JAFZA Free Zone Dubai 2026 | Complete Guide to Costs, Licenses & Setup

Quick Answer: JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) company formation costs AED 40,000-60,000 in 2026 for a standard trading setup. The general trading license alone is AED 25,000–35,000/year. Setup takes 7–14 business days. JAFZA is best for import/export, logistics, and manufacturing businesses needing direct access to Port Jebel Ali — the world’s 9th largest port.

JAFZA Free Zone — Key Facts at a Glance (2026)

How to Set Up a Company in JAFZA — Step by Step (2026)

1. Determine your business activity — JAFZA suits trading, logistics, manufacturing, and industrial operations requiring port proximity.
2. Choose company type — FZE (1 shareholder) or FZCO (2–50 shareholders). Branch of foreign company also permitted.
3. Submit application — Apply via JAFZA Business Centre or a registered agent. Processing: 3–5 business days.
4. Select facility — Mandatory: office from ~AED 15,000/year or warehouse from AED 80,000/year.
5. Pay license fee — AED 25,000–35,000 for general trading license.
6. Complete documentation — Submit passport copies, business plan, and facility lease agreement.
7. Collect trade license — Issued within 7–14 business days of complete submission.
8. Apply for visas — Allocation based on facility size. Investor visa: AED 4,000–6,000 including medical and Emirates ID.

JAFZA at a Glance

JAFZA License Types & Costs 2026

JAFZA offers several license categories to match different business models. Unlike smaller free zones, JAFZA pricing varies significantly based on the facility type (office vs. warehouse vs. land plot).

JAFZA Facility Types & Annual Costs

Why Choose JAFZA? Key Advantages

1. Direct Port Access — Jebel Ali Port

JAFZA's defining advantage is its seamless connection to Jebel Ali Port, the world's 9th busiest port and the largest in the Middle East. Businesses can move goods directly between their JAFZA warehouse and the port without customs clearance, dramatically reducing logistics costs and transit times for import/export operations.

2. Largest Free Zone in the UAE

Spanning 57 square kilometres, JAFZA offers unmatched scale. From small executive suites to massive industrial plots, the zone can accommodate businesses of any size — from a 1-person consultancy to a global manufacturing operation with hundreds of staff.

3. DP World Ecosystem

Managed by DP World, one of the world's largest port operators, JAFZA businesses benefit from an integrated supply chain ecosystem including port operations, logistics, cold storage, and customs brokerage services all within a single zone.

4. Strategic Location Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Located along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi business corridor, JAFZA offers easy access to both UAE cities, Dubai International Airport, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This makes it ideal for businesses needing to serve both emirates.

JAFZA Company Structures

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Single shareholder company (individual or corporate)
• Free Zone Company (FZCO): 2–50 shareholders
• Branch of a Foreign Company: Extension of an existing overseas company
• Branch of a UAE Company: Expansion of an existing UAE mainland company into JAFZA
• JAFZA Offshore Company: Non-resident holding structure, no visa eligibility

JAFZA vs Other Dubai Free Zones

How to Set Up a Company in JAFZA: Step-by-Step

1. Determine your business activity — trading, industrial, or service
2. Choose your facility type — office, warehouse, executive suite, or offshore
3. Submit initial application — online via JAFZA portal, with passport copy and business plan
4. Receive initial approval — typically 2–5 business days
5. Sign facility lease agreement — office or warehouse space
6. Pay license and facility fees — first year upfront
7. Receive trade license — issued within 5–7 business days of payment
8. Apply for employee/investor visas — quotas based on facility size
9. Open corporate bank account — JAFZA has preferred banking partners

JAFZA Offshore Company

JAFZA's offshore company structure (JAFZA Offshore) is a popular option for international businesses seeking a UAE holding company without the need for physical presence or UAE visas. Key features:

• Annual cost: AED 8,500–12,000
• No UAE visa eligibility
• Can hold UAE real estate (unlike most offshore structures)
• 100% foreign ownership
• No physical office required
• Can open UAE bank accounts (subject to bank approval)
• Suitable for holding shares in UAE mainland or free zone companies

JAFZA and UAE Corporate Tax 2026

JAFZA companies may qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income if all applicable UAE corporate tax conditions are met. Trading and logistics income must still be reviewed against activity scope, counterparty, substance, documentation and qualifying income rules.

Businesses with UAE mainland sales above the de minimis threshold (5% of total revenue or AED 5M) will pay 9% on that portion of income. JAFZA businesses selling to mainland UAE distributors should structure contracts carefully to maintain QFZP status.

JAFZA Free Zone — FAQs

Is JAFZA good for small businesses?

JAFZA is better suited for medium-to-large businesses, particularly those in trading, logistics, and manufacturing. For small businesses and solopreneurs, IFZA, Meydan, or SHAMS offer lower-cost entry points. JAFZA's executive suite option (from ~AED 18,000 all-in) is the most accessible route for smaller businesses that want the JAFZA brand.

Can JAFZA companies sell to the UAE mainland?

Yes. JAFZA companies can sell goods to mainland UAE by appointing a mainland distributor or agent and paying applicable import duties (5% for most goods). Services can be provided to mainland clients directly. Mainland revenue above the de minimis threshold will be subject to 9% corporate tax.

What is the minimum warehouse size at JAFZA?

JAFZA's smallest warehouse units start at approximately 250 sqm (shared warehouse options). Standard individual warehouses begin at 500 sqm. For smaller storage needs, JAFZA's logistics partners offer third-party warehousing and fulfillment services within the zone.

How many visas can I get with a JAFZA license?

JAFZA visa quotas are based on facility size — typically 1 visa per 9 square metres ease office/warehouse space. Executive suite holders receive 2–4 visas. There is no fixed upper limit for large warehouses or industrial facilities, making JAFZA ideal for businesses with large workforces.

Frequently Asked Questions About JAFZA

How much does JAFZA company setup cost in 2026?

A standard JAFZA trading setup costs AED 40,000 to 60,000 in the first year including license, facility and visa. The general trading license alone is AED 25,000 to 35,000 per year, and a service license runs AED 18,000 to 28,000 per year.

How long does JAFZA company registration take?

JAFZA company registration takes 7 to 14 business days from complete document submission, longer than digital-first zones because facility allocation and port-related approvals are involved.

How many visas does a JAFZA license allow?

JAFZA visa quota is based on facility size at roughly one visa per 9 square metres, typically 2 to 15+ visas. Larger warehouses and plots support proportionally larger quotas.

Does JAFZA require a physical office or warehouse?

Yes. JAFZA requires a facility with every license: executive suites start around AED 18,000 to 30,000 per year, business centre offices AED 30,000 to 50,000, shared warehouses AED 25,000 to 45,000, and standard warehouses from AED 80,000 per year.

Why choose JAFZA over other UAE free zones?

JAFZA offers direct access to Jebel Ali Port and DP World logistics, making it the leading choice for import/export, distribution and manufacturing. It hosts more than 9,700 companies from over 100 countries.