Compare Ajman Free Zone Authority vs Dubai CommerCity

Ajman Free Zone Authority
More Affordable
VerifiedAjmanFree Zone

Ajman Free Zone Authority

The Verdict

Starts from AED 6,000 (Budget) — best for Startups, SMEs, and freelancers seeking the most cost-effective entry into the UAE market with flexible visa and facility options..

Starting From
AED 6,000
Setup Time
1 days
Dubai CommerCity
VerifiedDubaiFree Zone

Dubai CommerCity

The Verdict

Starts from AED 21,995 (Premium) — best for E-commerce businesses seeking a specialized ecosystem with integrated logistics, warehousing, and proximity to Dubai International Airport..

Starting From
AED 21,995
Setup Time
3 days

Feature Comparison

A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.

Starting From
AED 6,000
Starting From
AED 21,995
Price Positioning
Budget
Price Positioning
Premium
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 4,222
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 5,570
Health Insurance/yr
AED 700
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Setup Time
1 days
Setup Time
3 days
Remote Setup
Yes
Remote Setup
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
UAE Pass
Yes
UAE Pass
Yes
Max Visas (No Office)
0
Max Visas (No Office)
0
Golden Visa
Yes
Golden Visa
Yes
Dependent Sponsorship
Yes
Dependent Sponsorship
Yes
QFZP (0% Tax)
Yes
QFZP (0% Tax)
Yes
Corporate Tax 9%
Yes
Corporate Tax 9%
Yes
Audit Required
Required upon renewal
Audit Required
Required upon renewal
VAT Designated Zone
Yes
VAT Designated Zone
Yes
Total Activities
101
Total Activities
21

Cost Scenarios

Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups

Ajman Free Zone Authority

Year 1 Total

AED 9,010

Save AED 12,985

Annual Renewal

AED 6,000

Dubai CommerCity

Year 1 Total

AED 21,995

Annual Renewal

AED 21,995

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 7,010
facilityAED 0
government feesAED 2,000
third party servicesAED 0

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 21,995
facilityAED 0
government feesAED 0
third party servicesAED 0

License Packages

Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone

Ajman Free Zone Authority

6 Packages

Pioneers Package

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 5,000

1 Visa Included
1 Activities
Flexi Desk
Aimed at entrepreneurs aged 20-30

NoteSpecial package for young entrepreneurs.

Freelancer Package

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 6,000

0 Visas Included
1 Activities
Flexi Desk
Co-working space access

NoteAimed at solo professionals in over 40 categories.

Commercial/Service License (Explorer)

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 9,000

0 Visas Included
5 Activities
Flexi Desk

NoteBase package for trading or service activities with no visa.

Most Popular

Commercial/Service License (Startup)

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 12,000

1 Visa Included
5 Activities
Flexi Desk

NotePopular entry-level package for a founder with a visa.

Commercial/Service License (Entrepreneur)

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 15,000

2 Visas Included
5 Activities
Flexi Desk

NoteSuitable for small partnerships or a founder with one employee.

General Trading License (Startup)

Premium Tier

Annual Cost

AED 17,000

1 Visa Included
Flexi Desk
Allows trading in a wide variety of goods

NoteFor businesses that require a broad range of trading activities.

Dubai CommerCity

2 Packages
Most Popular

E-commerce/Service Smart Desk Package

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 21,995

2 Visas Included
20 Activities
Flexi Desk
Registration Fee P.O. Box Knowledge & Innovation Fees

NoteCost is an estimate for a service license; e-commerce licenses may be slightly higher. Total cost cited as approximately AED 21,995.

Fitted Office Package

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 61,870

3 Visas Included
20 Activities
Private Office
Office Rent License Fee Registration Fee P.O. Box Knowledge & Innovation Fees

NoteTotal cost cited as approximately AED 61,870 for a 25 sq. m. office.

Who Wins Where?

A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.

Ajman Free Zone Authority

Budget Priorities

Ajman Free Zone Authority offers a lower starting price point at AED 6,000

Ajman Free Zone Authority

Setup Speed

Ajman Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~1 days

Dubai CommerCity

Visa Capacity

Dubai CommerCity allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space

Tie

Tax Optimization

Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)

Dubai CommerCity

Brand Prestige

Dubai CommerCity carries a premium market perception and positioning

Ajman Free Zone Authority

Lean Startups

Ajman Free Zone Authority wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison

Agricultural License
No
Agricultural License
No
Commercial Trade License
Yes
Commercial Trade License
Yes
Crypto Virtual Assets License
No
Crypto Virtual Assets License
No
E Commerce E Trader License
Yes
E Commerce E Trader License
Yes
Freelance Permit
Yes
Freelance Permit
Yes
General Trading License
Yes
General Trading License
No
Holding Company License
Yes
Holding Company License
No
Industrial Manufacturing License
Yes
Industrial Manufacturing License
No
Innovation And Tech License
Yes
Innovation And Tech License
Yes
Professional Services Consultancy License
Yes
Professional Services Consultancy License
Yes
Tourism Hospitality License
Yes
Tourism Hospitality License
No

About Each Zone

Executive summaries and competitive positioning

Ajman Free Zone Authority

Ajman Free Zone targets a diverse range of industries with a primary focus on trading, industrial activities, e-commerce, and professional services. It is particularly known for its cost-effective business setup packages, making it a popular choice for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurs looking for a competitive operational base with excellent logistics and port access.

Key Advantages

Ultimate Affordability: Positioned as one of the UAE's most cost-effective free zones, offering startup and SME packages that dramatically lower market entry barriers.
Prime Logistical Hub: Strategically located at the Arabian Gulf's entrance, adjacent to Ajman Port and just 20-30 minutes from Sharjah and Dubai international airports.
Rapid 24-Hour Setup: Incorporate your company with remarkable speed, with trade licenses and initial approvals often processed and issued within just one business day.
Comprehensive Facilities: Choose from a complete range of scalable solutions, from affordable flexi-desks to executive offices, warehouses, and industrial land plots.
Ideal Target

Startups, SMEs, and freelancers seeking the most cost-effective entry into the UAE market with flexible visa and facility options.

Dubai CommerCity

Dubai CommerCity targets regional and international e-commerce businesses, including online retailers, e-commerce service providers, and logistics companies. The primary investor profile ranges from startups and SMEs to large multinational corporations looking to establish or expand their e-commerce operations in the MENA region. It offers a complete turnkey solution covering all aspects of the e-commerce value chain.

Key Advantages

MENA's First & Only E-commerce Hub: Operate within an ecosystem purpose-built for online retail success.
Turnkey Logistics & Fulfillment: Launch faster with pre-integrated partners and scalable, pay-as-you-go warehousing.
Strategic Airport Proximity: Leverage unparalleled connectivity for import and export, located directly next to DXB.
0% Tax & 100% Ownership: Maximize profitability with zero corporate tax and full repatriation of capital and profits.
Ideal Target

E-commerce businesses seeking a specialized ecosystem with integrated logistics, warehousing, and proximity to Dubai International Airport.

Things to Watch Out For

Hidden costs and common objections — with honest rebuttals

Ajman Free Zone Authority

Hidden Costs
Mandatory E-Channel registration fee for any company requiring visas.
Visa processing fees are separate from license package costs.

Dubai CommerCity

Hidden Costs
Annual audit is mandatory.
Visa processing fees are separate from the main package cost.

Ask The Experts

Common questions answered transparently with real data

Ajman Free Zone Authority is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 6,000. In the broader market context, Ajman Free Zone Authority is officially positioned as "Budget".

Ajman Free Zone Authority typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Ajman Free Zone Authority, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.

Ajman Free Zone Authority: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Dubai CommerCity: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.

Ajman Free Zone Authority: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai CommerCity: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.

Startups, SMEs, and freelancers seeking the most cost-effective entry into the UAE market with flexible visa and facility options.

E-commerce businesses seeking a specialized ecosystem with integrated logistics, warehousing, and proximity to Dubai International Airport.