JAFZA Business Setup in Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone Company Formation
- Set up your company in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) with guidance on the right business licence, FZE, FZCO or branch structure, suitable facilities, visa requirements and corporate banking. Exactitude Business Services helps you understand your options and plan your company formation around your business needs.
What is JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)?
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is a major business and logistics hub in Dubai, established in 1985 and operated by DP World. Located alongside Jebel Ali Port and within reach of Al Maktoum International Airport, it connects businesses with international shipping routes and regional distribution networks. JAFZA reports that more than 11,000 companies from over 150 countries operate within its 57-square-kilometre zone. Its facilities and customs infrastructure support businesses involved in international trade, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics.
For companies that depend on moving physical goods, JAFZA offers an environment designed around commercial operations and supply-chain requirements. Exactitude Business Services is a JAFZA channel partner and can coordinate your application with the zone, from selecting a suitable licence to progressing through the company formation process. If you are unsure which licence, company structure or facility fits your business, our consultants can review your requirements before you proceed.
Why Set Up a Company in JAFZA?
Choosing a free zone is not only about the initial license price. The right location should support your operations, access to suppliers, distribution requirements, and plans for future growth.
JAFZA offers several advantages for businesses with regional or international trade requirements.
- 100% Foreign Ownership – Establish a business without requiring a local equity partner, subject to the applicable formation requirements.
- Strategic trade connectivity – Operate close to Jebel Ali Port and within reach of Al Maktoum International Airport.
- Integrated customs infrastructure – Access the zone's customs and logistics ecosystem for eligible import, export and re-export activities.
- Commercial and industrial facilities – Choose from offices, workstations, warehouses, showrooms and industrial land, subject to availability and eligibility.
- Multiple license options – Explore trading, general trading, service, industrial and logistics licenses according to your approved activities.
- Flexible company structures – Consider an FZE, FZCO, branch or an eligible offshore structure.
- Share capital flexibility – JAFZA does not prescribe a fixed minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO, although the capital should be sufficient for the licensed activities.
- Mainland operating options – Eligible companies may explore the applicable Dubai mainland license or permit route.
JAFZA's scale also reflects its role in international commerce. DP World reported a record USD 190 billion in trade through JAFZA over the 12 months leading up to May 2025.
Our Experience
JAFZA COMPANY SETUP
JAFZA Company Setup Cost
JAFZA’s published licence fees start at AED 5,000 per year. However, the licence fee is only one part of your company formation budget. Every new JAFZA company needs a leased facility, and your total cost may also include registration, visa processing, government charges, and other business-specific requirements.
| Licence type | Published annual fee |
|---|---|
| Trading Licence — one activity group | AED 5,000 |
| Trading Licence — two activity groups | AED 8,500 |
| Service Licence | AED 5,000 |
| Industrial Licence — one activity group | AED 5,000 |
| Industrial Licence — two activity groups | AED 8,500 |
| Industrial Licence — three activity groups | AED 12,000 |
| General Trading Licence | AED 15,000 |
| Logistics Licence | AED 15,000 |
| Additional activity, where applicable | AED 500 |
What Affects Your JAFZA Setup Cost?
Your final company formation budget depends on several factors, including your business activity, facility requirements and visa needs.
Licence Type & Activities
The licence category and number of business activities selected for your company.
Facility & Lease Terms
The type, size and lease terms of your office, workstation, warehouse or other eligible facility.
Visa Requirements
The number of visas required and the applicable processing fees.
Shareholder Structure
Whether the shareholders are individuals or corporate entities.
Additional Approvals
Any additional regulatory approvals or activity-specific requirements.
VAT & Government Charges
Applicable VAT and other government charges that may affect your final budget.
Facility Costs Are Separate
JAFZA requires a leased office, workstation, warehouse or other eligible facility. Facility costs are separate from the licence fee and depend on the option selected.
Get a tailored estimate before committing to a facility.
Exactitude can review your requirements and coordinate a detailed quotation through the relevant representative.
JAFZA Licence Types and Business Activities
Your company formation type determines the business’s legal structure, while your licence determines which activities it may conduct. Select both according to your operating model and JAFZA’s approval requirements.
Trading Licence
A trading licence is suitable for businesses dealing in physical goods, including import, export, distribution and re-export. JAFZA's published options include a Type 1 licence covering up to seven activities from one group and a Type 2 licence covering up to 12 activities from two groups. The applicable fee depends on the selected option and approved activities.
General Trading Licence
A general trading licence is designed for businesses requiring broader trading activity coverage across multiple groups. JAFZA publishes a separate annual fee of AED 15,000 for this licence. Confirm the permitted activities and current conditions with the authority before applying.
Service Licence
A service licence supports approved service-based activities, such as consultancy and other professional services. It is not a substitute for a trading licence where the business needs to trade in physical goods or hold stock. The permitted activities must match the actual services provided.
Industrial Licence
An industrial licence is intended for approved manufacturing, processing, assembly and related industrial activities. Depending on the operation, the company may need an appropriate production facility, warehouse and environmental, health and safety approvals. JAFZA also offers a National Industries licence category for eligible industrial businesses.
Logistics Licence
An industrial licence is intended for approved manufacturing, processing, assembly and related industrial activities. Depending on the operation, the company may need an appropriate production facility, warehouse and environmental, health and safety approvals.
Choosing Your Business Activities
Select activities according to what your company will actually do. Adding activities can affect licence fees and approval requirements.
JAFZA COMPANY SETUP
JAFZA Company Types
Choosing the right company structure affects ownership, corporate documentation and how your business operates. The appropriate option depends on your shareholders and whether you are establishing a new company or extending an existing business.
| Structure | Shareholders | Generally suitable for | Facility and eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
|
FZEFree Zone Establishment
|
One individual or corporate shareholder | A business with a single shareholder | Eligible leased JAFZA facility required |
|
FZCOFree Zone Company
|
Generally 2–50 shareholders | A business with multiple shareholders | Eligible leased JAFZA facility required |
|
BranchExisting parent company
|
Existing parent company | An established company expanding into JAFZA | Requirements depend on the parent company and approved activities |
|
Public Limited Company (PLC)
|
Subject to the applicable company regulations | Businesses requiring an eligible public company structure | Subject to JAFZA's specific formation requirements |
|
Offshore company
|
One or more shareholders | Eligible holding and international business purposes | Subject to offshore regulations and the applicable registered-agent process |
Documents Required for JAFZA Company Formation
The documents required for JAFZA company formation depend on the company structure, shareholder details, business activity, and selected facility.
Individual Shareholders
- Valid passport copies for the shareholders and relevant company officers.
- UAE residence visa details, where applicable.
- KYC and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declarations.
- Sponsor's no-objection documentation where required.
- Proposed company details and business activity information.
- Any additional forms requested by JAFZA.
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Current company licence or equivalent registration evidence, where applicable.
- Board resolution approving the proposed investment or company formation.
- Details and identification documents of relevant directors, shareholders and authorised signatories.
- Corporate UBO and KYC documentation.
Branch of an Existing Company
Branch applications may require the parent company’s valid licence or registration documents, evidence of good legal standing, board approvals, authorised representative details and documents relevant to the proposed branch activities.
We may also require additional facility-related documentation. For example, a plot-based development may require a business plan or technical information, while certain warehouses, light industrial units, showrooms and subleases may require environmental, health and safety documentation.
How to Set Up a Company in JAFZA
A successful JAFZA business setup starts with choosing a structure and facility that fit your operations. The main stages are outlined below.
- Step 1: Define Your Business Requirements – Identify your proposed activities, ownership structure, goods or services, staffing requirements and expansion plans.
- Step 2: Select the Licence and Activities – Choose the appropriate licence and confirm that the proposed activities fall within its permitted scope. Check whether any additional authority approvals are required.
- Step 3: Choose Your Company Structure – Determine whether an FZE, FZCO, branch or another eligible structure best fits your ownership and operational requirements.
- Step 4: Select and Reserve Your Facility – Review suitable workstations, offices, warehouses, showrooms or industrial land.
- Step 5: Submit the Application and Documents – Complete the required application and submit the relevant documentation. JAFZA evaluates applications throughits qualification and security screening processes, including applicable KYC and UBO checks.
- Step 6: Complete the Lease and Receive Your Licence – Once the relevant approvals and requirements are completed, finalise the lease and formation documentation. JAFZA provides the applicable company documents and access arrangements for the selected facility.
- Step 7: Arrange Visas and Corporate Banking – After the relevant setup requirements are met, proceed with establishment card and visa applications as applicable. You can also prepare your Corporate Bank Account documents and approach a suitable bank.
Estimated JAFZA Setup Timeline
| Stage | What happens | Expected timing |
|---|---|---|
|
01
Requirements and structure
|
Activity, ownership and facility assessment | Depends on your case |
|
02
Application and screening
|
Documents, KYC and authority review | Depends on your case |
|
03
Company registration
|
Registration and licence processing after complete submission | 3–14 business days |
|
04
Facility and post-setup arrangements
|
Lease completion, visas and banking | Depends on your case |
JAFZA states that company formation can be completed digitally through its online channels. Applications can also be initiated through its Sales Centre.
The published registration timeline is an estimate, not a guarantee for every application. Additional approvals, incomplete documentation or facility-related requirements can affect the overall process.
JAFZA Visa Options
Visa eligibility and quota depend on the company setup, selected facility and applicable immigration requirements. Your facility should be selected with both current staffing needs and anticipated future recruitment in mind.
Visa Quota by Facility
JAFZA’s published guidance includes the following general allocations:
- Facility
- Workstation
- Showroom
- Office
- Warehouse or light industrial unit
- Plot
- Indicative visa allocation
- 2 visas per workstation
- Up to 5 visas
- Depends on office size
- Depends on facility area and approval
- Initial quota of 20, subject to applicable conditions
These figures are subject to JAFZA’s rules and approval. Confirm your actual quota before signing a lease.
Before Applying for Your First Visa
The company must meet the applicable licence and lease requirements. The establishment card, also referred to as the Computer Immigration Card in JAFZA’s process, is part of the immigration setup required before processing relevant visa applications.
Shareholder and Employee Visas
Working with Dubai Mainland from JAFZA
Corporate Tax and VAT for JAFZA Companies
A JAFZA company is not automatically exempt from UAE Corporate Tax or VAT. The applicable treatment depends on the company's income, activities, transactions and compliance position.
Corporate Tax: Understanding QFZP Status
A JAFZA company that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) may benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income. To maintain that status, it must meet the applicable conditions, including adequate substance, qualifying income, transfer pricing compliance and audited financial statements.
Income that does not qualify for the 0% rate may be subject to the standard 9% Corporate Tax rate, according to the applicable rules.
VAT: Review Your Transactions
JAFZA's Designated Zone status is relevant to the VAT treatment of certain goods transactions, but it does not mean every supply made by a JAFZA company is outside the scope of VAT. The treatment depends on the nature of the supply, the movement or use of goods and the applicable conditions.
Services, domestic sales and imports may require separate analysis. VAT registration and filing obligations must be assessed against the relevant rules and thresholds.
Explore our corporate tax and VAT services in the UAE .
Corporate Tax
Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP)QFZP eligibility depends on meeting the applicable conditions, including qualifying income, substance, transfer pricing compliance and audited financial statements.
Value Added Tax
UAE VAT registration thresholdsVAT treatment and registration requirements should be assessed according to your transactions and business circumstances.
Tax and Compliance Support
Exactitude can help you understand the accounting, registration and compliance requirements relevant to your business and coordinate appropriate professional support.
Corporate Bank Account for Your JAFZA Company
What Do Banks Usually Review?
Depending on the bank and business model, the application may involve:
- Company licence and incorporation documents.
- Shareholder, director and UBO identification.
- Business activities and expected transaction volumes.
- Source of funds and source of wealth information, where requested.
- Supplier and customer details, contracts and invoices.
- Shipping, customs and trade documents for import/export businesses.
- Lease information and evidence of the company's operating arrangements.
Corporate Banking Support from Exactitude
Exactitude can help you understand the documentation commonly requested by UAE banks and prepare for the application process.
See our corporate bank account page for full details.
Opening a corporate bank account is a separate process from obtaining a JAFZA licence. Banks assess applications according to their own eligibility criteria, risk policies and compliance requirements.
JAFZA Licence Renewal and Ongoing Compliance
JAFZA licences are generally valid for one year and must be renewed to maintain the company's authorised operating status. The renewal process also depends on the facility and any activity-specific approvals required by the authority.
Licence Renewal
JAFZA allows eligible licences to be renewed within the three months before expiry. Its published fee schedule lists an AED 1,000 fine for late renewal of an expired licence.
A three-year renewal option is available for eligible companies with plot or sublease facilities meeting the applicable validity conditions. Certain activities may require a no-objection certificate, insurance documentation, or other valid certificates before renewal.
Confirm the current renewal requirements and charges directly with JAFZA before the deadline.
Ongoing Compliance
- Maintaining a valid licence, lease and establishment card.
- Renewing employee and shareholder visas as required.
- Meeting applicable payroll and Wage Protection System obligations.
- Complying with UAE employment and end-of-service benefit rules.
- Filing Corporate Tax and VAT returns where required.
- Maintaining accounting records and supporting documents.
- Preparing audited financial statements where required, including for QFZP status.
Who Can Benefit from JAFZA Business Setup?
JAFZA is particularly relevant to businesses that need physical infrastructure, international trade connectivity or a regional distribution base.
It may suit:
- Importers and exporters handling physical goods.
- Trading and general trading companies.
- Distributors and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses.
- Manufacturers and industrial processors.
- Logistics providers and freight forwarders.
- E-commerce businesses that hold or distribute inventory.
- Automotive and spare parts dealers.
- Regional headquarters and branches of international companies.
The best choice still depends on your actual activity, facility needs, budget, and expansion plans. A consultancy or digital business with no inventory may find another UAE jurisdiction more practical.
JAFZA vs IFZA vs Meydan vs DMCC Which Free Zone Fits?
Different UAE free zones serve different business models. JAFZA is particularly relevant to companies that need warehousing, industrial facilities, port connectivity or large-scale trading infrastructure. Other jurisdictions may be more appropriate for service-led businesses or particular trading specialisations.
| Free Zone | Location | General Business Fit | Workspace Considerations | Visa Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAFZA Jebel Ali Free Zone | Jebel Ali, Dubai | International trade, logistics, manufacturing and distribution | Leased facility required; options include offices, warehouses and industrial land | Depends on facility and approval |
| IFZA International Free Zone Authority | Dubai | Professional services, consultancy and a range of commercial activities | Workspace options depend on the selected package and requirements | Depends on package and applicable rules |
| Meydan Free Zone Meydan, Dubai | Dubai | Service businesses, consultancy and eligible commercial activities | Workspace options depend on the selected package | Depends on package and applicable rules |
| DMCC Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai | Commodity trading and a broad range of approved business activities | Office and other workspace requirements depend on the company and licence | Depends on facility and applicable rules |
Which free zone should you choose? JAFZA may be the stronger fit when your business moves or manufactures goods and requires warehouse or industrial space. Consultants and service businesses without stock may find IFZA or Meydan simpler, while commodity traders often consider DMCC. The right choice should be based on your full operating model rather than the licence fee alone.
Compare the available options and assess your business requirements before selecting a jurisdiction.
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Why Choose Exactitude for Your IFZA Business Setup?
JAFZA company formation involves decisions about licences, ownership, facilities, visas and ongoing compliance. Exactitude Business Services helps you understand these requirements and coordinate the relevant stages of your setup.
As a JAFZA channel partner, Exactitude coordinates with the zone on the company formation process, helping you understand the requirements at each stage.
One business setup. One coordinated process. Support beyond the licence.
- Licence and Activity Guidance Identify suitable licence options and approved activities.
- Facility and Visa Planning Review premises options alongside your staffing requirements.
- Company Setup Guidance Understand the formation process and required documentation.
- Corporate Banking Assistance Prepare for the separate bank application and compliance process.
- Visa and PRO Support Navigate applicable immigration and government documentation requirements.
- Accounting and Compliance Support Your setup is overseen by Plan for relevant tax, accounting and reporting obligations.
Planning a trading company, industrial operation or regional distribution business? Speak with our consultants to review your activity, company structure, facility requirements and expected setup costs before you proceed.
Call or WhatsApp +971 52 177 1150 or email sales@exactitudebusiness.com .
Frequently asked questions
What is JAFZA?
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is a Dubai business and logistics hub established in 1985. Located alongside Jebel Ali Port, it supports eligible trading, logistics, manufacturing, industrial and other approved business activities.
How much does JAFZA company setup cost?
JAFZA's published annual licence fees start at AED 5,000. The total cost also depends on registration, the required leased facility, business activities, visas and other applicable charges. Exactitude can help you request an itemised quotation based on your requirements.
What licence types does JAFZA offer?
JAFZA offers trading, service, industrial, and logistics licences, along with separate categories such as general trading. The appropriate licence depends on the company's approved activities.
What is the difference between an FZE and an FZCO in JAFZA?
An FZE is generally formed with one shareholder, while an FZCO accommodates multiple shareholders, generally between two and 50. Both structures are subject to JAFZA's applicable requirements.
Can a foreign or UAE company open a branch in JAFZA?
An eligible foreign or UAE company may apply to establish a branch in JAFZA. The application must meet the applicable documentation, licensing, and approval requirements.
What is a JAFZA offshore company?
A JAFZA offshore company is a separate formation option for eligible holding and international business purposes. It does not automatically provide the same operating permissions as a standard JAFZA company, and offshore registration must be processed through a JAFZA-registered agent.
Do I need an office or warehouse to set up in JAFZA?
Every new JAFZA company requires an eligible leased facility. Depending on the business, options may include a workstation, office, showroom, warehouse or industrial facility. Subleasing requires the relevant JAFZA approval.
What warehouse sizes are available in JAFZA?
JAFZA offers different warehouse and light industrial unit configurations. Published specifications include pre-built warehouse units with office space, with available sizes and technical features varying by facility. Confirm current availability and specifications before making a decision.
How many visas can a JAFZA company get?
The visa quota depends on the leased facility and JAFZA's approval. Published guidance includes two visas per workstation, up to five for a showroom and an initial quota of 20 for a plot, subject to the applicable requirements. Office and warehouse quotas depend on the facility.
Is there a minimum share capital in JAFZA?
JAFZA does not prescribe a fixed minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO. The company should maintain capital sufficient for its licensed activities. Separate shareholding requirements may apply to particular visa categories.