JAFZA Company Setup
Set up your company in JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) — UAE's largest free zone with Jebel Ali Port access. Ideal for logistics, trading, manufacturing, and industrial businesses with global supply chains.
Description
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) is the UAE's largest and most established free zone, home to over 9,500 companies including 100+ Fortune 500 companies. Located adjacent to Jebel Ali Port (the world's largest man-made port and busiest port in the Middle East) and Al Maktoum International Airport, JAFZA is the strategic choice for logistics, international trading, manufacturing, distribution, and any business with global supply chains.
JAFZA offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal and corporate tax on qualifying free zone income (subject to UAE Corporate Tax rules), unlimited visa quotas based on facility size, and seamless customs procedures with direct port and airport access. Available license types include Trading, Service, Industrial, E-commerce, and General Trading. JAFZA also offers offshore company structures (JAFZA Offshore) for holding companies and international business operations.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete JAFZA setup — license type selection, facility leasing (flexi-desk, smart office, warehouse, factory, or showroom), trade name reservation, KYC submission, MOA drafting, license issuance, Customs Code registration, visa processing, and corporate bank account introduction. Standard JAFZA setup completes in 10 to 15 working days depending on facility selection and activity complexity.
What's Included
- JAFZA Trade License (Trading / Service / Industrial / E-commerce / General Trading)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Direct Jebel Ali Port Access
- Adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport
- Unlimited Visa Quota (Based on Facility Size)
- Flexi-Desk / Smart Office / Warehouse / Factory Options
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- Customs Code Registration
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Activity from JAFZA-approved list
- Facility selection based on activity (flexi-desk to factory)
- Minimum capital varies by license type (typically AED 50,000-1,000,000)
- Industrial activities require additional MoIAT and environmental approvals
- Annual license renewal
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- CV or Business Profile
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Business Activities
- Business Plan (for trading and industrial activities)
- UBO Declaration
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For corporate shareholder: attested parent documents and audited financials
Our Process
- Consultation on JAFZA license type and facility selection
- Trade name reservation with JAFZA
- Submit KYC application
- JAFZA review and initial approval
- Facility lease agreement (flexi-desk, office, warehouse, or factory)
- Pay JAFZA license and facility fees
- MOA drafting and notarisation
- Receive JAFZA Trade License and Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Customs Code registration
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 30,000
- Service Fee: AED 5,500
- VAT (5%): AED 1,775
- Total: AED 37,275
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose JAFZA over other Dubai free zones?
JAFZA is the strategic choice for businesses needing port and airport access — logistics, international trading, manufacturing, distribution, and global supply chain operations. With Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport adjacent, customs procedures are streamlined and shipping costs are lower than other Dubai jurisdictions.
How much does JAFZA company setup cost?
JAFZA base trade license starts at approximately AED 30,000 in government fees for a flexi-desk package. Warehouse and factory packages start at AED 75,000+. Service fees, visa processing, and Customs Code registration are additional.
How long does JAFZA company setup take?
Standard JAFZA setup typically completes in 10 to 15 working days from KYC submission. Industrial setups with MoIAT approvals can extend to 4-6 weeks.
What facility options does JAFZA offer?
JAFZA offers flexi-desk (for service businesses), smart office (small teams), dedicated office, retail showroom, warehouse (logistics and trading), and factory (manufacturing) facilities. Each facility tier supports different visa quotas and activities.
Can JAFZA companies sell to UAE mainland?
JAFZA companies cannot sell directly to the UAE mainland market without a local distributor. The license is ideal for international trade, re-export, and B2B operations within free zones. For mainland sales, a separate mainland branch or partnership is required.
What is the difference between JAFZA and JAFZA Offshore?
JAFZA is an onshore free zone where you operate a physical business (trading, manufacturing, services). JAFZA Offshore is for holding companies, asset protection, and international business with no UAE operations — JAFZA Offshore cannot have UAE physical presence or visa sponsorship.
Do I need a warehouse to set up at JAFZA?
No, JAFZA offers flexi-desk and office options for service and trading businesses without inventory. A warehouse is required only if you import and store physical goods. We help select the right facility based on your business model.