We offer you company registration in the UAE Jebel Ali free zone. Such a company will have UAE resident status. You can also register a branch of an existing company.
At the final stage of the registration, a personal visit to Jebel Ali free zone is required.
Attractiveness of Jebel Ali free zone for company registration
Jebel Ali free zone (JAFZA) is one of the most prominent business communities in the Middle East and North Africa region. It gave impetus not only to the development of Dubai but also to the enormous economic growth and development of the entire UAE. Jebel Ali free zone is one of the fastest-growing and largest free zones in the Middle East.
JAFZA was the first free zone in the world to receive ISO 9001:2000 certification in 1996. Jebel Ali free zone also won first place in the Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) in 2004 and the Dubai Quality Award in 2005 and 2010.
JAFZA was established in 1985 with only 19 companies. Nowadays, it is a world-famous commercial and industrial hub with more than 7,000 companies from more than 100 countries. More than a hundred of them are Fortune 500 companies.
Jebel Ali free zone customers benefit significantly from a convenient location with easy access to world-renowned and local trading and manufacturing facilities. The free zone is located next to Jebel Ali Port, the largest port in the Middle East and the largest artificial port in the world. It is capable of handling 15 million containers on 170 shipping routes annually. Jebel Ali free zone company formation greatly simplifies access to a market with more than two billion people in South and West Asia and Africa.
Jebel Ali free zone exports account for over 50% of Dubai’s total exports and over 30% of imports. The free zone provides over 20% of Dubai’s GDP.
The eighth busiest cargo airport in the world, Dubai International Airport, is also located near JAFZA free zone. The airport capacity is about three million tons. Al Maktoum cargo airport is also nearby.
Jebel Ali free zone has a single customs service that connects both airports. A modern six-lane highway makes it possible to deliver goods from the port to a cargo plane in half an hour. In addition, there is a 1,200-kilometer railway line connecting the UAE with Saudi Arabia and Oman. It allows for transporting more than 50 million tons of cargo annually.
As a leading business hub in the Middle East, Jebel Ali free zone focuses on long-term customer relationships. It strengthens partnerships with global investors by providing world-class infrastructure and various additional services within the zone.
If you are interested in a classic offshore company, we recommend you consider opening International Business Corporation (IBC) in the Marshall Islands.
Main advantages of JAFZA company formation
- The client has 100% ownership.
- No corporate tax for 50 years.
- Possibility of 100% capital repatriation.
- No import duties.
- No export duties.
- No currency restrictions.
- The company can hire foreign employees and open visas for them.
- Optimal logistics infrastructure offering the best air, sea, road, and rail routes.
- JAFZA is the only free zone in the world, located next to the largest airport and the largest seaport.
- The possibility of obtaining a loan secured by the client’s premises built on leased land.
- Own customs.
- A professional team of specialists assisting clients in company registration and operation.
- Low cost of utilities.
- A wide range of specialized facilities for individual customer needs.
- A wide range of available licenses and activities.
- The presence of world-renowned companies and investors facilitates business connections and creates unlimited business opportunities.
Types of JAFZA companies
Depending on the shareholders’ number and activity type, Jebel Ali free zone offers various forms of companies.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) registration in Jebel Ali free zone
- FZE is a limited liability company with one shareholder. In all transactions, contracts, announcements, invoices, correspondence, and printed materials, such a company needs to mention that its liability is limited.
- The shareholder’s liability to FZE is limited to the paid-in capital. If the shares are not paid in full, the shareholder needs to contribute the unpaid part.
- FZE has a legal personality separate from its shareholder.
- FZE cannot offer its shares for public subscription.
- FZE needs to obtain a license to operate in Jebel Ali free zone. The license allows business activities within the free zone and does not authorize FZE to operate outside. At the same time, the company can operate outside the UAE under the laws of another country.
Free Zone Company (FZCO) registration with Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
- FZCO is a limited liability company with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 50 shareholders.
- The shareholder’s liability to FZCO is limited to the paid-in capital. If the shares are not paid in full, the shareholder needs to contribute the unpaid part. In all transactions, contracts, announcements, invoices, correspondence, and printed materials, such a company needs to mention that its liability is limited.
- FZCO has a legal personality separate from its shareholders.
- FZCO cannot offer its shares for public subscription.
- FZCO needs to obtain a license to operate in Jebel Ali free zone. The license allows business activities within the free zone and does not authorize the company to operate outside it. At the same time, FZCO can operate outside the UAE under the laws of another country.
Public Listed Company (PLC) registration in JAFZA free zone
- PLC is a limited liability company with two or more shareholders.
- The shareholder’s liability to PLC is limited to the paid-in capital.
- PLC has a legal personality separate from its shareholders.
- PLC may offer its shares for public subscription in accordance with the Markets Law.
- PLC needs to list its shares on the stock exchange in accordance with the Markets Law within nine months from the company registration date unless this period is extended by the registrar. If the company fails to do it, the registrar may impose penalties.
Branch of existing company registration in Jebel Ali free zone
A branch is a single legal entity with its parent company. A company incorporated outside Jebel Ali free zone (in the UAE or outside it) may establish a branch within JAFZA. A branch is 100% owned by the parent company, operates under the same name, and is engaged in the same business.
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Licenses available in JAFZA free zone
The type of license you need to operate in Jebel Ali free zone will depend on your business activity type.
Trading license
A trading license allows the holder to import, export, sell and store the specified goods.
In addition, there is a general trading license that grants the holder access to a wider range of activities and provides a wider variety of products. A general trading license costs more than a regular one.
Service license
A service license allows the holder to provide the specified services within Jebel Ali free zone. Service activities include financial consulting, banking, accounting services, construction contracts, etc.
In addition, it is possible to obtain a logistics license. This license allows the company to provide logistics services such as cargo handling (sea, air, land), warehousing, storage, parking, transshipment, and distribution.
Please note that service licenses are available only to branches of local companies.
Industrial license
An industrial license allows the holder to import raw materials, produce specified goods, and export finished products.
In addition, there is a national industrial license issued to manufacturing companies at least 51% owned by citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Such a license gives the holder the same status as local companies or companies owned by citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have in the UAE.
E-commerce license
An e-commerce license allows you to buy and sell goods and services using digital channels only (using physical channels is prohibited).
Innovation license
The license allows the development of new products and services.
Products and infrastructure provided by Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Jebel Ali free zone offers a wide range of products designed to meet various business needs.
In particular, these are:
- land plots
- showrooms
- warehouses
- personalized products
- offices
- business park
- commercial premises
- accommodation for employees
Land plots provided upon company registration in Jebel Ali free zone
Jebel Ali free zone offers plots of various sizes for short- and long-term leases. These plots are ideal for companies wanting to build their own facilities. The plot size is 5,000 square meters or more, according to the needs of each client.
The main features of the plots:
- ready-made road infrastructure
- ready-made telecommunications infrastructure
- electricity and water supply
- customers with similar needs are located in one area
- 24/7 security
Warehouses available for JAFZA companies
Jebel Ali free zone offers turnkey warehouses to meet customer needs for high-quality storage services. Warehouses can also be used for the light industry. Ready-made warehouses are thermally insulated special blocks with associated office space available on a rental basis.
These blocks have multiple access points:
- ladders for a loader
- dock for containers and trucks
- fire exit doors
- main entrance to office space
Other features include the following:
- ready-made infrastructure for water and electricity supply (capacity is from 42 kW to 127 kW)
- ready-made telecommunications infrastructure
- block size varies from 313 square meters to 1110 square meters
- parking
- installed fire alarm and fire extinguishing system
- permissible load on the floor – 5 tons per square meter
- warehouse eaves height varies from 6 to 12 meters
- restrooms available in offices and warehouses
- pantries available in offices
- 24/7 security
Showrooms provided by Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Jebel Ali free zone offers showrooms with warehouse and office space on two floors. Each block has storage space at the rear and a glass showroom facade at the front, with office space on the top floor. All offices are equipped with air conditioning, lamps, sockets, and telephones.
These blocks have multiple access points:
- ladders for a loader
- dock for containers and trucks
- fire exit doors
- main entrance to office space and showroom (with public road access)
Other features include:
- ready-made infrastructure for water and electricity supply (capacity is from 18 kW to 130 kW)
- ready-made telecommunications infrastructure
- various size options: showrooms – 264 square meters, office space – ranging from 158 square meters to 277 square meters, warehouse – 348 square meters
- parking available in front of the warehouse
- installed fire alarm and fire extinguishing system
- offices and warehouses have restrooms and pantries
- 24/7 security inside Jebel Ali free zone
Facility custom construction for individual client needs in Jebel Ali free zone
Custom construction is a Jebel Ali free zone innovative product aimed at meeting customers’ specific industry needs.
This product offers a wide range of solutions. They range from advice on the right location, required size, and industry-specific requirements to developing and implementing ready-made projects according to customer requirements.
Solutions:
On a long-term basis: Jebel Ali free zone builds and puts into operation a facility according to client specifications for a predetermined long-term lease.
On an ownership basis: Jebel Ali free zone builds and puts into operation a facility according to client requirements, budget and timelines.
On a development management basis: Jebel Ali free zone acts as a consultant to help clients develop the facility. It charges a fee for this service.
These three options are designed to implement the customer’s preferred business model.
Offices offered by Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Jebel Ali free zone offers office space for rent in high-rise and low-rise buildings.
Jebel Ali free zone office clusters have a convenient location for easy access for staff and visitors. The office spaces are rented unfurnished, allowing each client to express their own style.
Clients can rent any office space they wish, from a floor in a high-rise building to the entire building. Jebel Ali free zone tailors each office to the client’s specific needs and adapts the interior layout and design to the requested specification. The existing free zone infrastructure is impeccable, and all office buildings benefit from several additional features, including the following:
- 24/7 security with a video surveillance system
- broadband internet and telephone lines
- amenities on every floor
- prayer rooms
- outdoor and indoor parking
If you do not need large premises at the initial stage, it is possible to rent an office (Flexi-desk or a small room) from a secretarial company.
Business park for JAFZA companies
Jebel Ali free zone business park provides ready-to-use, fully furnished, and equipped offices. These offices do not require initial payment and are designed for short- and long-term client requirements. Each business center has the following features:24/7 access to a workstation with network connections
- meeting and conference rooms equipped with audiovisual equipment
- broadband internet and telephone lines
- business hall
- professional staff support, administrative and secretarial services
- outdoor and indoor parking
- 24/7 security with a video surveillance system
Commercial premises available for rent after JAFZA company formation
JAFZA free zone provides commercial premises suitable for a wide range of retail services. These premises are located throughout the free zone, allowing easily open a restaurant or shop.
Jebel Ali free zone offers premises for restaurants of various sizes in various locations. JAFZA South hosts different well-known food courts and shops.
Commercial premises features:
- various amenities – water, electricity, etc.
- proximity to a mosque, retail stores, supermarkets, laundries, volleyball court, tennis court, cricket court, football field
- telecommunications
- 24/7 security
Accommodation for employees in Jebel Ali free zone
Jebel Ali free zone provides housing for employees within its territory. There are approximately 5,000 rooms in JAFZA North and over 4,500 rooms in JAFZA South.
Features of employee accommodation:
- catering
- public dining room
- public restrooms
- proximity to a mosque, retail stores, supermarkets, laundries, volleyball court, tennis court, cricket court, football field
- 24/7 security
Features of registering a company in Jebel Ali free zone
Persons registering a company may apply to the registrar by submitting an application in the required form containing the following information:
- Name, nationality, address, and other details of each shareholder.
- At least three company name options.
- Proposed activity types.
- Type and size of premises required for the proposed activities.
- Capital amount.
- Name, nationality, address, and other details of the proposed directors, manager, and secretary.
- Any other documents or information required by the registrar.
You need to attach the following documents to the application:
- Draft Memorandum and Articles of Association for approval by the registrar.
- Application for rental of premises suitable for the proposed activities.
- Documents required by JAFZA for proposed activities.
- Business plan for proposed activities.
After receiving the application and the necessary documents, JAFZA can offer premises for rent. Future shareholders have to reserve suitable premises while waiting for company registration.
Upon application approval and premises rental confirmation, the registrar may issue the following documents:
- License.
- Company registration certificate.
- Registered Memorandum and Articles of Association (if the company has more than one shareholder).
- Certificate from the share register (or Share certificate in case of full payment of the authorized capital).
Company name
The company name needs to be approved by the registrar.
Capital when registering FZE or FZCO in Jebel Ali free zone
FZE or FZCO needs to have a share capital sufficient for the activities permitted by the license. Payment of authorized capital is not required.
Capital when registering PLC in Jebel Ali free zone
PLC needs to have a share capital higher than:
- amount required for the activities permitted by the license
- amount required under the Markets Law
Shares when registering FZE or FZCO in JAFZA free zone
A shareholder may be an individual or a legal entity.
FZE or FZCO capital needs to be divided into shares.
Shareholders need to pay the shares in full unless the registrar approves a partial share payment.
Each share needs to have its own serial number.
FZE or FZCO cannot issue bearer shares.
Shares when registering PLC in JAFZA free zone
PLC capital needs to be divided into shares.
Company capital may be paid in part (at least a quarter).
PLC cannot issue bearer shares.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority company director
Except for issues considered at a general meeting, the director manages the business and affairs of JAFZA company.
- FZE or FZCO needs to have at least one director.
- PLC needs to have at least two directors.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority company manager
The company needs to have a manager. Manager’s name will be recorded in the register of companies and will be indicated in the license.
A shareholder, director, or secretary may also be a manager.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority company secretary
The company needs to have a secretary. The secretary cannot be a director of PLC.
Jebel Ali free zone reporting and auditing requirements for FZE or FZCO
The company needs to keep reports but is not required to file them.
The auditor needs to audit FZE or FZCO reports once a year and prepare an audit report to be filed after the license renewal.
Jebel Ali free zone reporting and auditing requirements for PLC
PLC needs to prepare, keep and send reports for audit in accordance with the Markets Law.
Visas and office requirements for JAFZA companies
Jebel Ali free zone company needs to rent an office. The number of available visas depends on the office size (approximately one visa per 10 square meters of the office space). It is also possible to rent an office from a secretarial company.
The cost of each visa may differ depending on whether the person is currently inside the UAE. If you are looking for UAE long-term visa by investment, you can find more information in our article.
The visa is valid for three years. Also, it is mandatory to pay a security deposit for each employee. It is calculated as the base salary multiplied by 1.5 plus the return plane ticket cost. For all employees not indicated in the license, it is necessary to pay the wages specified in the contract using the WPS (Wage Protection System). Otherwise, Jebel Ali free zone will block the company’s account.
JAFZA company formation procedure
Initially, the client has to choose the activity types and determine the company’s shareholder, director, and manager.
It is necessary to prepare three company name options. When choosing a name, you should consider that there are some forbidden words.
After that, our consultant will issue an invoice for 50% of the registration services cost and application fee. Along with these, we will start filling out paperwork.
The consultant will ask you for passport copies of shareholders, directors, and managers. In the case of a corporate shareholder, we will request statutory documents’ copies.
Documents required for FZE or FZCO registration in JAFZA free zone
- Application for company registration (prepared by our specialist).
- Letter of intent (prepared by our specialist).
- Description of your existing company (if available).
- Annual financial report or shareholder’s bank statement for six months (not required for new registration).
- Passport copies and CVs of shareholders, directors, and managers. Passport or other acceptable identification document copies needs to contain pages with photos and pages with a UAE entry stamp (even if it was a long time ago).
- Letter of no objection from an existing sponsor for directors and managers (for those who already have a UAE work visa).
- Business plan (we are ready to help with the preparation).
- Initial permits from other agencies (if required for the chosen activity).
An individual shareholder provides the following documents:
- Sample signatures of shareholders, director, manager, and secretary certified by JAFZA.
- Board resolution and power of attorney certified by JAFZA (for FZCO registration).
Legal entity shareholder provides the following documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation (notarized and certified by the UAE Embassy).
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (notarized and certified by the UAE Embassy).
- Manager’s signature sample certified by Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority.
- Board resolution and power of attorney certified by the UAE Embassy. A board resolution needs to be passed by the Board of Directors of your existing company in country of origin and express the intention of registering a business abroad (we can provide you with a template).
Documents required for a foreign company branch registration in Jebel Ali free zone
- Certificate of Incorporation (notarized and certified by the UAE Embassy).
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (notarized and certified by the UAE Embassy).
- Manager’s signature sample certified by Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority.
- Board resolution and power of attorney certified by the UAE Embassy. A board resolution needs to be passed by the Board of Directors of your existing company in country of origin and express the intention of registering a business abroad (we can provide you with a template).
Documents required for a local company branch registration in Jebel Ali free zone
- License copy.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association copies.
- Share certificate copy.
- Chamber of Commerce Certificate.
- Letter from the company about opening a branch in Jebel Ali free zone.
- Board decision original.
- Manager’s signature sample certified by JAFZA.
After filling out the documents, the consultant will send them to you for signing and ask you to send the scans back.
Then, we apply for company registration and pay the application fee.
After submitting the application and the required documents, JAFZA free zone specialists:
- check documents
- check the proposed business activity
- receive the required approvals from managing departments
- register a trade name
The application process usually takes 5-10 business days.
The registrar may request additional documents, such as bank statements, information about other licenses that the applicant already has, etc.
After your application is approved, JAFZA issues initial approval for your business.
The initial approval will be valid for 90 days. If company registration does not require permissions from other authorities, shareholders (or their representatives), directors, and managers need to visit the UAE and sign documents in the presence of the registrar. If such permissions are required, the registrar will ask you to obtain them before signing.
At this point, you need to pay all unpaid fees.
Within five business days after paying the fees and signing the documents, the registrar issues a letter confirming that the company will definitely be registered.
After that, you can choose the office space in Jebel Ali free zone, which size and layout best suits your business requirements. You can have JAFZA do the finishing work in your office or do it yourself.
As soon as the office is ready, you can conclude a lease agreement and receive the keys. Upon the procedure completion, JAFZA will issue your business license, original Articles of Association, and share capital certificate (if the capital is paid in full).
How to start the company registration process in Jebel Ali free zone?
To start the company registration process in the UAE JAFZA free zone, please contact Offshore Pro Group at info@offshore-pro.info.
After that, you need to pay our assistance fee for registering a company in Jebel Ali free zone.
You can pay by bank card or bank transaction, via WebMoney or Western Union systems, or using cryptocurrencies.
Company registration cost starts from 6225 USD.
This price does not include additional fees and duties, office rental cost, and additional services cost.
Company registration cost in Jebel Ali free zone
Company registration fees, depending on the chosen company form:
| Service | Price, AED | Price, USD |
| Free Zone Company (FZCO) – 2 or more shareholders – one-time payment upon company registration | 15,000 | 4,090 |
| Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – 1 shareholder – one-time payment upon company registration | 10,000 | 2,720 |
| Company branch – one-time payment upon company registration | 5,000 | 1,360 |
| Memorandum and Articles of Association certification | 200 | 55 |
| Board Resolution certification | 200 | 55 |
| Sample signature (for each shareholder or company representative) | 50 | 14 |
| Application fee | 500 | 140 |
License fees (for 1 year, upon new company registration in Jebel Ali free zone):
| License | Price, AED | Price, USD |
| Trading license (maximum 7 products from one group) | 5,500 | 1,500 |
| Trading license (maximum 12 products from 2 groups) | 9,000 | 2,450 |
| General trading license | 30,000 | 8,170 |
| Service license (for a local company branch) | 8,000 | 2,180 |
| Logistics license (for a local company branch) | 30,000 | 8,170 |
| Industrial license (maximum 7 products from one group) | 5,500 | 1,500 |
| Industrial license (maximum 12 products from 2 groups) | 9,000 | 2,450 |
Rental cost (per year):
| Premises | Price, AED | Price, USD | Area, square meters |
| Business park | 23,000 – 30,000 per office | 6,270 – 8,180 per office | |
| Standard office (G+1) | 2,000 per square meter | 545 per square meter | 26 |
| JAFZA office 14,15,16,17 | 2,000 – 2,500 per square meter | 545 – 681 per square meter | |
| JAFZA View office 18,19 | 2,100 – 2,500 per square meter | 572 – 681 per square meter | |
| Showroom – Type A (showroom, office, warehouse) | 800 per square meter | 218 per square meter | 891 |
| Showroom – Type B (showroom, office, warehouse) | 800 per square meter | 218 per square meter | 772 |
| Showroom – Type C (showroom, office) | 1,000 per square meter | 272 per square meter | 424 |
| Showroom – Type D (showroom) | 700 per square meter | 191 per square meter | 348 |
| Warehouse10 kW – 74 kW | 350 – 600 per square meter | 95 – 163 per square meter | 313 – 669 |
| Light industrial block100 kW | 450 – 600 per square meter | 123 – 163 per square meter | 543 – 619 |
| Land plot | 25 – 80 per square meter | 7 – 22 per square meter | From 5000 |
| Food court | 2,500 – 3,500 per square meter | 681 – 954 per square meter | |
| JAFZA View retail space | 2,500 – 3,500 per square meter | 681 – 954 per square meter |
Our assistance fees:
| Service | Price, AED | Price, USD |
| Company registration in Jebel Ali free zone | 12,500 | 3,425 |
| Additional fee in case of a corporate shareholder or branch registration | 3,000 | 822 |
| Company renewal | 5,000 | 1,370 |
| Making changes | 5,000 | 1,370 |
| Company closure | From 10,000 | From 2,740 |
| Resident visa services | 4,000 | 1,100 |
| Audit | 6,000 | 1,645 |
| Audit of all documents | From 10,000 | From 2,740 |
| Opening a corporate bank account | 3,285 | 900 |
Feel free to contact Offshore Pro Group specialists via email to register a company in the UAE Jebel Ali free zone!
In addition, with our assistance you can open a company in other jurisdictions with attractive tax conditions:
