AhmedWalid HalabiVSD Global
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Company Formation in Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
JAFZA connects your business to the world's 7th largest port, two international airports, and a market of over two billion customers — from a single customs-bonded zone in Dubai.
The World's Most Strategic Free Zone Address
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) is the UAE's oldest and most established free zone, built adjacent to the world's largest man-made port. It is home to more than 7,100 companies from 120 countries, operating across a single customs-bonded area that connects Jebel Ali Port to Al Maktoum International Airport — delivering the fastest sea-air-land transshipment and on-site customs clearance available anywhere in the region.
Within minutes of Dubai International Airport — among the world's top-ten busiest cargo hubs, handling 2.7 million metric tons of freight per year — and a short drive from the rapidly expanding Al Maktoum Airport, JAFZA gives your business direct access to a combined market of more than two billion customers across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and beyond.
7,100+Companies from 120 Countries
7thLargest Port in the World
2bn+Customer Market Reach
100%Foreign Ownership
Why JAFZA
Built for Businesses That Move Globally
From the world's most advanced port infrastructure to a single customs-bonded corridor spanning sea, air, and road — JAFZA is purpose-built for international trade.
- World's 7th largest seaport directly adjacent to the free zone
- Single customs-bonded area spanning Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport
- Fastest sea-air-land transshipment in the region with on-site customs clearance
- 100% foreign ownership with full profit and capital repatriation
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income
- 0% import or export duties on goods within the zone
- Direct access to a market of over two billion customers
- 7,100+ companies from 120 countries — a proven global business community
- Minutes from Dubai International Airport, one of the world's top cargo hubs
- Extensive highway network connecting to every emirate in the UAE
- On-site JAFZA authority offices for fast licensing and approvals
- Multiple facility types — furnished offices, warehouses, industrial plots, and business parks
Three Paths to Establishing in JAFZA
Your legal structure in JAFZA depends on your ownership model — whether you are an individual, a group of investors, or an established company opening a branch.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Designed for a single shareholder — either an individual or a corporate entity. An FZE is a separate legal entity with 100% foreign ownership and a minimum share capital of AED 1,000,000. The most straightforward path for solo founders and holding structures.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
For 2 to 50 shareholders — individual investors, corporate entities, or a combination of both. An FZCO requires a minimum share capital of AED 500,000 and is the standard choice for joint ventures and multi-investor setups.
Branch of a Foreign Company
If your parent company is already registered outside JAFZA, you may open a branch in the free zone. The branch must be 100% owned by the parent, carry the same trading name, and operate within the same approved business activities.
License Types Available in JAFZA
JAFZA issues eight distinct license categories covering the full spectrum of trade, industry, services, and digital commerce.
01
General Trading License
Permits trading in a broad range of goods across multiple product categories with no restriction on the number of product types.
02
Trading License
Covers specific trading activities. Type 1 allows up to 7 products from one product group; Type 2 covers up to 12 products from two groups.
03
Industrial License
Issued for manufacturing and production activities within the free zone, with facility options ranging from pre-built warehouses to dedicated land plots.
04
Service License
Covers business service activities. Restricted to branches of UAE-based companies — suited for professional services, consultancy, and logistics support.
05
E-Commerce License
Permits buying and selling of goods and services over electronic networks using any electronic means, from websites to digital platforms.
06
National Industrial License
Issued to carry out manufacturing activities where at least 51% of ownership is held by nationals of a GCC member country.
07
Innovation License
For businesses focused on the development of new products, technologies, and services — JAFZA's dedicated pathway for R&D-driven companies.
08
Offshore Registration
Register a UAE offshore company through JAFZA with full confidentiality and access to international banking structures.
Documents Required to Register in JAFZA
All applications are submitted directly to JAFZA. Aurion prepares, reviews, and submits your complete document package — including the initial application, legal formation filings, and all authority correspondence.
- Application for Facility
- Passport copy of each shareholder and manager
- Bank reference letter for each individual applicant
- Project summary describing proposed business activities
- Parent company profile (Branch formations only)
- Application for Registration as a Free Zone Company — FZCO (FZCO formations only)
- Application for Registration as a Free Zone Establishment — FZE (FZE formations only)
- Non-refundable application fee of AED 500
Formation Process
From Application to Trade License — How It Works
Aurion manages every stage of your JAFZA company formation from document preparation through to collecting your Trade License, Share Certificates, and office keys. The typical timeline from initial submission to license issuance is 3 to 5 weeks.
1
Submit Application and Pay Initial Fee
Submit your passport copies, completed application form, activity codes, Founder Information Form, and the AED 500 non-refundable application fee to JAFZA.
2
Obtain Initial Approval
JAFZA reviews your application and issues Initial Approval within approximately 7 working days, confirming your proposed business activities are permitted.
3
Submit Legal Documents and Make Payments
File all required legal documents — Board Resolution, Memorandum of Association, Specimen Signature forms — and make the relevant registration and license fee payments.
4
Receive Letter to Open Company Bank Account
JAFZA issues a formal letter authorising your newly registered entity to open a corporate bank account with an approved UAE bank.
5
Submit Capital Certificate and Sign Lease Agreement
Provide JAFZA with a bank-certified capital certificate confirming your share capital deposit, and sign your selected office or facility lease agreement.
6
Collect Trade License and Corporate Documents
Receive your Trade License, Certificate of Incorporation, Share Certificates, and office keys. Your company is now fully operational within JAFZA.
Aurion handles every document, every filing, and every fee — you focus on your business.
Facility Options
Choose the Right JAFZA Space for Your Business
JAFZA offers four distinct facility types to accommodate businesses at every stage — from startups needing a furnished, ready-to-use office to multinationals requiring purpose-built warehouses or dedicated land plots. All facilities are available on annual lease arrangements.
Business Park
Fully furnished and equipped ready-to-use offices with no setup cost. Annual rent ranges from AED 23,000 to AED 30,000 per unit, with a one-time nameplate fee of AED 500. Ideal for businesses that need to start immediately with zero fit-out investment.
Office Spaces
Unfurnished office units across JAFZA's high and low-rise clusters, allowing complete fit-out customisation. Standard units start at 26.88 sqm. Premium locations in JAFZA 14–19 and JAFZA One available on request at AED 2,000–2,600 per sqm annually.
Pre-Built Warehouses
Thermally insulated, purpose-built warehouse units with integrated office space. Available in sizes from 313 sqm to 669 sqm at annual rates of AED 450–600 per sqm (10 KVA) or AED 500–700 per sqm (74 KVA). Factory-specification Light Industrial Units also available.
Plots of Land
Infrastructure-ready land plots from 5,000 sqm upward for companies wishing to construct their own bespoke facility. Available on short-term and long-term lease arrangements tailored to your specific project requirements.
Tax Clarity
Tax Obligations for JAFZA Companies
JAFZA companies operate within one of the UAE's most tax-efficient frameworks. Here is what you need to know.
Is corporate tax applicable to JAFZA companies?
JAFZA entities that qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons under UAE Corporate Tax Law are subject to 0% tax on qualifying income. We strongly recommend engaging a qualified tax advisor to confirm your structure's qualification status before incorporating.
Is VAT charged within JAFZA?
Supplies made within JAFZA between free zone businesses are treated as outside the scope of UAE VAT, provided goods do not enter the UAE mainland. Standard 5% VAT applies to any supplies made into the UAE mainland market.
Are import and export duties charged?
Goods imported into JAFZA from abroad and goods exported from JAFZA are exempt from UAE customs duties. The customs-bonded area spanning Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport enables fully duty-free transshipment throughout the zone.
Is there withholding tax in the UAE?
The UAE does not impose withholding tax on dividends, royalties, or interest payments made by or to JAFZA companies. Profit repatriation is unrestricted with no capital controls or foreign exchange limitations.
After Formation
Renewing and Closing Your JAFZA Company
Annual License Renewal
JAFZA licenses must be renewed before expiry each year. Renewal requires a clearance from the JAFZA Finance Department confirming no outstanding dues. Aurion manages the full renewal process — document gathering, fee payment, and submission — keeping your company in continuous good standing.
Company De-registration
To close your JAFZA company, submit the required documentation: an Owner's Declaration or Board Resolution (notarised and attested for Branch companies), the original Certificate of Formation, the original Share Certificate, and a Liquidation Report. Clearances from JAFZA Finance, DEWA, Etisalat, Customs, and the Roads and Transport Authority are required where applicable. All active visas must be cancelled before de-registration is complete.
- De-registration fee (FZCO & FZE)AED 5,000
- Advertisement for license cancellationAED 1,500
Estimated base costAED 6,500
Common Questions
Your JAFZA questions,answeredclearly.
Everything you need to know about forming and operating a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone.
How long does it take to set up a company in JAFZA?
The full JAFZA formation process — from initial application to receiving your Trade License, Share Certificates, and office keys — typically takes 3 to 5 weeks. Initial Approval is issued within approximately 7 working days of submitting your application. Aurion manages every stage to avoid delays.
What is the minimum share capital required in JAFZA?
A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) requires a minimum share capital of AED 1,000,000. A Free Zone Company (FZCO) requires AED 500,000. The capital must be deposited in a UAE bank account and certified before your Trade License is issued.
Can a single person register a company in JAFZA?
Yes. A single individual or a single corporate entity can register as the sole shareholder of a Free Zone Establishment (FZE). For two or more shareholders — up to a maximum of 50 — a Free Zone Company (FZCO) is the correct structure.
What is the approximate cost to set up in JAFZA?
Formation costs in JAFZA depend on the license type, legal structure, and facility chosen. As a reference point, a Trade License with a standard 38 sqm office typically costs approximately AED 86,000 in the first year, covering license fees, registration charges, and office rental. Aurion charges a separate professional fee for its full formation service depending on the complexity of the incorporation.
Can I open a branch of my existing company in JAFZA?
Yes. If your parent company is already registered outside Jebel Ali Free Zone, you can open a Branch within JAFZA. The Branch must be 100% owned by the parent company, carry the same trading name, and conduct only the same approved business activities as the parent. A Board Resolution and notarised company documents from the parent are required.
Can I trade with the UAE mainland from JAFZA?
JAFZA companies can supply goods to the UAE mainland through a licensed local distributor or agent. Standard UAE customs duties apply when goods cross from the free zone into the mainland market. There are no restrictions on conducting service transactions with mainland entities.
What Our Clients Say
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Ready to Set Up in JAFZA?
Aurion handles the entire process — from document preparation to collecting your Trade License.
We have been setting up companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone for over 18 years. Our team manages every stage — initial application, legal filings, capital deposits, lease agreements, and license collection — so your business is operational as fast as JAFZA allows.