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Mainland Sector

Business Setup In Jafza

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the world’s largest and most established free zones, and a cornerstone of Dubai’s trade and logistics economy. Located beside Jebel Ali Port and within reach of Al Maktoum International Airport, JAFZA is the natural choice for trading, logistics, manufacturing, warehousing and large-scale industrial businesses that need a physical footprint and direct access to global shipping routes.

We manage your JAFZA setup end to end company structure, license type, facility selection, registration, visas and corporate bank account introduction working directly with the free zone authority.

About JAFZA

Established in 1985 and operated by global ports group DP World, the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority licenses and regulates companies within the zone. JAFZA is home to thousands of companies, including a large share of the region’s Fortune-listed firms, and is integrated with Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest container ports in the world. This integration makes JAFZA particularly powerful for import, export, re-export and distribution businesses.

Why Choose JAFZA

100% foreign ownership
full ownership with no local partner required.
Port-integrated logistics
direct access to Jebel Ali Port and Dubai’s primary logistics corridor.
Industrial and warehousing scale
offices, warehouses, light-industrial units and land plots within one zone.
Tax efficiency
0% corporate tax on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and full profit repatriation.
Re-export advantage
an established hub for goods moving between continents.
Global reputation
a prestigious, internationally recognised business address.

Company Types in JAFZA

JAFZA offers several structures depending on the number of shareholders and the nature of the business. JAFZA companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits. A company that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, while non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard rate. We help structure your activities to remain compliant and tax-efficient.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

a company formed with a single shareholder.

Free Zone Company (FZCO)

a company formed with two or more shareholders.

Branch Company

an expansion or branch of an existing foreign or local parent company.

Public Listed Company (PLC)

corporate allocations available for qualifying larger enterprises.

License Types in JAFZA

Your business activity determines the license you need to operate within JAFZA.

Trading and General Trading license for import, export, distribution and multi-product trading.
Industrial license for manufacturing, processing and assembly.
Service license for service and consultancy activities.
Logistics license for freight, distribution and supply-chain operations.
E-commerce license for online trading and digital retail.

JAFZA Business Setup Process

We manage each stage with the free zone authority on your behalf.

  • 1
    Consultation & Selection

    we confirm your activities, company type and license.

  • 2
    Initial Approval

    we secure your company name and preliminary approval.

  • 3
    Facility Selection

    we match you to the right office, warehouse, unit or land plot.

  • 4
    Documentation

    we prepare and submit the application and incorporation documents.

  • 5
    License Issuance

    JAFZA issues your trade license and incorporation certificate.

  • 6
    Identity & Visas

    we process the establishment card, investor and staff visas, Emirates ID and medical.

  • 7
    Corporate Banking Integration

    we introduce you to our banking partners and assist with the application.

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Documents Required for JAFZA Setup

The documents below cover the typical requirements for each shareholder type. We issue a tailored checklist after your consultation.

  • Passport copy of each shareholder and director.
  • UAE visa and Emirates ID copy for residents, or the entry-stamp page.
  • Recent passport-size photograph.
  • Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
  • Completed application form and business plan, where required.
  • Certificate of incorporation of the parent company.
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association.
  • Board resolution approving the JAFZA incorporation.
  • Register of directors and shareholders.
  • Passport copies of directors and authorised signatories.
  • Documents attested and legalised for use in the UAE.
  • Parent company trade license and incorporation documents.
  • Board resolution to open a JAFZA branch and appoint a manager.
  • Power of attorney for the branch manager.
  • Audited financial statements of the parent, where requested.
  • Attested and legalised corporate documents.
Estimated Timeline

5 to 10 Business Days

A JAFZA company is typically incorporated within 5 to 10 business days once documents are in order, depending on the company type and facility. Visa and Emirates ID processing usually takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks.

Facility-Led Cost Framework

The cost of a JAFZA setup depends on the company type, license, facility (office, warehouse, unit or land), visa quota and any activity-specific approvals. As a facility-led free zone, JAFZA suits businesses that need real estate, so costs reflect the space selected. Contact us for a personalized quote with no hidden charges.

Why Choose Legacy Partners for JAFZA Setup

Direct operational configurations aligned to your corporate rollout workflows.

✔
Direct free zone experience

we manage JAFZA registrations, facilities and approvals daily.

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End-to-end service

licensing, facility, visas and bank-account introductions under one roof.

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Transparent pricing

clear, all-inclusive packages with no surprise invoices.

✔
Multilingual advisors

a single dedicated point of contact throughout your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

JAFZA is the Jebel Ali Free Zone, one of the world’s largest and oldest free zones, operated by DP World and integrated with Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.

JAFZA is especially strong for trading, logistics, manufacturing, warehousing and large-scale industrial and re-export businesses that need a physical footprint.

Yes. JAFZA companies allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner required, plus full repatriation of capital and profits.

JAFZA offers the Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder, the Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multiple shareholders, branches, and public listed companies for qualifying enterprises.

A JAFZA company that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, while non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard rate.

A free zone company trades freely outside the UAE and within the zone. To sell directly in the UAE mainland market, it works through a local distributor or a mainland branch.

Incorporation typically takes 5 to 10 business days once documents are ready, with visas and Emirates ID adding about 2 to 3 weeks.

JAFZA offers offices and business centres, warehouses, light-industrial units and land plots, making it suitable for businesses that need real estate.

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