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Free zone guide

JAFZA company setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is DP World's flagship free zone in Dubai, run by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority and located close to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport. We check your activity against JAFZA's official activity list, prepare and submit your application, and flag any approvals your goods or plans need before you commit.

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Overview

How JAFZA company setup works

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is a Dubai free zone that its own site calls DP World's flagship free zone and the largest customs bonded zone in the Middle East. It began operating in 1985 under a decree of the Ruler of Dubai, after work on Jebel Ali Port started in 1979. JAFZA says it is now home to more than 11,000 businesses from over 150 countries.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority licenses and regulates companies in the zone, and the site describes JAFZA as part of DP World UAE. JAFZA's FAQ states that its regulatory arm issues all licenses for companies set up in the zone. Some activities also need other UAE authorities, for example importing or exporting food and agricultural goods.

You choose one of five formation types: a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), a Free Zone Company (FZCO), a Public Listed Company (PLC), a branch of an existing company or an offshore company. An operating company then holds one of four activity licenses: trading, service, industrial or logistics. JAFZA's license page also lists the Dubai Unified License (DUL), Dubai's single business identity, as a fifth license type. JAFZA states that each license is valid for one year, and that a lease agreement must be in place when the company is set up.

What sets JAFZA apart is space and logistics. Beyond workstations and offices, the zone leases warehouses, light industrial units, showrooms and plots of land, all close to Jebel Ali Port. We start with your activity and the space it needs, because at JAFZA the property you lease also decides how many visas you can apply for.

Setup planner

Is your activity on JAFZA's official list?

Search your activity to see whether JAFZA lists it and which approvals it names, then get a setup plan in 4 short steps. A consultant sends your quotation.

Get my setup planOr browse the activity finder
Who it's for

Who JAFZA suits

  • 01

    Importers, traders and distributors

    Businesses that hold stock near Jebel Ali Port and want a trading license with warehouse space inside a customs bonded zone.

  • 02

    Logistics and freight companies

    Firms doing storage, forwarding, clearing and distribution, which JAFZA's logistics license is built around.

  • 03

    Manufacturers and established groups

    Companies that need a production facility, a plot to build on, or a branch of an existing business beside the port.

Our part

What we do, and what we don't

Clear boundaries, so you know exactly what you're paying for and who decides each step.

Included

  • A check that JAFZA lists your exact activity, and which approvals it names
  • A comparison with one or two other zones, if another fits you better
  • Application forms prepared, typed and submitted to JAFZA
  • Document checks, plus translation and attestation guidance for corporate shareholders
  • Follow-up with the zone until it makes a decision
  • Post-license guidance on your establishment card, visas and corporate tax registration

Not included

  • We don't issue JAFZA licenses; the zone's authority decides.
  • We don't decide bank account applications; banks apply their own policies.
  • Work outside the free zone needs separate approvals; we explain the options, the authorities decide.
  • We don't give legal or tax advice on complex group structures; a licensed adviser can.
Documents

Documents you'll need

  • Passport copies for all shareholders and the manager
  • Emirates ID and residence visa copies, if you live in the UAE
  • Your chosen activities and a shortlist of trade name options
  • A short business plan or activity description, if the zone asks for one
  • For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents, a board resolution and a good standing letter, attested for UAE use

JAFZA sets its own document list; we confirm it for your activity before you apply.

Fees and timing

Two fees, shown separately

  • Government fees, paid at cost

    Set by JAFZA and paid at cost. Your consultant sends a written quotation with every fee before you pay.

  • Global Sky PRO service fee

    Quoted in writing before we start, so you know the full cost up front.

  • Timing

    Depends on your activity, any approvals and how quickly documents and attestations are ready. We give you a realistic plan once your activity is confirmed.

Process

How it works, step by step

Each step shows who does what, so you always know where things stand.

  • You
  • Global Sky PRO
  • Authority

  1. Step 1: Tell us your activity and plans

    You

    Share what you will do, where your customers are, how many visas you need and what workspace suits you.

  2. Step 2: Check JAFZA's official list

    Global Sky PRO

    We confirm your exact activity is on JAFZA's list, note any approval it needs and compare other zones if they fit better.

  3. Step 3: Approve your quotation

    You

    Your consultant sends a written quotation with every zone fee and our service fee. Send the documents on your checklist.

  4. Step 4: Prepare and submit

    Global Sky PRO

    We type the application, check every document for consistency and submit the file to JAFZA.

  5. Step 5: Zone review and decision

    Authority

    JAFZA reviews the application, may ask for more information and decides whether to issue the license.

  6. Step 6: License and next steps

    Global Sky PRO

    Once the license is issued, we guide you through the establishment card, residence visas and corporate tax registration.

Good to know

Details that save time

JAFZA company and license types

At JAFZA, the formation type sets the legal structure and number of shareholders, while the license sets what the company may do. An FZE has a single shareholder, an FZCO has two to fifty, and a PLC has two or more shareholders and must list its shares on a stock exchange. A branch must be wholly owned by its parent and operate under the same name.

JAFZA states that it does not prescribe a minimum share capital for an FZE or FZCO, but the capital must be sufficient for the licensed activities. Its activity list follows the business activity list published by Dubai's economic department, so we match your wording to that list first.

  • Trading license: buying and selling physical goods, which JAFZA describes as its most common license type
  • Service license: for businesses that provide services and do not trade in or hold stock of physical products
  • Industrial license: manufacturing, with the production facility and warehouse inside the free zone and regular HSE audits
  • Logistics license: storage, transportation, distribution, sorting, forwarding and clearing, without buying or selling the goods
  • Offshore company: a separate structure with no maximum number of shareholders, for activities the Registrar permits

Workspace, warehouses, land and visas at JAFZA

JAFZA leases everything from a single workstation to a plot of land, and the space you choose sets your visa quota. JAFZA's visa guide says a workstation allows 2 visas and a showroom 5 regardless of size, while office, warehouse and light industrial unit quotas depend on the area leased. A leased plot starts with an initial quota of 20 visas, which can be raised after approval.

JAFZA states that workstations can be used for trading and service licenses. An industrial company needs its production facility and warehouse inside the zone, so it starts with a warehouse, a light industrial unit or land.

  • Workstations: furnished, ready-to-use space that JAFZA describes as ideal for startups
  • Offices: unfurnished space in high- and low-rise buildings, from one floor to a whole building
  • Warehouses: pre-built and industrial units, light industrial units from 313 to 619 sq m, and cold storage
  • Showrooms and retail outlets, including showrooms with their own warehouse and office space
  • Plots of land: infrastructure-ready plots from 5,000 sq m on short- or long-term leases, for your own facility

Jebel Ali Port, customs and the logistics corridor

JAFZA's main advantage is its position next to Jebel Ali Port inside a customs bonded zone, with onsite customs listed among its benefits. Its Dubai Logistics Corridor guide explains that a single customs bonded area connects Jebel Ali Port, the free zone and Al Maktoum International Airport. That means sea-to-air cargo does not have to exit one zone and enter another.

JAFZA notes that its logistics license is a popular choice for clearing and forwarding businesses because of the port. To confirm you as a logistics service provider, JAFZA may ask for registration from government entities such as Dubai Customs, so we plan that step into your timeline.

Working with the Dubai mainland from JAFZA

A JAFZA company can operate on the Dubai mainland only through the routes in Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) may authorise a branch within the emirate, a branch operating out of the free zone, or a temporary permit for specific activities. Each route needs the free zone authority's approval.

Moving the other way, JAFZA states that it cannot transfer a mainland company into the free zone. You either dissolve the mainland company and form a new JAFZA company, or keep it and open a JAFZA branch with the mainland company as the parent. JAFZA's visa guide adds that sponsored employees work inside the zone, and temporary work outside it needs JAFZA's prior approval.

JAFZA vs Dubai South vs DAFZA: port, logistics district or airport

All three are Dubai free zones built around a transport hub, but the hub differs. JAFZA sits beside Jebel Ali Port, Dubai South's Logistics District sits by Al Maktoum International Airport, and Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ, often searched as DAFZA) is next to Dubai International Airport. If most of your cargo moves by sea, or you need land or a factory, JAFZA's port position usually matters most.

  • JAFZA: run by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority within DP World; FZE, FZCO, PLC, branch or offshore; warehouses, land and a dedicated logistics license
  • Dubai South: regulated by Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC); its Logistics District reaches Jebel Ali Port through a bonded logistics corridor
  • DAFZ: established in 1996 next to Dubai International Airport and a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority; offers a dual license with DET
  • Both JAFZA and Dubai South describe a customs bonded link between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport

Questions to answer before you choose JAFZA

Headline offers rarely tell the whole story. We answer these for your activity before you decide.

  • Is your exact activity on JAFZA's official list, or only something close to it?
  • Does the activity need approval from another regulator first?
  • Which workspace options are available, and how many visas does each allow?
  • What does renewal involve each year, and which costs recur?
  • Will most of your customers be in the zone, abroad or on the mainland?
Compare zones

Other free zones to compare

If this zone doesn't fit your activity, visas or budget, one of these may. Each guide is checked against the zone's own website.

Swipe to see all 8 zones

Logos and names are trademarks of their owners, shown only to identify each free zone. Facts are from each zone's own website, checked on 4 November 2026.

FAQs

JAFZA: your questions

Short answers here. Your situation may differ, so ask us before you decide.

Still have a question?

An adviser replies during opening hours, Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00.

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Who owns and runs Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)?

JAFZA's own site describes it as DP World's flagship free zone and part of DP World UAE. Licensing sits with the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, and JAFZA says its regulatory arm issues all licenses for companies in the zone. The zone began operating in 1985 under a decree of the Ruler of Dubai, after work on Jebel Ali Port started in 1979.

Source: JAFZA: about Jafza

What is the difference between a JAFZA FZE and a JAFZA FZCO?

The difference is the number of shareholders. A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) has a single shareholder, and a Free Zone Company (FZCO) has two to fifty, who can be individuals, companies or a mix. In both, liability is limited to the paid-up capital. JAFZA does not prescribe a minimum share capital for either, although the capital must be sufficient for the licensed activities.

Source: JAFZA: company formation

How many visas can I get with a JAFZA workstation, office or warehouse?

It depends on the space you lease. JAFZA's visa guide says a workstation allows 2 visas and a showroom 5, whatever its size, while office, warehouse and light industrial unit quotas depend on the area. A leased plot starts with 20 visas, which can be raised after approval. You also need a valid lease and an immigration card first, so we check the quota before you sign.

Source: JAFZA: issuing a visa for an employee

Can a JAFZA company work on the Dubai mainland?

Yes, but only through the routes in Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) may authorise a branch within the emirate, a branch operating out of the free zone, or a temporary permit for specific activities, and each route needs the free zone authority's approval. JAFZA-sponsored employees work inside the zone unless JAFZA approves temporary outside work.

Source: Dubai Legislation Portal: Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025

Can I lease land and build my own facility in JAFZA?

Yes. JAFZA leases infrastructure-ready plots from 5,000 square metres, on short- or long-term leases, for companies that want to build their own manufacturing unit or storage facility with offices. JAFZA publishes separate development control regulations for industrial and for warehouse and logistics buildings. If you want to move in sooner, it also leases pre-built warehouses, light industrial units, showrooms and offices.

Source: JAFZA: plots of land

How much does JAFZA company setup cost?

It depends on your activities, the license term, your workspace and how many visas you need. JAFZA's own license pages explain that the license cost depends on how many activities and activity groups you add. Rather than quote a headline figure, your consultant sends a written quotation with every JAFZA fee and our service fee shown separately, so you can compare before you pay anything.

Source: JAFZA: business license

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Licenses are issued by the relevant authority (DET for Dubai mainland, or the chosen free zone authority). Global Sky PRO prepares and submits your application. Last reviewed 31 October 2026 by the Global Sky PRO team.

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