Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Company Formation
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) is the oldest free zone in the UAE, developed alongside Jebel Ali Port, the region’s largest man-made harbor. It is home to more than 7,000 companies from over 120 countries, making it one of the most established business hubs in the Middle East.
JAFZA is strategically positioned near Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest cargo airports, and in close proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport. The zone operates within a customs-bonded corridor linking Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport, enabling efficient sea-air-land transshipment. This integrated logistics platform provides access to global markets and supports international trade operations.
Company Formation in JAFZA
To establish a company in JAFZA, the following documents are required:
- Application for facility
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- Bank reference letter for each shareholder
- Project summary
- Parent company profile (for branch formation)
- Application form for Free Zone Company (FZCO), if applicable
- Application form for Free Zone Establishment (FZE), if applicable
- One-time non-refundable application fee of AED 500
Formation Types
The type of entity depends on the number of shareholders:
Multiple Shareholders
Between 2 and 50 shareholders may register a Free Zone Company (FZCO). Shareholders can be individuals, corporate entities, or a combination of both.
Single Shareholder
A single individual or corporate entity may establish a Free Zone Establishment (FZE).
Existing Company
An existing company registered outside JAFZA may open a branch within the Free Zone. The branch must be fully owned by the parent company, operate under the same name, and conduct identical business activities.
Types of Licenses in JAFZA
JAFZA issues several categories of licenses:
- General Trading License
- Trading License (specific trading activities)
- Industrial License (manufacturing activities)
- Service License (service-based activities)
- E-commerce License (online buying and selling of goods and services)
- National Industrial License (minimum 51% GCC national ownership for manufacturing)
- Innovation License (product and service development)
- Offshore Registration (UAE offshore company formation)
License Fees
Following License Packages are available for company formation in RAKEZ.
| License Type | Annual Fee in AED |
|---|---|
| Trading License (Type 1) 7 products max from one group | 5,000 |
| Trading License (Type 2) 12 products maximum from 2 groups | 8,500 |
| General Trading License | 15,000 |
| Service License (Branch of UAE based company only) | 5,000 |
| Logistic license (Branch of UAE based company only) | 15,000 |
| Industrial License 7 products | 5,000 |
| Industrial License 12 products | 8,500 |
Legal Structure of JAFZA Companies
1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE) and Free Zone Company (FZCO)
JAFZA allows incorporation as an independent legal entity.
- FZE: Single shareholder with a minimum capital of AED 1,000,000
- FZCO: 2 to 5 shareholders with a minimum capital of AED 500,000
Required documents include project summary, parent company profile (if applicable), registration application forms, and AED 500 application fee.
2. Branch Company
A branch of an existing local or foreign company can be registered under JAFZA regulations.
3. Special Status Non-Resident Offshore Companies
Offshore companies can be incorporated for international business and asset holding purposes.
Company Formation Expenses
The overall cost depends on the selected business activity and facility type (office, warehouse, or land). As an estimate, trade license and registration charges with a 38 sq.m office space may cost approximately AED 86,000.
Professional service fees charged by B2B Group of Consultants vary depending on the complexity and scope of incorporation.
Process & Procedure – Company Formation in JAFZA
- Submission of passport copies, application form, activity codes, founder information form, and AED 500 fee
- Initial approval issued within approximately 7 days
- Submission of legal documents such as board resolution, Memorandum of Association, and specimen signature; payment of required fees
- Issuance of letter to open a corporate bank account
- Submission of bank capital certificate and signing of lease agreement
- Issuance of trade license, certificate of incorporation, share certificates, and handover of office keys
JAFZA offers multiple facility options designed to meet different operational requirements.
Facility Options in JAFZA
1. Business Park
- Fully equipped offices ready to go
Fully furnished and equipped offices ready for immediate use, suitable for short-term and long-term requirements.
| PRODUCT | ANNUAL RENT SQM / YEAR (AED) | INSURANCE/ YEAR (AED) | NAME PLATE (ONE TIME FEE) (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Park | 23,000 – 30,000 | 100/unit | 500 |
2. Offices
- High-grade offices for your business
High-grade office spaces available in low-rise and high-rise buildings. Units are typically unfurnished, allowing businesses to customize the workspace.
| PRODUCT | AREA (SQM) | ANNUAL RENT SQM/YEAR (AED) | INSURANCE / YEAR (AED) | NAME PLATE (ONE TIME FEE) (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard office G+1 | 26.88 | 2000 | 100/unit | 500 |
| Jafza 14, 15, 16, 17 | As per request | 2000 – 2500 | 4/sqm | 500 |
| Jafza View 18 & 19 | As per request | 2100 – 2500 | 4/sqm | 500 |
| Jafza One | As per request | 2100 – 2600 | 4/sqm | - |
3. Warehouses
- Pre Built warehouses to suite your storage need.
Pre-built, thermally insulated warehouse units suitable for storage and light manufacturing. Units include integrated office space.
| PRODUCT | AREA (SQM) | ANNUAL RENT SQM/YEAR (AED) | INSURANCE / YEAR (AED) | NAME PLATE (ONE TIME FEE) (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouses (10 KVA) & (74 KVA) | 669,619,601,555,313 | 450 – 600 | 300 | – |
| Factory (LIU) | 619,601,555,543 | 500 – 700 | 300 | – |
4. Plots of Land
- Plots of land with ready infrastructure to develop your new facility
Serviced land plots starting from 5,000 sq.m and above, available for short- and long-term lease for companies planning to construct custom facilities.
Company Liquidation in JAFZA (De-Registration Process)
To close a company in JAFZA, the required documents must be prepared and submitted to the authority.
Required documents include:
- Owner’s declaration or board resolution for de-registration, including liquidator details
- Notarized and attested board resolution (for branch companies)
- Original certificate of formation and share certificate (if capital was deposited)
- Liquidation report
- Clearance from JAFZA Finance Department confirming settlement of outstanding dues
- Clearance and final bills for facilities such as warehouse or land, including NOCs from DEWA, Etisalat, Customs Department, and Road & Transport Authority (if applicable)
All active visas under the company must be cancelled before final approval of the liquidation process.
JAFZA De-registration Fees
| DESCRIPTION | FEE IN AED |
|---|---|
| De-registration Fee for FZCO & FZE | 5,000 |
| Advertisement for License Cancellation | 1,500 |
| If the license is expired there will be AED 1,000 charged every 30 days as penalty | |