Compare · Free zones · Northern emirates · 2026
RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone: Which Is Better for Your Business (2026)?
RAKEZ Ras Al Khaimah · 351 combinations 
Ajman Free Zone Ajman · 343 combinations - Entry pricing is a coin flip: RAKEZ from AED 5,505* vs AFZ from AED 5,555* — AED 50 apart, with both zones priced flat.
- Scale: RAKEZ carries 351 activity combinations vs 343 — a tie in width, but RAKEZ leads in trading depth (204 trading packages).
- Speed: AFZ issued from 4 days, RAKEZ in 5–15 days — both fast; location differs: Ras Al Khaimah vs Ajman, both low-overhead northern emirates.
- Bottom line: goods trading and warehouse logistics at volume → RAKEZ; Ajman proximity and simple services → AFZ. Otherwise compare live quotes.
Side by side
RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone: parameters
| Parameter | RAKEZ | Ajman Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Entry license price difference is AED 50 | from AED 5,505* | from AED 5,555* |
| Median license price | from AED 6,000* | from AED 5,555* |
| Price range in snapshot both zones price flat | AED 5,505 – 6,000* | AED 5,555* |
| Typical setup time | 5–15 days | from 4 days |
| Activity combinations | 351 | 343 |
| Trading depth | 204 trading packages | 100 trading packages |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Corporate tax | 9% (0% to AED 375k) | 9% (0% to AED 375k) |
| Office requirement | flexi-desk included | flexi-desk included |
| Warehouse / logistics options | broad industrial offer | standard offer |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Typical licenses
What a license costs for typical activities
| Parameter | RAKEZ | Ajman Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| General trading license | from AED 6,000* | from AED 5,555* |
| Consulting / services license | from AED 6,000* | from AED 5,555* |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Decision
Who suits which option
Choose RAKEZ if
- You trade goods at volume and need warehouses or industrial space
- You want the deepest trading catalog (204 trading packages)
- Ras Al Khaimah location suits your logistics
Choose Ajman Free Zone if
- Ajman is closer to your operations or clients
- You want the fastest issuance (from 4 days)
- Your case is a simple services or trading setup
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
These two are nearly identical in price — how do I choose?
By business profile, not price: RAKEZ wins on trading depth (204 trading packages vs 100) and industrial space; AFZ on issuance speed (from 4 days) and Ajman location.
Why are northern-emirate zones so cheap?
Lower operating costs and aggressive competition between UAQ FTZ, AFZ, RAKEZ and SHAMS keep median packages at AED 5,500 – 6,000* — versus AED 12,900* in Dubai zones.
Can I get residence visas in both?
Yes, both issue investor and employee visas with package-based quotas; visa costs are billed separately from the license.
Which banks work with these licenses?
Both licenses are accepted across UAE banks subject to KYC. A complete file — business model, contracts, source of funds — matters more than the zone choice.
Still choosing between RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone?
A 15-minute call with your business model on the table settles it — jurisdiction, license and visa plan.