Ajman is a rapidly developing emirate that offers a highly supportive environment for new businesses. Its strategic location and business-friendly regulations make Ajman Mainland an excellent choice for entrepreneurs. The recent amendments to the UAE’s business laws, which allow for 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, have made Ajman an even more attractive destination for international investors.
With its prominent seaport and direct links to major airports, Ajman has become a key hub for manufacturing, trade, and services. The emirate’s economy is well-established, with robust industries like construction, real estate, and wholesale trade.
When setting up in Ajman Mainland, you can choose from several legal structures to fit your business needs.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most popular choice for commercial and professional activities. It offers a clear legal framework and provides protection for personal assets.
- Branch Office: Ideal for a foreign parent company that wants to establish a physical presence in Ajman to conduct business.
- Representative Office: This is a non-trading entity used by foreign companies to promote their products or services and conduct market research.
- Professional Company/Civil Company: For professionals like consultants, doctors, or engineers, this structure allows for 100% foreign ownership, with the appointment of a local service agent.
Types of Business Licenses
The Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED) issues several types of licenses to authorize your business activities:
- Trading License: Required for any company involved in general or specialized trading, including the import, export, and sale of goods.
- Professional License: Issued to service-oriented businesses and professionals, such as consultants, artisans, and skilled laborers. This is the most common license for businesses seeking 100% foreign ownership.
- Industrial License: Mandatory for businesses engaged in manufacturing, production, or fabrication. This license requires additional approvals from relevant authorities depending on the industry.
- E-commerce License: Specifically for businesses operating online, including electronic trading and providing technical support for e-commerce platforms.
The Registration Process
The process of registering a company in Ajman Mainland is streamlined to make it as easy as possible. While we handle the specifics, here is an overview of the key steps:
- Select Your Business Activity: Define your business type and choose from the list of activities permitted by the Ajman DED.
- Choose a Trade Name: Propose a unique name for your business that complies with UAE naming conventions.
- Apply for Initial Approval: Submit your application and required documents to the Ajman DED to get initial approval and reserve your trade name.
- Prepare Legal Documents: Draft and get the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement signed.
- Secure a Business Location: Find and obtain a lease contract for your office or commercial space.
- Obtain External Approvals: Depending on your business, you may need additional approvals from government bodies like the municipality or civil defense.
- Finalize and Get Your License: After submitting all necessary documents and paying the required fees, the DED will issue your official business license, allowing you to begin operations.