Your Ultimate Free Zone Setup Guide: Jebel Ali Free Zone(JAFZA)

Housing over 8,700 businesses, consisting of 100+ Fortune Global 500 companies, Jebel Ali Free Zone accounts for more than 20% of the UAE’s foreign direct investment and 50% of Dubai’s total exports. Ever since its inception in 1985, this freezone is one of the largest and most modern free zones in the UAE.

Jebel Ali Free Zone is located in the Jebel Ali area at the far western part of Dubai, close to the borders of Abu Dhabi. It is connected to the Port of Jebel Ali, the world’s largest manufactured port that handles over 19 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container traffic per year. The Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic is also closer to this free zone.

JAFZA is one of the most sough-after freezones in UAE for entrepreneurs who are planning to expand into the Middle East region due to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly environment.

Benefits of setting up your company in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Vicinity to Major Markets: Jebel Ali Free Zone is strategically located with easy access to major markets in the MENA region, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Air, Land, and Sea-port Connectivity: JAFZA has easy connectivity to a sea-port, an airport, and a road network.

Multiple-Entry Access: JAFZA has multiple-entry access, which permits business owners and employees to enter and exit the UAE multiple times.

Presence of Fortune 500 Companies: JAFZA has warehouses and offices of over 100 Fortune 500 companies that consists of Nestle, PepsiCo. Mitsubishi Motors Middle East and Africa, Mercedes Benz Cars Middle East and Tetra Pak.

Supportive Government Policies: Companies set up in JAFZA can avail many benefits including tax exemptions such as zero percent import or export duties and free trade agreements. There are no restrictions on capital repatriation and profits.

Skilled Manpower: Jebel Ali Free Zone has a vibrant, experienced, and English-speaking workforce.

World-Class Infrastructure: JAFZA’s infrastructure meets international standards, focusing on safety, security, and efficiency.

Multiple Office-Facility Options: JAFZA offers numerous office space options like ready-to-use office suites to custom-built office space. This free zone also provides options such as warehouses, storage facilities, and retail space. These office spaces are equipped with the most advanced technology offering amenities such as high-speed lifts and comes with ample parking space.

Value-Added Services: The zone also provides value-added services to support your business, including customs clearance, storage and warehousing, transportation, business counseling, legal and financial advice etc.

24×7 Assistance: JAFZA’s customer service team offers 24×7 assistance. They can be contacted by phone, email, or the live chat function on the JAFZA website.

Jebel Ali Free Zone Business Setup Process

For setting up a business in JAFZA, first you need to obtain a trade license from JAFZA depending on the nature of the business. There are three trade license options in JAFZA:

Commercial Trade License
Industrial Trade License
Service Trade License

After obtaining the trade license, you can apply for visas for owners and employees. After obtaining the trade license, the next step is to get a visa for the business owner and employees. The third step is to open a company bank account. The next step is to find an appropriate office space or industrial land within the free zone. Once the office space is finalized, you can obtain the necessary approvals and licenses from the relevant authorities. The final step is to register the company with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. After the company registration process is completed, you can start operating the business from the office or industrial facility in JAFZA.

If you require any assistance regarding company incorporation in JAFZA or expanding your operations, we at CORPIN can guide you. With our years of experience in business setup, we can ensure you a smooth journey in obtaining the necessary licenses, permits and set up your company in JAFZA as soon as possible. Contact us today to get more details.