Residency in Ajman, UAE: Long-Term Visa ProgramsAffordable emirate living with tax-free benefits and growth

Residence and Citizenship in Ajman

Why people seek residence and citizenship in Ajman

Ajman, the smallest and one of the most rapidly developing emirates in the UAE, attracts expatriates for its unique blend of affordability, cultural diversity, and strategic Gulf location. Residents seeking a residence permit in Ajman benefit from zero personal income tax, lower real estate and living costs compared to neighbouring Dubai and Sharjah, and a welcoming regulatory environment. The emirate’s modern infrastructure—including well-maintained highways, efficient public transport, and Ajman International Airport—ensures seamless connectivity across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council. Family-friendly beaches, parks, and cultural centres contribute to a high quality of life, while Ajman’s burgeoning business districts support professionals and startups. Investors eyeing citizenship by investment in Ajman leverage the emirate’s Golden Visa schemes, which grant five- and ten-year residency in return for real estate or capital investments, enabling them to secure long-term UAE residency and eventual pathways to permanent residence Ajman and second passport in Ajman opportunities through federal exception programs. As Ajman deepens its appeal with ongoing urban development, enhanced healthcare services, and expanding educational institutions, the demand for “how to get Ajman visa” guidance—and the emirate’s reputation as a cost-effective alternative to neighbouring urban centres—continues to grow.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

Ajman’s immigration framework offers multiple tailored pathways to legal stay and eventual citizenship by investment in Ajman. The Ajman Golden Visa program provides renewable five- and ten-year residence permits to non-GCC nationals investing a minimum AED 1 million in real estate located in approved freehold zones, or AED 10 million in bank deposits, equities, or business ventures. This “Ajman Golden Visa” grants holders the right to sponsor family members—spouses, children up to 18 years, and dependents—without requiring a local sponsor. The Ajman Free Zone offers an Investor/Partner Visa for entrepreneurs and shareholders with a minimum share capital of AED 72 000, granting three-year residency, 100 % foreign ownership, and zero customs duties. The D-type employment visa, sponsored by local companies, provides standard two- to three-year residency linked to a work contract and is ideal for professionals and skilled workers. For retirees, the emirate introduced a Retirement Visa offering five-year residency to applicants aged 55+ meeting financial criteria (AED 800 000 in savings, AED 20 000 annual income, or AED 1 million in real estate). Additionally, a Remote Work Visa allows digital nomads earning over USD 5 000/month to live in Ajman for up to one year with a renewable permit. Each program represents a clear route to permanent residence Ajman, and after extended legal residency—typically ten continuous years—applicants may explore naturalization under UAE federal exception frameworks, effectively obtaining a second passport in Ajman for exceptional investors and contributors to the national economy.

Requirements and application process

Securing a residence permit in Ajman involves distinct requirements by visa category. Common documents include a valid passport (minimum six months), passport-style photographs, completed application forms via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or Ajman GDRFA portal, health insurance valid in the UAE, and a clean criminal record certificate apostilled in the country of origin. Specific criteria include:

• Golden Visa: Real estate purchase contract and title deed (minimum AED 1 million in approved areas), or audited financial statements showing qualifying capital investments; passport copy; health insurance; medical fitness certificate; no-objection certificate if on existing UAE residency. Processing: 2–4 weeks.
• Investor/Partner Visa: Company registration documents in Ajman Free Zone, trade licence, share certificates; passport copy; health insurance; medical fitness test. Processing: 3–5 weeks.
• Employment Visa: Employer-sponsored work permit application through MOHRE, labour contract, passport copy; health insurance; medical fitness test; Emirates ID registration. Processing: 4–6 weeks.
• Retirement Visa: Proof of age; bank statements or property title as per financial criteria; passport copy; health insurance; medical certificate. Processing: 3–6 weeks.
• Remote Work Visa: Employment contract or proof of self-employment; last three months’ bank statements showing income ≥ USD 5 000/month; passport copy; health insurance; police clearance. Processing: 2–3 weeks.

Applicants submit initial documentation online and complete biometric enrolment at Ajman GDRFA offices. Visas are issued as passport stamps, followed by Emirates ID and health insurance registration within 30 days of entry. To convert short-term permits or renew expiring visas, holders provide updated proofs of continuing eligibility—investment retention, employment status, or income stability—at least one month before expiration, ensuring uninterrupted residency and progress toward permanent residence Ajman status.

Legal framework and government policies

Ajman’s residency and citizenship by investment in Ajman programs operate under UAE federal and emirate-level legislation. Key legal instruments include Federal Law No. 6 of 1973 (Nationality), Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 (Entry, Residence & Departure), and Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2021 establishing the Golden Visa system. Ajman’s Department of Economic Development and Ajman Free Zone Authority implement emirate-specific regulations for investment, trade, and visa issuance. Oversight is provided by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), and the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Ajman). Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regulations, enforced by the UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit, mandate rigorous source-of-fund verification for investor visas. Digital platforms—UAE PASS, ICA’s e-channels, MOHRE’s TAMM, and GDRFA-Ajman online services—enable end-to-end application tracking, document uploads, fee payments, and appointment scheduling, enhancing transparency and efficiency. Periodic policy updates expand eligible investment categories—inclusive of renewable energy projects, technology ventures, and creative industries—while adjusting financial thresholds, thereby broadening access to permanent residence Ajman and second passport in Ajman opportunities for global investors.

Lifestyle, infrastructure, and long-term benefits

Residents of Ajman enjoy a balanced, enriching lifestyle supported by ongoing infrastructure development and long-term benefits. Key highlights include:

• Affordable Real Estate: Freehold properties in Al Zorah, Ajman Corniche, and Ajman Downtown offer attractive entry points for investors, with strong rental yields of 6–8 % and steady capital appreciation tied to urban expansion.
• Healthcare & Education: Ajman University, Gulf Medical University, and local clinics provide comprehensive education and healthcare. International schools—Indian School Ajman, The City School—serve expatriate families with CBSE and British curricula.
• Connectivity: Ajman International Airport (AAN) handles regional cargo and passenger flights; proximity to Sharjah and Dubai airports via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road expands global access. Future Etihad Rail links will integrate Ajman into the GCC railway network.
• Free Zone Advantages: Ajman Free Zone and Ajman Media City Free Zone enable 100 % foreign ownership, zero customs duties, and sector-specific incentives for logistics, manufacturing, media, and technology firms, driving job creation and economic diversification.
• Recreation & Culture: Ajman Corniche, Al Zorah Nature Reserve, and Masfout mountain retreats offer beach leisure, eco-tourism, and adventure activities. The Ajman Museum, Al Nuaimi Mosque, and heritage villages preserve local culture, complemented by annual events like the Ajman Dhow Festival.
• Financial & Tax Benefits: Zero personal income and capital gains taxes maximize net earnings. Corporate tax applies only to oil, gas, and foreign banks. The Non-Habitual Resident regime is not needed, as Ajman’s tax environment remains universally favorable.

Residents benefit from Schengen-style regional mobility across the UAE and GCC, with up to 90 days’ visa-free travel within the region—a significant advantage for frequent business travellers. After five years of continuous residency, holders may apply for indefinite residence status, facilitating long-term family planning and asset protection. Citizenship by exception remains selective but recognizes exceptional economic and cultural contributions, offering a pathway to a second passport in Ajman under federal resolution.

How VelesClub Int. helps

VelesClub International provides comprehensive, personalized services for clients seeking residence and citizenship in Ajman. Our end-to-end support includes:

• Strategic Assessment: We conduct an in-depth analysis of clients’ investment capacity, professional background, family needs, and lifestyle goals to recommend optimal visa categories—Golden Visa, Investor/Partner, Retirement, Remote Work, or Employment.
• Investment & Business Advisory: Our consultants identify prime real estate in freehold zones—Al Zorah, Corniche, Downtown—and guide company formation in Ajman Free Zone and Ajman Media City Free Zone, leveraging 100 % ownership and duty exemptions.
• Document & Application Management: We coordinate certified translations, apostille services, financial due diligence, medical fitness tests, criminal background checks, and submissions via ICA, MOHRE, and GDRFA-Ajman portals, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Family Sponsorship & Relocation: We assist in dependent visa applications, school placements, healthcare enrolment, and cultural orientation, facilitating seamless integration for spouses and children.
• Post-Visa Compliance & Renewals: We provide ongoing support for Emirates ID issuance, health insurance renewal, bank account opening, and compliance for visa renewals or permanent residence applications, and liaise on naturalization nominations for exceptional contributors.

Leveraging deep local expertise, strong governmental relationships, and a proven track record of successful approvals, VelesClub International ensures a seamless, efficient, and fully tailored journey to secure residence permits and explore citizenship by investment in Ajman—empowering clients to thrive in a culturally vibrant, tax-efficient, and strategically positioned emirate.