United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in JAFZA

Jebel Ali Free Zone

Formation Time

5–7 business days

Min. Capital

No minimum for FZE

Corporate Tax

0% (qualifying income)

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

JAFZA is one of the largest and oldest free zones in the world, strategically located adjacent to Jebel Ali Port — the largest man-made port and the busiest in the Middle East. Home to over 9,000 companies from 140 countries, JAFZA is the go-to free zone for manufacturing, logistics, trading, and industrial businesses. Its proximity to both Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport makes it unmatched for import-export and supply chain operations.

Next to Jebel Ali Port

9,000+ companies

Manufacturing facilities

0% qualifying tax

Why Choose JAFZA

Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port — the Middle East's busiest port

9,000+ companies from 140 countries

Manufacturing, warehouse, and industrial facilities available

0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income

Dual licence option for mainland trade

Proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport

Established since 1985 — mature and proven ecosystem

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
FZE	100%	1	AED 1,000	0% qualifying / 9% non-qualifying	Single-owner businesses in trade and logistics
FZ-LLC	100%	1	AED 1,000	0% qualifying / 9% non-qualifying	Multi-shareholder businesses
Branch	100%	1	None	Same as FZE	Existing foreign companies

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Application & Name Reservation

1–2 days

Submit application with business plan and reserve company name with JAFZA.

Licence Approval

3–5 days

JAFZA reviews your application and issues approval. Select your facility type (office, warehouse, or land).

Registration & Licence

1 day

Pay fees, sign lease, and receive your JAFZA trade licence.

Bank Account & Visas

2–4 weeks

Open corporate bank account and process employee/investor visas.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	AED 15,000 – 35,000
Our Service Fee	USD 6,000+
Annual Renewal	AED 15,000+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

JAFZA companies are well-recognised by UAE banks due to the zone's long history and reputation.

Account Opening Time

2–4 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Emirates NBDRAKBANKMashreqADCBCitibank

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% on qualifying free zone income; 9% otherwise

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

5% (standard); 0% on exports

Capital Gains Tax

0% (qualifying)

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

Visa & Residency

Employment Visa

3 years

For company shareholders and employees

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 2–3 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes JAFZA different from DMCC?

JAFZA is focused on manufacturing, logistics, and industrial operations with direct port and airport access. DMCC is more oriented toward commodities trading, services, and fintech. JAFZA offers warehouses and land plots; DMCC offers primarily office-based licences in JLT.

Can I get a warehouse in JAFZA?

Yes. JAFZA offers a range of warehouse and industrial facilities from 279 sqm to over 10,000 sqm, as well as land plots for custom-built facilities. This is one of JAFZA's key advantages over office-only free zones.