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Power Your Global Trade with Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

JAFZA offers unmatched access to ports, warehouses, and international markets — ideal for import/export, logistics, and industrial giants.

Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone

Setup from

5,555 AED

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Registration from

5 DAYS

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Bank Account

GUARANTEED

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Residence Visas for

2 YEARS

JAFZA is the UAE’s largest Free Zone, strategically positioned around Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali International Airport. It is built for large-scale manufacturing, heavy trade, warehousing, and logistics operations, serving multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies.

With 100% foreign ownership, zero import/export duties within the Free Zone, and extensive industrial infrastructure, JAFZA enables seamless production, storage, and distribution. Visa quotas and on-site customs clearance further streamline large team operations.

Why Set Up in JAFZA?

✅ Direct access to Jebel Ali Port – one of the world’s largest ports

✅ 100% foreign ownership + 0% import/export duties within the Free Zone

✅ Large-scale industrial, warehouse, and logistics infrastructure

✅ Ideal for manufacturing, shipping, distribution, and heavy trade

✅ Visa quotas for large teams

✅ On-site customs clearance and logistics optimization

✅ Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and regional exporters

We handle it all – so you don’t have to

What Business Activities Can You Do in JAFZA?

JAFZA supports diverse business activities across multiple sectors, offering specialized services and infrastructure for various industries.

Import/Export:

Enables the flow of products into and out of the UAE, requiring business registration, trading permits, and adherence to customs, quality, and environmental standards for smooth cross-border commerce.

Manufacturing & Assembly

Involves creating, building, or processing raw materials and components into finished products within JAFZA’s industrial sites, supporting various sectors from electronics to consumer goods.

Warehousing & Logistics

Designed for businesses in the aviation sector, this license covers aircraft operations, maintenance, training, and specialized aviation services near Al Maktoum International Airport.

Heavy Machinery & Equipment Trade:

ncludes the import, export, storage, and distribution of industrial machines, construction equipment, and related parts, serving industries like construction, mining, and manufacturing.

Industrial Production

Focuses on large-scale manufacturing, processing, and packaging of products, utilizing JAFZA’s specialized industrial areas and benefiting from duty exemptions and streamlined logistics.

Transport & Cargo Handling

Provides services for moving, loading, unloading, and transferring goods, using JAFZA’s proximity to Jebel Ali Port and integrated transport networks for efficient cargo operations

Commercial Representation Offices

Creates a local presence for foreign companies to promote products, conduct market research, and coordinate business activities without engaging in direct sales or trading within the UAE.

These business activities make JAFZA a comprehensive hub for companies seeking to establish operations in the UAE’s thriving commercial landscape.

Steps to Start a Business in JAFZA – UAE

1. Define Business Activity

Clearly identify the business activity you intend to conduct, as this determines your license type and required approvals.

2. Choose Legal Structure

Select the appropriate company type:

Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – single shareholder
Free Zone Company (FZCO) – 2 to 5 shareholders
Branch of a foreign or local company

3. Choose and Reserve Company Name

Pick a unique company name that complies with UAE naming regulations.

4. Submit Application and Documents

Complete the JAFZA application form.

Submit all required documents, including passport copies, business plan, shareholder/director resolutions, and, if applicable, parent company documents for branches.

5. Select Facility and Sign Lease

Choose the most suitable office, warehouse, or land option offered by JAFZA.

Sign a lease agreement with JAFZA

6. Obtain Approvals, Make Payments & Receive License

Once your application is reviewed and approved, JAFZA will issue invoices for the setup, license, and lease fees. Upon successful payment, JAFZA will complete the incorporation process and issue your business license and registration documents, officially enabling you to commence operations.

7. Open a Corporate Bank Account

After receiving your JAFZA business license and incorporation documents, you can proceed to open a corporate bank account in the UAE. This is essential for conducting business transactions, receiving payments, and managing company finances.

8. Apply for UAE Residency Visas

If you or your employees plan to reside and work in the UAE, you’ll need to apply for residency visas through JAFZA. The number of visas you can obtain depends on your office size and license type.

JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) Licenses

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the UAE’s largest and most established free zones, offering a wide range of business licenses to support diverse commercial, industrial, and service activities.

Trading License:

This license allows companies to import, export, distribute, and store specific goods within the UAE, subject to approval of listed products.

General Trading License

Grants permission for trading a wide range of products, excluding those prohibited by law, enabling businesses to operate with broader flexibility.

Service License

Ideal for businesses providing professional, consultancy, or service-based activities, allowing them to offer specialized services within their field of knowledge.

Industrial License:

This license supports companies involved in manufacturing, processing, assembling, or packaging goods, covering the full production process from raw materials to finished products.

National Industrial License

Specifically for businesses with at least 51% GCC ownership and 40% production in JAFZA, this license is tailored for industrial manufacturing in the region.

Logistics License

Designed for businesses in logistics, warehousing, transportation, and freight forwarding, enabling companies to provide essential logistics services within the UAE.

Innovation License:

Targeted at businesses focused on creating innovative products, models, or solutions, this license promotes entrepreneurship in new technologies and developments.

E-Commerce License

This license allows businesses to engage in online trading and e-business activities, enabling them to operate in the digital marketplace.

JAFZA License Costs and Packages

JAFZA offers competitive pricing packages for different business needs, with costs varying based on license type and included services.

Package Type	Typical Cost (AED)	Inclusions
Trading/Service License	15,000 – 25,000	License, basic office or flexi-desk, up to 7 activities
General Trading License	30,000 – 50,000	License, broader activity range, office or warehouse option
Industrial License	20,000 – 40,000	License, required warehouse/production facility
Logistics License	15,000 – 30,000	License, warehouse/office, logistics activities
Office Space (annual rent)	15,000+	Flexi-desk, serviced office, or warehouse (required)
Additional Activities	500 per activity	Add extra activities to any license

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually, with renewal fees similar to initial costs.

Office Requirement: Physical office, flexi-desk, or warehouse lease within JAFZA is mandatory for all licenses.

Other Requirements: For industrial licenses, a warehouse and production plant inside JAFZA are required.

Note: The number of allowed activities and costs may vary by license type and business setup. JAFZA’s adaptable licensing structure, strong infrastructure, and strategic location make it a top choice for businesses aiming to serve regional and global markets.

JAFZA Residency and Visas

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) offers streamlined residency and visa solutions for business owners, employees, and their families, supporting seamless business operations and legal residence in Dubai.

Investor/Partner Visa: Provides residency to individuals investing in or owning shares of a JAFZA company, enabling business management, family sponsorship, and access to UAE banking and tax benefits.

Employment Visa: Issued to employees of JAFZA-registered companies, allowing them to live and work in the UAE; requires a valid job offer and company sponsorship.

Dependent/Family Visa: Allows JAFZA visa holders to sponsor immediate family members, such as spouse, children, or parents, for UAE residency, subject to income and accommodation proof.

Student Visa: Granted to individuals enrolled in educational institutions within JAFZA, providing legal residency for the duration of their studies, subject to proof of admission and sponsorship.

Business Visit Visa: Short-term visa for business visitors attending meetings, negotiations, or events in JAFZA; typically valid for 30 days and sponsored by a JAFZA company.

Golden Visa: Long-term residency (5 or 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, or highly skilled professionals meeting specific criteria, offering extended stay and additional benefits in the UAE.

Visa Type	Cost / Requirement	Notes
Investor/Partner	AED 4,000 – 7,000; company shareholding required; valid for 3 years	Grants business ownership and management rights; renewable
Employment	AED 3,000 – 5,000; employment contract with JAFZA company	Employer sponsors; includes medical and Emirates ID
Dependent/Family	AED 2,000 – 4,000 per dependent; proof of income and accommodation	For spouse, children, parents; sponsored by resident
Student	AED 3,000 – 4,500; proof of enrollment in JAFZA institution	For students at JAFZA-based educational entities
Business Visit	Short-term; company sponsorship; limited to 3 per company at a time	Non-renewable; for business visitors only
Golden Visa	Varies; significant investment or high-net-worth status required	5- or 10-year residency; special eligibility criteria

Key Requirements and Process:

Medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration are mandatory for all residency visas.
The number of visas a company can obtain depends on office size and license type (typically one visa per 9 sq. m of office space).
Visa applications are processed through JAFZA’s dedicated online portal, with clear documentation requirements.
Visa renewal is required every 2–3 years, depending on visa type.
JAFZA companies can sponsor employees, partners, and dependents, supporting family relocation and business expansion.

JAFZA’s visa framework is designed to facilitate business growth and personal relocation, making it a preferred choice for companies and professionals seeking efficient residency solutions in Dubai.

Why Choose MenaHerald for Your JAFZA Company Formation?

Let MenaHerald take the hassle out of your company setup.

We offer expert guidance, assist with complete documentation, and streamline your JAFZA registration — from selecting the right license to arranging office space and processing visas.

Why Choose MenaHerald?

✓ End-to-end company formation

✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

✓ Ongoing support for renewals and compliance

Get Started Today — Speak to a JAFZA Specialist Now!