Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is DP World's flagship free zone in Jebel Ali, Dubai, close to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport. Licences are issued by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, and companies can be 100% foreign owned. JAFZA suits traders, distributors, logistics firms and manufacturers that need warehouses, land or offices near the port. We help you choose the right company type, licence and space, prepare your documents and handle the application, visas and corporate bank account.
- Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai, near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport
- Operator: DP World (part of DP World UAE)
- Licensing authority: Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Regulatory)
- Company types: Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZCO), Public Listed Company (PLC), Branch
- Shareholders: 1 for an FZE; 2 to 50 for an FZCO (individuals or companies)
- Share capital: no fixed minimum for an FZE or FZCO; it must be sufficient for the licensed activities
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
- Space: land plots, warehouses, offices, showrooms, co-working desks and retail units
Who JAFZA Suits
- Importers, exporters and re-exporters who ship through Jebel Ali Port
- Distribution and regional hub companies serving the Gulf and wider markets
- Logistics, storage, transport and freight forwarding businesses
- Manufacturers that need a production facility and warehouse in the free zone
- Automotive, food, chemicals and consumer goods traders that need large storage
- Foreign and UAE companies that want a branch in a free zone without forming a new company
Licence Types in JAFZA
Your company type sets the legal structure and the number of shareholders. Your licence sets the activities you may carry out. Both FZE and FZCO companies can hold any JAFZA licence type.
Trading licence
The most common JAFZA licence. It covers buying, selling, importing and exporting physical goods. Fees depend on the activity group you choose.
Service licence
For companies that provide services or expertise and do not hold physical stock, such as consulting or support services.
Industrial licence
For companies that manufacture or produce goods. You need a production facility and warehouse inside the free zone, and JAFZA's environment, health and safety team audits these companies.
Logistics licence
For specific logistics services such as storage, transport, distribution, and clearing and forwarding.
Dubai Unified License (DUL)
Every business licensed in Dubai, in a free zone or on the mainland, is issued a DUL. It works with your JAFZA trade licence as an official digital record of your company, with a QR code that shows your latest licence details.
Company Types in JAFZA
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A limited liability company with one shareholder, who can be an individual or a company. Liability is limited to the paid-up share capital.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
A limited liability company with 2 to 50 shareholders, who can be individuals, companies or a mix of both. An FZE can later convert to an FZCO, and the other way round.
Public Listed Company (PLC)
A limited liability company with two or more shareholders that lists its shares on a stock exchange under market laws. It suits groups that plan a public offering.
Branch of a company
Any company set up outside JAFZA, in the UAE or abroad, can open a branch. The branch is 100% owned by the parent, uses the same name and carries out the same activities. A branch can later convert to an FZE or FZCO.
Only need a holding or offshore company?
JAFZA also registers offshore companies. This is a separate formation type, set up through a JAFZA registered agent, and it is not the same as a free zone company. If you only need a company to hold shares, property or other assets, see our JAFZA offshore company formation service.
Office, Warehouse and Land Space
A JAFZA company must have a lease in place when it is set up, and the lease must stay active to renew the licence. JAFZA leases land plots on short or long terms, ready-built warehouses for storage and light manufacturing, offices from a single floor to a full building, showrooms with a warehouse and office, co-working desks and workstations, and retail units. Build-to-suit facilities and staff accommodation are also available for larger operations. The space you lease affects your visa plan, so we match space and visas before you sign. Our PRO services team then handles the visa and Emirates ID process.
How to Set Up a Company in JAFZA
- Free consultation: we confirm your business activity, licence type and company type.
- Activity check: some goods and activities, such as food and agriculture products, need approval from another UAE authority. We tell you up front.
- Register your interest with JAFZA and submit the signed application form with your documents.
- Choose your space and sign the lease agreement.
- Pay the setup fees and receive your licence and company documents. JAFZA estimates 3 to 14 business days from the time all documents are submitted.
- Apply for investor and employee visas and Emirates IDs.
- Open your corporate bank account and register for corporate tax.
Documents You Need
For individual shareholders: JAFZA application form, environment, health and safety (EHS) form, one-page business plan, KYC and Ultimate Beneficial Owner forms, passport copies (valid for at least six months) of the shareholder, manager and secretary, and a shareholder profile. If you already hold a UAE residence visa, you also need a copy of the visa and a no-objection letter from your sponsor.
For a company shareholder or a branch: certificate of incorporation or good standing, memorandum and articles of association, and a board resolution approving the new company or branch, the share capital and the appointed managers. These must be notarised and attested by a UAE embassy or consulate.
We send you the exact checklist for your activity.
JAFZA Setup Costs
Your cost depends on the company type, licence type, activity group, the type and size of space you lease, the number of visas and any outside approvals. Licences are valid for one year and are renewed each year. JAFZA is often chosen for its port access, warehousing and land options rather than as the lowest-cost free zone. Tell us your activity, space and visa needs and we send you a written, itemised quote.
Corporate Tax for JAFZA Companies
Every JAFZA company must register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority, whether or not it qualifies for the free zone rate. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on its qualifying income if it meets the conditions, such as having adequate substance in the free zone and earning income from qualifying activities. Income that is not qualifying income is taxed at 9%. A free zone company that does not qualify is taxed like any other UAE business: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Our group's tax agency can check if you qualify and handle registration and filing.
Why Set Up in JAFZA With Jitendra Business Consultants
Company formation in the UAE since 2001, with 5,500+ companies formed. One group for setup, accounting, VAT, corporate tax and trademarks. Offices in Dubai and Sharjah, with advice in English, Arabic and Hindi.
JAFZA Company Setup FAQs
What is the difference between an FZE and an FZCO in JAFZA?
An FZE has one shareholder. An FZCO has 2 to 50 shareholders. In both, shareholders can be individuals or companies, and both can hold any JAFZA licence type.
Is there a minimum share capital in JAFZA?
JAFZA no longer sets a fixed minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO. The capital must be sufficient for the activities on your licence, and we advise you on a suitable amount.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a JAFZA company?
Yes. JAFZA has no foreign ownership restrictions for free zone companies.
How long does JAFZA company registration take?
JAFZA estimates 3 to 14 business days from the time all required documents are submitted. The timing depends on the company type, licence and activities, and you need a signed lease in place.
Can I move my Dubai mainland company to JAFZA?
JAFZA does not transfer a business from the Dubai mainland. You can close the mainland company and form a new JAFZA company, or keep the mainland company and open a JAFZA branch of it.
Can one person own several companies in JAFZA?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of JAFZA companies with the same shareholders. Each company has its own name and licence.
Is a JAFZA free zone company the same as a JAFZA offshore company?
No. A free zone company holds a JAFZA licence to trade or operate from leased space in the zone. An offshore company is a separate structure, often used for holding assets. See our JAFZA offshore page if that is what you need.
Do JAFZA companies pay corporate tax?
Every JAFZA company must register for corporate tax. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income if it meets the conditions; other income is taxed at 9%.