JAFZA Company Setup (Jebel Ali Free Zone)

JAFZA company setup for trading, logistics, industrial and service businesses that need to be next to Jebel Ali Port. We help you choose the entity, licence and facility, then handle the application, licence and visas.

Description

JAFZA company setup means forming a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone, DP World's flagship free zone beside Jebel Ali Port and the largest customs-bonded zone in the Middle East. DP World says Jafza hosts more than 11,000 companies. It suits businesses that move goods: importers, re-exporters, distributors, manufacturers and logistics firms, as well as service companies that want to sit close to that supply chain. You can own 100% of the company.

**Choosing the entity.** Jafza offers a Free Zone Establishment (one shareholder, individual or company), a Free Zone Company (two to fifty shareholders), a branch of an existing company (same name, same activities, fully owned by the parent), a public listed company and an offshore company. If you need a holding structure with no operations in the UAE, see JAFZA offshore company formation instead. Jafza has set no minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO; capital must be enough for your licensed activities.

**Choosing the licence.** Jafza issues Trading, Service, Industrial and Logistics licences. A Trading or Service licence Type 1 allows up to 7 activities in one group, Type 2 up to 12 activities across at least two groups, and Trading Type 3 is the general trading licence with unlimited activities across three or more groups. Industrial licences need the production facility and warehouse inside the free zone, and some categories, such as food and agriculture, need approval from another authority.

**Choosing the facility.** A lease is required at setup. Options include workstations and co-working, offices, showrooms, retail outlets, warehouses and plots of land. Your facility drives your visa capacity and your running costs, so it is the biggest decision after the activity. Owners usually apply for a Dubai investor visa, and staff are sponsored through Dubai employment visa processing. Jafza companies must pay staff through the UAE Wage Protection System.

**What affects the cost.** Your total depends on the entity, the licence type and number of activity groups, the facility type and size, the number of visas, and any external approvals. Each visa holder also needs a medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance. Ask us on WhatsApp or live chat for a written quote.

**Timeline.** Jafza says formation takes 3 to 14 business days after all documents are submitted, depending on entity, licence and business category. Visas and customs registration come after.

**After setup.** If you import or export, register with Dubai Customs for a client code. Open a corporate bank account in Dubai, register for corporate tax and VAT where required, and renew the licence every year: Jafza licences are valid for one year and renewal needs an active lease. Our Dubai trade licence renewal service can handle this.

What's Included

Advice on entity (FZE, FZCO or branch), licence type and activity groups
Help matching your activity to the right facility
Preparation and submission of the Jafza application, UBO KYC and EHS form
Coordination of any external approvals your activity needs
Lease agreement for the chosen facility
Follow-up until the licence and company documents are issued
Establishment card and visa applications for owners and staff
Dubai Customs client code registration, if you import or export
Guidance on bank account, corporate tax, VAT and renewals

Requirements / Prerequisites

One shareholder for an FZE, or two to fifty for an FZCO (individuals, companies or both)
For a branch: an existing parent company that will own it fully and share its name and activities
A clear business activity, matched to a Trading, Service, Industrial or Logistics licence
A lease for a Jafza facility suited to that activity
Ultimate beneficial owner details
Approvals from other authorities where your activity needs them (for example food and agriculture)

Required Documents

Jafza application form
Passport copies of shareholders, directors and managers
UAE visa and Emirates ID copies, if they live in the UAE
Ultimate Beneficial Owner KYC form
Jafza EHS policy and form
Proposed company names and activities
Short business plan describing goods, suppliers and markets
For a corporate shareholder or branch: parent company documents as Jafza requests, legalised where required

Our Process

Consultation: activity, entity, licence type and facility
Name check and activity selection
Submit the application, KYC and EHS documents (online or at the Jafza sales centre)
Jafza review, plus any external approvals
Pay fees and sign the lease for the chosen facility
Memorandum and Articles of Association signed
Jafza issues the licence and incorporation documents
Establishment card, then visa, medical test and Emirates ID for each visa holder
Dubai Customs client code, if you trade goods
Corporate bank account application

Pricing

Contact via WhatsApp

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does JAFZA company setup take?

Jafza says formation takes 3 to 14 business days after all documents are submitted, depending on entity, licence and business category. External approvals, visas and customs registration add time.

What licence types does JAFZA issue?

Trading, Service, Industrial and Logistics. Trading and Service come as Type 1 (up to 7 activities in one group) or Type 2 (up to 12 activities across at least two groups). Trading Type 3 is the general trading licence.

Is there a minimum share capital in JAFZA?

Jafza has set no fixed minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO since 2017. Capital must be sufficient for the activities you are licensed for.

Do I need a warehouse to set up in JAFZA?

No. You need a lease, but it can be a workstation or office if you do not hold stock. Industrial licences need the production facility and warehouse inside the free zone.

What does JAFZA company setup cost?

It depends on the entity, licence type, number of activity groups, facility, number of visas and any approvals, plus each visa holder's medical, Emirates ID and insurance. Message us for a written quote.

Can I move my mainland company into JAFZA?

No. Jafza does not accept transfers from the mainland. You can close the mainland company and form a new one in Jafza, or keep it and open a Jafza branch.

What is the difference between JAFZA and JAFZA Offshore?

A Jafza free zone company operates in the UAE with a facility, staff and visas. A Jafza offshore company is for holding and international activity, with no UAE operations.

Can a JAFZA company sell to the Dubai mainland?

Goods can enter the mainland through a mainland distributor or importer, with customs duty paid. For services or direct mainland operations, eligible free zone companies can apply for Dubai's Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit, or open a mainland branch. Ask us which fits.