Ajman Free Zone vs UAQ Free Zone: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both are ultra-budget options in the northern emirates. Ajman Free Zone has a longer track record and slightly better infrastructure. UAQ is marginally cheaper but smaller and less developed. The practical difference is minimal — pick whichever has the activity you need.
- Budget businesses
- Startups
- Small traders
- Budget businesses
- Holding companies
- Companies not needing physical UAE presence
- Budget-friendly
- Close to Dubai
- Fast processing
- Extremely cheap
- Fast setup
- Simple process
- Ajman address
- Smaller business community
- Banking more difficult
- Very remote
- Minimal business community
- Banking difficult
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| AFZ | UAQ FTZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | ajman | umm al-quwain |
| License from | AED 6,500/yr | AED 5,500/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 6,500 | AED 5,500 |
| Setup time | 2-3 business days | 2-3 business days |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 1988 | 1988 |
| License types | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce |
| Office options | flexi desk, shared office, private office, warehouse | flexi desk, virtual office, shared 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
UAQ FTZ
- License (starting from)
- AED 5,500/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 5,500
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 2,800
- 3 visas
- ~AED 7,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick AFZ if
You want a more established zone with better infrastructure and support services.
See full AFZ profilePick UAQ FTZ if
You want the absolute cheapest license and your activity is listed at UAQ.
See full UAQ FTZ profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, AFZ or UAQ FTZ?
UAQ FTZ is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 5,500/year vs AED 6,500/year for AFZ — a difference of AED 1,000 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at AFZ vs UAQ FTZ?
AFZ advertises 2-3 business days and UAQ FTZ advertises 2-3 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
Where are AFZ and UAQ FTZ located?
AFZ is in Ajman (Ajman (25 min from Dubai)). UAQ FTZ is in Umm Al Quwain (Umm Al Quwain emirate).
What license types does each offer?
AFZ issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. UAQ FTZ issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.