Hi Ryan,

I'm Himanshi, and the cost of an Ajman mainland licence depends considerably on the business activity, premises required and additional government approvals.

Ajman mainland trade licence generally falls within AED 12,000–AED 32,000 for the first year, while many small-business setups fall around AED 15,000–AED 25,000. Industrial businesses can cost more because of warehouse, factory and approval requirements.

Ajman Mainland Licence Cost by Activity

Professional and service activities are generally the more economical option. Depending on the activity and applicable rules, some businesses may be able to use a flexi-desk or shared office arrangement.

For commercial and trading businesses, the cost is usually higher because an appropriate physical commercial premises may be required, along with tenancy registration through Tasdeeq.

Industrial and manufacturing companies typically require the largest investment. In addition to the licence, you may need a warehouse or factory, specialised infrastructure and approvals from relevant authorities.

Other Costs to Budget For

Beyond the core licence, you should also consider:

• Trade name reservation: AED 350–AED 1,000
• Ajman Chamber registration: Around AED 300–AED 1,000
• Office lease and Tasdeeq: Varies according to the premises and rental value
• Residency visa: Approximately AED 2,500–AED 4,000 per person, depending on the package and government charges

So, if you are  launching a consultancy, he may be able to keep his initial investment toward the lower end of the range. A trading company will generally need a larger budget, while manufacturing requires significantly more capital because of its premises and regulatory requirements.

My advice is to determine the exact activity first and then calculate the licence, premises, approvals and visa costs together. Looking only at the headline licence fee can give you an unrealistic picture of the actual cost of starting the business.