Sharjah vs Ajman Mainland License Cost Comparison
Ajman's flat AED 600 undercuts Sharjah on headline price. But Sharjah gives you 2,449 activities with government approval data, foreign investment flags, and the most complete regulatory picture in the UAE. Ajman gives you 3,445 activity names — and that's it.
Our Verdict
Pick Sharjah for data quality and Dubai proximity. Pick Ajman only if cost is your sole criterion.
Sharjah
Ajman
Our Analysis
Ajman and Sharjah are neighbouring emirates with very different value propositions. Ajman wins on cost: AED 600 flat license fee versus Sharjah's variable per-license pricing. Total Ajman DED costs run approximately AED 4,500 versus Sharjah's undisclosed formula.
Sharjah wins on everything else. More detailed activity data. Government approval requirements mapped. Foreign investment eligibility flagged. A modern digital portal that beats most emirates. And crucially, Sharjah sits directly between Dubai and Ajman — closer to Dubai's customer base.
Office rents are comparable between the two emirates, with Ajman slightly cheaper. Both allow 100% foreign ownership since the 2021 reforms.
The honest take: Ajman makes sense for businesses that are purely cost-driven and don't need detailed regulatory guidance upfront. Sharjah makes sense for businesses that want to plan properly and benefit from the emirate's strategic location.
Fee Comparison: Shared Activities
883 activities available in both emirates
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
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
Wholesale of Canned and Preserved Foodstuff Trading
Trading & Services
Wholesale of aromatic herbs and plants
Trading & Services
Trade Energy Drinks- Wholesale
Trading & Services
Sunglasses and non - medical contact lenses - wholesale
Trading & Services
video games Wholesale Trading
Trading & Services
~ = 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 883 shared activities
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FreeZoneCompare.comFrequently Asked Questions
Is Sharjah or Ajman cheaper for a mainland license?
Pick Sharjah for data quality and Dubai proximity. Pick Ajman only if cost is your sole criterion.
How many activities are available in both Sharjah and Ajman?
We track 883 business activities available in both Sharjah and Ajman for direct fee comparison.
Can foreigners own 100% of a mainland company in Sharjah and Ajman?
Yes. Both Sharjah 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 Sharjah and Ajman?
Sharjah: Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, investor mix, and selected activities. Ajman: Flat AED 600 license fee for standard licenses. Total minimum DED fees ~AED 4,500 including mandator.
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