What is JAFZA?
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is the oldest and largest free zone in the UAE. It was established in 1985 and is operated by DP World, the global ports group. Today JAFZA is home to more than 10,000 companies from over 100 countries — including 100+ Fortune 500 firms such as Unilever, Samsung, Honda, and General Electric.
What makes JAFZA different from every other free zone in Dubai is its location. It sits directly beside Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made harbour in the world and the busiest container port in the Middle East. It is also just 24 km from Al Maktoum International Airport and 40 km from Dubai International Airport. This sea-air-road connection is why JAFZA attracts over 20% of the UAE's foreign direct investment.
In simple words: if your business involves trading, importing, exporting, logistics, or manufacturing, JAFZA is built for you.
Benefits of Business Setup in JAFZA
✓100% Foreign Ownership
No local sponsor or UAE partner needed. You own and control your company fully.
✓0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
As a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP), qualifying income is taxed at 0%. Non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard 9%.
✓Full Profit Repatriation
Move capital and profits in and out freely — no currency restrictions of any kind.
✓Direct Port & Customs Access
Clear goods faster through the Dubai Trade Portal — one online window connecting JAFZA, DP World, and Dubai Customs.
✓No Minimum Share Capital
Since 2016, JAFZA requires no minimum paid-up capital. Your capital only needs to suit your business plan.
✓Global Credibility
The world's first ISO-certified free zone (1996). Banks and partners worldwide recognise a JAFZA license.
Not sure if JAFZA fits your business?
Some activities are cheaper elsewhere — we'll compare JAFZA against IFZA, DMCC, and mainland Dubai for your exact activity, honestly.
Types of Companies You Can Form in JAFZA
| Company Type | Shareholders | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FZE (Free Zone Establishment) | 1 | Solo founders and single-owner companies |
| FZCO (Free Zone Company) | 2–50 | Partners, families, and investor groups |
| Branch of a foreign company | Parent company | International firms opening a Dubai base |
| Branch of a UAE company | Parent company | Mainland companies expanding into the free zone |
| PLC (Public Listed Company) | 2+ | Companies planning to offer shares publicly |
JAFZA also allows offshore company formation under the JAFZA Offshore Companies Regulations. A JAFZA offshore company cannot trade inside the UAE, but it is one of the only offshore structures that can legally own freehold property in Dubai — which makes it popular for holding companies and asset protection.
JAFZA License Types
- Trading License — import, export, distribute, and store the specific products named on your license.
- General Trading License — trade a wide range of products under one license. Costs more, but gives maximum flexibility.
- Service License — for consultancies, IT firms, logistics services, and other professional activities.
- Industrial License — import raw materials, manufacture products, and export finished goods. Requires a warehouse or plot.
- National Industrial License — for manufacturers meeting GCC ownership rules, giving duty-free access to GCC markets.
- E-commerce License — for businesses selling online.
- Logistics License — for freight, storage, and supply-chain operators.
JAFZA Company Formation Cost in 2026
This is the question everyone asks first, so here are honest numbers. Your exact cost depends on your activity, facility, and visas — but this table shows what to realistically budget:
| Cost Item | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trading / Service license | 15,000 – 25,000 per year |
| General trading license | 25,000 – 35,000 per year |
| Industrial license | from 15,000 per year |
| Flexi desk (address + 2–3 visa quota) | ~15,000 per year |
| Private office | from 25,000 per year |
| Warehouse | from 48,000 per year |
| Establishment card | ~1,975 (first year) |
| Residence visa (per person, all-in) | 3,500 – 5,000 |
| One-time application fee | 500 |
Realistic first-year total: a single-owner trading company with a flexi desk and one visa usually lands between AED 40,000 and AED 60,000. A larger setup with a warehouse can reach AED 150,000+.
Don't guess your budget.
Message us your business activity — we'll send an exact, itemised quote the same day. No hidden fees, no surprises at renewal.
How to Set Up a Company in JAFZA: Step-by-Step
Here is the complete process. With KWS ME handling it, most clients never visit a government office. Total time: 7–14 working days for most setups.
Choose your business activity
Your activity affects your license cost, visa quota, and even bank account approval — choosing correctly matters.
Select your company structure
FZE for one shareholder, FZCO for two or more, or a branch of your existing company.
Reserve your trade name
Pick three name options in case your first choice is taken. Names with religious or political meaning are not allowed.
Submit your application and documents
JAFZA's process is fully digital. Initial approval usually comes within 3–5 working days.
Choose your facility
Every JAFZA company needs an address inside the zone — a flexi desk, office, or warehouse depending on your activity.
Sign the MOA and pay the fees
The Memorandum of Association is drafted and signed, and license fees are paid.
Receive your trade license
You are now a registered JAFZA company. Next: bank account and visas — we handle both.
Documents Required for JAFZA Company Formation
For individual shareholders, keep these ready:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photos
- Visa copy or UAE entry stamp (if you are in the UAE)
- Proposed trade names (three options)
- Brief business plan or project summary
- No Objection Certificate (only if you hold a UAE residence visa under another sponsor)
If your shareholder is a company (not a person), you will also need the parent company's certificate of incorporation, board resolution, and MOA — notarised and attested by the UAE embassy in your country. This attestation step is where most delays happen, so start it early. Our PRO team handles attestation, translation, and every government submission for you.
Visas, Bank Account & Corporate Tax
🛂Residence Visas
A flexi desk allows 2–3 residence visas; offices and warehouses allow more based on size. Each visa covers the entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and stamping, and takes about 2–3 weeks. As a shareholder you get an investor visa and can sponsor your spouse and children.
🏦Bank Account Opening
A JAFZA license is respected by UAE banks — Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK, and Wio Business are popular options. Approval takes 2–4 weeks. We prepare your KYC file properly the first time and match you with the bank most likely to approve your business type.
📊Corporate Tax & QFZP
Free zone companies enjoy 0% corporate tax on qualifying income — but only with adequate substance, audited financials, and de minimis compliance. We structure your company for QFZP status from day one and register you with the Federal Tax Authority.
JAFZA vs Other Dubai Free Zones: Which is Right for You?
JAFZA is not the cheapest option — it is the strongest one for specific businesses:
| Choose… | If your business is… |
|---|---|
| JAFZA | Trading physical goods, import/export, logistics, or manufacturing. Port access, customs integration, and warehouse infrastructure are unmatched. |
| IFZA / SHAMS | A low-cost service or consultancy business with no goods — licenses there start around AED 12,900. |
| DMCC | Commodities, crypto, or businesses wanting a prestigious business-district address. |
| Mainland Dubai | Selling mostly to customers inside the UAE — free zone companies face restrictions selling directly to the mainland market. |
We are not tied to any single free zone. KWS ME registers companies in JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, RAKEZ, mainland Dubai, and offshore jurisdictions — so our advice is based on what fits your business, not what earns us a commission.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose KWS ME for JAFZA Setup
- Since 2010 — over a decade of UAE company formation experience, ranked among the top business setup consultants in Dubai.
- Rated 4.9 by 197+ entrepreneurs on Google — clients name our consultants personally in their reviews because of the support they received.
- End-to-end service — license, facility, visas, Emirates ID, bank account, corporate tax registration, and ongoing PRO services under one roof.
- Direct government access — our PRO team works with JAFZA, Dubai Customs, immigration, and the banks daily. That is why our setups finish in days, not months.
- Transparent pricing — you get an itemised quote before you pay anything. No hidden charges at renewal time.
Frequently Asked Questions About JAFZA Company Formation
How much does it cost to set up a company in JAFZA?
JAFZA license fees start from around AED 15,000 per year for a trading or service license, and AED 25,000–35,000 for a general trading license. A realistic first-year budget including a flexi desk, establishment card, and one visa is AED 40,000–60,000.
How long does JAFZA company formation take?
Most companies are registered within 7–14 working days after submitting complete documents. Simple single-shareholder setups can be completed faster.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a JAFZA company?
Yes. JAFZA allows full foreign ownership with no local sponsor, no UAE partner, and no UAE-national director requirement.
What is the difference between FZE and FZCO in JAFZA?
An FZE (Free Zone Establishment) has one shareholder. An FZCO (Free Zone Company) has two to fifty shareholders. Both are limited liability companies with the same license options.
Does a JAFZA company pay corporate tax?
A JAFZA company can pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions, including audited financials and adequate substance. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%.
Can a JAFZA company do business in mainland Dubai?
A JAFZA company cannot sell directly in the UAE mainland. To serve mainland customers, you can appoint a local distributor or set up a mainland branch. Our consultants can structure this for you.
Is a physical office mandatory in JAFZA?
Yes, every JAFZA company needs a facility inside the zone — but a flexi desk (shared workstation) satisfies this requirement affordably and still gives you a visa quota of 2–3 visas.
Do I need to be in the UAE to form a JAFZA company?
No. The process is fully digital, and with a power of attorney, KWS ME can complete your entire company formation while you are abroad. You only need to visit for your residence visa medical and Emirates ID.
How many visas can I get with a JAFZA license?
It depends on your facility. A flexi desk allows 2–3 visas; offices and warehouses allow more based on their size.
Can I open a bank account with a JAFZA license?
Yes. JAFZA is one of the most bank-friendly free zones in the UAE. Account opening typically takes 2–4 weeks, and KWS ME assists with bank selection and documentation.
Start Your JAFZA Company This Month
Tell us your business activity and we will send you a same-day quote with the exact license cost, visa options, and timeline.
info@kwsme.com · Latifa Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai · Book a Free Consultation