Jebel Ali (JAFZA) Free Zone Company Registration in UAE

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) was established in 1985 and since then has become one of the largest free zones in the world and an integral part of DP World UAE’s integrated business hub. As of 2023 JAFZA hosts over 9,500 companies.

The Free Zone is located halfway between the major routes connecting Europe, Africa and Asia and thereby it provides all its clients with access to a customer base of 2 million people. From this location, all the major business destinations are mere hours away. Thanks to its strategic position and excellent infrastructure this free zone is considered to be an ideal place to do business.

• 100 % foreign ownership;
• No minimum share capital requirements, share capital does not have to be paid up;
• The company can be registered remotely;
• No currency restrictions;
• Vast choice of facilities from work stations to warehouses for any required purpose;
• World-class infrastructure, including a deep-water port, an airport, and a road network;
• Own customs office;
• Tax exemptions – 0% personal income tax, 0% import/export duty;
• Up to 3 groups of activities can be added on 1 license free of charge;
• Dual license allows to operate in the mainland (subject to specific activities);
• Strategic partnerships with the biggest UAE banks;
• Discounts on multi-year licenses.

JAFZA offers various forms of corporations:

1. Free Zone Entities (FZE) – a limited liability corporation with a single shareholder.
2. Free Zone Company (FZCO) – a limited liability corporation with at least 2 and up to 50 shareholders.
3. Public Listed Company (PLC) – a PLC is a limited liability company with more than two shareholders. A PLC has a legal personality distinct from that of its shareholders and has the capacity, rights and privileges of a person.
4. Branch of a Company – a branch is considered a legal entity of its parent company; it is 100% owned by the parent company, operates under the same name and conducts the same business. A company established outside of the Jebel Ali Free Zone may establish a branch within JAFZA

1. Trading License – allows the holder to import, export and distribute items specified on the license.
2. General Trading License – allows the holder access to a wider range of activities and a broader range of items on the license.
3. Service License – allows the holder to carry out the services specified on the license.
4. Industrial License – allows the holder to import raw materials, manufacture specified products and export the finished product to other countries.
5. National Industrial License – is issued for manufacturing companies with at least 51% GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) ownership.
6. Logistics License – allows specified logistics services (e.g. storage, transportation, distribution, sorting, forwarding and clearing activities, order management, inventory management etc.)
7. E-Commerce License – is issued to carry out buying and selling of goods and services over electronic networks via any electronic means.

Required documents and incorporation steps:

1. The client to provide:
   – Company name (3 options);
   – Corporate structure (directors, shareholders);
   – Activities – some activities require the approval of the relevant regulatory authority – for example, health related activities will require the approval of the DHA (Dubai Health Authority), education activities have to be approved by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority.
2. Required documents (individual shareholder):
   – Passport Copy (valid for min 6 months);
   – Copy of the passport page with the entry stamp;
   – UAE Residence Visa and Emirates ID copies (if applicable);
   – Scan of a 3.5 x 4.5 white background passport type photo;
   – Personal details: telephone number, email address, residential; address, country of residence, parent’s names, marital status, religion.For the corporate shareholder a set of the company’s registration documents to be provided (notarized and attested).
3. The client will be required to verify his/her identity over a video call and sign the new company’s MOA.
4. New JAFZA company registration documents:
   – Business License (renewed annually);
   – Certificate of Incorporation;
   – Memorandum of Association;
   – Office Rental Agreement (valid for 1 year).
5. Establishment Card issuance (1-2 working days).
6. Visa applications (5-7 working days).

The cost of registering a company will depend on the kind of license, structure, costs for premises, additional documentation, registered capital, fees, etc.

If you have any additional questions, e.g.:

• How do I start a JAFZA company?
• Can I register a company in Jebel Ali myself?
• How does JAFZA work?

our Smart Advisors team will be happy to help you.