JAFZA Company Formation

Introduction

The Jebel Ali Free Zone is the premier free zone operated by DP World and is recognized as the largest customs-bonded area in the whole of the Middle East.

JAFZA’s unrivalled ecosystem has allowed it to grow extensively over the past 30-40 years. From 19 businesses in 1985, JAFZA expanded to >500 businesses in 1995 and, today, JAFZA houses over 10,700, including >100 Fortune Global 500 companies.

With zero restrictions on foreign ownership, JAFZA is the perfect choice for international investors who wish to set up their companies in the region.

JAFZA offers integrated ecosystems for key industries and its facilities provide market access to over 3.5 billion people, making JAFZA the leading trade and logistics hub in the entire Middle East.

Industries at JAFZA

JAFZA offers integrated ecosystems for key industries such as:

Competitive Advantages of JAFZA: Why JAFZA Company Formation?

JAFZA ranks among the premier global spots for establishing, operating and expanding businesses.

JAFZA’s location, within the vibrant Dubai market that spurs business growth, is one of the most sought-after locations globally. JAFZA provides unparalleled opportunities, not only for growth, but for innovative solutions and access to markets for businesses functioning both locally and globally.

Strategic Location

The excellent location of JAFZA, close to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, has established it as an excellent hub for international trade and it has become a renowned business setup provider.

Moreover, its proximity to key domestic and national highways provides tenants with effortless connectivity to other emirates.

Financial Competitive Advantages of JAFZA Company Formation

Some of the financial competitive advantages of setting up and running a business in JAFZA are:

100% foreign ownership;
0% corporate tax for 50 years with renewable concession;
0% personal income tax;
Zero restriction on capital repatriation;
Zero import / re-export duties;
Zero currency restrictions;
Zero restriction on foreign talent / employees;
Capability to secure a mortgage on properties;
Onsite customs.

Some Interesting Facts about JAFZA

JAFZA serves as a vibrant hub for more than 10,700 companies from over 150 nations, generating more than 160,000 jobs and drawing in about 24% of foreign direct investments in Dubai;
JAFZA generates AED 550 billion-plus in trade value annually;
More than 100 Fortune 500 companies have been established in JAFZA;
JAFZA covers an area of 57 sq km on either side of Sheikh Zayed Road, creating a vast zone that includes a huge range of faciltiies;
Two metro stations are accessible, along with a complex public transport system;
There are designated areas and land for residential communities housing the workforce of various businesses, with tight monitoring of all entries and exits to ensure safety standards;
All amenities associated with government functions and access to government services are situated within the free zone;
The free zone provides services and amenities for over 135,000 employees, including food courts featuring various food outlets, cafes, and restaurants, as well as banks, ATM’s, travel agencies, business services, typing and printing centres, money exchange centres, insurance companies, a stationery store, supermarkets, a driver training centre, and a hotel;
There are 490 cafes and restaurants located throughout different areas of the JAFZA free zone;
The esteemed fDi Global Free Zones of the Year Awards 2023 awarded JAFZA with the ‘Excellence Award for Sustainability’ and the ‘Excellence Award for Non-Fiscal Incentives’ in the global category, along with the designation of ‘Industrial Champion’ in the Middle East;
JAFZA organizes various events such as trade shows, conferences and business networking gatherings as part of its objectives of fostering business growth.

Operating Businesses in JAFZA

JAFZA provides a wide variety of services that are tailored to accommodate the requirements and capabilities of different types of companies. In addition to the services required from government organizations such as Dubai Police, DEWA, Etisalat, du, and The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, JAFZA also offers several other service facilities and amenities.

Moreover, the support team at JAFZA offers a variety of services, including network planning, project management, site selection, design, and the development and integration of solutions tailored to customers’ specific needs and business activities.

For any clarifications or additional information do not hesitate to contact us

Company Formation at JAFZA

JAFZA provides various types of company formation, tailored to help customers create a company that meets their specific needs.

At JAFZA clients are provided with five different company formation types along with a range of license types and activities, depending on the number of shareholders and the nature of the business.

Company Types within JAFZA

JAFZA Free Zone Company (FZCO)

Limited Liability Partnership;
Two to 50 shareholders (for individuals);
Two to 50 companies (for non-individuals).

JAFZA Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

Limited Liability Partnership;
Single Shareholder company (individual or non-individual);
A legal identity that is separate from its shareholder, along with the rights, privileges and capacities of an individual.

JAFZA Branch Company

A legal entity of its parent company;
100% owned by the parent company;
It operates under the same name and conducts the same business activities.

JAFZA Offshore Company

A limited liability partnership;
One shareholder with no restriction to the maximum number of shareholders (individual or non-individual or combination of both is allowed).

JAFZA Public Listed Company

A company with limited liability with two or more shareholders;
A legal personality distinct from that of its shareholders with the capacity, rights and privileges of a person;
Shares listed on the stock exchange.

Process for Setting up an FZE Company in JAFZA

The below simple steps enable individuals to register a company in JAFZA:

Communicate your interest in setting up a company online by completing the online form;
Submit your (signed) application form together with all required documents;
Select an offering from the available solutions (office, warehouse etc);
Select license type;
Make the payment;
Receipt of license.

Required Documents for Individuals to Set Up an FZE Company in JAFZA

Company formation completed application form;
Summary of project or a business plan;
Ultimate Beneficiary Owner (UBO) completed form;
Know your customer (KYC) completed form;
Appointment letter of director, manager and secretary;
Passport copy (with 6 months’ validity) of the designated individual as shareholder, manager and secretary;
Environment Health & Safety completed form;
A No Objection letter on the company letterhead, signed by the local sponsor, if the shareholder, manager, or secretary has an existing residence visa in the UAE. Additionally, a copy of their current visa will be required;
Business profile of the shareholder / director;
Any other documents that might be requested by JAFZA.

Required Documents for Non-Individuals to Set Up an FZE Company in JAFZA

The below documents must be duly notarized and attested by a UAE Embassy/Consulate:

1. Original Certificate of Incorporation or Original Certificate of Good Standing;

2. Memorandum and Article of Association (MOA & AOA) of the shareholding company;

3. Shareholder / Director / Board resolution for:

the establishment of the FZE in JAFZA;
details of the share capital allocated;
appointment of director / manager / secretary;
appointment of a legal representative (if any);
Power of Attorney (POA).

Business Activities and Licenses at JAFZA

The nature of the activity that a business plans to engages in will determine the necessary license as well as the suitable facility required.

At JAFZA there are three main categories of business activity:

Trading
Service
Industrial

JAFZA offers various types of business licenses:

Trading Licence	Enables the holder to distribute, import, and export items that are detailed on the licence.
General Trading Licence	Enables the holder to engage in a greater variety of activities and access a larger selection of items on the licence.
Service Licence	Enables the holder to perform the services outlined in the licence.
Industrial Licence	Permits the holder to import raw materials, manufacture designated products and export the finished goods to foreign countries.
National Industrial Licence	Granted to manufacturing firms with a minimum of 51% ownership from the GCC.
Logistics Licence	Specifies logistics services such as transportation, storage, distribution, forwarding and customs clearance, as well as order and inventory management.
E-Commerce Licence	To carry out buying and selling of goods and services over electronic networks via any electronic means.

Properties and Facilities at JAFZA

JAFZA’s properties encompass over 59 sq.km and include a diverse range of business facilities, including land plots, warehouses, office space and more.

The facilities provided in JAFZA are tailored to cater to the distinct requirements of the various business activities and have been designed in line with the specific needs of manufacturing and trading companies.

JAFZA’s tailored solutions enable clients to fully address their operational and corporate requirements and have been crafted to provide a range of options and variations.

JAFZA Warehouses

JAFZA provides pre-constructed warehouses that are designed for quality storage and light manufacturing functions. Available for rent, these high-quality, thermally insulated units include office space, with sizes ranging from 313 sqm to 670 sqm.

JAFZA Plots of Land

Plots of land of different sizes are available at JAFZA for companies wishing to construct their own facilities. Each plot of land ranges from 5,000 sq m to larger areas, based on the exact requirements of individual clients.

The ready-to-use plots of land are suitable for purpose-built facilities and are offered with short and long-term leases, making them perfect for companies looking to build their own establishments. The starting annual rent for a plot is AED 40 per sq m, with a minimum land area of 5,000 sq m.

JAFZA Offices

Clients have the option to lease any space they wish, from a single floor in a skyscraper to an entire building. Each office is customized by JAFZA to meet the unique needs of individual clients, with interior designs and layouts reflecting their specific requirements.

The infrastructure in JAFZA is outstanding, and all office buildings come equipped with various value-added features.

Co-Working and Workstations in JAFZA

JAFZA provides fully equipped, furnished offices that require no setup costs, catering to both short-term and long-term business requirements. This is perfect for startups aiming to secure a prestigious business location.

Leasing workstations allows a business to reduce infrastructure expenses and maintain an efficient cost structure. At JAFZA, ready-to-use offices are provided with pre-furnished setups for employees.

Staff Onsite Housing

JAFZA provides housing for company workers in the free zone, featuring more than 4,850 rooms in JAFZA North and over 4,600 in JAFZA South. The on-site residences are perfect for labour workforces, and ensure quick access to operation facilities, reducing commute time.

JAFZA Showrooms

JAFZA provides showrooms that include a dedicated warehouse, two floors of office space and prominent showroom visibility. Each unit features a glass facade showroom at the front, warehouse space at the back and mezzanine floors serving as office areas. All offices come fully prepared for immediate occupation, are equipped with air conditioning provisions, light fixtures, power outlets and telephone connectivity.

There are different size options for warehouses with showrooms, including showrooms measuring 264 sq m, office spaces ranging from 158 to 277 sq m and a warehouse that spans 348 sq m.

JAFZA Retail Outlets

JAFZA features 490 restaurants and cafes that are located in different areas within the free zone. This allows clients to seamlessly set up a food outlet or a retail shop, as the variety of retail outlets available throughout JAFZA facilitates the sale of their products.

Contact us if you would like additional information on all the above

JAFZA Contact Details

Head Office

Ground Floor

Jafza Building No. 15

Jebel Ali Free Zone

Tel: 800-JAFZA (52392)

+971 4 445 3270 (callers from outside UAE)

Working Hours

The JAFZA call center operates from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 3:30pm.

Key People

H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of DP World & Chairman of Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation

Abdulla Bin Damithan, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, DP World GCC

Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer of Parks & Zones, DP World GCC

JAFZA Company Formation | Jebal Ali Free Zone