Why choose JAFZA?

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is part of DP World and one of the region's largest free zones, home to more than 11,000 businesses from over 100 countries. It is built around trade: JAFZA describes itself as the largest customs-bonded zone in the Middle East, with onsite customs and direct links to Jebel Ali Port. If your business moves physical goods, few UAE jurisdictions match its logistics infrastructure.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits.
  • No fixed minimum share capital: JAFZA requires capital that is sufficient for your licensed activities.
  • 0% import and re-export duty within the zone, with onsite customs clearance.
  • Warehouses, light industrial units, offices and land, plus a business centre at Jafza One.
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

JAFZA costs in 2026

  • Licence fees (annual): service licence from AED 5,000; trading and industrial AED 5,000 to AED 8,500; general trading AED 15,000; logistics AED 15,000; holding AED 30,000. Additional activities are AED 500 each.
  • Establishment card: AED 1,975, issued in one working day.
  • Employment visa entry permit: from AED 2,378 (1 year) or AED 2,678 (2 years). Medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance are extra.
  • Premises: every licence needs an active lease, from a business-centre desk to an office or warehouse. Warehouse space starts from around AED 400 per square metre.

JAFZA does not publish all-in packages, so the real first-year figure depends heavily on your premises. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in JAFZA

  1. Choose your entity: FZE (one shareholder), FZCO (2 to 50 shareholders) or a branch of an existing company.
  2. Choose your licence and activities: a Type 1 licence covers up to 7 activities in one group; general trading has no activity limit.
  3. Choose premises: a lease is required for issuance and renewal; industrial licences need the facility inside the zone.
  4. Submit and receive your licence: applications run through the Dubai Trade portal. JAFZA quotes 3 to 14 business days once documents are complete.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is JAFZA best for?

Importers, exporters, distributors, manufacturers and logistics companies that need warehouse space and port access, and larger companies setting up a regional base. It is usually not the best value for solo consultants or online-only businesses, which can get a lighter setup elsewhere.

JAFZA FAQs

How long does JAFZA setup take?

JAFZA quotes 3 to 14 business days once all documents are submitted. Visas take additional time after the licence.

Is there a minimum share capital in JAFZA?

There is no fixed minimum. Capital must be sufficient for the activities you are licensed for.

What is the cheapest JAFZA licence?

The service licence, from AED 5,000 a year. You also need premises, and registration and visa costs are extra.

Can a JAFZA company trade on the Dubai mainland?

Free zone companies can sell onshore through a distributor, and eligible companies can apply for Dubai's Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit. Income earned onshore is generally taxed at 9%.

Do JAFZA companies need audited accounts?

Any company that wants the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income must keep audited financial statements under federal rules. All JAFZA companies must also file an Economic Substance Report.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; we confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.