The United Arab Emirates comprises 7 emirates, out of which there is the emirate of Ajman. The capital of Ajman Emirate is the city of Ajman, a thriving city that is continuously growing after the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008.

Within its parameters is the Ajman Free Trade Zone is within parameters which offers offshore company setup and corporate operations for investors.

About Ajman Media City Free Zone

The Ajman Media City Free Zone works independently of the Ajman Free Zone, where more than 12,362 companies operated back in 2018. The Media City Free Zone offers business licensing to media-related businesses for small companies.

The Ajman Media City Free Zone cost for business license starts from AED 8,500. Company setup Ajman Media City comes with 100% foreign ownership and no need for local sponsorship. Moreover, Ajman Media Zone is developed with the vision to provide a dependable, harmonious, and professional environment for businesses and individuals alike.

That is to say that a world-class working space awaits those who are ringing with innovation and desire flexible workplaces. Plus, you get professional guidance in every step of your company formation.

Available Packages and Licenses

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, Ajman Media City is the best place to start your own offshore company with reputable regulations, convenient time zones, and ultra-low taxes. Furthermore, Ajman Free Zone Makateb offers a state-of-the-art business center for those who want to establish their offshore company offices.

Here is a quick rundown of available packages/licenses:

●       Business Club Package – AED 8,500 clients get a shared workspace with 10 hours of usage per month with free zone status but no freelance visa Ajman (see common problems section).

●       Bronze Package – AED 11,500 clients get a shared but permanent desk space in Ajman Media City facility with free zone status and 1 freelance visa Ajman.

●       Silver Package – AED 14,500 clients get a shared permanent office space in the SMART OFFICE PLUS in the Ajman Media Zone facility with free zone status and 2 visas.

●       Gold Package – for AED 25,500 clients, get a shared permanent office space in the EXECUTIVE OFFICE with a free zone status and be eligible for 5 visas.

All packages mentioned above and business licenses offer up to 5 allied commercial activities mainly for import & export, or 5 allied service activities mainly for service providers.

Moreover, you can also choose a mix of commercial and services activities as long as both the categories are allied or grouped to a specific business type.

Four Common Problems for Business Licensing In Ajman

While so far you might think that things are pretty straightforward; however, there are some challenges that I would like to point out when acquiring your business licenses in Ajman:

1.    Additional Charges

Apart from the charges mentioned acquiring your business licenses, there are additional costs involved in the process. This includes:

●       Value Added Tax – based on consumption rather than income. This can include the usage of allocated facilities such as office space, pre-existing warehouses, or other conveniences that you may ask for in your corporate activities.

●       Innovation Fee – those who apply for permanent office space may want to renovate the interior or exterior of their workplaces. All such dues have to be paid additionally and are not included in your business license charges.

●       Company Name Approval – getting your company name approved is paramount. This means you have to research so that your business name doesn’t conflict with copyrighted and trademark-protected firms that already exist. A visit to the registrar of firms, therefore, is mandatory.

2.    Acquiring Visa or Additional Visas

If you haven't noticed, the business club package doesn’t offer a visa. Therefore it can be dreadful if you finally get your license and cannot start work at your offshore company. Acquiring a visa can be a hectic process. First and foremost, you need an establishment card that specifies your company's information and is as big as a bank card.

Secondly, you need to apply for an E-Channel. The E-Channel Immigration System is new and unified implemented all across the UAE. This enables businesses and individuals to apply for residence and visas through a single online portal instead of visiting an immigration office or a typing center every time.

Thirdly, you need to apply for Entry Permits. You can apply for entry permits through the Federal Authorities for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. While the ICA offers only online channels, the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) offers online and offline channels.

Furthermore, once you have your entry permit, there are also the medical tests and Emirates Identity application. Plus, after all, such tests are conducted, you finally need your passport stamped by authorized figures to complete your visa acquiring process. 

3.    Choosing the Type of Company You Want

Next up, you need to decide the type of company you want to run. Again, you need to make an informed decision, so it is best to know the process's ins and outs. You also need to know the documents that you require to open each type of company available.

The following are examples that might come in handy:

●       One-Owner Company – you will require an application form and the proposed owner's passport copy. Furthermore, you would also require two color passport size photos with white background. Moreover, you need to put forward three company name options just in case to avail available options if the other two don’t work out or are taken. Lastly, the company should be decided on the capital to a maximum of AED 100,000.

●       Multiple Owner Company – you will require an application form and the passport copies of each proposed owner. Furthermore, you would require two color passport-sized photographs for each partner with a white background. Moreover, you need to put forward three company name options just in case to avail available options if the other two don’t work out or are taken. Lastly, the company should be decided on the capital to a maximum of AED 100,000.

●       Branch of a Foreign Company – you will require an application form along with the Certificate of Incorporation of the mother company. Furthermore, you need to present the Memorandum & Articles of Association of the mother company. You also need to provide the Board Resolution detailing the branch's nominating authorized manager's formation. Moreover, you need to deliver a passport copy of the representative manager of the company with six months validity along with two passport size color photographs with white background. While capital is not required, the first three pieces of documentation mentioned above, apart from the application form. This attestation shall be by the UAE’s Embassy in the company’s country of origin, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.

●       A subsidiary of a Foreign Company – you will require an application form along with the Certificate of Incorporation of the mother company. Furthermore, you need to present the Memorandum & Articles of Association of the mother company. Plus, you also need to provide the Board Resolution detailing the formation of the subsidiary nominating authorized manager. Moreover, you need to deliver a passport copy of the representative manager of the company with six months validity along with two passport size color photographs with white background. While capital is not required, the first three pieces of documentation mentioned above, apart from the application form, must be attested. This attestation shall be by the UAE’s Embassy in the company’s country of origin, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.  

●       Branch of a Local Company – you will require an application form and the passport copy of the representative manager of the company. Plus, you also need to present the Original License of the company along with two color passport size photographs of the representative manager. Other documents include the Original Chamber of Commerce Certificate and the Original Commerical Registration. Plus, you also need the Board Resolution detailing the setup of the branch company and the manager's nomination.

4.    Deciding the Best Package/License

While the business licenses available are quite good, there is no particular option for a custom-made business license that can be adjusted to your specific needs.

However, the PLATINUM PACKAGE option is available for companies that require more than 5 visas and larger office space. As such, you need to contact their sales team for a customized package to match your requirements.

Final Word

I hope this post was able to clarify how you can overcome the four most common problems one could face while acquiring Business License in Ajman Media City. Still, if you have any questions, feel free to mention them in the comment section below. Till then, happy reading and all the best for your future endeavors!