Business setup in the UAE is always an exciting achievement, but the first question every entrepreneur asks is: “How much will it actually cost?” While Dubai often grabs the headlines, savvy business owners are increasingly looking at Ajman Mainland as the smartest place to launch.
Ajman offers the perfect middle ground. You get all the perks of a Mainland license – meaning you can trade anywhere in the UAE and take on government contracts, but at a price point that is much friendlier to your bank account It has become a go-to spot for startups and SMEs because it combines a strategic location with some of the lowest administrative fees in the country.
That said, the cost of an Ajman mainland license is not just one fixed number. It includes different parts like government fees, approvals, office space, and visas. If you don’t understand these costs properly, your budget can easily go off track. That’s why knowing the full Ajman mainland license cost breakdown before you start is so important.
What Is an Ajman Mainland License?
An Ajman Mainland License is a business license that allows you to operate legally within Ajman and anywhere across the UAE. Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses can work directly with local customers, government bodies, and other UAE-based companies without restrictions.
Who Issues the License?
All mainland licenses in the emirate are governed and issued by the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED). They are the primary regulatory body responsible for approving trade names, checking business activities, and ensuring every company follows the local laws.
Who Should Choose Ajman Mainland?
While Ajman Mainland is a great all-rounder for many entrepreneurs, it is the top choice for specific types of businesses:
- Retail & Restaurants: Any business that needs a physical storefront to serve walk-in customers (like a café in the city centre or a clothing boutique).
- Service-Based Professionals: Consultants, IT specialists, and accountants who want to work with clients across the entire UAE.
- Construction & Contracting: Companies that need to move equipment and labour across different sites in the country.
- Industrial & Manufacturing: Since Ajman offers very affordable industrial land and warehouse rates, many manufacturing firms choose a mainland setup here.
- General Trading: Businesses that want to import goods and sell them directly to local shops or distributors without needing a middleman.
Average Ajman Mainland License Cost
The typical cost of an Ajman Mainland license ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 32,000 or more for the basic setup. Although this is considerably more affordable than in neighbouring Dubai, the final price is greatly influenced by your specific business activity. This price range typically covers the following license types:
- Professional/Service License: Starts around AED 12,000 – AED 14,000. This is for consultants, freelancers, or beauty salons.
- Commercial/Trading License: Starts around AED 15,000 – AED 18,000. This is for retail shops or import/export businesses.
- General Trading License: Often starts at AED 25,000+ because it allows you to trade a much wider variety of goods.
What This Base Cost Usually Includes:
The base cost typically covers the core items you need to get your business registered and legally operational:
- Trade license fee (the main government charge for your business activity)
- Trade name reservation and initial approvals
- Government service charges
- Basic registration and documentation fees
Ajman Mainland License Cost Breakdown
To help you plan your business setup budget clearly, here’s a detailed breakdown of all the key costs involved in getting an Ajman mainland license. Each cost item depends on your business type and requirements, so consider this a practical guide to estimate your overall investment.
A. Government & Department of Economic Development (DED) Fees
These are the fixed fees you pay to the Ajman DED to register your company and get your license issued.
| Fee Component | Estimated Cost (AED) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation | AED 500 – 1,000 | Fee for reserving your company name (higher if the name is non-Arabic). |
| Initial Approval | AED 200 | The cost for the DED to approve your business activity. |
| License Issuance | AED 600 | The base fee for the actual trade license certificate. |
| Commercial Register | AED 200 | Fee for listing your business in the government registry. |
| CSR Fund Contribution | AED 1,500 | A mandatory community contribution for all businesses. |
| Ministry of Economy Fee | AED 3,000 | Required for Limited Liability Companies (LLC) for publication of legal documents. |
| Administrative Services | AED 50 – 100 | General service and innovation fees. |
B. Mandatory Memberships & Approvals
Once the DED gives the green light, you have a few other mandatory registrations to complete.
- Ajman Chamber of Commerce: Registration is mandatory for all businesses. Fees vary by business category (1 to 5), typically ranging from AED 500 to AED 2,500.
- Municipality Fees: You must pay a fee to have your lease contract (Ejari) authenticated. This is often calculated as 5% of your annual rent.
- External Approvals: Some businesses (like clinics, transport, or heavy industry) need permission from specific ministries. These can add anywhere from AED 1,000 to AED 5,000, depending on the complexity.
C. Operational & Visa Costs
A license alone doesn’t let you live or work in the UAE. You need to account for these essential add-ons:
Office Rent:
Ajman is famous for its affordable workspace.
- Shared Desk/Flexi-Desk: Starting at AED 5,000 – 6,000 per year (often used by professional services).
- Small Private Office: Starting at AED 15,000 – 25,000 per year in areas like Ajman Industrial or Al Jurf.
Visa Expenses:
If you or your employees need residency, budget for the following per person:
- Establishment Card: Approx. AED 2,000 (This allows the company to sponsor visas).
- Entry Permit & Visa Status Change: AED 1,500 – 2,500.
- Medical & Emirates ID: Approx. AED 1,100.
- Health Insurance: Ranges from AED 600 (basic) to AED 5,000+ (comprehensive).
Important Note: These are estimates. The final price can fluctuate based on business activity, type of license, number of visas, office size, and additional approvals.
Ajman Mainland License Cost with Visas (Estimated Packages)
When planning your business setup in Ajman mainland, it’s helpful to look at package-style estimates that include both the license and visa costs. Visas are a significant part of your overall budget, each visa adds government fees, medical checks, Emirates ID charges, and insurance.
- License Only: AED 12,000 – 16,000: It is best for those who already have a residency visa (e.g., Golden Visa or Spouse Visa).
- License + 1 Visa: AED 18,000 – 22,000: Best for solo entrepreneurs or owners who need a residency visa to live in the UAE.
- License + 2-3 Visas: AED 25,000 – 35,000: Best for small startups with a partner or a couple of core employees.
Is an Ajman Mainland License Worth the Cost?
If you’re wondering whether the investment in an Ajman mainland license is worth it, here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.
1. Unrestricted UAE Market Access
The biggest reason to choose the Mainland over a Free Zone is the freedom to trade. With an Ajman Mainland license, you can sell your products or services directly to local customers in any emirate – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc., without needing a distributor or a middleman.
2. Eligibility for Government Contracts
Ajman Mainland companies are eligible to bid for government tenders and contracts. These are often high-value, long-term projects that are strictly unavailable to Free Zone companies.
3. Scalability with Visas
Unlike Free Zones, which usually cap you at 3 to 6 visas per license, Ajman Mainland offers unlimited visa quotas. Your quota is simply tied to the size of your office space (usually 1 visa per 80-100 sq. ft.).
4. A Strong Option for Remote & Service-Based Businesses
For consultants, freelancers, tech services, and other professionals who don’t need a large office or heavy infrastructure, Ajman can be especially cost-effective.
You get:
- A legal business license
- The ability to work with clients across the UAE
- Lower office costs (like flexi-desks or shared space)
Ajman Mainland remains highly worth it for any business that needs a real-world presence in the UAE. You get the prestige and operational freedom of a UAE Mainland company, but you save roughly 30% to 40% on license fees and rent compared to Dubai.
How an Expert Business Setup Consultant Can Help
An Ajman mainland license is a smart choice if you want to start a business in the UAE without spending too much upfront. Ajman offers plenty of business opportunities, especially for startups, service providers, traders, and small teams that want the freedom to work across the UAE.
That said, understanding the true Ajman mainland license cost and choosing the right setup approach makes all the difference. A trusted business setup consultant like Shuraa makes the whole process easier and stress-free.
Our team helps you understand the exact costs from the start, plan your budget properly, and choose customised packages that suit your business needs. From handling approvals and paperwork to taking care of licenses and visas, Shuraa offers end-to-end support, so you can focus on building your business while the experts handle the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find quick answers to the most frequent queries about Ajman Mainland licensing below.
1. What is the minimum cost of an Ajman mainland license?
The minimum cost of an Ajman mainland license usually starts from around AED 10,000 to AED 12,000, depending on the business activity and basic requirements.
2. Can I get an Ajman mainland license without office space?
Not completely. Ajman mainland companies must have an office address, but you can choose a flexi-desk or shared office, which keeps costs low compared to renting a full office.
3. How much does Ajman mainland license renewal cost annually?
Annual renewal costs are usually similar to the initial license fee, starting from around AED 10,000 onwards, excluding visas, office rent, or additional approvals.
4. Is Ajman cheaper than Dubai for mainland business setup?
Yes. On average, setting up in Ajman is 25% to 40% more affordable than in Dubai. This is due to lower government administrative fees, cheaper office rentals, and more competitive service charges for mandatory memberships like the Chamber of Commerce.
5. How long does it take to get a trade license in Ajman?
If your documents are ready, the initial process is very fast. You can often get your Initial Approval in 24 to 48 hours, and the final license is typically issued within 5 to 7 working days once the lease agreement is verified.
6. How do I get a trade license for Ajman Mainland?
To get an Ajman Mainland trade license, you’ll follow steps like choosing your business activity and legal structure, reserving a trade name with Ajman DED, securing initial approval, drafting an Memorandum of Association (MOA) (if needed), getting an office lease, obtaining any specific external approvals, submitting documents, paying fees, and finally receiving your license, often using the Ajman DED eservices portal.
Read more: How to Get a Trade License in Ajman in 2026
