Ajman Media City Free Zone, one of the newest free zones in the UAE, was established in 2018. Its creation followed the issuance of Emiri Decree No. 8 of 2015 by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi III, Ruler of Ajman and a member of the UAE Supreme Council. Unicorn Global Solutions offers expert guidance for seamless company formation in the Ajman Media City Free Zone.
This free zone has rapidly evolved into a global hub for media-related businesses, attracting entrepreneurs and organizations worldwide. Ajman Media City Free Zone provides an environment that fosters innovation and creativity, making it an ideal destination for media enterprises.
Why Choose Ajman Media City Free Zone?
Despite being the smallest emirate in the UAE by land area, Ajman is the fourth largest in terms of population, with a robust GDP exceeding $4.23 billion annually. The emirate has seen significant growth in its storage and communications sectors, which expand at an impressive rate of 5.1% per year. Ajman Media City Free Zone plays a pivotal role in the emirate’s vision for growth, fueled by the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi.
The free zone has garnered interest from global investors and companies and aims to further enhance Ajman’s economic landscape. Initiatives like the emirate’s first international airport and 100% freehold ownership of real estate for foreigners make Ajman an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and their families.
Advantages of Setting Up in Ajman Media City Free Zone
- Easy and online registration process
- Physical presence not required for company setup
- 100% foreign ownership
- Exemption from corporate and income taxes
- Full repatriation of capital and profits
- Business license issuance within 24 hours
- Permission for multiple business activities under a single license
Strategic Location
Ajman Media City Free Zone is conveniently located 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 45 minutes from Business Bay in Dubai. This proximity to major commercial hubs enhances its appeal. Additionally, Ajman’s upcoming international airport will boost connectivity for businesses operating within the free zone.
Permitted Activities in Ajman Media City Free Zone
Here are some of the key activities allowed:
- New Media: Digital media, video production, web design, and photography
- Music: Audio production, copyright management, and sound recording
- Film: Post-production, sound mixing, movie promotion, and audio-visual production
- Consultancy: Legal, HR, and business consultancy
- Publishing: Magazines, books, journals, and newspapers (both online and print)
- Event Management: Organizing trade expos, sports events, and international conferences
Note: This is an indicative list and not exhaustive.
Costs for Business Setup
The cost of establishing a company depends on the business activities selected and the number of visas required. Generally, a higher number of activities and visa allocations will increase the cost of the trade license.
Required Documents for Company Setup
To set up a business in Ajman Media City Free Zone, you can choose from the following structures:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – Single owner
- Free Zone Company (FZC) – Multiple owners
- Branch of a Foreign or GCC Company
Required documents include:
- Completed application form
- Copy of passport
- Two passport-sized photographs with a white background
- Three proposed company names
- Proof of residential address
- Emirates ID and visa copy (if already residing in the UAE)
Documents Issued by the Authority
Once approved, the Ajman Media City Free Zone Authority will issue the following documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Company Registration Certificate
- Memorandum of Incorporation or Association (depending on ownership structure)
- Share Certificate
- Chamber of Commerce Membership Certificate
- Lease Agreement
- Tenancy Contract
- Certificate of Good Standing
Visa Application Process
If you are not in the UAE during company formation, you can obtain an entry visa by providing:
- Trade license copy
- Establishment card copy
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Educational certificate attested by the UAE Consulate in your home country
Once you receive your entry visa, you can complete your medical fitness test, obtain an Emirates ID, and upgrade to an investor visa.
- Visa Fees: AED 1,945
- Medical Test: AED 690
- Emirates ID: AED 390
Liquidation of Companies in Ajman Media City Free Zone
In cases where a company ceases operations, liquidation must be formally completed. The steps involve:
- Returning all issued documents to the Ajman Media City Free Zone Authority.
- Cancelling all visas linked to the company.
- Terminating lease agreements and tenancy contracts.
- Paying a liquidation fee of AED 1,800. The process typically takes about a month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ajman Media City Free Zone offers several unique benefits:
Cost-Effective Packages: Affordable business setup options suitable for startups and small businesses.
No Requirement for Physical Office Space: Entrepreneurs can start their business with a virtual office.
Wide Range of Business Activities: Multiple activities under a single license, including media, entertainment, IT, and consultancy.
100% Foreign Ownership: No local sponsor required, allowing complete ownership for expatriates.
Tax Benefits: 0% corporate tax and personal income tax.
Ajman Media City Free Zone offers various license options, including:
Media License: For activities related to publishing, advertising, and content creation.
IT and Consultancy License: For IT professionals, consultancy services, and technology businesses.
E-commerce License: For online trading and digital business operations.
Freelancer Permit: Ideal for individuals working in creative or technical industries.
The process involves:
Choose Your Business Activity: Decide on the type of services or products your business will offer.
Select a License Package: Choose a package that fits your business needs and budget.
Submit Required Documents: These typically include a passport copy, passport-sized photo, and a completed application form.
Pay the Fees: Once the application is approved, pay the applicable fees.
Receive Your License: After processing, you will receive your business license, usually within 2-3 working days.
No, physical office space is not mandatory in Ajman Media City Free Zone. Businesses can operate using virtual offices, which reduces overhead costs significantly. However, if required, shared or private office spaces are also available within the free zone.
Yes, businesses established in Ajman Media City Free Zone can operate globally. They are especially well-suited for entrepreneurs and businesses that do not need to trade or operate directly in the UAE Mainland. For mainland operations, additional licensing or collaboration with a local distributor may be required.
Why Choose Unicorn Global Solutions?
At Unicorn Global Solutions, we specialize in business setup across UAE free zones, including Ajman Media City Free Zone. With extensive experience and a high client satisfaction rate, we ensure that your business setup process is seamless and efficient.
