Ajman Media City Free Zone: Licence, Cost and Setup Guide
7 min readUpdated 2026-10-26Editorial policyHow we verify
Quick answer
Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMC) is a separate free zone from Ajman Free Zone (AFZ). Company formation involves choosing activities, submitting passport and application documents, paying licence and registration fees and selecting a desk or office. Costs depend on package, activities and visas, so compare itemised quotes.
Founders searching for Ajman Media City Free Zone company formation often land on Ajman Free Zone pages instead. They are different authorities. This guide explains what AMC offers, what drives cost and how to set up.
Quick answer: AMC suits media, digital, consulting, e-commerce and general trading founders who want a low-overhead licence near Dubai and Sharjah. Confirm activities and visa allocation in writing before paying.
Ajman Media City Free Zone vs Ajman Free Zone
| Ajman Media City Free Zone | Ajman Free Zone | |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Ajman Media City Free Zone | Ajman Free Zone Authority |
| Focus | Media, digital, services, e-commerce | Trading, industrial, services |
| Facilities | Mostly desk and office packages | Offices, warehouses, land |
Official AMC information is at amc.gov.ae.
Licence types and activities
- Media licence — content production, digital media, advertising services.
- Commercial licence — trading and e-commerce.
- Service / professional licence — consulting and business services.
Media activities may carry extra obligations. Individuals who advertise for others on social media need a UAE Media Council advertiser permit; see our UAE influencer licence guide and the media licence overview.
What drives the cost
- Package (licence + desk or office).
- Number of activities and activity groups.
- Visa quota and visa processing per person.
- Optional services such as bank-account support.
Compare published packages side by side using /compare.
Setup steps
- Choose activities and legal form.
- Submit application, passport copies and photographs.
- Receive initial approval and pay fees.
- Sign the desk or office agreement.
- Receive licence and establishment card; apply for visas.
The UAE Government describes these general steps in its free zone guide.
AMC vs SHAMS vs UAQ for media founders
| Factor | AMC | SHAMS | UAQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Ajman | Sharjah | Umm Al Quwain |
| Media focus | Yes | Yes | General services |
| Typical user | Digital and media SMEs | Creatives and freelancers | Low-overhead service firms |
Next step
List your activities and visa needs, then compare free zone packages with written breakdowns.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ajman Media City Free Zone the same as Ajman Free Zone?
- No. They are separate free zones with different authorities, activities and facilities.
- What activities can I licence in AMC?
- Media, digital, e-commerce, trading and service activities, subject to the authority's activity list.
- Do influencers in AMC need another permit?
- Individuals who publish advertising content for others on social media generally need a UAE Media Council advertiser permit in addition to a trade licence.
- Can I get a residence visa with an AMC licence?
- Yes, subject to the package visa allocation and authority approval.
Sources and further reading
This guide links to official and primary sources where available. Rules, forms and online services can change, so confirm your case through the relevant official service.
About the author
Sherwin Jesuraj
Business Setup Industry Expert
Sherwin Jesuraj writes about UAE company formation, mainland and free zone options, business setup costs, and entrepreneurship. His content for BusinessSetup.ae helps readers understand their options, compare practical requirements, and make informed decisions before starting a business.
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