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Ajman
Freezone (AFZ)
EMIRATE OF AJMAN
The Emirate of Ajman, located on the western coast of United Arab Emirates was
formed by the Al Nuaim tribe, well known for their bravery, courage and wisdom
who migrated to this region from Oman around 1775. The economy of Ajman in the
past was mainly based on its strong maritime tradition - fishing and trade,
though the wise Rulers always encouraged various other allied activities such as
shipbuilding, pearl diving and trading. Its dhow building yard is the largest in
the Emirates and continues to operate despite being dwarfed by modern
developments such as the major dockyard.
The modern era in Ajman began with H.H. Late Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi
who initiated various structural changes in the administrative network
introducing scientific methodology. He played a pivotal role in the formation of
the Federation of the Emirates.
The implementation of all his ideas were left to the then Crown Prince H.H.
Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi who succeeded his father in 1981 assuming
full charge of the transformation of Ajman to a modern emirate, well equipped
with all the necessary facilities and services.
Today, Ajman is witnessing a flurry of construction activities in the industrial
areas, the port and Al Zawra, which is an indication and reflection of
spectacular economic growth in the emirate. Despite the absence of oil, Ajman
continues to develop its infrastructure and broaden its economic base.
BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA
Ajman Free Zone, established in 1988, was granted autonomous status under the
Amiri decree no. 3 of 1996 issued by H.H. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi,
Ruler of Ajman. Ajman Free Zone Authority has been named as the sole regulatory
agency for Free Zone in the Emirate.
The formation of the Free Zone Authority in 1996 has given great impetus to
industrial activity in the Free Zone which has resulted in quadruple growth in
the number of companies during the last few years.
Ajman Free Zone with its package of unbeatable advantages is widely recognised
as entrepreneurs’ haven today.
A massive multi-million Dirhams development plan on over a million square metre
area is under progress at the Free Zone, which on completion will be able to
accommodate 1500 companies.
Strategically situated at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf, Ajman Free Zone is
well placed to serve the eastern and western markets. Ajman’s proximity to
Sharjah and Dubai provides easy accessibility to the two international airports
and four ports. Ajman Port, serving over 1000 vessels in a year, has emerged as
an important maritime focal point today. It has twelve berths. A massive
development plan for Ajman Ports, under progress, seeks to enhance its
facilities to world level in the near future.
ECONOMIC FACTORS PROVIDING DECISIVE EDGE
The main economic factors of Ajman projecting itself as the Investors’ haven are
• Strategic and central location
• Free Zone advantage
• Ready/easy availability of raw material
• Competitive handling charges
• Lower prices of land and office rents
• Low cost of living
• Conducive business environment
• Modern infrastructure
IMPRESSIVE INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Ajman today has approximately 256 industrial firms which constitute 20 percent
of the total number of industrial units in the UAE and ranks third among all the
Emirates. Goods from Ajman are being exported to over 65 countries. These firms
are
classified as follows:
1. Textile, readymade garments and leather industries.
2. Food, beverages and tobacco industries.
3. Timber, furniture and wood product industries.
4. Paper, paper products, printing and publishing industries.
5. Chemicals and plastic products industries.
6. Non metal mineral products.
7. Basic metal industries.
8. Metal products, machinery and equipment industries.
9. Other conversion industries.
COST ADVANTAGE: THE CUTTING EDGE
– A CRITICAL COMPONENT
• Cheap energy
• The most economical wage structure and easy access to vast work force
• Total exemption from all import and export duties
• Total elimination of all service charges and hidden fees
• Exceptionally low handling charges
• This 20 years land contract is renewable for another 20 years guaranteeing 40
years tax and customs free operations
• Low lease prices
• World class infrastructure
• Lowest tariffs in the region
CORPORATE BENEFITS:
Ownership, Taxation, Repatriation Advantage
• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• No personal income tax
• No corporate tax
CUSTOMS DUTY EXEMPTION IN GCC COUNTRIES
Goods produced by the companies having National Industrial Licence in the Ajman
Free Zone with 51% share holding with GCC nationals are eligible for “UAE
Certificate of Origin” from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, UAE,
qualifying them for a customs duty exemption in member states of the GCC,
provided the value addition in Ajman Free Zone has been at least 40% of the
total final value of the relevant product.
TRANSPORT: Global Connection
AIR: Two international Airports, within 25 minutes drive from the Ajman Free
Zone.
SEA: Ajman Free Zone is adjacent to the Ajman Port. Sharjah’s Khorfakkan Port,
Port Khalid and Dubai’s Port Rashid are within 35 minutes drive from Ajman Free
Zone.
ROAD: Extremely efficient international road network connects the Ajman Free
Zone to Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait and beyond to Europe.
EASY ACCESSIBILITY
Distance of the other Emirates from Ajman
Sharjah 2 km.
Dubai 12 km.
Umm–Al–Quwain 21 km.
Ras–Al–Khaimah 70 km.
Fujairah 120 km.
Abu Dhabi 180 km.
TYPES OF LICENCE
Ajman Free Zone, in its endeavour to eliminate bureaucratic procedures, has
produced 4 types of licences namely:
• Trading
• Industrial
• Professional/Services
• National Industrial Licence
TRADING LICENCE:
This licence is issued to foreign/UAE companies/Free Zone Entities who wish to
carry out trading activities in the Free Zone.
INDUSTRIAL LICENCE:
This licence is issued to foreign/UAE companies/Free Zone Entities who wish to
carry out manufacturing activities in the Free Zone.
PROFESSIONAL/SERVICES LICENCE:
This licence is issued to foreign/UAE companies/Free Zone Entities who wish to
carry out the business of providing professional/services in the Free Zone.
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL LICENCE:
This licence is issued to a registered company operating in the Free Zone who
meets the following eligibility criteria:
1. The company should be registered within GCC with a GCC national/s owing
majority share holding of 51% or above.
2. At least 40% of the manufacturing process should be accomplished in the Free
Zone. Companies holding a National Industrial Licence are eligible for duty free
exports to the member states of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council.
(1) FREE ZONE ENTITY FZE:
FZE is an entity formed and registered in Ajman Free Zone and regulated by the
Free Zone Authority, in accordance to the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1988 as amended
by the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1996. FZE enjoys a separate legal entity and is
owned (100%) by either a person or a corporate body. Such an entity must have a
capital equivalent to US $50,000. The liability of the owner is limited to the
amount of the share capital.
FORMATION AND REGISTRATION OF THE FZE BY A CORPORATE ENTITY
A. Any corporate entity wishing to establish an FZE must complete an application
form provided by the Authority and attach the following documents:
1. The feasibility study of the project and the anticipated schedule for its
completion together with relevant plans and drawings (for industrial project).
2. The memorandum and/or Articles of Association of the Corporate entity.
3. Incorporation or Registration Certificate from the competent authority in the
country where the Corporate entity is formed.
4. Decision or Board resolution of the competent authority of the corporate
entity authorising a representative or manager with Power of Attorney duly
notarised and legalised.
5. Passport copy of the representative or manager.
6. The above documents should be certified by the Chamber of Commerce and the
UAE Embassy in the Country of origin.
B. The Free Zone Authority being satisfied that the relevant documents are
submitted, shall register the FZE and issue a Certificate of Registration and a
Free Zone Licence.
(2) FREE ZONE COMPANY FZC:
Licences under this category are issued to Free Zone Companies incorporates
within the Free Zone in accordance with the Amiri Decree. Such company enjoys a
separate legal identity and the liability of its owner is limited to the value
of the paid up shared capital.
(3) BRANCH OF A LOCAL COMPANY BLC/ BRANCH OF A FOREIGN COMPANY BFC:
BRANCH OF A LOCAL COMPANY BLC:
Licences under this category are issued to companies holding a valid licence
from any UAE licensing authority except from other Free Zones.
BRANCH OF A FOREIGN COMPANY BFC:
Licences under this category are issued to companies established outside the
UAE. The ownership of the company should be 100% foreign. However, sales can be
made through a UAE registered agent or a distributor only. The activity may be
commercial, industrial or professional/services.
Advantages
- 100% Business Ownership
- Competitive pricing on premises.
- No hidden fees.
- No hidden charges.
- Cheap energy.
- The most economical wage structure and easy access to vast work force.
- Total exemption from all import and export duties.
- Total elimination of all service charges and hidden fees.
- Exceptionally low handling charges.
- 20 years land contract is renewable for another 20 years guaranteeing 40
years tax free operations.
- Lowest lease prices.
- World class infrastructure.
- Lowest tariffs in the region.
- Single Window Clearances (Licensing, Immigration, etc)
Corporate Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- No personal income tax
- No corporate tax
- Low labor cost
- No Red Tape
Other Advantages:
- Business Facilities (Conference Room and Business meeting rooms)
- 24 hours Security Services
- Bank services
- Postal services
For further
enquiries Click Here |
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