Dubai vs Ajman Mainland License Cost Comparison
Ajman charges AED 600 flat for a standard license. Dubai charges AED 8,000 minimum. That's a 13x difference. But Ajman's total mandatory DED fees push the real cost to AED 4,500 — still less than half of Dubai's base. The catch: Ajman's customer base is a fraction of Dubai's.
Our Verdict
Pick Ajman if cost is everything. Pick Dubai if revenue matters more than savings.
Dubai
Ajman
Our Analysis
Ajman is the budget champion of UAE mainland licensing. The flat AED 600 license fee — plus roughly AED 3,900 in mandatory charges — puts your total first-year DED cost at approximately AED 4,500. Add Ajman's lowest-in-the-country office rents and you're looking at a complete mainland setup under AED 10,000.
Dubai's minimum DED cost starts at AED 8,000 before rent. A modest office adds AED 2,500-5,000 in rent-linked fees. Total first-year government costs easily exceed AED 15,000.
The trade-off is stark: Ajman's population is 540,000. Dubai's is 3.6 million plus 16 million tourists. A restaurant in Ajman serves a fundamentally different market than one in Dubai Marina. For businesses that operate remotely, serve clients across emirates, or prioritise cost over location, Ajman's economics are compelling.
Both allow 100% foreign ownership. Ajman's data is limited — we have activity names but no descriptions or external approval details. Dubai's DET portal provides richer activity data with descriptions, license types, and group classifications.
Fee Comparison: Shared Activities
346 activities available in both emirates
Land Preparation & Irrigation Systems Works & Maintenance
Agriculture & Fishing
Tomato Paste Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Potato Chips Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Fodder Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Paint Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Sanitary Sewer Networks Maintenance
Personal & Social Services
Dredging & Reclamation Contracting
Construction & Contracting
Marina Construction Contracting
Construction & Contracting
Shooting Ranges Works & Maintenance
Construction & Contracting
Electrical Fitting Contracting
Construction & Contracting
Internal Communication Network Installation & Maintenance
Construction & Contracting
Plumbing & Sanitary Contracting
Construction & Contracting
Central Gas Distribution Networks Contracting
Construction & Contracting
Electrical Fittings & Fixtures Services
Construction & Contracting
Sanitary Installation & Pipes Repairing
Construction & Contracting
Swimming Pools Maintenance
Construction & Contracting
Concrete Works
Construction & Contracting
General Trading
Trading & Services
Transport by Refrigerator Trucks
Transport, Storage & Logistics
Ports Management
Transport, Storage & Logistics
~ = estimated. Dubai fees assume AED 50,000 annual rent (base AED 8,000 + 5% rent). Ajman shows total mandatory DED fees (~AED 4,500). Exact fees vary.
Showing 20 detailed activity pages from 346 shared activities
Considering a free zone instead?
Compare free zone packages across both emirates at our sister site.
FreeZoneCompare.comFrequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai or Ajman cheaper for a mainland license?
Pick Ajman if cost is everything. Pick Dubai if revenue matters more than savings.
How many activities are available in both Dubai and Ajman?
We track 346 business activities available in both Dubai and Ajman for direct fee comparison.
Can foreigners own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai and Ajman?
Yes. Both Dubai and Ajman allow 100% foreign ownership for most business activities since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms. No local sponsor is required.
How does the fee structure differ between Dubai and Ajman?
Dubai: Base license fee + 5% of annual office rent. Normal License base ~AED 8,000. Instant License AED 8,0. Ajman: Flat AED 600 license fee for standard licenses. Total minimum DED fees ~AED 4,500 including mandator.
Ready to choose?
Get a free quote from a vetted setup partner in either emirate.