Business Setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Grow your international business from JAFZA with full ownership, modern facilities, and easy access to markets. Shuraa makes it simple.
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Grow your international business from JAFZA with full ownership, modern facilities, and easy access to markets. Shuraa makes it simple.
Reviews
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the world’s largest and most established free economic zones, located in Dubai, UAE. Integrated with Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, JAFZA provides strong connectivity for businesses in trading, logistics, manufacturing, and international commerce. Its business-friendly regulations, tax benefits, and advanced infrastructure continue to attract global investors.
Shuraa Business Setup guides entrepreneurs and companies through the entire JAFZA company formation process. Our team manages license selection, legal structure, approvals, documentation, visas, and office space to ensure a smooth and compliant setup.
The Jebel Ali Free Zone is a government-established area that supports international trade and industrial growth. Companies registered in JAFZA benefit from 100% foreign ownership, no personal or corporate income tax (subject to UAE Corporate Tax regulations), and full repatriation of capital and profits.
No local sponsor is required, allowing you to maintain complete control of your company.
Benefit from direct access to Jebel Ali Port and major international trade routes.
Take advantage of zero personal income tax and a competitive corporate tax structure.
JAFZA supports businesses involved in import, export, and re-export activities.
Choose from virtual offices or large industrial facilities to suit your business needs.
JAFZA is a globally trusted free zone, recognised by investors worldwide.
Select the appropriate legal structure to safeguard your assets and maintain compliance. An unsuitable structure may result in added liability or operational limitations.
An FZE is a limited liability company with a single shareholder, suitable for solo entrepreneurs or single-owner businesses. The shareholder may be an individual or a corporate entity, and liability is restricted to the invested capital.
A Free Zone Company (FZCO) accommodates two or more shareholders, making it suitable for partnerships, joint ventures, or group companies. Like an FZE, it offers limited liability and flexibility for shared ownership and growth.
This structure enables an overseas company to establish a direct presence in JAFZA without forming a separate legal entity. The branch operates under the parent company’s name and may conduct the same activities as the head office.
A UAE company, whether mainland or free zone, may open a branch in JAFZA to expand operations. The branch remains legally connected to the parent company and operates within approved business activities.
Contact our experts to select the optimal company structure for your JAFZA venture.
Discover the four main license types tailored to your business model and operational requirements in JAFZA.
Suitable for companies involved in importing, exporting, distributing, or storing goods. It is ideal for businesses trading within the UAE or internationally.
Designed for businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, assembling, or industrial production. It is commonly used by companies operating factories, workshops, or large-scale production units in JAFZA.
For professional, consultancy, and service-oriented businesses such as management consulting, IT services, marketing, and technical support. This license allows companies to provide specialised services in the UAE and abroad.
This license is best suited for freight forwarding, warehousing, shipping, and supply chain management businesses. With direct access to Jebel Ali Port, it supports efficient movement, storage, and distribution of goods.
Avoid delays caused by administrative barriers and inefficient processes. Select the appropriate JAFZA license to start your operations. Identify the license that best fits your business needs.
To register a company in JAFZA, you must submit personal and business documents. Requirements may vary based on your business activity and company structure.
If you are establishing a company as a private individual (FZE or FZCO), you will typically need the following:
If a local or international company is the shareholder, the following notarised and legalised documents are required:
JAFZA requires the following documents for final licensing, regardless of entity type:
Setting up a company in JAFZA requires a systematic approach that complies with JAFZA’s digital-first regulations. At Shuraa Business Setup, we simplify each stage to ensure a smooth process.
Begin by identifying your core business activities (Trading, Industrial, or Service) and selecting the appropriate legal structure.
FZE (Free Zone Establishment): For a single shareholder.
FZCO (Free Zone Company): For 2 to 50 shareholders.
Branch Office: For extending an existing parent company.
Submit three proposed company names. Each name must be unique, comply with UAE naming conventions by avoiding sensitive or religious terms, and include the appropriate legal suffix such as "FZE" or "FZCO."
We submit your initial application to JAFZA authorities, including your business plan and shareholder passport copies. This step ensures your business model aligns with JAFZA's requirements.
JAFZA requires a physical address within the zone. Your choice of facility will depend on your license type and visa requirements.
Flexi-desks or Plug-and-Play Offices.
Warehouses & Light Industrial Units.
Land Plots (For large-scale manufacturing)
After selecting your facility, we submit the final legal documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). Registration and license fees are paid at this stage.
Following approval, JAFZA issues your Certificate of Incorporation and Trade License, authorising you to operate within the free zone.
Once you receive your JAFZA license, Shuraa expedites the processing of your Establishment Card and Residency Visas for shareholders and employees. Our financial experts also assist with opening a UAE corporate bank account to get your business operations started.
The average cost of a standard JAFZA license starts at AED 15,000*. Actual costs vary based on license type, business activity, and the number of activities selected.
In addition to the license fee, you may incur charges for registration, visa processing, PRO services, and office space. Below is an estimated cost breakdown:
AED 1,500 – 3,000
AED 1,800 to AED 2,500 (Mandatory for visa processing).
Approx. AED 10,000 – 50,000+ (varies by size)
AED 4,000 – AED 5,000 (Valid for 2 years).
Approx. AED 1,200 – AED 1,500.
Because costs vary depending on your business plan, license type, office space, and visa needs, we recommend requesting a customised cost estimate.
At Shuraa Business Setup, we provide comprehensive support to make your JAFZA company formation smooth, compliant, and efficient.
We assist with every step of registering your business in Jebel Ali Free Zone, from initial approval to final license issuance.
We provide expert guidance in selecting the appropriate JAFZA license and securing all required approvals promptly.
We prepare, attest, and professionally translate all legal and business documents in accordance with UAE regulations.
We manage the entire visa process, including applications, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
We help you select the most suitable workspace, whether a flexi-desk, office, warehouse, or industrial unit.
Our dedicated PRO team manages government submissions, renewals, and official procedures on your behalf.
We ensure timely renewal of JAFZA business licenses to help you avoid penalties and disruptions.
We provide ongoing support for renewals, amendments, and regulatory compliance after your business is established.
With more than 26 years of experience, Shuraa has in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory, and operational requirements for establishing businesses in Dubai and the UAE.
We have supported startups, SMEs, and multinational companies in establishing and expanding their operations in the UAE.
Our team comprises experienced business setup consultants, legal advisors, and PRO executives specialising in JAFZA company formation and approvals.
We manage all aspects of company registration, licensing, visas, office space, taxation, and renewals through a single expert team.
We provide transparent advice and clear pricing, enabling you to make informed decisions without hidden fees.
Our expertise in JAFZA procedures helps reduce delays and, whenever possible, supports faster approvals.
Shuraa Business Setup is the highest-rated business setup consultancy in the UAE, providing expert guidance and comprehensive service to help entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses seamlessly.
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Yes. Investors and entrepreneurs of any nationality may own 100% of a company in JAFZA without requiring a local UAE partner or sponsor.
JAFZA license costs typically start at AED 15,000* and vary depending on license type, business activity, office space, and visa requirements.
Setting up a company in JAFZA typically takes 7 to 15 working days, depending on business activity, required approvals, and document readiness.
Jebel Ali Free Zone licenses are available for trading, logistics, industrial, and service-based activities, subject to JAFZA regulations.
Yes, Shuraa can manage most aspects of the JAFZA business setup remotely. You will only need to visit the UAE for final visa processing, including biometrics and medical checks, and to open the corporate bank account.
JAFZA provides a competitive tax environment, including 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income and 0% Personal Income Tax. Businesses also benefit from 0% import and re-export duties within the free zone, which can significantly reduce costs for trading and manufacturing entities.
One conversation is all it takes. Connect with our experts for personalised advice on business setup and company formation in Dubai or across the UAE.
