Jebel Ali Free Zone JAFZA

JAFZA stands for "Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority," and it is one of the largest and most well-known free zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). JAFZA is in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai, which is a major port and industrial hub in the region.

JAFZA was established in 1985 and has since played a significant role in promoting foreign investment and economic growth in Dubai and the UAE.

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JAFZA Business Setup

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) allows for the formation of various types of companies to cater to the diverse needs of businesses.

Free Zone Company (FZCO): A Free Zone Company is a legal entity formed with multiple shareholders (individuals or corporate entities).
Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A Free Zone Establishment is a legal entity with a single shareholder, who can be an individual or a corporate entity.
Branch Office
Offshore Company
Public Listed Company

The steps required for JAFZA company formation:

Provide general Information which will include the applicants personal information and contact details.
Select your formation type and provide important information on the company's shareholders (if applicable) including details of nationality, and share value in AED etc.
Provide information on the Board of Directors (if applicable) including nationality, occupation etc.
Select licence and business activity. Applicant should provide relevant activity codes and details based on the approved activity list here - PPG JAFZA Business Activity List
Select office space requirements i.e. warehouse, co-working space etc.
Cargo movement details (if required).

Licence types in JAFZA

JAFZA offers five business licence types including:

Trading
Service
Industrial
Logistics
E-Commerce

All JAFZA licences are valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Businesses in Jebel Ali Freezone are regulated by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. JAFZA are responsible for issuing all business licenses.

Some licences will require approval from other regulatory authorities. An example of this is the E-Commerce licence requires additional approval from the UAE’s Telecommunications & Digital Government Regulatory Authority.

JAFZA follows the activity list permitted by the Dubai Economic Development (DED)/Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET). The full list of business activities can be viewed here - PPG JAFZA Business Activity List

Documents required for JAFZA company formation

The applicant will be requested to submit the following documents for JAFZA company formation:

1. JAFZA Application form

2. Submit the Environment, Health and Safety form

3. Project Summary i.e. Business Plan

4. Clear, Scanned Passport Copy of Shareholder / Manager / Secretary / Directors (minimum validity above 6 months).

5. NOC letter from the sponsor if Shareholders, Director, Manager and Secretary are residents of UAE.

6. Attached KYC and Ultimate Beneficiary Owner (KYC-UBO) form.

7. If your company is registering as Branch, FZE or FZCO and the Shareholder/s are company i.e. non-individual, then require copies of Certificate of Registration, MOA, Share Certificate, License etc. of Parent Company.

To note:

*The last page on the application form and health and safety form has to be signed by the Shareholder/s or authorized legal signatory.

*JAFZA will not accept a copies shared on WhatsApp.

*The Director, Manager and Secretary should be over 21 years old.

Benefits of setting up a company in JAFZA

JAFZA free zone companies can take advantage of a wide range of benefits. Businesses that set up operations within the free zone can benefit from:

100% foreign ownership
Tax benefits - no import or export duties, personal income tax, or corporate tax for qualified income.
JAFZA facilities provide warehouses, office spaces, showrooms, retail outlets and customised spaces/units to support various industries.
Location - Near the Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest container ports in the world, JAFZA offers excellent connectivity for businesses involved in import and export activities.
JAFZA has specialised zones for specific industries, such as automotive, food and beverage, electronics, and more, to cater to the diverse needs of businesses.

JAFZA has attracted a wide range of businesses, from manufacturing and logistics to trading and services, making it a crucial economic driver for Dubai and the UAE. It continues to play a significant role in the region's economic development and international trade.

How can Sovereign PPG assist?

Sovereign PPG have successfully assisted clients in JAFZA business setup. Companies in JAFZA can make use of the many benefits as a well-established and recognised free zone in Dubai and the wider UAE. PPG can assist clients with the full incorporation of the company into JAFZA and support with all related processes with obtaining licences, approval, visas and further PRO services.