Ajman Free Zone vs IFZA: Side-by-Side Comparison
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the cheapest licenses in the UAE, but it comes with a non-Dubai address and tighter banking. IFZA costs more but gives you a Dubai brand, better bank acceptance, and a larger ecosystem. The premium is usually worth it.
- Budget businesses
- Startups
- Small traders
- Startups
- Freelancers
- Small businesses
- Budget-friendly
- Close to Dubai
- Fast processing
- Very affordable
- Extremely fast setup
- Wide activity range
- Ajman address
- Smaller business community
- Banking more difficult
- Newer reputation
- Banking can be slower
- Location outside main Dubai hubs
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| AFZ | IFZA | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | ajman | dubai |
| License from | AED 6,500/yr | AED 5,750/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 6,500 | AED 5,750 |
| Setup time | 2-3 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 1988 | 2018 |
| License types | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer | trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer |
| Office options | flexi desk, shared office, private office, warehouse | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office, private office |
Cost breakdown
AFZ
- License (starting from)
- AED 6,500/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 6,500
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,000
- 3 visas
- ~AED 7,500
IFZA
- License (starting from)
- AED 5,750/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 5,750
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,500
- 3 visas
- ~AED 9,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 16,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick AFZ if
You need the absolute lowest cost and don't care about a Dubai address.
See full AFZ profilePick IFZA if
You need Dubai credibility and smoother business banking — worth the extra cost.
See full IFZA profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, AFZ or IFZA?
IFZA is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 5,750/year vs AED 6,500/year for AFZ — a difference of AED 750 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at AFZ vs IFZA?
AFZ advertises 2-3 business days and IFZA advertises 1-2 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
Where are AFZ and IFZA located?
AFZ is in Ajman (Ajman (25 min from Dubai)). IFZA is in Dubai (Dubai Silicon Oasis area, Dubai).
What license types does each offer?
AFZ issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. IFZA issues trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.