JAFZA- Jebel Ali Dubai

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), established in 1985, is one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious free zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Located in Jebel Ali, Dubai — next to the world’s largest man-made port (Jebel Ali Port) — JAFZA is a key driver of Dubai’s economy and a global hub for logistics, trade, manufacturing, and industrial activities.

Home to over 9,500 companies from over 130 countries, including 100+ Fortune 500 companies, JAFZA offers unmatched connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and easy access to global markets, making it ideal for businesses involved in trading, logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce.

Location

Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port (biggest port in the Middle East).
Close proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai South).
Direct connection to regional highways, sea freight, and air freight.

Key Advantages of Setting Up in JAFZA

100% foreign ownership (no local sponsor required).
0% corporate and personal income tax for 50 years (renewable).
No customs duties for goods imported into JAFZA.
Full repatriation of capital and profits.
Onsite customs services for fast clearance.
No currency restrictions.
Easy visa services: Employment visas, investor visas processed quickly.
Option to operate a warehouse, factory, or industrial plant within the zone.
Strategic location for import/export businesses targeting Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Types of Companies You Can Set Up in JAFZA

Company Type	Description
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)	Single shareholder (individual or corporate)
Free Zone Company (FZCO)	2–50 shareholders
Branch of a Foreign Company	Extension of existing foreign company
Branch of a UAE Company	Branch of an existing UAE-based company

License Types Available

Trading License: Import, export, distribute, store products.
General Trading License: Broad trading activities across multiple categories.
Industrial License: Manufacturing, processing, and packaging of goods.
Service License: Offering services like consultancy, logistics, IT, marketing.
Logistics License: For freight forwarding, supply chain management, warehousing.
E-Commerce License: Buying and selling goods online.

Key Setup Requirements

Choose and reserve the company name.
Lease an office space, warehouse, or industrial land plot in JAFZA.
Deposit minimum share capital (AED 1 for FZE/FZCO — practically negligible but necessary for documentation).
Appoint a manager and directors.
Pay license and registration fees.
Obtain establishment card for visa processing.

Documents Required for Company Setup

For Individuals

Passport copy of shareholder(s) and manager.
Resume/CV of shareholder(s) and manager.
Proof of residence address (utility bill or bank statement).
Business plan (especially for industrial licenses).
NOC from current UAE sponsor (if applicable for residents).

For Corporate Shareholders

Certificate of Incorporation.
Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Board Resolution to establish a company in JAFZA.
Power of Attorney for company representative.
Passport copy of the authorized signatory.
Company profile.

(All documents must be notarized and legalized.)

Types of Facilities Available in Ajman Free Zone

Facility Type	Description
Smart Offices	Co-working and flexible desk options
Executive Offices	Fully serviced private offices
Warehouses	Logistics and storage units
Industrial Land	Plots for manufacturing & large setups
Labor Accommodation	Onsite affordable housing for staff

Types of Facilities Offered

Office Spaces: Ready-to-move or custom-built.
Warehouses: Pre-built and build-to-suit options.
Light Industrial Units: For manufacturing or assembling.
Plots of Land: For custom-built factories or logistics centers.
Retail Outlets: Inside JAFZA for businesses targeting the local market.
Showrooms: Display areas combined with storage.

Types of Facilities Offered

Key Industries in JAFZA

Logistics and Freight Forwarding
Electronics and Electrical
Machinery and Equipment
Automotive and Spare Parts
Food and Agriculture
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
Oil, Gas, and Petrochemicals
Retail and Consumer Goods
E-commerce and Digital Trading

Setting Up Process: Step-by-Step

Choose Company Type and Activity.
Reserve Company Name with JAFZA.
Submit Initial Application with documents.
Obtain Approvals (activity-specific).
Sign Lease Agreement (mandatory for office/warehouse/land).
Company Registration and License Issuance.
Apply for Establishment Card (enables visa application).
Open a Corporate Bank Account.
Apply for Visas for employees and investors.

Compliance and Obligations

Annual license renewal.
Annual financial audit submission (for certain company types).
Renewal of office/warehouse lease contracts.
Adherence to health, safety, and customs regulations.

Typical Setup Costs (Estimates)

Item	Cost (AED)
Trade License	5,500 – 10,000+ / year
One-time Registration Fee	~10,000
Office Rental (Flexi-desk)	From 15,000 / year
Warehouse Rental	Varies based on size
Visa Cost (per person)	4,000 – 7,000
Share Capital	AED 1 (nominal)