UAE Business License

You get complete foreign ownership, attractive tax advantages, and an easy company formation process. Business activities are usually restricted to the Free Zone area or overseas markets.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) Company Formation

Established in 1985 and owned by DP World, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has become a leading hub for global trade. Hosting over 9,000 companies from 140 countries, including many Fortune 500 firms, JAFZA plays a key role in container operations at Jebel Ali Port. Its strategic location between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport provides exceptional multi-modal connectivity, facilitating smooth international trade. Renowned for its dedication to quality, JAFZA was the first free zone worldwide to receive ISO certification in 1996, fostering long-term partnerships with businesses seeking a strong base for their global operations.
At Ventures Biz, we recognize the advantages of JAFZA’s vibrant business landscape and provide complete support to make your JAFZA Free Zone Company Registration smooth and hassle-free. Get in touch with us today to start your company registration in JAFZA and advance your business goals.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

Founded in 1985, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is the UAE’s largest and oldest free zone, strategically situated in Dubai as a major business center. As a key component of DP World’s operations, JAFZA enjoys a streamlined customs system that accelerates cargo clearance, reducing both time and costs. Recent upgrades have boosted its effectiveness as a sea-air hub, including a dedicated six-lane highway that enables goods to move from the port to aircraft in just 20 minutes.
JAFZA is strategically located between Jebel Ali Port, one of the world’s biggest container ports, and Al Maktoum International Airport, a major cargo hub, making it the only free zone globally with direct access to both key logistics points. Beyond logistics, JAFZA plays a pivotal role in Dubai’s economic growth, fostering industrial expansion and attracting top global companies across various sectors. As the largest free zone in the MENA region, it offers exceptional business setup advantages, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading international trade and industrial hub.

Benefits of Jafza Free Zone Company Registration

Establishing a business in the JAFZA Free Zone offers a multitude of advantages
  • Global Reach: Perfect for international investors, with no restrictions on foreign ownership.
  • Autonomous Regulation: Functions under its own authority, offering specialized licenses and managing business operations.
  • Comprehensive Business Services: Provides a wide range of services designed to support and enhance business growth.
  • Flexible Company Structures: Offers five types of company formation, suitable for different shareholder arrangements and business models.
  • Wide License and Activity Options: Multiple license types and activities available, giving access to a market of over 3.5 billion people.
  • Business-Friendly Environment: Tailored to meet the needs of manufacturing and trading enterprises.
  • Global Networking Opportunities: Join a thriving international business community.
  • Prime Dubai Location: Situated in one of the world’s most attractive cities for living and doing business.
With Ventures Biz, streamline your journey to establish a business in JAFZA, a hub that combines strategic benefits with vast growth potential.

JAFZA Free Zone Company Types

In Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), companies can select from five different business structures, each designed to suit various shareholder arrangements.
  • FCZO (Free Zone Company).
  • FZE (Free Zone Establishment).
  • PLC (Public Listed Company).
  • Branch.
  • Offshore company.
JAFZA Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) enables a company to be formed with a single shareholder, which can be an individual or a corporate entity.
  • An FZE is a limited liability company structure.
  • It allows full foreign ownership and is regulated by the Free Zone Authority, which oversees licensing and compliance.
  • The FZE is a distinct legal entity from its shareholders, with liabilities confined to the company’s capital.

JAFZA Free Zone Company (FZCO)

Registering a Free Zone Company (FZCO) enables the creation of a company with multiple shareholders, which can include individuals, companies, or a mix of both, typically ranging from two to fifty shareholders.
  • An FZCO functions as a limited liability company in the free zone, with its liabilities limited to the company’s paid-up capital.
  • One major benefit of establishing an FZCO in a UAE free zone is that there are no restrictions on foreign ownership.
JAFZA Public Listed Company (PLC)
A Public Listed Company (PLC) in JAFZA is a corporate structure that enables a company to sell its shares to the public on a stock exchange via an initial public offering (IPO).
  • Unlike private companies, PLCs have public shareholders who hold a portion of the company’s assets and earnings.
  • They are limited liability entities, meaning their obligations are restricted to the paid-up capital, and they must have a minimum of two shareholders.
  • A PLC functions as an independent legal entity with rights akin to a person and is governed by stock market rules and regulations.
Branch Setup in JAFZA: Extension of Parent Company
Establishing a branch in JAFZA allows existing companies to extend their operations within the free zone while maintaining their original identity and operational model. A branch is not a separate legal entity but an extension of its parent company. This setup is often chosen to preserve the company’s operating history, age, and brand name.
  • Companies based outside Jebel Ali Free Zone can establish a branch in JAFZA. The branch must be wholly owned by the parent company, use the same name, and carry out similar business activities.
  • Setting up a branch in JAFZA provides several benefits, mainly enabling businesses to expand into a new location while maintaining operations without major adjustments.
JAFZA Offshore company
A JAFZA offshore company is permitted to carry out legal business activities as defined by the Registrar. Establishing an offshore company requires at least one shareholder, with no upper limit on the number of shareholders. Shareholders can be individuals, corporate entities, or a combination of both. Essentially, a JAFZA offshore company operates as a limited liability entity within the free zone, with liabilities limited to the company’s paid-up capital.

Types of License Available in JAFZA Free Zone

In Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the type of business license you need is determined by your company’s specific activities. JAFZA provides a wide range of business activities, and accordingly, multiple license categories are available to suit various business requirements.
  • Trading License
  • Service License
  • Industrial License
  • Logistics License
  • E-Commerce License
  • General Trading License
  • Innovation License
Trading license
A Trading License in JAFZA allows companies to buy, sell, and provide services. It is the most widely used license type and offers versatile options, covering a range of business activities.
  • Type 1 Trading License: Enables up to seven activities under one business group.
  • Type 2 Trading License: Allows up to twelve activities spread over at least two business groups.
  • Type 3 Trading License: Offers unlimited activities across three or more business groups and is considered a General Trading License.
Service License
The JAFZA service license is designed for businesses primarily engaged in delivering services, consultancy, or knowledge-based solutions as their core offerings. In JAFZA, this license comes in two types, each covering specific activities.
  • Type 1 Service License: Permits up to seven activities under a single category.
  • Type 2 Service License: Covers up to twelve activities, distributed across a minimum of two categories.
Industrial license
An industrial license in the UAE is intended for manufacturing companies, and JAFZA is an ideal location because of its strong logistics infrastructure.
  • This license is designed for businesses engaged in various manufacturing activities, such as sourcing raw materials, producing goods, and providing associated services.
  • Companies holding this license are required to operate within the free zone and adhere to health and safety standards, which are monitored through routine inspections.
Logistics license
The Logistics license in JAFZA is intended for companies operating in logistics and supply chain management, covering services such as storage, transportation, distribution, sorting, forwarding, customs clearance, and order and inventory management.

Documents Required for JAFZA Free Zone Company Registration

The following documents are required for JAFZA Free Zone Company Registration:
  • Copies of passports for the general manager and all shareholders
  • Filled-out application form
  • Project summary detailing the business plan
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a local sponsor, if needed
  • Business profile for each shareholder
  • Board Resolution, attested by JAFZA
  • Specimen signature of the manager, attested by JAFZA
  • Any required external approvals
  • Technical and environmental assessments for industrial licenses, if applicable
  • Notarized and attested documents when shares are held by a company rather than an individual

JAFZA Free Zone Company Registration Procedure

Starting a business in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) follows a clear step-by-step process, and partnering with Ventures Biz can make it even smoother and hassle-free.

Step 1: Business Plan and Activity Selection
 Start by deciding the type of business you want to run and the activities you plan to carry out. This will determine the kind of license you need.
Step 2: Choose a Company Structure
 Select the suitable company formation type based on your requirements, such as FZE, FZCO, PLC, Branch Office, or Offshore Company.
Step 3: Select a Business License
 Pick a license that matches your business activities, such as Trading, Industrial, Service, Logistics, E-Commerce, or General Trading.
Step 4: Reserve a Company Name
 Choose a distinctive company name that follows JAFZA’s naming rules and isn’t already registered or similar to existing businesses in the free zone.
Step 5: Secure Office Space
 Based on your business needs, select and finalize your office, warehouse, or development land within JAFZA, and complete the lease agreement for the chosen space.
Step 6: Submit Documents and Pay Fees
 Prepare and submit all required documents, including application forms, business plans, and passport copies, along with the applicable fees.
Step 7: Submit Registration Application
 Complete the JAFZA company registration application and apply for the relevant business license according to your selected activities.
Step 8: Obtain Approval and License
 After reviewing your application, JAFZA will approve your registration and issue your business license.
Step 9: Complete Post-Registration Formalities
 After receiving your license, carry out additional procedures such as employee visa processing, opening a corporate bank account, and obtaining any other necessary permits.
Step 10: Launch Your Business
 Once all formalities and approvals are completed, you can officially start operating your business in JAFZA.

Streamline JAFZA Company Registration Process with Ventures Biz

Ventures Biz makes launching a business in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) easy. Our team guides you in selecting the ideal company structure and the correct business license, as well as choosing a compliant company name. After your application is approved, we assist with post-registration procedures like visa processing and setting up a bank account. In short, Ventures Biz offers complete support, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free JAFZA company registration from beginning to end.
Looking to launch your business in JAFZA Free Zone effortlessly? Get in touch with us today to begin!

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