Compare Ajman Free Zone Authority vs Sharjah Economic Development Department
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..
Sharjah Economic Development Department
The Verdict
Starts from AED 15,000 (Budget) — best for Manufacturing, industrial activities, and businesses targeting the local Sharjah and Northern Emirates markets..
Ajman Free Zone Authority
Sharjah Economic Development Department
Feature Comparison
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Cost Scenarios
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 9,010
Annual Renewal
AED 6,000
Year 1 Total
AED 39,500
Annual Renewal
AED 32,200
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
License Packages
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Ajman Free Zone Authority
6 PackagesPioneers Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 5,000
NoteSpecial package for young entrepreneurs.
Freelancer Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 6,000
NoteAimed at solo professionals in over 40 categories.
Commercial/Service License (Explorer)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 9,000
NoteBase package for trading or service activities with no visa.
Commercial/Service License (Startup)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,000
NotePopular entry-level package for a founder with a visa.
Commercial/Service License (Entrepreneur)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 15,000
NoteSuitable for small partnerships or a founder with one employee.
General Trading License (Startup)
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 17,000
NoteFor businesses that require a broad range of trading activities.
Sharjah Economic Development Department
Custom OnlyNo Pre-Bundled Packages
This jurisdiction offers custom pricing based on specific requirements rather than set packages.
Who Wins Where?
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Budget Priorities
Ajman Free Zone Authority offers a lower starting price point at AED 6,000
Setup Speed
Sharjah Economic Development Department typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Visa Capacity
Sharjah Economic Development Department allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Tax Optimization
Ajman Free Zone Authority is officially QFZP eligible
Brand Prestige
Both offer highly competitive, standard market positioning
Lean Startups
Mixed results — each jurisdiction has specific cost vs speed trade-offs
Detailed Feature Breakdown
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
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
Startups, SMEs, and freelancers seeking the most cost-effective entry into the UAE market with flexible visa and facility options.
Sharjah Economic Development Department
SEDD targets a wide range of investors, from local entrepreneurs to international corporations, aiming to establish a presence in the UAE mainland market. The department focuses on diversifying Sharjah's economy with an emphasis on commercial trading, industrial and manufacturing sectors, professional services, and tourism. The primary investor profile includes those seeking full access to the local and regional markets without the restrictions of a free zone, benefiting from Sharjah's strategic location and competitive operational costs.
Key Advantages
Manufacturing, industrial activities, and businesses targeting the local Sharjah and Northern Emirates markets.
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".
Sharjah Economic Development Department typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Sharjah Economic Development Department, 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. Sharjah Economic Development Department: Subject to standard 9% UAE corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000.
Ajman Free Zone Authority: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Sharjah Economic Development Department: 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.
Manufacturing, industrial activities, and businesses targeting the local Sharjah and Northern Emirates markets.