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ANCFZ vs SRTIP — Northern Emirates Free Zone Comparison
ANCFZ (Ajman) and SRTIP (Sharjah) side by side: both workbook-priced on Formenzo today, broad multi-activity ANCFZ vs innovation-focused SRTIP. Decision paths for cost-led, IP-led and family-business founders.
ANCFZ vs SRTIP — at a glance
| Dimension | ANCFZ ✓ Verified | SRTIP ✓ Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (year 1) | AED 4,888 | AED 5,500 |
| Max visas per licence | 10 | 6 |
| Emirate | Ajman | Sharjah |
| Activity focus | General trading, services, broad whitelist | Tech, R&D, advanced industry, deep-tech |
| Bank-readiness signal | Strong — straightforward profiles | Strong — favoured for tech founders |
| Remote formation | Yes (PoA-friendly) | Yes (PoA-friendly) |
| Time to licence | 5–10 working days | 5–10 working days |
| Ecosystem effect | Volume-friendly, general SME | Innovation cluster, R&D infrastructure |
| Best for | SMEs needing high visa quota at low entry | Tech founders, R&D-led businesses, IP holders |
Both zones are workbook-verified. The choice is rarely about price; it is about activity fit and ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, ANCFZ or SRTIP?
Both are workbook-priced on Formenzo, both are cost-efficient relative to Dubai-centre zones, and the precise like-for-like AED comparison lives on the zone-detail pages rather than on this comparison. The honest answer is that cost is not the dominant variable between these two — activity fit is. A founder optimising for cost alone risks landing in a zone that does not licence what they actually do.
Can a non-technology business register in SRTIP?
SRTIP is structured around research, technology, and innovation. Activities outside that lane can occasionally fit when there is a clear technology or research dimension, but a pure generalist trading business is usually better served by ANCFZ. The activity review is a real part of SRTIP onboarding and is one reason its bank-readiness signal is recognised by the banks that already read the file as technology-park.
Will UAE banks open accounts for an Ajman or Sharjah free-zone company?
Yes — routinely. UAE banks open accounts for companies registered in both ANCFZ and SRTIP. The bank-readiness signal is a pattern of how the file moves through onboarding, not a guarantee. The pattern depends on the founder's nationality, residency, source of funds, the chosen bank, and the specific licence, never on the zone alone. Final bank acceptance is not guaranteed for any route.
Do I have to physically be in Ajman or Sharjah to run the company?
Free-zone companies need a registered address inside the zone, which the licence package provides. Founders typically split time between the registered address and wherever they live or work day to day. There is no requirement that every working hour is spent at the registered office; standard free-zone substance and immigration rules apply.
How many visas can each zone issue?
Both zones scale visas with the package selected. ANCFZ entry tiers are well-sized for solo founders and small teams; higher tiers scale up. SRTIP packages reflect the technology-team profile typical of its tenants. The exact number depends on the package you choose; the AED on the zone-detail page is paired with the visa quota that comes with it.
How long does the licence take in each zone?
Roughly two to three weeks once KYC clears is realistic for both ANCFZ and SRTIP, with the actual number depending on document completeness and any activity-fit review the authority needs to run. Visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance run on a parallel track that adds further calendar time.
Related on Formenzo
ANCFZ route page · SRTIP route page · SRTIP allowed activities · Compare hub · How to choose a UAE free zone