Logistics & Supply Chain
Freight forwarding, warehousing, and distribution operations built around Jebel Ali Port.
CorePort-linked
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Jebel Ali Free Zone is one of the most established and strategically important business hubs in the UAE. It attracts global companies due to its unmatched logistics access, investor-friendly policies, and strong regulatory framework designed for international trade and industrial growth.
Excellent
One of the largest free zones in the Middle East
Direct access to Jebel Ali Port and major trade routes
Suitable for trading, logistics, and manufacturing
Long-term operational and tax advantages
Excellent
About JAFZA
About Jebel Ali Free Zone
Jebel Ali Free Zone, commonly known as JAFZA, is a free zone of DP World UAE developed to support large-scale trade, logistics, and industrial operations. Established to strengthen Dubai's position as a global commerce hub, it provides businesses with a highly regulated yet flexible environment that supports regional and international expansion.
The free zone's strategic location next to Jebel Ali Port and proximity to major highways and Al Maktoum International Airport gives companies a significant logistical advantage. This setup allows seamless movement of goods by sea, land, and air, making JAFZA an ideal base for import, export, re-export, and manufacturing activities serving global markets.
JAFZA offers a comprehensive ecosystem that includes warehouses, industrial plots, offices, and support services under one authority. With clear regulations, modern infrastructure, and investor-focused policies, it enables companies to operate efficiently while maintaining compliance, scalability, and long-term business stability.
Benefits
Benefits of Jebel Ali Free Zone
Jebel Ali Free Zone offers a powerful business environment built for global trade, logistics efficiency, and long-term growth. Its investor-friendly framework supports both established companies and expanding enterprises.
100% Foreign Ownership
Own your company outright without a local sponsor, giving you full control over your business.
Strong Import & Export Advantages
Purpose-built for trade, with customs efficiency and duty exemptions on imports, exports, and re-exports.
World-Class Logistics & Infrastructure
Access modern warehousing, industrial plots, and offices beside the region's largest port.
Easy Access to Global Markets
Connect to Middle Eastern, African, Asian, and international markets by sea, land, and air.
Flexible Facility Options
Choose from flexi-desks, offices, warehouses, or industrial units to match your scale.
Supportive Regulatory Environment
Clear regulations and investor-focused policies that keep you compliant and scalable.
Major Sectors
Major Sectors in Jebel Ali Free Zone
JAFZA supports a broad range of industries built around trade, logistics, and industrial production.
Trading & Distribution
Import, export, re-export, and wholesale distribution across global markets.
Trade
Manufacturing & Industrial
Light and heavy manufacturing, assembly, and industrial production facilities.
Industrial
E-commerce & Digital Trade
Online retail and digital marketplaces with fulfilment and logistics support.
Digital
Automotive & Spare Parts
Vehicle trade, parts distribution, and automotive supply chain operations.
Automotive
Energy, Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Energy trading, chemical handling, and petrochemical distribution.
Energy
License Types
Types of Licenses in Jebel Ali Free Zone
JAFZA offers a range of licenses to match different business activities and models.
Trading License
Covers import, export, distribution, and storage of approved goods.
- Import & export
- Distribution
- Storage of approved goods
Service License
For service-based operations such as consultancy, logistics support, and management.
- Consultancy
- Logistics support
- Management services
Logistics License
Designed for freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain operations.
- Freight forwarding
- Warehousing
- Supply chain
National Industrial License
Enables approved industrial firms to access mainland markets with benefits.
- Mainland market access
- Industrial firms
- GCC benefits
Legal Structures
Legal Structures in Jebel Ali Free Zone
JAFZA provides flexible legal structures to support different ownership models and expansion strategies in the United Arab Emirates.
FZE / FZCO
- Suitable for new setups within the free zone
- Single (FZE) or multiple (FZCO) shareholders
- Full ownership and independent legal identity
- Limited liability protection
Branch
- For existing local or foreign companies
- Operate in JAFZA without forming a new entity
- Keeps the parent company structure intact
- No separate legal identity required
Requirements
Required Documents for JAFZA Setup
Submitting complete and accurate documents helps ensure smooth processing and faster approval within JAFZA. Requirements may vary slightly based on the selected activity and facility type.
Personal Documents
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Visa or entry stamp copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID (for UAE residents, if available)
Business Documents
- Trade name reservation certificate approved by JAFZA
- Initial approval from Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
- Completed license application form
- Detailed description of proposed business activities
- Office lease, flexi-desk agreement, or approved facility allocation
Full setup
8-10
Working days
Timelines are indicative and vary by activity and facility type.
Good to know Visas and corporate banking are arranged after license issuance and can run in parallel with your facility setup.
Timeline
JAFZA Business Setup Timeline
Follow this general timeline to understand how the JAFZA business setup process typically progresses.
- Day 1-2: Define business activities and select the appropriate license category
- Day 3: Reserve trade name and confirm approved activities
- Day 4-5: Prepare documents and complete the application
- Day 6-7: Submit application and receive initial approvals from JAFZA
- Day 8: Submit final documents and pay license fees
- Day 9: Allocate office, warehouse, or flexi-desk facility
- Day 10: License issued and operations can begin within Jebel Ali Free Zone
Setup Process
Steps to Set Up a Business in Jebel Ali
A clear setup process helps avoid delays and ensures smooth entry into one of the UAE's most strategic commercial zones from activity selection to operations with our team handling the paperwork.
Step 1
Choose Business Activity
Start by defining the operations the company will carry out. This step determines approvals, facility options, and regulatory scope within the zone.
Step 2
Select License Category
Pick the most suitable category based on the activity, such as trading, industrial, or services. The right selection ensures operational flexibility later.
Step 3
Reserve Trade Name
Submit a name request that complies with naming rules and reflects the approved activity. Approval is required before moving to the next stage.
Step 4
Apply for Initial Approval
Provide basic company and shareholder details to receive preliminary clearance from the zone authority.
Step 5
Select Facility Type
Choose between offices, warehouses, or industrial units depending on operational needs and scale of activity.
Step 6
Submit Final Documents
Complete the formal application by submitting all required documents for verification and processing.
Step 7
Pay Fees and Get Approval
Once fees are paid and documents approved, the setup moves to final clearance.
Step 8
Begin Operations
After issuance, the company can start operations and proceed with visas and banking arrangements.
Pricing
Cost of Starting a Business in Jebel Ali Free Zone
A Jebel Ali Free Zone business setup typically starts from AED 15,000, depending on the license type, facility selection, and operational requirements. The total cost varies based on the scale and nature of the business.
License + Flexi-desk
From AED 15,000/year
A trade or service license with a flexi-desk facility. A lean starting point to hold the license and a JAFZA base.
License + Office + Visas
Indicative mid-range
A license with a dedicated office and a few visas, suited to service and trading teams establishing on the ground.
License + Warehouse / Industrial
Scale-based quote
A license with warehouse or industrial units and larger visa allocation for logistics and manufacturing operations.
Major setup expenses include
Company registration fee
The one-time cost to register your company with JAFZA.
License issuance cost
The annual fee for your chosen license type and activities.
Facility rent
Office, warehouse, or industrial unit rent, the biggest single driver of cost.
Visa processing fees
Charged per person for investor and employee visas.
Government & service charges
Approvals, attestation, and administrative service fees.
Corporate bank account setup
Costs associated with opening and maintaining a business account.
Note
All figures are indicative. Contact Riz & Mona to get a personalized cost estimate tailored to your Jebel Ali Free Zone business setup.
Get Started
Set Up Your Company in JAFZA
From choosing the right license and legal structure to documents, facility allocation, visas, and banking, we handle your JAFZA setup end to end. Book a free 30-minute consultation and get a clear, costed plan.
License & activity selection•100% foreign ownership setup•Facility & document handling•Visas & bank account
