Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
(JAFZA)

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Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) is one of the world’s leading free trade zones. It is in the Jebel Ali area at the western end of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Established in 1985, JAFZA has become a central economic hub and a significant contributor to Dubai’s economy. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) enjoys special incentives as cabinet decision No. 59 of 2017 on Designated Zones for value-added and corporate tax treatment on certain transactions.

Key Features

Size and Scope: JAFZA is the largest free zone in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, spanning 57 square kilometres

Economic Impact:

  • Contributes 23.8% to Dubai’s GDP
  • Accounts for 32% of the UAE’s foreign direct investment
  • Generates an annual trade value of over $169 billion (as of 2023)

Business Community:

  • Home to over 9,500 companies from 140 countries, including Fortune 500 firms
  • Sustains employment for more than 135,000 people in the UAE

Strategic Location

JAFZA’s success is primarily attributed to its strategic location:

  • Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port, the world’s largest man-made harbour and 7th largest container port
  • Near Al Maktoum International Airport, one of the world’s largest cargo airports
  • Proximity to the Expo 2020 Dubai site

This unique positioning allows JAFZA to serve as an efficient sea-air hub, with a 6-lane highway enabling goods to be transported from port to cargo aircraft in just 20 minutes

Business Setup and Services

JAFZA offers a wide range of services and facilities for businesses:

Company Formation: Multiple options are available, including:

  1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Allows for a single shareholder, which can be an individual or a company
  2. Free Zone Company (FZCO): Can be formed with 2 to 50 shareholders subject to approval
  3. Branch of a Foreign Company: Companies outside the UAE can establish a branch in JAFZA
  4. Branch of a UAE Company: Local companies within the UAE (outside JAFZA) can set up a branch in the free zone
  5. Offshore Company: Non-resident organisations can set up an offshore company for international operations, holding structure, assets protection and tax planning under JAFZA regulations

Licensing Options:

  • General trading
  • Service
  • Industrial
  • National industrial
  • Logistics
  • E-commerce
  • Innovation
  • Offshore

Infrastructure:

  • Offices
  • Warehouses
  • Retail units
  • Staff accommodation
  • Showrooms
  • Land

Benefits for Businesses

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% personal and corporate income tax exemptions
  • 100% repatriation of capital and profits
  • Strategic location near Jebel Ali Port and Dubai International Airport
  • No currency restrictions
  • No import or export duties within the free zone
  • World-class infrastructure and support systems
  • Access to a market of over 3.5 billion people
  • Wide range of business activities permitted

Required Documents

To set up a company in JAFZA, the following documents are generally required:

  • Passport copies of shareholders and directors
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (for UAE residents)
  • Bank reference letter
  • Business plan
  • Application form

Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA)

Alpha Equity MC team will help and support:

  • Business and compliance counselling
  • Legal and financial advice
  • Visa processing assistance
  • E-services through Dubai Trade Portal and mobile app
  • Annual compliance requirements as per JAFZA rules and regulations

JAFZA has established itself as a powerhouse in the global free zone landscape. Its strategic location, comprehensive services, and business-friendly policies have made it an attractive destination for international companies looking to expand their operations in the Middle East and beyond

The estimated time for company registration completion is between 3 to 14 business days, depending on the formation type, license, and business categories. The initial costs for a JAFZA company setup typically start from AED 55,000 onwards, and the fee will vary depending on the license duration and warehouse and office space requirements. For business setup in the Jebel Ali free zone,

Feel Free to Contact us for a Consultation.

We will be more than happy to help you. You can also Contact us via our inquiry form.

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR ANY ENQUIRY

We will be more than happy to help you. You can also Contact via our inquiry form

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