Ajman Free Zone (For French Investors)
Ajman Free Zone is one of the oldest and most popular Free Zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Established in 1988, it is located in the Emirate of Ajman, just 40 minutes from Dubai. Ajman is rapidly growing as an industrial and manufacturing hub, offering plenty of opportunities for French businesses looking to expand into the Middle East.
Benefits for French Investors
Ajman Free Zone provides complete flexibility and convenience for French investors with 100% foreign ownership of businesses. Located near a major seaport, this free zone is ideal for freelancers, small businesses, light manufacturing, and trading companies. Its strategic location makes it an excellent option for French businesses aiming to tap into the UAE’s booming economy.
Advantages for Entrepreneurs
For French entrepreneurs looking to set up business in the UAE, Ajman Free Zone offers many opportunities and strong market exposure. The Free Zone Authority provides flexible payment plans for new company registration, making it easier for French startups and SMEs to establish themselves. Its affordable fee structure makes Ajman Free Zone an attractive option for new business owners from France to build a strong and profitable presence in the UAE.
Types of Free Zones in Ajman
Also known as AFZA, this is a free trade zone located in the Emirate of Ajman, UAE. Established in 1988, it is an excellent option for French investors looking to set up and operate an offshore company. As one of the few unbonded free zones in the UAE, AFZA offers 100% foreign ownership, attractive tax benefits, and a straightforward registration process. For French entrepreneurs, AFZA serves as a cost-effective entry point into the UAE business landscape.
Ajman Media City (AMC) was launched to promote competitiveness and innovation among local and regional businesses. It offers a vibrant and professional environment designed specifically for media companies. French media professionals and entrepreneurs can benefit from AMC’s various licensing packages and flexible business setup options. Whether you are a freelancer, SME, or a larger media company from France, AMC provides the infrastructure and regulatory support needed to grow your media business in the UAE.
Benefits of Ajman Free Zone
Cost-effective and efficient – Ajman Free Zone is very popular among French entrepreneurs and startups because of the low cost business setup options. It welcomes all sizes of businesses from small to medium sized companies. French investors can set up operations with minimal initial investment and then scale up cost effectively. It’s one of the most affordable free zones in UAE making it very attractive for French SMEs
Open to multiple business types -Ajman Free Zone caters to various industries like general trading, industrial and professional activities. French traders and business owners looking for Ajman trading license will find it a great option. Also the free zone offers e-commerce licenses – a feature not available in other UAE free zones – making it ideal for French-commerce startups.
Multiple visa options: Ajman Free Zone has different business packages to cater to different visa requirements. French business owners new to UAE can opt for office packages like Smart Office package (3 visas) or Executive Office package (5 visas). Flexible packages like Flexi-desk offer shared office space, meeting rooms and equipment without the need of permanent desk rentals – perfect for French entrepreneurs testing the UAE market.
Business setup fees can be paid in installments: A big advantage for French investors is the ability to pay business setup fees in installments. Ajman Free Zone is the only free zone in UAE offering this feature, where businesses can start operations by paying just a portion of the setup costs upfront. This makes it easier for French startups with limited initial capital to set up in the UAE.
Best location: Ajman Free Zone’s location is very strategic. It’s close to major UAE seaports and international airports, simplifying import-export activities. With good road links to neighboring Emirates and just 30 minutes drive from Dubai, French businesses can manage logistics and distribution across the region.
Offices & Warehouse Facility
- Warehouses – Ajman Free Zone warehouses are located around Ajman seaports, perfect for French businesses to manage their logistics efficiently. The expanded ports are a big advantage for new French businesses setting up in Ajman Free Zone for smooth import and export.
- Flexi-desk – Flexi-desk is ideal for French entrepreneurs and freelancers, a hassle free, flexible workspace with no usage limits. These desks are available within Ajman Free Zone headquarters or nearby locations, a cost effective solution for French startups.
- Offices – Ajman Free Zone offices cater to all business needs, located within Free Zone headquarters, dedicated floors or nearby areas. Perfect for French companies looking to set up business in the UAE with minimal investment and maximum convenience.
Types of license in Ajman Free Zone
For French businesses manufacturing or producing in France, this license helps set up and operate an industrial unit.
For Franch traders and distributors, this license allows them to distribute goods and products across UAE, perfect for import-export businesses.
Covers various professional activities like consulting, design and technical services. French professionals can use this to establish themselves in the UAE market.
For French entrepreneurs doing digital and online business, this license supports e-commerce and digital platforms.
This license allows French companies to offer consulting services, salons, advertising, management and other service based businesses.
A special license for UAE based students and young entrepreneurs (20-30 years). French youth in UAE can use this cost effective startup option to launch their innovative ventures.
For French freelancers in media, IT, design and consulting. This license provides legal status, 3 year visa and affordable renewal structure, perfect for solo entrepreneurs.
Steps for Business Formation in Ajman Free Zone
Choose the right business activities for your Ajman Free Zone setup based on your company and UAE market.
Select a reliable legal structure for your business, FZC (Free Zone Company) or FZE (Free Zone Establishment) as per French business preferences.
Register your company’s trade name as per Ajman Free Zone regulations. Make sure your chosen name is your brand and unique.
Lease an office space or flexi-desk in Ajman Free Zone. French startups can opt for flexi-desks to save costs.
Submit your license application (Industrial, Commercial, E-commerce or any suitable type) to Ajman Free Zone authorities.
Submit all required documents, passport copies, business plans and approvals to Free Zone authorities.
Pay for business setup in Ajman Free Zone and upon approval get your business license.
Open a corporate account in a UAE bank for smooth transactions. French businesses have competitive banking options.
Apply for a UAE residence visa for business owners, employees and dependents to establish a legal presence.
Flyingcolour assists French entrepreneurs in all types of company registrations across the United Arab Emirates. We specialize in Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore company setups in every Emirate of the UAE, including Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Our team also facilitates smooth corporate bank account opening with leading local banks, making the entire process hassle-free for French businesses. By closely collaborating with UAE Government Departments and major banks, we ensure a seamless experience for French clients setting up their business in the UAE.