FAQ'S

Q1. Can we sell our product in the local markets and what are the procedures for selling?

You can distribute your goods in the UAE  through authorized distributors by following the procedures of the Port & Customs organization.

Q2. Are there any restrictions to importing and exporting of goods?

You have to first request for a Custom Code Letter from the AFZ portal issued to all Ports in UAE to allow you to import or export goods by following the procedures of Port & Customs organization.

Q3. Is there a grace period for a license in AFZ?

Q4. While doing any amendments in my license such as add/remove /change manger/transfer, is my physical presence required in AFZ?

Yes, after making the payment and re-uploading the form with signatures you have to present yourself at AFZ to verify all signatures.

Q5. Does general trading mean import export of all goods as well?

All goods other than Diesel, Oil, Crude Oil, Cars and Garments.

Q6. What is the cost for renewal of E-channel? When should it be renewed?

The cost of renewal of E-channel is 1,100 AED annually. It should be renewed 5 Days before the expiry date.

Q7. How much is the fee for cancellation of the company license?

2,135 AED

Q8. How do I change my registered email?

Prepare a request letter for change of email address duly signed and stamped by the authorized signatory, along with license copy and proceed to Ajman Free Zone.

Q9. How can I collect my refund amount?

After cancellation, proceed with a request letter duly signed and stamped to Ajman Free Zone with the cancellation certificate, original receipt and apply for refund. (E-Channel) For visa refund, proceed with a request letter duly signed and stamped to Ajman Free zone with the cancellation document with exit stamp or copy from the new visa, & original receipt and apply for refund.

Q10. How can I get a license for starting a company in AFZA?

Register through the official website.

Q11. What is the process for upgrading/downgrading my office?

Raise a Service request through your portal under company services. (Change location)

Q12. How can I change my license activity type?

Raise a Service request through your portal under company services. (Change Activity)

Q13. How can I add a partner & what are the document required?

From customer portal, click on Company services and under shareholder amendments you can see transfer shares to new shareholders (Add Partner), click on it and create the service request. Document required is: security approval, passport copy of the new owner, visit visa or residence visa, and photo.

Q14. How can I submit my Draft Service Request?

From customer portal, open service requests column, then open the SR you want to submit, then click on edit SR and scroll down and you will find next, click on it and then confirm and submit.

Q15. In how many days can I get back my refund amount after requesting it?

You should receive your refund amount within 10 working days.

Q16. What is the Receipt of Receivable Settlement for employee and how is it obtained?

For employee: Receipt of receivable settlement is the dues form you can download from portal and signed by the owner and the employee of the company.

Q17.Will I get back the amount which I paid with cheques for rental rate if I only used my location just for 6 months?

No, the amount would not be refundable.

Q18.How to find COC Certificate while renewal of the license?

Go to the SR for renewal of trade license and scroll down, you will find the SR of COC Certificate, click on it and under SR documents you will find the COC certificate document.

Q19. Where can I find the residence visa cancellation document after the Service request is closed?

When the Service request is completed and the status of the SR is closed, you can find it on your service request under SR Documents. “E Print Cancellation Document “

Q20. How can I make an establishment card amendment to activate my trade license on the immigration system?

From the customer portal, click on Employee Services and you will find Establishment Card column, under Establishment Card column click on Amendment and choose amendment made as "Activation of the Trade License".

Q21. What are the steps to obtain new Visa for a new employee?

First apply for a new "Entry permit", then apply for "Visa status amendment", and then apply for the "new Residency Visa stamping ".

Q22. Where can we create Certificate of Origin? Is it to be created from Ajman FZ portal or Chamber of Commerce Portal?

From customer portal, click on Letters and certificates, under certificates click on certificate of origin and raise a Service request.

Q23. I have applied for entry permit for an employee, it’s been issued already. Is it possible to cancel the entry permit? He is outside the country. Will I get the deposit that I kept for ticket guarantee or can I use that guarantee for some other employee if I arrange a permit for him.

From customer portal, open Employee services and you will find Entry permit column, then click on "cancellation- not used" after cancelation SR is closed you can apply for refund. Using this guarantee for another employee is not allowed.

Q24. Where do we get the security approval paper?

Proceed to Ajman Free Zone customer service with the required documents: Request letter (signed and stamped), licence copy, establishment card, passport copy and a photograph.

Q25. If a customer receives a notification about “Your custom declaration has been approved”, what does that mean?

Above does not relate to Ajman Free Zone portal, rather it is a custom import and export related question.

Q26. How do I find my renewed documents? (Trade License, Establishment Card, Coc certificate, etc.)

When the Service request is completed and the status of the SR is closed, you can find it in the service request for renewal under SR Documents.

Q27. What documents are required for the E-channel renewal?

No, documents are required.

Q28. How can I sponsor my family members?

You can apply for a "Salary certificate" from Ajman Free Zone portal, and proceed to Immigration for further assistance.

Q29. Do I have to update the E-channel in order to renew the establishment card?

Yes

Q30. Is my refund cheque ready?

Yes, once the cheque is ready you will be notified

Q31. After residence visa cancellation, will I get any grace period time to stay or should I directly leave the country?

Yes, you will be granted 30 days grace period after cancellation of residence visa if you cancelled it.

Q32. Can you transfer my call to different departments?

No, we don't have the option for transferring calls to different department.

Q33. What should an investor type in the salary field when applying for the entry permit?

Any amount but more than 10,000 AED.

Q34. What’s the name the customer should mention in cheque while paying for renewal?

Ajman Free Zone Revenue.

Q35. How much is the cost for renewal of my trade license?

From customer portal, click on company services then raise a service request for renewal and the cost for renewal of trade license will be shown there in the service request.

Q36. Is there any hard copy of trade license?

No, there's only soft copies which will be uploaded on the customer portal. PDF

Q37. Where can I do my medical for new visa?

Al Hamidiya health center.

Q38. After residence visa cancellation, will I get any grace period time to stay or should I directly leave the country?

Yes, you will be granted 30 days grace period after cancellation of residence visa if you cancelled it.

Q39. What is the duration for an investor visa to stay out of the country?

One year.

Q40. How can I replace my cheques?

From customer portal click on company services, then raise a service request for Cheque Replacement under the column other services.

Q41. How many days does it normally take for stamping a new visa?

lf you opt for normal service it will take up to 4 days for new visa stamping. However if you opt for urgent service it will be done in 2 days.

Q42. Does Ajman Free Zone accept a medical report from any of the other Emirates?

No, Ajman Free Zone only accepts a medical report from Al Hamidiya Health Center in Ajman.

Q43. What’s the contact number for offshore department?

067011673.

Q44. After raising a service request for residence visa renewal, when do I have to submit my Passport?

As soon as your service request is submitted, you can go directly and submit your passport to Zajel Courier Service.

Q45. I have no shareholder visas and I have requested for cancellation of my company, so why is it pending showing ‘cancel shareholder visas’? And how long does it usually take to proceed from this step?

It's under the Government service team for verification, and once the verification is done you will be notified.

Q46. Do we have to pay for insurance during Visa renewal?

Yes, starting from 1st September 2019, all the employees must pay the insurance fee (265 AED).

Q47. In general trading activity, how much is the maximum no. of activities can be done?

Only one activity, if you want to add a new activity you have to change to commercial trade license for adding 1,2,3 activities ( change licence type )

Q48. How to transfer shares to a new shareholder?

From customer portal, click on company services, then raise a service request for Transfer shares to new shareholders (Add Partner) under the column Shareholder Amendments.

Q49. If I have a F.Z.E company and I want to add a shareholder/ partner, do I have to change the legal status from F.Z.E to F.Z.C?

It will change automatically. Once you apply for adding partner the legal status changed to F.Z.C.

Q50. If I want to add a partner / shareholder, does he need to have a visa?

Any adding a partner will go to security approval.

Q51. Do we cancel the investor visa before or after cancelling the license of the company? 

A cancellation service request has to be raised first for investor visa cancellation and after the visa is cancelled the license cancellation document will be generated.  

Q52. Do I replace a partner / shareholder or add a partner / shareholder first and then remove?

First add the new partner then remove the old. And there is a new option which is replace shareholder SR this service is only allowed for offices

Q53. When can I go for collecting my passport after I submit the service request?

Once your service request is completed and status shows closed you can go and collect it from Zajel Courier Service.

Q54. How many days it’ll take for changing the manager of the company?

One day.

Q55. What should investor upload for the visa renewal service request in the labour contract field?

Any blank document or copy of trade license.

Q56. How much is the payment for making change the company name service request?

While raising the service request for change company name, the portal will show you the amount to be paid.

Q57. Will the name of the company automatically change after the service request for change license type status is closed?

No, the name will stay the same, unless the customer raise a service request to change the company name through the portal, in the "Company Services", under the “Company Amendments". Adv. Period will be for 15 days, after that the company name will be changed

Q58. How can I update my registered e-mail and contact number? 

Through Customer portal settings the edit my contact info.

Q59. How do I reset the portal password?

From the reset password link which will be sent to your registered e-mail.

Q60. Why is my portal balance negative?

Due to fines or VAT.

Q61. What is E-channel?

E-channel Registration in the UAE. by commitbizadmin 27, Mar 2018. E-channel is a new smart service system which will help in naturalization's and residency services. The Interior Ministry of the UAE launched this smart service system to improve the speed and precision of issuing visa and residence permits.

Q62. What is the contact number for Zajel?

Toll Free: 80021111

Q63. How can I get a template for Memorandum of Association?

You can apply for M.O.A through the portal under Company Services (Memorandum of Association)

Q64. Where can I find the labour contract?

Through the portal open Service Requests, then open the entry permit service request, under "SR document" the labour contract will be provided.  

Q65. How to get Police Clearance Certificate?

Apply for it through the police website: http://www.ajmanpolice.gov.ae, security clearance.

Q66. What is the procedure for applying a new visa in AFZ if the customer is out of the country?

 From customer portal, under Employee services the customer has to raise a service request for entry permit and do medical from Al Hamidiya health center and then raise a service request for Residence Visa-New.

Q67. Is Ajman Free Zone public or private sector?

 Public sector.

Q68. I have a company in AFZ but have never gone there. Where exactly can I find my office or location?

A. Through the portal go to "Company Details", then under "Tenancy Contracts" the location is stated. B. You can visit property management team to guide you to your office

Q69. What is the procedure to sell out my company? 

A. First you have to add the new owner to the company B. Then remove the old owner C. It will take 14 days for adv. period D. For land location only you have to submit evaluation of the factory report from the trusted company which it has licence in UAE and the age of this company it should be above 5 years, attach the licence copy from economic department in UAE, attach the sealing agreements between buyer and seller. AFZ will take 2% from the deal

Q70. How can I update my contact details through my portal?

For changing the registered E-mail or the phone number, proceed to Ajman Free Zone with a request letter (signed and stamped), with a copy of the licence.

Q71. How can I collect my refund e-channel guarantee amount?

After cancellation, proceed with a request letter duly signed and stamped to Ajman Free zone with the cancellation certificate, original receipt and apply for refund guarantee of e-channel.

Q72. How can I collect my refund office guarantee amount?

After cancellation, proceed with a request letter duly signed and stamped to Ajman Free zone with the cancellation certificate, original receipt and apply for refund office guarantee.

Q73. How can I collect my refund visa guarantee amount?

After cancellation, proceed with a request letter duly signed and stamped to Ajman Free Zone with the cancellation certificate, original receipt and apply for refund office guarantee.

Q74. Where can I find the residence visa cancellation document after the Service request is closed?

When the Service request is completed and the status of the SR is closed, you can find it on your service request under SR Documents. “E Print Cancellation Document “

Q75. In how many days can I get back my refund amount after requesting for it?

Within 10 working days.

Q76. How can I do establishment card amendment to activate my trade license on immigration system?

From customer portal, click on Employee services and you will find Establishment Card column, under establishment card column click on amendment and choose amendment made as "Activation of the Trade License".

Q77. I have applied for entry permit for an employee, it’s been issued already. Is it possible to cancel the entry permit? He is outside the country? (The deposit that I kept for ticket guarantee) will I get that or use that guarantee for some other employee If I arrange a permit for him.

From customer portal, open Employee services and you will find Entry permit column, then click on "cancellation- not used" after cancelation SR is closed you can apply for refund. Not aloud use this guarantee for other employee.

Q78. I have applied for any SR but I no need process that one if I cancelled that sr the fee is will get for me?

Any SR is cancelled the fee is not refundable never.

Q79. Where do we get the security approval paper? 

Proceed to Ajman Free Zone customer service with the required documents: Request letter (signed and stamped), licence copy, establishment card, passport copy and a photograph.

Q80. Can I renew the establishment card before expire it?

You can renew your establishment card before expire it less than two month

Q81. The establishment card expire date related the trading license expire date?

No the establishment card expire date not related to the date of expire trading license.

Q82. How can I get the approval paper for the establishment card cancellation?

No report for establishment card cancellation but you can get company cancellation report it is finally clearance.

Q83. Why does the employee name not appear in the search column while cancelling the residence visa of the employee?

Sometime error on system that time you can create case on your portal. If you create the case within 24 hours it will updated.

Q84. Does Ajman Free Zone accepts medical report from any other state of emirates?

No, Ajman Free Zone only accepts medical report from Al Hamidiya health center in Ajman

Q85. After raising service request for residence visa renewal, when do I have to submit my Passport?

As your service request is submitted, you can go directly and submit your passport to Zajel courier service.

Q86. Do we require any Educational documents in order to apply for Manager Post?

Yes as per the designation.

Q87. I need to apply for my wives visa renewal, is insurance compulsory because Ajman is asking for implying insurance.

Yes the insurance for family visa is compulsory in Ajman.

Q88. If an employee or investor is out of UAE and the visa gets expired, how will the customer renew or cancel the visa while being out of UAE?

Any person out of UAE not possible to renew his visa, he can apply for cancellation.

Q89. How can I know what the outstanding fines for?

Now kindly contact to customer service in AFZ or you can create case, in future this service will be implement on customer portal.

Q90. I am female investor I can sponsor my family? When is the investor entitled to be a female sponsor of her family and what are the conditions?

Yes you can sponsor your family as per rules of below. You put in free zone 20,000 AED guarantee if you have smart office, business center & putt 3000 AED guarantee in federal authority for identity & citizenship for each person. If you have normal office or other location no need guarantee in AFZ.

Q91. I am an investor in Ajman Free Zone, I can get an ID card without transferring my visa to free zone?

Yes, you can get after you submit SR for ID card by your portal.

Q92. I am in UAE on a visit visa or tourist visa, I can apply for residency visa & change my status without exit from country?

Yes, you can apply for residency visa & you can change status within the country without exit as per regulation of ICA.

Q93. what is the labour card, I can apply for a labour card without visa in AFZ?

Yes you can apply for labor card by your portal “employee under agreement “if you have valid residency visa on your relative’s sponsorship.

Q94 What are the conditions for sponsoring the family?

• Conditions
• The minimum salary should be AED 4,500 for employees
• Lease contract should be certified by the Department of Economy (Municipality)
• Electricity bill as proof of residence.
• Salary certificate issued by the Free Zone.
• Birth certificate attested and stamped by the UAE Embassy in native country and from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the UAE with legal translation (in case of residency application for children)
• Marriage certificate attested and stamped by the UAE Embassy native country and from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within UAE with legal translation (in case of residency for wife)
• Copy of the sponsor's passport along with a copy of the residence permit
• Copy of the sponsor's EID card.
• Passport copy of the sponsored.
• Colour photo in a white background.

Q95. Is the investor entitled in the case of sponsoring his family to apply for a maid or driver visa

No, they can’t apply in the Free Zone, but he can apply for the investor himself in in federal authority for identity & citizenship as per the regulation of ICA .

Q96. Is there a fixed expiry date for the security approval?

Validity of one month from the date of issuing the security approval.

Q97. What is the procedure to cancel my investor visa? Do I need to bring you my original passport? Do I need to be in the UAE for my visa cancellation?

There's no need to bring your original passport if you completed six months out of UAE or your visa has expired. The only condition is that your company status should be active.

Q98. How can I collect my visa guarantee amount refund?

For visa refund, proceed with a request letter duly signed and stamped to Ajman Free Zone, with the cancellation document with exit stamp or copy from the new visa, & original receipt and apply for visa guarantee refund.

Q99. What is the Receipt of Receivable Settlement for an investor?

Receipt of receivable settlement is for employee cancellation only.

Q100. I have applied for SR but I want to cancel it. Will my SR fee be refunded?

No, if you cancel the SR after applying and paying for it the fee is not refundable.

Q101: Is the establishment card expiry date related to trading license expiry date?

No the establishment card expiry date is not related to the date of expiry of trading license.

Q102. Why does the employee name not appear in the search column while applying for entry permit amendment – change profession?

Sometimes an error can occur on the system. You can raise a case about it on your portal and your case will be updated within 24 hours.

Q103. What should an investor upload for the visa renewal service request in the labour contract field?

You will be asked to upload your visa copy only if required.

Q104. How can I know what my outstanding fines are for?

Kindly contact Customer Service in AFZ or you can create a case. In future this service will be implemented on customer portal as well.

Q105. What’s the limit for adding an additional visa quota for any location?

The quota will be as per the location, but the additional visa processing will be completed as per approval from Immigration.

Q106. Are any Educational documents required to apply for a Manager’s Post?

Yes, you would have to submit the minimum qualification required documents as per designation i.e., IT Manager, Finance Manager, Project Manager, etc..

Q107. How many days will it take to change the manager of the company and what are the charges to be paid for it?

Manager of the company can be changed on the same day as you wish and the charges would be AED 2,500. (AED 500 towards Amendment Fees and AED 2,000 for Article of Association (F.Z.C) or Memorandum of Association (F.Z.E))

Q108. I have an industrial license and I don’t use my warehouse, so can I remove the location and only use the license of my company?

Legally, the license cannot be used without location and if you want to change the location you can take a location at a lower price.

Q109. Can I open a bank account?

Yes, you can, AFZ has partnered with Mashreq Bank to assist you. You can reach their website: https://bit.ly/3eKlhrI

Q110. What is the process for changing / replacing / adding of shareholder along with renewal change license type and how much does it cost?

A request can be raised and submitted through the customer portal (service request under Replace Shareholders / add partner). Required Documents - Add partner:

• Security check approval.
• Shareholder should be above 18 years.
• Passport copy must be valid for 6 months & Visa Copy
• Passport Size Photograph.
• No objection certificate.

Required Documents - Replace Shareholders :

Allowed for companies with facility types such as business center – smart office – freelancer hub – executive office - retail units.

• Passport copy / visa page copy / ID copy / Board Resolution / POA Court Authorization,

Note that the newspaper announcement period will take 14 days.

The costs will be as follows:

• Replace Shareholders (Registration or Amendment Fees 2000 Dhs / Establishment Card Amendment 535 Dhs / Advertisement Fees 500 Dhs / Amendment Charges 500 Dhs / Registration Fees 500 Dhs / Security Check Dhs( Transfer Shares to New Shareholders (Add Partner) (Partnership Agreement Attestation 2000 Dhs / Establishment Card Amendment 535 Dhs / Amendment Charges 500 Dhs / FZC/FZE Conversion Fee 500 Dhs / Security Check 500 Dhs)

Q111. How can I get the civil defense certificate?

You can apply for it from the civil defense department. Please check: https://www.acd.gov.ae/en/index.php

Q112. How can I remove other shareholders/partners of a smart office in order to be the only owner? 

1- A request can be raised and submitted through the customer portal (service request under Removal of Shareholders).

2- You must confirm the directors, and authorized signatory of the company if the current one is the one being removed.

3- Both partners should sign the Signature Card.

4- The signed Signature Card will be verified and approved.

Note that the newspaper announcement period with take 14 days.

Q113. Can I add a corporate partner as a shareholder in a company?

Yes. A request can be raised and submitted through the customer portal (service request under add partner)

* Required Documents:

• Memorandum of Association or Article of Association.
• Board Resolution
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Power of attorney.
• Passport copy (valid for 6 months) of the representative or manager of the company.
• A Registration Certificate issued by the competent authority in the country in which the company is registered.
• A Feasibility Study shall be submitted in the case of Industrial & Services Enterprises.

Q114. For Replacing shareholder, does the old and the new shareholder have to be present in the country? 

Yes. But they should sign the Signature Card and attach agreement letter (signed and stamped by all partners (New – Old signatures) or POA + agreement letter

Q115. After my office renewal service request was completed, I received an e-mail that I should visit AFZ and sign the documents. Is there any way to do it online through e-mail by signing and uploading the document or it can only be done with my presence in AFZ?

You can upload/attach the signed lease agreement in the same SR (Service request).

Q116. I want to rent a small office, what are the sizes available and what is the procedure? 

Raise a service request through your portal under company services change location, It will show the area size and amount.

Q117. How do I remove my manager without adding any new manager?   

You can’t remove your manager unless you add a new manager.

Q118. If I have raised a SR and already paid, how can I cancel the SR, and can I get a refund for the amount paid?    

Proceed to Ajman Free Zone with a request letter (signed and stamped) and a copy of the trade license and submit it to customer service.

Q119.What is the procedure to cancel the Company License?

A request can be raised and submitted through the customer portal (service request under cancellation).

- First step will be an interview with customer care.

Once the company status has changed to ‘under cancellation’ the customer can raise the following 3 SRs:

- Cancellation of Employee Visas - Cancellation of Establishment Card - Cancellation of Shareholder Visas

Note that the customer can only raise the cancellation of shareholder visas and establishment card once the Cancellation SR is at the correct step.

*Required Document* Clearance: -

- For (Warehouse & Land) you should attach (clearance from Ajman Port & Customs, Etisalat, FEWA and Ajman Sewage.

- For China Mall (NOC letter from China Mall management)

- For Car Showroom attach letter from Ajman Souq.

Note that the newspaper announcement period with take 14 days

Q120. How can I apply for the Share Certificate if my license has expired?    

You should apply for license renewal first, then apply for the certificate.

Q121. Under Signature Card with multiple companies, who should be the authorized person to provide the signatures and should the nationality be of the signatory or the main company?

The authorized signatory shall be the person agreed upon by the Board resolution and the nationality should be of the main company.

Q122. What is the limit of the shareholders that can exist in the AFZ Company?

Each company can have up to four shareholders.

Q123. What are the required documents to incorporate the company?

Passport, visa, photograph copy and NOC for employees or family visas holders.

Q124. How many shareholders I can have in freelance and pioneer companies?

Freelancer and Pioneer companies license allows only one shareholder. You can also apply for two visas under the freelancer license, and one visa for pioneers license.

Q125. What is the visa eligibility for a freelance company?

Freelancer Company can apply for two visas.

Q126. What type of services does AFZ provide?

Ajman Free Zone services includes License Issuance and Visa processing. Also includes related services to license renewals, amendments, closures and etc.. the same for the visa process related services.

Q127. What type of license does AFZ have?

Ajman Free Zone has Industrial/Manufacture, Commercial, Services, Pioneers, Freelancer, E-commerce, and offshore.

Q128. Can I add more shareholders after issuing the license?

Yes, you can by visiting our customer portal: https://bit.ly/2DHuHHR

Q129. Can I change location after issuing the license?

Yes, you can by visiting our customer portal: https://bit.ly/2DHuHHR

Q130. Can I do any changes to my license after issuance?

Yes, you can by visiting our customer portal: https://bit.ly/2DHuHHR

Q131. Can I change the company ownership?

Yes, you can by visiting the customer portal: https://bit.ly/2DHuHHR

Q132. As a freelancer company, can I use my license in the mainland?

Yes, you can.

Q133. What are the customs duties on entry and exit of cargo trucks?

Entry fees are imposed for containers only through the free zone portal. The prescribed fees are determined by the port operator.

Q134. What is the mechanism if I want to change the activity of a commercial license and that of import and export?

Change of activity takes place from the point of issuing the license, and the requirements of the customs department are limited to the fact that the exported and imported goods match the same activity mentioned in the commercial license. Visit customer portal at : https://bit.ly/2ZpxJcc

Q135. Can I import and export from other countries if I have an E-Commerce license?

No, however on industrial license you can.

Q136. Can I create a website company, if I have an E-Commerce license?

Yes, you can have your own website and tie-up with other companies under an E-Commerce license.

Q137. Can I Import and Export from other countries, If I have an Industrial License?

Yes, you can.

Q138. Can I hire employees with a Freelance License?

You have an option to hire one employee and also provide an Employment Visa under the employee's company.

Q139. Can I hire employees with a Pioneer License?

You have an option to provide one visa but only for shareholder / License owner.

Q140. Can I update my freelance package to the business centre later?

No, however you can change your license type.

Q141. Can I merge service activity and commercial activity in one license?

No, it should be either a service activity or commercial activity license.

Q142. Can I pay for an installment plan?

Yes, Easy instalment plans can be availed for up to 6 months depending on your business package.

Q143. Can I apply for a separate license under one company name?

Yes, you can apply for a separate license.

Q144. How many directors/ managers can I appoint in the company?

You can appoint up to four directors/ managers. ts also depends on the company package.

Q145. As a shareholder, do I have to be resident in the UAE?

No, however, the general manager has to be a UAE resident.

Q146. Can I lease a facility office or a warehouse in AFZ with current UAE trade license and registration?

No, you can’t. You have to be a registered company with AFZ to lease in our facilities.

Q147. Can I lease or buy a property out of AFZ with an AFZ license?

Yes, you can lease or buy a property out of AFZ.

Q148. How do I raise a Labor Complaint against my Employer?

You can apply your complaint through the website, or email labour.disputes@afz.ae

Q149. What if the parties to the dispute refuse to settle the conflict?

If the dispute is not resolved, it will be transferred to the court.

Q150. What is the insurance scheme?

It is an insurance policy that replaces the previously established bank guarantees. This policy ensures labor rights and entitlements. The policy covers:

• Unpaid end of service benefits.
• Unpaid wages.
• The cost of the airfare to the home country.
• Work compensations– related injuries.

Q151. Does this mean the bank guarantees system is cancelled?

The bank guarantee system will remain for non-compliant companies with labor complaints and financial claims that have not been closed.

Q152. What is the coverage insurance policy?

The total sum assured is up to AED 20,000 for each insured worker.

Q153. What happens if I didn’t repay the insurance company?

The free zone will suspend the company and freeze new work permits. The employer should provide a bank guarantee upon the renewal of existing work permits.

Q154. What are the required documents to register Absconding?

Exit or Entry certification. You must provide correct information, otherwise, your request will be cancelled and the guarantee won’t refund.

Q155. Does the employer have the right to take my passport?

No, it's not their right.

Q156. What is a temporary work permit?

A service that is used to create a temporary work permit if you want to work in a different company. You must have a registered complaint (monthly 150AED).

Q157. What is the maximum number of overtime hours?

Working hours may not be increased to an additional two hours per day.

Q158. How much is the wage of overtime hours?

The wage shall be equal to the base wage of ordinary working hours plus a bonus of at least 25% of such wage.

Q159. What are the rest times during working days?

Daily rest times during working hours are at least an hour. You may not work five hours without rest.

Q160. What is the weekly rest time?

Weekly rest time is one day. It may be more than one.

Q161. How long is the sick leave to which an employee is entitled? Is it paid?

An employee who is infected with an illness is entitled to a paid sick leave after the elapse of the probation period, but not exceeding ninety days as follows:

• The first fifteen days with full salary.
• The following thirty days with a half salary.
• The following periods will be unpaid.

Q162. Does the employer have the right to refuse my annual vacation despite completing one year of service with him/her?

Yes, the employer has the right to decide when the annual leave begins. In addition, the employer can (in case of very critical work) divide the annual leave period into two periods and transfer the remaining days to the following year.

Q163. How is the overtime calculated? Is it upon the basic salary or the gross salary?

The overtime is calculated upon the gross salary (basic salary + the agreed allowances) and the employee is entitled to overtime with an increase of not less than 25% of that wage. In case the overtime is performed between the hours of 9 pm and 4 am, then the employee ought to be paid an increase not less than 50 % of that wage.

Q164. When I’m entitled to get the return ticket as stipulated in the employment/ Labour contract?

In the case of dismissal or leaving the country, you are entitled to get the return ticket to your origin country, as well as in the event of completion of the agreed contract term.

Q165. Does the employer have the right to dismiss an employee, who takes more than his/her annual leave credit and is absent for more than two months, immediately after the employee resumes his /her job?

Yes, since the days that exceed the balance of annual leave are considered as absence. As stated in the Labour law, article (120); “in case of the absence of more than 7 days, the employer may dismiss the employee without warning, unless there are force major circumstances that prevent the employee from resuming his/her work in time after completion of the annual leave days”.

Q166. Does the employer’s refusal to accept my resignation request have any impact on the termination of the employment/Labour relationship?

An employer cannot reject your resignation. You should give a notice period and obtain the employer’s signature on your resignation letter or send the resignation letter by fax, email or postal mail.

The contract must be completed in order not to lose your end of service gratuity.

Q167. Can I shift my contract to work for another company registered under their name?

Yes, but only if the companies are owned by the same sponsor.

Q168. What is the difference between a limited and an unlimited contract?

Limited contracts mention start/end dates, the unlimited ones only specify joining dates, each follows respective provisions depending on the situation.

Q169. How is the end of service gratuity calculated, is it based on basic salary or gross salary?

End of service gratuity is calculated on the last basic salary only, without any allowances.

Q170. What is the wages protection system?

It is a system that requires all companies to transfer the salaries of employees through banks and exchange companies, and companies must submit payroll statements through the free zone online portal on every month before the end of day 15th from each month.

Q171. What if there is a delay in uploading the payroll in the wages protection system?

For the first month of delay, the company will be suspended from all its services and fine will be applied. If the delay lasts for two months, fines and legal action will be taken against the company.

Q172. Is it possible for sponsored employees to work outside the free zone?

Yes, but permits must be obtained and follow the related rules.

Q173. Is the employer allowed to deduct my wages for the cost of residence visa?

No, all costs should be paid by the employer.

Q174. If I didn't complete a year at work, do I earn end-of-service gratuity?

No, you should complete at least a year at work.

Q175. Does the employer have the right to take my signature on the cancellation paper without receiving the dues in advance?

No, you must ensure that you receive all the benefits before signing.

Q176. What is Article 137 of the Labor Law?

“Should the worker bound by an employment contract with undetermined term leave his/her work by his/her own choice after a continuous service of one year at least and three years at most, he/she shall be entitled to one-third of the end-of-service. Should his/her continuous service be of three years at least and five years at most, he shall be entitled to two-thirds of the said gratuity, and to the full gratuity should it exceed five years.”

Q177. What is Article 132 of the labor law?

"The worker having spent one year or more in continuous service shall be entitled to an end of service gratuity upon the termination of his service. The days of absence from work without pay shall not be included in the calculation of the period of service, and the gratuity shall be calculated as follows: 1 - The wage of twenty-one days for each of the first five years of service. 2 - The wage of thirty days for every additional year".

Q178. Would I receive a return ticket if I found another job?

No, you won't receive a return ticket.

Q179. Can I sell online through a third party to clients outside AFZ ( in UAE and internationally), with a Freelancer Package and an online sale specialist license?

No, you have to own an E-commerce license for this activity.

Q180. What is the visa allocation policy in AFZ?

Every business package chosen has a different number of visas allocated.

Q181. Can I establish a company if I'm not residing in the UAE?

Yes, if you have ever visited UAE, you can establish a company.

Q182. Can I import goods from any port in the UAE?

Yes, you can import goods.

Q183. Can I downgrade from a higher package to a freelancer package?

No, you can't, you have to cancel and apply for a new package.

Q184. How can I import goods if I have an E-commerce license?

You should apply for a different license with import and export activity.

Q185. Do you provide a real estate activity?

Yes, it requires a business proposal

Q186. How long will it take to get the security approval?

It depends on the immigration process.

Q187. Do I have to visit AFZ to register as an agent offshore?

No, now you can register a company online without the need for the presence of clients in AFZ. Click here: https://bit.ly/2DH1ZqB

Q188. Can I open a bank account for an offshore company?

Yes you can, AFZ has partnered with Mashreq Bank to assist you. You can reach their website: https://bit.ly/3fMlgVv

Q189. How many days will the license for an offshore company take?

Only one day.