed license: Once approved, you willreceive your renewed trade license in Ajman through courieror at their office, allowing you to continue operations legally.These are the steps of Ajman trade license renewal online
These are the steps of Ajman trade license renewal onlineCopy of existing trade licenseA passport copy of the ownerUpdated the lease agreement for the officeEmirates ID (if applicable)Additional documents are required by Ajman DED or the relevant free zone.Documents required for trade license renewal in AjmanPro tip: Initiate the renewal process a month before license expiry to avoid last-minute issues and delays.
Free zones are independent economic areas that support companies acrossvarious industries in Ajman. Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) and Ajman Media City, bothfree zones, offer attractive benefits to entrepreneurs looking to start acompany in the UAE.IN AJMAN FREE ZONESFeatures of the free zone trade license in Ajman:Trade license issued by the respective free zone authority100% foreign business ownership allowedAccess to flexible and shared workspaces100% repatriation of capital and profitsEligible for 0% corporate taxA diverse ecosystem that supports networking and fundingBased on evaluating the features of both jurisdictions and your business needs,you can select the most suitable option.
Mainland trade license cost in Ajman Free zone trade license cost in AjmanAED 17,550*AED 5,555* (0 visa)AED 13,131* (1 visa)Trade license fee (varies depending on license type)Company registration feeMedical check-upMOA drafting chargesEmirates ID costOffice space rental costUAE residence visa feeThe general business setup costs in Ajman includeAjman trade license cost varies in the mainland and free zones.
01020304Low-cost option0% tax advantageWide range of activitiesMinimum documentation0506Access to banking and visasConvenient market accessWHAT MAKES ATrade license in Ajman offers key benefits like a cost-effective option, 100%foreign ownership, and business credibility. Here are some key advantages:TRADE LICENSE IN AJMAN A GOOD CHOICEExpert Insights
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 doesnot matter. Just identify your business activities, make sure youhave all the required documents, and proceed with the licenseapplication.GETTING TRADE LICENSE INAJMAN – TAKEAWAYYou can choose between the mainland and the free zone. In themainland, approval is given by Ajman DED, while in the free zone, alicense is issued by the respective authority. All processes areconveniently handled online.It takes a few days to get the license. If you are unsure or have anydoubts, work with a professional business setup consultant in theUAE. They make the process way easier and faster.
HOW DUBIZ HELPS WITHDubiz Business Setup simplifies trade license applications, renewals, andamendments in Ajman. We offer end-to-end guidance for both mainland and freezone licensing. Our experts handle documentation, government approvals, licenseapplications, and compliance on your behalf.AJMAN TRADE LICENSEWe have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs with company setup in the UAE,including Ajman, and would be happy to assist you with our business setupservices:Ajman mainland and free zone licensingTransparent and affordable Ajman trade license costsCorporate bank account assistanceUAE residence visa processingVAT services, compliance services, and UAE company auditing
Phone+971 [email protected] number 2908, Al Manara Tower,Business Bay Dubai.LocationCONTACT US