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Jebel Ali Free Zone is the largest and most established free zone in the UAE, home to over 11,000 companies from 140+ countries. Strategically positioned between Jebel Ali Port — the world’s sixth-largest container port — and Al Maktoum International Airport, JAFZA offers unmatched logistics connectivity for businesses targeting global markets. Whether you are launching a trading company, setting up a manufacturing operation, or establishing a regional services hub, a JAFZA company setup gives you 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and access to more than 3.5 billion consumers across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
JAFZA contributes 21% of Dubai’s GDP and accounts for 32% of total foreign direct investment flowing into the UAE. With over 1,500 approved business activities and a fully digital licensing process, Jebel Ali Free Zone company formation remains the preferred choice for international investors, SMEs, and Fortune 500 companies alike in 2026.
JAFZA has attracted global businesses for nearly four decades because of a combination of infrastructure, fiscal incentives, and geographic advantage that few free zones can match. Here is what makes it stand out:
Full ownership with no local sponsor or partner required. You retain complete control over your business operations and decision-making.
Companies qualifying as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income under the UAE Corporate Tax Law.
Direct access to Jebel Ali Port (connected to 150+ global ports) and Al Maktoum Airport. The only free zone in the world between a major seaport and international airport.
No restrictions on transferring profits or capital back to your home country. Zero currency controls and complete financial flexibility.
100% exemption on import and export duties within the free zone. Goods transiting through Jebel Ali Port benefit from simplified customs clearance.
Unlike many jurisdictions, JAFZA does not impose a minimum share capital for company registration, lowering the entry barrier for startups and SMEs.
If you are deciding between a free zone and mainland structure, our guide on the differences between mainland and free zone companies can help you compare the options.
JAFZA offers four main entity structures, each suited to different business needs and ownership arrangements:
| Entity Type | Shareholders | Best For | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZE (Free Zone Establishment) | 1 shareholder (individual or corporate) | Solo entrepreneurs, single-owner businesses | Separate legal entity |
| FZCO (Free Zone Company) | 2 to 50 shareholders | Partnerships, joint ventures, multi-investor projects | Separate legal entity |
| Branch Office | Extension of parent company | Existing UAE or foreign companies expanding to JAFZA | Not a separate legal entity |
| Offshore Company | 1 or more shareholders | International holding, asset protection, invoicing | Separate legal entity (no physical office required) |
An FZE is the most common choice for entrepreneurs starting a new business in Jebel Ali Free Zone, while an FZCO works well when multiple investors or partners are involved. If your existing company outside the UAE wants a presence in JAFZA without creating a new entity, a branch office provides a streamlined option.
JAFZA supports over 1,500 business activities across seven license categories. Choosing the right license depends on your business model, industry, and operational scope:
Import, export, and re-export of specific product categories within JAFZA.
Trade in a broad range of products without restriction to a single category. Ideal for diversified traders.
Manufacturing, processing, and assembly operations with access to industrial plots and warehousing.
Consulting, advisory, IT services, and knowledge-based businesses operating from JAFZA.
Distribution, storage, inventory management, and transportation services leveraging JAFZA’s port connectivity.
Online retail and digital commerce operations with fulfillment infrastructure support.
Manufacturing with a higher percentage of local raw materials. Benefits include enhanced government incentives.
For a broader understanding of licensing across Dubai, see our overview of trade licenses in Dubai.
One of the most common questions about Jebel Ali Free Zone company setup is the total investment required. Below is a realistic cost breakdown based on current 2026 fee structures. Actual costs depend on your license type, business activities, and facility choice.
| Fee Component | Cost Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JAFZA License Fee (annual) | AED 5,000 – 15,000 | Depends on license type and number of activities |
| Registration Fee (one-time) | AED 5,000 – 10,000 | Company incorporation and registration |
| Flexi Desk (annual) | AED 12,000 – 20,000 | Supports 1-4 visa allocations |
| Executive Office (annual) | AED 35,000 – 70,000+ | Supports 5-12+ visa allocations |
| Visa Cost (per person) | AED 4,600 – 7,000+ | Includes entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping |
| Health Insurance (per person/year) | AED 600 – 800 | Mandatory for all visa holders |
Realistic First-Year Budget Estimates:
Solo entrepreneur with flexi desk + 1 visa: AED 40,000 – 60,000
Trading company with office + 3 visas: AED 80,000 – 120,000
Manufacturing setup with warehouse: AED 150,000+
These figures reflect government and JAFZA fees only. EBS provides a detailed cost proposal specific to your business activity and requirements — contact us for a personalized JAFZA license cost estimate.
The JAFZA company formation process is fully digital and typically completed within 7 to 14 business days. Here is how it works:
Select between FZE, FZCO, branch, or offshore. Pick the license category that matches your business activity.
Submit your preferred company name for approval through the JAFZA portal. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions.
Upload required documents (passport copies, business plan, shareholder details) through the digital application system.
Select from flexi desks, executive offices, warehouses, or industrial plots. Your facility type determines your visa allocation quota.
Complete fee payment and sign the Memorandum of Association. For FZCOs, the shareholders’ agreement is also executed at this stage.
JAFZA issues your electronic trade license, establishment card, and immigration card — all processed digitally.
With your license active, proceed to open a corporate bank account and apply for residence visas for yourself and your team.
EBS handles the entire process from initial consultation through license issuance, ensuring your application is complete and avoiding delays from missing documents or incorrect filings.
The documentation requirements vary slightly depending on whether shareholders are individuals or corporate entities:
All foreign documents must be attested by the relevant UAE embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our PRO services team handles the full attestation process so you do not have to manage government procedures directly.
Your visa quota in Jebel Ali Free Zone is directly linked to your facility type and size. This is an important factor when planning your JAFZA setup:
| Facility Type | Visa Allocation |
|---|---|
| Flexi Desk | 1 – 4 visas |
| Executive Office | 5 – 12+ visas (based on office size) |
| Warehouse / Industrial Unit | Based on facility size (typically 1 visa per 9 sqm of office space) |
| Land Plot | Determined by JAFZA based on project scope |
Each JAFZA employee visa costs approximately AED 4,600 to AED 7,000 in total, covering the entry permit (AED 1,200), medical examination (AED 320), Emirates ID (AED 370), residence visa stamping (AED 1,010 – 1,630), and labor card (AED 600). Health insurance is mandatory for all visa holders.
Business owners investing in a JAFZA company may also qualify for the UAE Golden Visa, granting 10-year residency. For more information on visa categories, see our guide on visa and labor laws for businesses in Dubai.
A common misconception is that all free zone companies are tax-free. Under the UAE Corporate Tax Law effective since June 2023, JAFZA companies must actively qualify for preferential tax treatment:
To benefit from the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, your JAFZA company must:
Non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard 9% corporate tax rate on profits exceeding AED 375,000. All JAFZA companies must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), file annual returns within nine months of their financial year end, and maintain transfer pricing documentation for related-party transactions.
Additionally, the UAE e-invoicing mandate begins its phased rollout in July 2026. Businesses with annual revenue exceeding AED 50 million must adopt FTA-certified e-invoicing software for all B2B and B2G transactions through the national Peppol-based network. Smaller businesses will follow in subsequent phases.
JAFZA also requires companies to undergo an annual financial audit by an approved auditor, submit annual returns, and renew their license before expiry to avoid a penalty of AED 1,000 per month for late renewal. Our VAT and accounting services ensure you stay fully compliant from day one.
If you are comparing Jebel Ali Free Zone with other popular options, here is how they stack up on the factors that matter most:
| Factor | JAFZA | DMCC | DAFZA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Trading, manufacturing, logistics | Commodities, crypto, consulting | Aviation, logistics, tech |
| Port Access | Direct (Jebel Ali Port) | No direct port access | Adjacent to DXB Airport |
| Warehousing | Extensive options | Limited | Limited |
| License From | AED 5,000/year | AED 15,000/year | AED 12,000/year |
| Number of Companies | 11,000+ | 24,000+ | 1,900+ |
| Offshore Company | Available | Not available | Not available |
JAFZA is the strongest choice for businesses that depend on physical trade, manufacturing, or supply chain operations. For a complete overview of all free zone options, visit our Dubai free zone company setup page.
EBS is not just a company formation agent — we are recognized JAFZA-approved consultants with deep expertise in Jebel Ali Free Zone regulations, licensing, and compliance. This means your setup is handled by a team that understands JAFZA’s internal processes, documentation standards, and approval requirements firsthand.
From initial consultation and activity selection through license issuance, bank account opening, and visa processing — one team handles everything.
We do not disappear after setup. Annual audits, license renewals, corporate tax filing, and regulatory changes — we keep your JAFZA company compliant year after year.
Our tax advisory team helps structure your JAFZA operations to meet Qualifying Free Zone Person requirements and maximize your 0% tax benefit.
No hidden fees. We provide a clear, itemized cost breakdown before you commit so you know exactly what your JAFZA company setup will cost.
The total first-year cost for a JAFZA company typically ranges from AED 40,000 for a basic flexi desk setup with one visa to AED 150,000+ for a full office or warehouse setup with multiple visas. License fees alone start from AED 5,000 per year depending on the license type and number of business activities.
An FZE (Free Zone Establishment) has a single shareholder — either an individual or a corporate entity. An FZCO (Free Zone Company) has two to fifty shareholders. Both are separate legal entities with the same benefits. Choose FZE if you are a sole owner, and FZCO if you have partners or co-investors.
The standard processing time is 7 to 14 business days from submission of complete documents to license issuance. With EBS handling your application, we ensure all documentation is properly prepared to avoid delays.
Not automatically. JAFZA companies that qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on profits exceeding AED 375,000. VAT at 5% also applies if your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
Your visa quota depends on your facility type. A flexi desk supports 1 to 4 visas, an executive office supports 5 to 12+ visas depending on size, and warehouses or industrial units provide allocations based on square footage — typically 1 visa per 9 sqm of office space within the facility.
JAFZA companies can trade internationally without restrictions. For selling directly to the UAE mainland market, you can now access mainland business through the Mainland Permit for Free Zone Companies framework introduced under the new regulations, or by appointing a local distributor.
Licenses must be renewed annually before the expiry date. JAFZA imposes a late renewal penalty of AED 1,000 per month. Renewal requires submission of audited financial statements, a valid lease agreement, and clearance of any outstanding fees. Companies that fail to renew within six months may face deregistration.
Yes. JAFZA offers offshore company registration starting from approximately AED 10,100 with annual renewal around AED 2,500. Offshore companies do not require a physical office, do not receive visa allocation, and are commonly used for holding assets, international invoicing, and investment structuring.
Yes. JAFZA requires all registered companies to submit audited financial statements annually as part of the license renewal process. The audit must be conducted by a JAFZA-approved auditor. Additionally, corporate tax filing requires audited financials for QFZP status qualification.
JAFZA supports over 1,500 business activities across trading, industrial, service, logistics, and e-commerce sectors. These include general trading, food manufacturing, IT consulting, warehousing, automotive distribution, pharmaceutical storage, and many more. EBS can help you identify the right activities for your business model.
Disclaimer: The information on this page reflects current JAFZA regulations and fee structures as of early 2026. Government fees, visa costs, and regulatory requirements are subject to change without notice. Specific costs and timelines may vary based on your business activity, nationality, and individual circumstances. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Contact EBS at +971 55 378 8000 for personalized guidance tailored to your situation.
for more details call +971 55 378 8000 or e-mail us in info@ebsuae.com
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