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Free zone · Dubai

JAFZA Company Setup: Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai

JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) is DP World’s flagship free zone in Jebel Ali, Dubai, built for trading, logistics and industrial companies. It offers trading, service, industrial and logistics licences, entities from FZE and FZCO to branches and offshore companies, and premises from offices to warehouses and land plots next to Jebel Ali Port.

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At a glance

Key facts about JAFZA

Emirate
Dubai
Operator
DP World (part of DP World UAE)
Licence types
Trading, service, industrial, logistics
Entity types
FZE, FZCO, public listed company, branch, offshore company
Premises
Offices, warehouses, land, showrooms, co-working
Customs
Customs bonded zone beside Jebel Ali Port

What is JAFZA and how does it work?

JAFZA is part of DP World UAE and describes itself as the largest customs bonded zone in the Middle East. Its location beside Jebel Ali Port makes it a base for importers, re-exporters, distributors and manufacturers that move physical goods across the region.

Unlike desk-based free zones, JAFZA is designed around real operations: pre-built warehouses, logistics parks, showrooms, land for build-to-suit facilities and worker accommodation sit alongside offices and co-working spaces. JAFZA is also one of the UAE’s offshore company registries, used for holding structures that do not trade in the UAE.

Activities

What can a JAFZA company do?

  • Import, export and re-export trading
  • Logistics, freight and warehousing
  • Manufacturing and light industrial
  • Distribution and regional headquarters
  • Offshore holding (JAFZA Offshore)

Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.

Premises

What premises are available?

  • Pre-built warehouses and the Jafza Logistics Park
  • Plots of land for build-to-suit facilities
  • Offices, showrooms and retail outlets
  • Co-working spaces and workstations
  • Worker accommodation

Visas

How many visas can a JAFZA company get?

Visa allocation depends on the premises leased; warehouses and larger offices support more staff than co-working options. JAFZA companies sponsor visas through the zone, followed by the standard medical, Emirates ID and stamping steps.

Tax

How is a JAFZA company taxed?

JAFZA companies register for UAE corporate tax and can apply 0% to qualifying income if they meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions; other taxable income is taxed at 9%. Goods held in the customs bonded zone have their own customs and VAT treatment, so plan movements to the mainland carefully.

Good fit

Who is JAFZA best for?

  • Importers, re-exporters and regional distributors
  • Logistics and freight companies
  • Manufacturers needing land or warehouses
  • Groups wanting a UAE offshore holding company

Think twice

When is it not the right fit?

  • Solo consultants needing only a desk
  • Retail serving mainland consumers directly
  • Founders wanting the lowest possible setup cost

Process

How to set up a company in JAFZA

  1. 01

    Confirm the activity

    Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.

  2. 02

    Choose the package and premises

    Match visas, premises and budget.

  3. 03

    Submit the application

    Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.

  4. 04

    Sign and pay

    Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.

  5. 05

    Receive licence and establishment card

    The zone issues the licence and company documents.

  6. 06

    Visas and banking

    Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.

Checklist

What should you check before applying?

Settle these before you pay any fees in JAFZA.

  1. 01

    Pick the licence type that matches your operations: trading, service, industrial or logistics.

  2. 02

    Size your warehouse or office around stock volumes and staff visas.

  3. 03

    Decide whether you need an onshore operating entity, an offshore holding company, or both.

  4. 04

    Plan customs and VAT treatment for goods moving between the zone and the mainland.

  5. 05

    Prepare parent-company documents if you are registering a branch.

Frequently asked

Questions about JAFZA

What licences does JAFZA offer?

JAFZA offers trading, service, industrial and logistics licences. The licence must match your actual operations, and some activities need additional approvals.

Can I set up an offshore company in JAFZA?

Yes. JAFZA registers offshore companies alongside its free zone entities. An offshore company can hold assets and shares but cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor residence visas.

Is JAFZA good for logistics and warehousing?

Yes. JAFZA is a customs bonded zone beside Jebel Ali Port, with pre-built warehouses, a logistics park and land for build-to-suit facilities.

What entity types can I form in JAFZA?

Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZCO), public listed company, branch of an existing company, and offshore company.

Official sources

Verify it yourself

Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.

Related

Services and guides

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