WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey helps business owners compare Ajman mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. An Ajman mainland licence, granted by the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. Ajman is GoldenKey's home emirate — one of the most affordable mainland licences in the northern UAE, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out.
Why Ajman
Ajman mainland licences are released by the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED), which currently processes most standard files in around 3 working days (Monday to Friday). In short, popular districts for an Ajman mainland office include Al Rashidiya, Al Nuaimiya, Al Jurf, Al Rawda and Al Mowaihat, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. Just as important, government and semi-government tenders in Ajman require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for visas for a mainland company in Ajman; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- Passport photographs on a white background
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
Pricing
The figures below for visas for a mainland company in Ajman are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Crucially, all prices for visas for a mainland company in Ajman are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 7,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
The visa process after the licence
On the ground, once your Ajman licence is issued we open the establishment card, apply for the entry permit, change your status inside the UAE if you are already here, book the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics, and submit for stamping. Family visas follow once your own UAE residence visa is active.
Validity and renewal
In our experience, residence visas issued through Ajman are valid for two years and renewed with a fresh medical test. GoldenKey tracks the expiry dates on your file and starts renewals early so nobody on your team is caught out.
Why the UAE
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes visas for a mainland company in Ajman a route to relocation as well as a business decision. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies visas for a mainland company in Ajman for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for visas for a mainland company in Ajman. Just as important, we will tell you plainly if Ajman is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less. If a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Ajman file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit.
In our experience, ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for visas for a mainland company in Ajman.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ajman mainland company formation take?
With paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED) as a rule issues the licence within 3 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Ajman mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Ajman mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Ajman mainland company?
You cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
Are Ajman mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
How much office space do I need for a Ajman mainland licence?
The Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
