JAFZA Company Setup: Licenses, Warehouses and Costs in Jebel Ali
Want to establish a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone? Get our company formation services support at Avyanco. We help trading companies, investors and logistics businesses choose the right JAFZA license, legal structure and facility for their business operations.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET licence #909402
- 45+ free zones covered
Why Trading and Logistics Companies Choose JAFZA, and When it's More than You Need
Trading and logistics companies choose the JAFZA company setup because it allows them to move, store and distribute their goods across international markets. Its prime location and facilities support various types of commercial operations. It matters because
Why Trading and Logistics Companies Choose JAFZA
- Port Access: By giving the convenient access to Jebel Ali Port, it supports you in import, export, and re-export operations. JAFZA is located near one of the world's major maritime trade hubs and supports efficient sea freight movement and international trade. It helps you to manage your logistics operations effectively.
- Airport Connectivity: Al Maktoum International Airport offers an additional transport link for eligible business activities.
- Warehouse and Land Options: It allows businesses to explore storage, land and industrial units as per their operational requirements.
- Established Business Environment: JAFZA was established in 1985 and has built a strong community of 11,000+ companies.
- Trade and Logistics Infrastructure: Its prime location within DP World's wider logistics network can support regional distribution and supply-chain operations.
When it's More than You Need
- If you operate as consultants and smaller service businesses in Dubai and need desk support, then you can compare IFZA and Meydan.IFZA →Meydan →
- Crypto- or commodities-related businesses can also consider DMCC against their licensing needs.DMCC →
- Check our business setup in free zone overview to compare the locations, facilities, and setup requirements.Free Zones →
JAFZA Company Setup at a Glance
JAFZA is operated by DP World and is located next to Jebel Ali Port. Its prime location supports your international trade, cargo handling, warehousing, manufacturing and regional distribution business. So, if you want to form your business legally here, then we provide you with business setup services. Our JAFZA company setup service helps you choose the right business activity, register your company, get the relevant license, and ensure post-registration compliance.
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership, subject to applicable regulations.
License fees: From AED 5,000* annually for eligible license categories.
Registration fee: AED 5,000* for an FZE, FZCO or company branch
Facilities: Workstations, warehouses, land or offices, based on approval and availability.
Tax: 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income for eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs), subject to applicable conditions.
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
JAFZA License Types and Activities
Trading, Type 1
Published annual fee (AED): 5,000*
- JAFZA provides various license categories, including service, trading, logistics, industrial, general trading and holding. Your choice may depend on the activities you want to carry out and the approvals those activities require in Dubai.
- Activity limits and grouping may depend on the license category. Additional fees may apply, and some activities need external approvals, supporting documents or specialist facilities. At Avyanco, we can review your business activities before recommending the license that fits your operations.
Trading, Type 2
Published annual fee (AED): 8,500*
- JAFZA provides various license categories, including service, trading, logistics, industrial, general trading and holding. Your choice may depend on the activities you want to carry out and the approvals those activities require in Dubai.
- Activity limits and grouping may depend on the license category. Additional fees may apply, and some activities need external approvals, supporting documents or specialist facilities. At Avyanco, we can review your business activities before recommending the license that fits your operations.
General trading
Published annual fee (AED): 15,000*
- JAFZA provides various license categories, including service, trading, logistics, industrial, general trading and holding. Your choice may depend on the activities you want to carry out and the approvals those activities require in Dubai.
- Activity limits and grouping may depend on the license category. Additional fees may apply, and some activities need external approvals, supporting documents or specialist facilities. At Avyanco, we can review your business activities before recommending the license that fits your operations.
Service
Published annual fee (AED): 5,000*
- JAFZA provides various license categories, including service, trading, logistics, industrial, general trading and holding. Your choice may depend on the activities you want to carry out and the approvals those activities require in Dubai.
- Activity limits and grouping may depend on the license category. Additional fees may apply, and some activities need external approvals, supporting documents or specialist facilities. At Avyanco, we can review your business activities before recommending the license that fits your operations.
Industrial, Type 1
Published annual fee (AED): 5,000*
- JAFZA provides various license categories, including service, trading, logistics, industrial, general trading and holding. Your choice may depend on the activities you want to carry out and the approvals those activities require in Dubai.
- Activity limits and grouping may depend on the license category. Additional fees may apply, and some activities need external approvals, supporting documents or specialist facilities. At Avyanco, we can review your business activities before recommending the license that fits your operations.
Industrial, Type 2
Published annual fee (AED): 8,500*
- JAFZA provides various license categories, including service, trading, logistics, industrial, general trading and holding. Your choice may depend on the activities you want to carry out and the approvals those activities require in Dubai.
- Activity limits and grouping may depend on the license category. Additional fees may apply, and some activities need external approvals, supporting documents or specialist facilities. At Avyanco, we can review your business activities before recommending the license that fits your operations.
Logistics
Published annual fee (AED): 15,000*
- JAFZA provides various license categories, including service, trading, logistics, industrial, general trading and holding. Your choice may depend on the activities you want to carry out and the approvals those activities require in Dubai.
- Activity limits and grouping may depend on the license category. Additional fees may apply, and some activities need external approvals, supporting documents or specialist facilities. At Avyanco, we can review your business activities before recommending the license that fits your operations.
Holding
Published annual fee (AED): 30,000*
- JAFZA provides various license categories, including service, trading, logistics, industrial, general trading and holding. Your choice may depend on the activities you want to carry out and the approvals those activities require in Dubai.
- Activity limits and grouping may depend on the license category. Additional fees may apply, and some activities need external approvals, supporting documents or specialist facilities. At Avyanco, we can review your business activities before recommending the license that fits your operations.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
FZE is a limited liability company with one shareholder. The shareholder may be an individual or a corporate entity, subject to JAFZA's requirements.
- JAFZA provides different legal structures to fit single owners, multiple shareholders and existing companies expanding into the zones. Here are the legal structures available
- JAFZA does not prescribe a minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO. However, the company should have share capital sufficient for its licensed activities. Separate immigration requirements may also apply. The employee visa applicant should hold shares worth at least AED 50,000 in the company, subject to JAFZA's current visa and immigration rules.
- You must confirm the share capital and visa-related shareholding requirements with JAFZA before applying for the company registration, because they can vary by legal structure, activity, facility and applicant circumstances.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
FZCO is a limited liability company with 2 to 50 shareholders under JAFZA's published guidance.
- JAFZA provides different legal structures to fit single owners, multiple shareholders and existing companies expanding into the zones. Here are the legal structures available
- JAFZA does not prescribe a minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO. However, the company should have share capital sufficient for its licensed activities. Separate immigration requirements may also apply. The employee visa applicant should hold shares worth at least AED 50,000 in the company, subject to JAFZA's current visa and immigration rules.
- You must confirm the share capital and visa-related shareholding requirements with JAFZA before applying for the company registration, because they can vary by legal structure, activity, facility and applicant circumstances.
Branch
It is an eligible UAE or foreign company that can establish a branch under its parent company's legal identity. The parent stays liable for the branch's obligations.
- JAFZA provides different legal structures to fit single owners, multiple shareholders and existing companies expanding into the zones. Here are the legal structures available
- JAFZA does not prescribe a minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO. However, the company should have share capital sufficient for its licensed activities. Separate immigration requirements may also apply. The employee visa applicant should hold shares worth at least AED 50,000 in the company, subject to JAFZA's current visa and immigration rules.
- You must confirm the share capital and visa-related shareholding requirements with JAFZA before applying for the company registration, because they can vary by legal structure, activity, facility and applicant circumstances.
Offices, Warehouses, Land and Visa Quota
JAFZA provides the offices, workstations, light industrial units and land plots. You must choose the premises based on your stock, workforce, equipment and access needs. Residence visa quotas may be based on the facility.
| Facility | Visa quota |
|---|---|
| Workstations | Workstations permit up to two visa applications |
| Offices | Office quotas are based on size |
| Warehouses | Warehouse quotas may depend on the area |
| Land plots | Land plots begin with a quota of 20 visas, subject to approvals for increases. |
| Showroom | Showroom visa quotas may be available as per JAFZA approval and specific facility arrangements. |
All applications need approvals for business setup in JAFZA. While planning the JAFZA company setup, you must confirm your visa quota before signing the lease. Our residence visa and immigration support can help you understand this process.
JAFZA vs DMCC vs IFZA at a Glance
The right zone may depend on your premises, activity, access requirements and operating budget. You must compare the options before choosing the right license.
| Factor | ZoneJAFZA | ZoneDMCC | ZoneIFZA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Jebel Ali | Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) | Dubai |
| Year-one cost | Based on license, facility and visas | Based on package and facility | Based on package and visas |
| Warehouse options | Available, subject to requirements | Confirm options for your activity | Confirm options for your activity |
| Port access | Beside Jebel Ali Port | No direct port location | No direct port location |
| Suitable for | Trade, storage, logistics, and manufacturing | Trading and other approved activities | Service businesses and other approved activities |
Get more information on our DMCC and IFZA pages. You can also compare the other locations in our free zone overview.
JAFZA Company Formation: Six Steps from Name to License
Our JAFZA company formation services include choosing the right activity, preparing documents, and registration and facility formalities. Processing times may vary by approval requirements and application. Here is how our business setup process works
- 1
Choose activities and facilities
You must select the workstation, office, warehouse, industrial unit or land plot that fits your operations.
- 2
Reserve the company name
Submit the company names that align with JAFZA's requirements.
- 3
Submit the Application
Submit the company, shareholder and activity details.
- 4
Complete Document Checks
Submit the ID and ownership records. Corporate shareholders may require the attested company documents and board resolutions.
- 5
Sign the facility agreement
Finalize the lease and pay the fees.
- 6
Complete post-license formalities
Arrange the establishment card, visas, customs registration and corporate bank account.
One partner-led team, start to finish
Licence, bank account, visas and tax handled by one named advisor, with government fees and our fee always shown separately.
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“I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.”
“We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.”
“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
How Avyanco handles JAFZA Business Setup
Avyanco can assess your business activity, facility requirements, ownership structure and visa needs before preparing your application. Our support consists of
Licensing & facility
- License selection
- Document coordination
- Facility shortlisting
Banking & customs
- Guidance on customs registration
- Guidance on banking
Tax & compliance
- Guidance on tax registration
Documents you'll need
Keep the essential documents required for the ownership structure before submitting your application. JAFZA request additional information based on your business activity, legal form or shareholder type
- Passport copy with at least six months' validity, where required
- Recent photograph
- Proof of address
- KYC and beneficial ownership details
- Business plan, if requested
- Certificate of incorporation, attested where required
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA/AoA)
- Board resolution authorizing the company setup
- Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) details
- Details of authorized signatories and directors
JAFZA License Cost and Year-One Budget
The JAFZA license cost may depend on your legal structure, business activity, visa requirements, facility and additional approvals. Here are the JAFZA license costs and year-one budget
Example first-year budgets
The estimates below show the published authority fees for JAFZA business formation. Workstation + 2 visas: AED 11,975* + workstation fee + two visa packages. *Indicative, subject to change
A Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) should pay 0% on qualifying income upon meeting all conditions. Taxable income that does not qualify is subject to the 9% Corporate Tax rate. Under the standard UAE Corporate Tax regime, taxable income above AED 375,000 is subject to 9%. Read the FTA's Free Zone Person guidance and explore our Corporate Tax registration and QFZP review to understand the legal requirements for the business setup in JAFZA free zones.
QFZP rules explained →JAFZA's Designated Zone status does not exempt every transaction. Special rules may apply to qualifying goods, while services need separate assessment. Mandatory VAT registration applies above AED 375,000 in taxable supplies and imports. Voluntary registration may be available above AED 187,500. Ensure to check the Federal Tax Authority's VAT guidance for successful registration for your business.
Designated Zone statusJAFZA license costs
| Cost item | One-time or annual | Published fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Trading, service or selected industrial license | Annual | From 5,000* |
| Logistics license | Annual | 15,000* |
| General trading license | Annual | 15,000* |
| FZE, FZCO or branch registration | One-time | 5,000* |
| Computer immigration card (CIC) | Annual | 1,975* |
| Workstation or office | Annual | Workstation: approximately AED 15,000*, private office: price depends on size and location |
| Warehouse rent | Annual | Approximately AED 45* to 51* per sq. ft. per year for JAFZA warehouse space |
| Visa, medical and Emirates ID | Per applicant | Approximately AED 3,500* to 4,000* per applicant |
From year two, budget for facility, license, and immigration card renewals and recurring service fees included. You must compare the company formation packages and full Dubai setup cost guide to plan your budget for business formation efficiently.
Customs, Corporate Tax and VAT in JAFZA
JAFZA organisation setup involves understanding customs procedures and how VAT and UAE Corporate Tax apply to your business activities. The rules may vary based on how your goods enter or leave the free zone, where they are supplied, and whether your company fulfills the requirements for qualifying tax benefits. We help you to assess these obligations, identify relevant registrations and plan compliance before beginning operations.
Customs: Customs duty may apply when goods enter the UAE mainland. Make sure to check the Dubai Customs rules specific to your goods.
Questions founders ask about JAFZA
Can I set up a JAFZA company from outside the UAE?+
Yes, you can set up the JAFZA company remotely, from outside the UAE. Moreover, it depends on the legal structure, document requirements and JAFZA procedures. You should confirm whether signing, attestation or any in-person formalities are applicable to your company formation case.
How much is a JAFZA license for a trading company?+
A JAFZA license for Type 1 trading costs AED 5,000, and for Type 2 trading, it costs AED 8,500. General trading is AED 15,000 annually. Moreover, additional facility, registration, and immigration costs apply.
How many visas do I get with a workstation, office or warehouse?+
A workstation supports applications for up to 2 visas. Office quota may depend on the office size, and warehouse and light industrial units quotas may depend on approval and area. Make sure to confirm your quota before leasing the office space in JAFZA.
How long does JAFZA company formation take?+
The JAFZA company setup timeline may depend on the application review, document checks, facility arrangements and approvals. You must ask the JAFZA authority to confirm the duration for your business activity and structure, and allow enough time for attestation or approvals.
Can I import and re-export through Jebel Ali Port without customs duty?+
Yes, Eligible goods may get duty-free treatment within the zone under applicable customs procedures. Customs duty may apply when the goods enter the UAE mainland. The treatment may depend on the goods and movements.
Is JAFZA a Designated Zone for VAT?+
Yes, JAFZA is a designated zone for VAT purposes. It does not exempt every transaction. The VAT treatment may be based on the supply, the goods and whether the relevant conditions are met.
Can a JAFZA company sell to the UAE mainland?+
Yes, the JAFZA company can sell to the UAE mainland, subject to applicable licensing and customs rules. Make sure to confirm the applicable route with DET or review our mainland company formation service.
Is JAFZA business setup right for a service company?+
Yes, JAFZA business formation is suitable for service companies. You can compare IFZA or DMCC for a small office setup in Dubai free zones.
Guides to help you decide
Start your JAFZA application.
Consult with our experts at Avyanco for JAFZA company setup. Discuss your ownership structure, business activity, facility preferences and visa requirements. We help you map the relevant application steps and cost components.
- Your ownership structure
- Your business activity
- Your facility preferences
- Your visa requirements
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision 100/2023 (QFZP) · Federal Decree-Law 8/2017 (VAT) · Jebel Ali Free Zone (jafza.ae) · Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae). *QFZP 0% applies to qualifying income only, subject to the conditions. *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of JAFZA and DP World and not affiliated with any UAE government agency. JAFZA rules, fees, facility availability, visa quotas and QFZP eligibility are set by the relevant authorities, vary by case and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with JAFZA and the Federal Tax Authority, or with us, before acting.