UAE MAINLAND

JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE (JAFZA)

What is the significance of having a UAE mainland firm, and what does it represent?

The free zone is extremely well connected, with two international airports which are only 30 minutes apart and direct access to one of the busiest ports in the world.

Business Setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

UAE Mainland

The Jebel Ali free zone is extremely well connected, with two international airports which are only 30 minutes apart and direct access to one of the busiest ports in the world.

What is the significance of having a UAE mainland firm, and what does it represent?

The oldest free zone in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) was founded in 1985. Almost 8,600 companies from over 100 nations call it their business home today, making business setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone a preferred choice for both regional and international investors. As one of the most well-known free trade zones in the United Arab Emirates, JAFZA provides both domestic and foreign businesses with a modern range of commercial services and facilities. In addition to Mainland and Free Zone businesses, JAFZA permits the formation of businesses on offshore and Special Purpose Companies (SPCs).

JAFZA is a crucial component of the integrated commercial hub for the DP World UAE Region. The Free Zone has evolved into a sophisticated business community and a powerful trade catalyst, offering exceptional growth opportunities and access to global markets. Customers can fully meet their operational and corporate requirements—including functionality, brand image, and workplace strategy—through JAFZA Customized Development solutions.

Pre-built warehouses are available in JAFZA Jebel Ali Free Zone for light manufacturing and premium storage needs. These purpose-built, thermally insulated warehouses come fully equipped with office spaces and are offered for rent. Unit sizes with office facilities typically range from 313 to 670 square meters.

Special Purpose Companies (SPCs) are established for specific objectives such as project management, asset holding, or owning shares in another company. They can be registered as branch offices, Free Zone Establishments (FZEs), or Free Zone Companies (FZCOs).

Located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, JAFZA Jebel Ali Free Zone is an ideal base for companies aiming to expand internationally.

Business formation in JAFZA starts from AED 50,000, and the average timeframe to complete business setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone is approximately four weeks.

 


 

Advantages Of Business Setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

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Types Of UAE Free Zone Trade Licence

On the UAE free zone, businesses can be divided into four main licences depending on their activity type: General Trading, Commercial,
Industrial and Service. Below is a general look at each licence type.

 

Dubai Free Zones

Businesses in the Dubai Free Zone trade goods and services while taking benefits of unique tax and foreign ownership regulations.

 

Legal Forms For Company Formation In UAE Free Zones

The legal forms available for company registration in UAE free zones have been modified to meet the needs of different business kinds and investment levels. Below is a summary of the main corporate organizations and applicable legal frameworks found in UAE’s free zones:

 

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) registration allows for a single shareholder to form a company. This shareholder can be an individual (person) or a corporate shareholder.

FZCO (Free Zone Company) ( FZ- LLC)

An FZCO is essentially a multiple shareholder or a partnership freezone firm where there is more than one shareholder in the company with a maximum of 50 shareholders.

Branch of a Foreign Company

A branch is a separate legal entity , under the control of the parent foreign company . It is used in the UAE as a marketing tool for the parent company.

Branch of a UAE Company

A branch office setup is a separate office or branch of an existing company. The local company already has a license in the UAE. Hence, this is an expansion of the local business.

Jebel Ali Free Zone
Jebel Ali Free Zone

Why Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) For Your Company Formation?

Starting a business in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) offers a lot of advantages that make it an attractive location for investors. JAFZA have a simplified and optimized procedures, which guarantee less paperwork and speedy registration periods. JAFZA gives businesses a sizable global pool of educated and skilled people, ensuring they can locate the talent they require. JAFZA allows for 100% foreign ownership, providing companies complete control without the requirement for a local partner.

JAFZA is a network and ecosystem that supports 14 additional businesses in addition to logistics, e-commerce, and petrochemicals. JAFZA contributes to the growth of companies in important industry areas, generating a trade value of more than $168.6 billion by 2023.

Standard Required Documents to Start the
Business Setup Process

Let’s launch your business with success! Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready to streamline the setup process!

  • Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
  • Passport-sized photos of shareholders and managers.
  • Residence Copy / Entry Stamp / Visit Visa Copy.
  • Business plan (sometimes required).
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor if the shareholder has a UAE residency visa.

Your Guide To Setting Up A Free Zone Business In UAE

Your business setup checklist is ready. Let’s launch your business with success!

  • 1
    Decide on your business venture.
  • 2
    Choose the best UAE location for your company
  • 3
    Choose the legal framework for your company.
  • 4
    Give your business name.
  • 5
    Apply for Initial Approval.
  • 6
    Prepare Legal Documents.
  • 7
    Lease Office Space.
  • 8
    Obtain Licenses.
  • 9
    Open a Corporate Bank Account.
  • 10

    Apply for the number of visas your company will require.

  • 11

    Register for VAT (if applicable)

We Business Setup Consultants will assist you to launch your project in the UAE Free Zones from A to Z without any hassles and provide you post launch assistance for your visas and all corporate services that you might need in the future.

We Business Setup Consultants will assist you to launch your project in the UAE from A to Z without any hassles and provide you post launch assistance for your visas and all corporate services that you might need in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Business Setup in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

You can renew the registration fee for your JAFZA offshore company by liaising with the JAFZA offshore company registry officials. They will assist you in paying the annual renewal fee.

PRO services in JAFZA involve handling administrative tasks with authorities and government agencies on your behalf. They save you time, money, and effort by managing processes efficiently.

To cancel your business license in JAFZA, you can either visit the UAE in person or authorize someone with Power of Attorney to handle the process. Return the original company documents, pay a cancellation fee (around AED 2,000), and expect the liquidation process to take about one month. Once completed, you’ll receive a certificate confirming your company’s closure.

Yes, JAFZA allows businesses to combine industrial, service, and trading activities under a single license.

No, a physical presence is not required to manage JAFZA company. JAFZA allows for remote management of companies, providing flexibility for business owners. This feature is particularly beneficial for international investors who may not be able to maintain a continuous presence in the UAE.

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