Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the most powerful gateways for businesses looking to expand into the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Known for its prime location beside Jebel Ali Port and its seamless logistics network, JAFZA connects companies directly to over 3.5 billion consumers. With its robust infrastructure, tax-friendly environment, and simplified business setup process.

For entrepreneurs and global investors, setting up in JAFZA means more than just starting a company — it’s about joining one of the UAE’s most strategic hubs for trade, logistics, and international commerce.

Steps to Set Up a Business in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of Dubai’s most established and strategic free zones, famous for its prime location and robust infrastructure. It’s DP World’s flagship free zone and the largest customs bonded zone in the Middle East, currently home to over 10,000 companies from 130+ countries. Companies choose JAFZA for its proximity to Jebel Ali Port, the region’s busiest port, and its world-class logistics facilities, which provide unparalleled access to global markets.
In short, setting up in JAFZA not only grants you the typical free zone benefits, but also connects you to a thriving business hub with an international reputation.

Choose the Right License Type & Business Activity:

Determine what business activity you will conduct and select the appropriate JAFZA license. JAFZA offers several license categories, e.g. Trading, Service, Industrial, Logistics, or E-commerce, each tailored to different activities. Be specific with your intended activity, because some specialized or regulated activities (like medical services, food trading, or chemicals) may require extra approvals from government authorities outside JAFZA. (For example, a health-related business might need additional approval from the health authorities.)

Decide on a Legal Structure:

Choose the legal entity format for your company. In JAFZA you can form a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) if it’s a single shareholder, a Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multiple shareholders, or register a Branch of an existing company. This decision affects your ownership structure and initial capital setup, so pick what aligns best with your circumstances.

Reserve Your Company Name:

Pick a unique company name and get it approved (reserved) with JAFZA. The name should meet JAFZA’s naming guidelines (no offensive or restricted terms, and it shouldn’t duplicate an existing company name). You’ll submit your desired name for approval as part of the initial application.
It’s wise to have a few alternatives in case your first choice is rejected or already taken.

Select a Physical Facility in JAFZA:

Every JAFZA business must have a physical presence in the free zone. Early on, decide what type of facility suits your needs, options include offices, warehouses, land plots for development, retail space, or even a flexi-desk (shared workstation). JAFZA offers a range of properties to accommodate different activities. Choosing the right facility is important for your operations, and note that your visa allowance will depend on the size of your space.

Prepare the Required Documentation:

Compile all the documents needed for your JAFZA company application. Typically, this includes shareholders’ and directors’ passport copies, a business plan, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the completed application forms. JAFZA may also ask for a board resolution (if an existing company is a shareholder) or other supporting documents. Ensure everything is correctly attested and notarized as required before submission.

Submit these along with the application and pay the initial fees to JAFZA to start the process.

Obtain Initial Approval & Sign the Lease Agreement:

After reviewing your application, JAFZA will issue an initial approval (sometimes called an approval in principle). At this stage, you’ll finalize your facility lease. Sign the official lease agreement for the office/warehouse or land you selected, and pay the corresponding rent and any remaining registration fees. Having a signed lease for your JAFZA premises is mandatory to proceed with the company setup, as it confirms your company’s physical address in the free zone.

Once the lease is signed and payments are made, submit the lease document to JAFZA so they can include it in your company file.

License Issuance & Company Registration:

With all prior steps completed, JAFZA will formally register your company and issue your final documents. You’ll receive your JAFZA trade license, Certificate of Incorporation, share certificates (if applicable), and other legal documents that establish your new company.

You are now officially licensed to do business in JAFZA!

Throughout this process, JAFZA’s strategic benefits are a major advantage. The free zone’s location next to Jebel Ali Port (and near Al Maktoum International Airport) streamlines import-export logistics, which is ideal if your business involves trade or distribution. Plus, JAFZA’s modern infrastructure and one-stop administrative support help make the setup smooth and efficient.

UAE Market Opportunities:

• Trade & Logistics Hub: JAFZA accounts for nearly 25% of Dubai’s GDP and is a leader in logistics, shipping, and re-export.
• Global Access: Strategically located between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, JAFZA enables smooth access to global markets.
• Industry Growth: Ideal for companies in manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce, shipping, and industrial sectors looking to scale.
• Investor-Friendly Policies: 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and zero import/export duties attract global players.

This makes JAFZA one of the most lucrative entry points for international companies eyeing the UAE and GCC market.

Thinking about setting up in JAFZA? 🌍 Whether you’re a trader, manufacturer, or logistics company, our experts at Bizzmosis can guide you through licensing, approvals, and setup so you can hit the ground running.

👉 Contact us today and let’s make JAFZA your gateway to global business.

📞 +971 52 979 8169 | 📧 hello@bizzmosis.com