Jebel Ali Freezone Authority Jafza Business Setup

Jebel Ali Freezone Authority began operations in 1985 and is now a leading business center in the Middle East. JAFZA focuses on long-term client relationships and fosters alliances with global investors by providing them with world-class infrastructure with quality-driven value-added services and incentives, that enable them to capitalize on the tremendous business opportunities in the region. JAFZA boasts of being the first free zone in the world to receive ISO certification in 1996. JAFZA is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the MEASA region, providing direct access to a market of over 2 billion people.

Over the years, JAFZA has attracted some of the largest and most reputable companies across various industries, benefiting from the unique, value-added advantages of setting up business in Dubai.

Business setup in Jebel Ali Freezone Authority JAFZA:

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is a major business hub for companies involved in manufacturing, trade, industry, and logistics. Its recent developments include a completed 6-lane highway, which facilitates the rapid transportation of goods between the port and the cargo airport in just 20 minutes. This strategic location provides access to global markets.

JAFZA is unique as the world’s only free zone situated between a major airport and a seaport. It encompasses Jebel Ali Port, the seventh-largest container port globally, and Al Maktoum International Airport, one of the world’s largest cargo airports. JAFZA has been a key driver of Dubai’s and the UAE’s remarkable economic growth over the years.

Types of Business Licenses in JAFZA

Even though JAFZA is one of the largest free zones in the world, the business setup here is basically limited to certain activities. Here are the following company formations that you can establish at JAFZA Freezone:

1. Freezone Establishment (FZE)

FZE registration allows for a single shareholder, which can be an individual/person or a non-individual/company.

2. Freezone Company (FZCo)

Registration of an FZCo allows for the registration of multiple shareholders (up to 50). Shareholders can be individual persons or non-individuals/companies.

3. Public Listed Company (PLC)

A PLC has its own legal personality distinct from that of its shareholders and has the capacities, rights, and privileges of a person. A PLC may invite the public to subscribe to its shares and must list its shares on a stock exchange per the market laws.

4. Branch of the 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 the Jebel Ali Freezone may establish a branch within JAFZA.

Types of Activities in JAFZA Freezone:

The type of license you need to operate in JAFZA depends on your company’s activities. There are three main categories of licenses: Trading, Services, and Industrial. JAFZA offers the following specific licenses:

1. Trading License

Allows for the import, export, and distribution of specified goods.

2. General Trading License

Provides access to a wider range of activities and products.

3. Service License

Allows for a variety of service-based activities.

4. Industrial License

Permits the import of raw materials, manufacturing, and export of finished products.

5. National Industrial License

Issued to manufacturing companies with at least 51% GCC ownership.

6. Logistics License

Enables logistics services such as warehousing, transportation, distribution, sorting, forwarding, clearing, order management, and inventory management.

7. E-commerce License

Allows for the purchase and sale of goods and services through electronic networks.

8. Offshore Registration

Enables corporate bodies or individuals to establish an offshore company, providing a legal entity for non-resident businesses.

Some of the activities that are prohibited in establishing the JAFZA Free Zone are:

1. Banking
2. Finance
3. Insurance Services
4. Insurance Agent or Insurance Agent
5. Professional Services
6. Consulting Services
7. Activities related to Intellectual property
8. Activities Related to Media
9. Activities related to Security
10. Foreign Exchange
11. Activities related to Publishing
12. Activities related to Advertising
13. Film Production
14. Management Services
15. Gambling or Casino
16. Real Estate Development
17. Activities Related to Education
18. Gaming
19. Activities related to Design Services
20. Military

Common required documents to obtain the license in JAFZA:

1. Jafza application Form
2. Environment Health and Safety (EHS) application form
3. Passport/Emirates ID copy of manager, directors, and secretary (FZE/ FZCo- manager & shareholder (s)
4. Project summary
5. No Objection Certificate from the sponsor, applicable to UAE residents only

1. Freezone Company (FZCo) / Freezone Establishment (FZE), Individual

• Business profile of shareholder (s)
• Board resolution of Power of Attorney (for FZCo only), attested by JAFZA
• Specimen signature of manager, shareholder, director, and secretary, attested by JAFZA

2. Freezone Company (FZCo) / Freezone Establishment (FZE), Company

• Certificate of Registration
• Duly notarized and attested by the UAE embassy (you must check the rules with the UAE embassy in the country of origin)
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Specimen signature of manager, attested by JAFZA or UAE Embassy
• Board Resolution & Power of Attorney, attested by UAE Embassy

3. Branch of the Company (Abroad)

• Certificate of Registration
• Duly notarized and attested by UAE embassy (please check rules with the UAE Embassy in the country of origin)
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Specimen signature of manager, duly attested

4. Branch of a Company (UAE)

• License copy
• Copy of Memorandum of Association
• Copy of Article of Association
• Copy of Shareholder Certificate
• Copy of Chamber of Commerce Certificate
• Letter from the Company to open a branch in JAFZA
• Board resolution, original
• Specimen signature of manager, duly arrested

Registration Fees of JAFZA Freezone:

JAFZA Freezone License Fees:

When setting up a license with Jebel Ali Freezone Authority, JAFZA, here are the following advantages:

1. A wide range of business premises, including offices, warehouses, retail units, and staff accommodation.
2. A place to trade. Thousands of traders are located under one roof.
3. Conveniently located adjacent to storing and selling goods to UAE.
4. To own properties developed by master developers such as Nakheel, Emaar, Dubai Properties, or other developers approved by the Authority
5. To hold a bank account in the UAE
6. To easily engage in General Trading (outside UAE)
7. To open a branch office or representative office in any part of the world
8. To become a shareholder in a limited liability company to be formed in Dubai/UAE
9. To become a shareholder in any other entity formed in UAE or outside UAE or in UAE Free Zones
10. No currency restrictions
11. Onsite Customs
12. 0% personal and income tax

Why choose us to help you with your JAFZA start-up business?

Obtaining a Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) license is essential for your business. To navigate the process smoothly, from approval application, it’s crucial to work with a team of experts who understand the intricacies of startup procedures.

Choosing us to handle your business setup is a wise decision. We are dedicated to providing you with accurate advice and information to ensure a successful business launch. With years of experience, we have successfully assisted numerous startups throughout the UAE.

Here are related links to this article for your reference:

• Dubai Mainland License Business Setup
• Freezone Company Business Setup
• Instant License Business Setup
• E-trader License
• Meydan License Business Setup
• IFZA License Business Setup
• Steps for Your Business Setups in Dubai