Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
The UAE's original and largest free zone — the gateway to Jebel Ali Port and global logistics.
Emirate
Dubai
Est.
1985
Cost/Year
AED 15,000 – 50,000+ / year
Setup Time
2–4 weeks
Visas
Based on leased facility size
Office
Physical presence required
About JAFZA
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority), established in 1985, is the oldest, largest, and most strategically important free zone in the UAE. Co-located with Jebel Ali Port — one of the world's top 10 busiest ports — and adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), JAFZA is the natural home for importers, exporters, logistics operators, manufacturers, and heavy industry. With over 9,000 companies from 140+ countries, JAFZA is the industrial backbone of Dubai's economy.
Ideal for
Import/export businesses, freight forwarders, manufacturers, logistics operators, FMCG distributors, automotive companies, and businesses needing bonded warehouses or heavy industrial plots.
Pros & Considerations
Advantages
- Co-located with Jebel Ali Port — world's 9th busiest seaport
- UAE's oldest and most established free zone (40+ years)
- Largest land area of any UAE free zone — massive industrial capacity
- Bonded warehouse facilities — defer import duties
- Adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
- Full logistics infrastructure — cold stores, hazmat facilities, industrial plots
- Strong shipping line and freight forwarder ecosystem
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
Watch out for
- Higher overall costs when factoring in warehouse/plot lease
- Located far from Dubai city centre (~45 min from Downtown Dubai)
- Not ideal for service-based or consulting businesses
- Complex compliance requirements for industrial activities
Licence Types
Popular Business Activities
Permitted activities vary — we confirm your specific activity before registration.
Setup Process
Activity & Facility Planning
Define business activities and facility requirements (office only, warehouse, or industrial plot). JAFZA's size and options require careful planning upfront.
Application & KYC
Submit application with business plan, ownership documents, and relevant industry certifications. JAFZA conducts a thorough KYC process.
Facility Lease
Sign a lease agreement for your office, warehouse, or industrial plot. Lease terms are typically 1–5 years.
Licence Issuance
Trade/industrial licence issued upon lease signing and fee payment. Typically 2–3 weeks from complete submission.
Visas & Operations
Employee visas processed based on facility size. Operational setup including utility connections, signage, and fit-out.
Cost Breakdown
| Licence fee (annual) | AED 15,000 – 50,000+ / year |
| Registration / one-time fees | AED 2,000–5,000 (one-time) |
| Visa cost (per person) | AED 3,500–5,500 |
| Emirates ID (per person) | AED 370 |
| Medical test (per person) | AED 300–600 |
| goCorp service feeIncluded | Advisory — get a quote |
| Bank account setup | Advisory — get a quote |
Licence fees are moderate, but warehouse or industrial plot lease is a major additional cost (AED 80–200+ per sqm/year). Office-only setups start lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Started
Set up in JAFZA today
Free consultation, full quote, and end-to-end formation support. Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks.
Get a free quote Talk to an expertQuick Specs
Emirate
Dubai
Founded
1985
Setup Timeline
2–4 weeks
Annual Cost
AED 15,000 – 50,000+ / year
Visa Allocation
Based on leased facility size. Industrial/warehouse companies can sponsor significant headcount.
Office Requirement
Physical presence required. Options include executive offices, warehouses, logistics facilities, and large industrial plots.
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