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Company Formation in JAFZA Free Zone Dubai – Business Setup, Registration & Licensing

Establish Your Business in JAFZA – The Leading Free Zone for Global Trade

Establishing a company in JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) gives your business world-class logistics, global market access and the credibility of one of the UAE’s oldest and largest free zones. Founded in 1985 and operated by DP World, JAFZA sits beside Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, making it a natural gateway for trading, manufacturing, logistics and export-oriented businesses.

Below is a comprehensive, SEO-optimised guide for JAFZA company formation, company registration, business setup and incorporation covering company types, license options, documentation, costs, timelines, regulatory compliance (UBO, ESR), offshore rules, common challenges and FAQs.

Why Choose JAFZA Free Zone for Your Business Setup?

  • Strategic logistics hub: Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port with direct shipping lines and airport connectivity. Ideal for import / export and supply-chain businesses.

  • 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits.

  • Tax advantages: zero corporate / personal income tax for qualifying activities and long-term tax incentives offered historically in the free zone.

  • World-class infrastructure: ready warehouses, custom plots, offices, industrial facilities and integrated customs services.

  • Reputation & trust: home to thousands of international companies; strong investor confidence and access to global trade networks.

Types of companies you can form in JAFZA

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE) — single-shareholder company (individual or corporate).

  • Free Zone Company (FZCO) — 2–50 shareholders (individuals and/or corporate).

  • Branch of an existing company — branch operations of a UAE or foreign parent company (operates under parent name).

  • JAFZA Offshore / Special Status Non-Resident Offshore Company — non-resident entity (subject to JAFZA offshore regulations; cannot operate in UAE domestic market; different visa and bank rules).

Licenses & permitted activities

JAFZA issues a range of license types. Your business activity determines the license required:

  • Trading / General Trading License — import/export, distribution and storage (general trading covers multiple product categories).
  • Industrial / Manufacturing License — light manufacturing, assembly, processing and export. (Industrial activities may need additional approvals.)
  • Service / Professional License — consultancy, technical or professional services performed within the free zone.
  • National Industrial License — for companies with GCC national ownership meeting value-added criteria.
  • Offshore / Non-resident Company registration — for international holding / investment structures (limited local operations).


Note: Banking, insurance and certain regulated activities are restricted and require pre-approval or cannot be licensed in JAFZA.

Step-by-Step Process of Company Formation in JAFZA

Choose business activity & legal form — pick the activity that reflects your operations and the company type (FZE / FZCO / branch / offshore).

Expression of interest / initial enquiry — submit via JAFZA portal, phone or sales centre.

Name reservation & initial approval — reserve a trade name compliant with JAFZA rules and obtain initial screening clearance.

Facility selection (lease) — choose a JAFZA facility (direct lease) or arrange a sublease (requires JAFZA NOC). Pay the booking fee to reserve the unit. A leased facility is mandatory for incorporation.

Submit incorporation documents — passports, KYC/UBO forms, MOA (if applicable), business plan, lease agreement, NOCs, power of attorney and other supporting paperwork.

Due diligence & security screening — JAFZA performs qualification and security checks.

Pay registration & license fees — complete payment of one-time registration and first-year license/lease fees

Receive incorporation documents & keys — obtain certificate of incorporation, trade license and facility access. JAFZA provides access to the Dubai Trade portal for ongoing services.

Post-incorporation tasks — open a corporate bank account, process visas, customs registration (if trading) and commence operations.

Documents required for JAFZA company registration

General documents (individual or corporate shareholders):

  • Completed JAFZA application forms and KYC / UBO forms.
  • Passport copies (shareholders, directors, managers).
  • Specimen signatures, CVs of key personnel, and proof of address (utility bill).
  • Board resolution / power of attorney (if corporate shareholder).
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (notarised and attested where required).
  • Business plan / project summary.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor for UAE residents.
  • Bank reference or bank statement (as requested).


For offshore registrations, additional documentation (certificate of incorporation of parent, good standing, notarised MOA/AOA) and local agent engagement are required.

Costs of registration, license & setup (indicative)

Costs vary by license, office type, visas and services. Below are typical ranges (subject to change always confirm with JAFZA):

  • One-time registration fee: AED 5,000–15,000 depending on company type (examples from market sources).
  • Annual license fee (FZE / FZCO / trading / industrial): typical band AED 10,000–50,000+ (activity and facility dependent). General trading and large-scope licenses tend to be higher.
  • Visa cost per person: AED 3,500–5,000 (processing + medical + Emirates ID).
  • Lease / facility rent: variable — from flexi-desk/office suites to warehouses and custom plots (large variance).
  • Other costs: government attestation, legalisation, PRO fees, audits and external approvals.


These figures are estimates. Exact government fees and JAFZA published rates should be checked at application.

Timeline for JAFZA company formation

  • Typical timeframe: 7–21 business days for standard setups if all documents and approvals are in order.
  • Complex activities (industrial permits, external approvals, large leases, or offshore filings) may take 3–6 weeks or longer.
  • Fastest timelines require: complete documentation, prompt payments and lease confirmation.

Advantages & tax benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership and capital repatriation.
  • Tax incentives: free zone businesses typically benefit from corporate tax exemptions when meeting qualifying free zone person rules under UAE federal law (companies should ensure FTA registration and QFZP compliance where relevant).
  • Customs & logistics: streamlined import/export, duty exemptions in many intra-free-zone movements.
  • Reputation & investor confidence: JAFZA listing strengthens commercial credibility with global partners.

Regulatory compliance — UBO, ESR & record keeping

  • UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) disclosure: JAFZA requires UBO forms and ongoing maintenance of ownership registers (RBR/PSR) for transparency.

  • Economic Substance Regulations (ESR): companies undertaking relevant activities must file notifications and annual ESR reports demonstrating substance (qualified staff, premises, expenditure) in UAE.

  • Annual audit & financials: many JAFZA companies must maintain accounting records and produce audited financial statements when requested; offshore entities have specific reporting rules.

Document retention: maintain accounting and corporate records for regulatory compliance and inspections

Common Challenges in JAFZA & How The Capital Zone Helps

  1. Activity classification & licensing mismatch — selecting the wrong activity can delay approvals.
    How we help: We map your business model to exact JAFZA activity codes and select the correct trade license before submission.

  2. Lease & facility matching (size/cost) — finding the right warehouse/office that meets regulatory and operational needs.
    How we help: We source JAFZA facilities, negotiate terms and handle booking/lease documentation.

  3. Document attestation & legalisation — notarisation, embassy attestation and translation errors cause delays.
    How we help: We prepare and certify documents, coordinate attestation and ensure compliance.

  4. Bank account opening delays — enhanced due diligence by banks can stall operations.
    How we help: We prepare bank packs, introduce clients to banks with JAFZA experience and follow up for faster onboarding.

  5. External approvals for industrial / regulated activities — additional permits from municipalities, environment or safety authorities.
    How we help: We manage external approval applications and coordinate with authorities on your behalf.

  6. Ongoing regulatory compliance (ESR, UBO, audits) — keeping up with filings and audits.
    How we help: We provide accounting, audit and compliance support to fulfil UBO, ESR and annual reporting obligations.

Our JAFZA Company Formation Services Include

Business Licensing

We assist businesses in obtaining the appropriate JAFZA business licenses, including trading, industrial, service, and logistics licenses. Our team ensures that your business is fully compliant with JAFZA regulations.

Company Registration

We manage the entire company registration process in JAFZA, handling all necessary documentation and approvals to ensure a smooth and efficient setup.

Office and Warehouse Solutions

JAFZA offers a wide range of office spaces, warehouses, and industrial units to accommodate businesses of all sizes. We assist you in securing the right space for your operations, whether you need a small office or a large manufacturing facility.

Logistics and Customs Support

JAFZA is located near the Jebel Ali Port, making it an ideal location for businesses involved in logistics and international trade. We provide expert guidance on navigating JAFZA’s customs and logistics services to ensure that your goods move efficiently in and out of the zone.

Visa and Residency Services

We assist with visa applications for business owners, employees, and their dependents, ensuring that your team can live and work in Dubai in compliance with UAE residency laws.

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Why work with The Capital Zone for your JAFZA company registration?

The Capital Zone provides end-to-end company formation, lease negotiation, PRO services, visa processing, bank account assistance and regulatory compliance support. We reduce set-up time, prevent repeated requests from authorities, and ensure your JAFZA incorporation is compliant and operational quickly.

Our services include:

  • Business registration & trade license application
  • Facility sourcing & lease management
  • Document preparation, notarisation & attestation
  • Bank introductions & account opening support
  • Visa & immigration processing
  • Accounting, VAT & ESR compliance
  • Ongoing PRO & corporate secretarial services

 

Have A Questions?

Contact our team of financial experts for personalized assistance and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

JAFZA offers businesses 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate taxes, and access to world-class logistics infrastructure. Its location near Jebel Ali Port makes it a key hub for businesses involved in international trade, logistics, and manufacturing.

JAFZA accommodates a wide range of businesses, including those in trade, logistics, industrial manufacturing, services, and technology. We help you obtain the appropriate license based on your business activities.

The company formation process in JAFZA typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your setup and the required documentation.

While JAFZA companies primarily operate within the free zone or internationally, they may do business in mainland UAE through a local distributor or agent, in accordance with UAE laws.