JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone
The UAE's largest Free Zone — adjacent to Jebel Ali Port (top 10 globally) and part of the DP World ecosystem. 9,000+ multinational companies in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and supply chain. Operating since 1985.
Why JAFZA Stands Out
JAFZA was established in 1985 and is the oldest large-scale Free Zone in the UAE. The zone is positioned next to Jebel Ali Port — the busiest container port in the Middle East and one of the top 10 globally — and is part of DP World's logistics ecosystem. JAFZA hosts more than 9,000 companies, including multinational manufacturers and supply-chain operators.
JAFZA suits manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and physical-goods trading companies that need direct port access. Compared to Dubai's "service" zones like DMCC or IFZA, JAFZA is significantly more expensive but offers something they cannot: industrial plots, warehouses, and port-side facilities. Smaller traders without inventory will find better value at IFZA or Meydan.
Why Choose JAFZA
Insight Setup Packages for JAFZA
Bundled services that save 20%+ vs ordering individually. All prices include Insight's professional fee plus the zone's basic license cost.
- Company registration and licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card (Ministry of Labour)
- 1 resident visa + Emirates ID
- Company registration and licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card
- 1 resident visa + Emirates ID
- 1 corporate bank account
- Company registration and licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card
- 1 resident visa + Emirates ID
- 1 corporate bank account
- 1 personal bank account
Prices are starting from. Final quote depends on the activity, visa count and office type — we send the exact breakdown within 24 hours of your enquiry.
What You Can Do in JAFZA
10 most popular activities — the zone supports 1,500+ in total. Full list available on request.
6 Steps to Launch in JAFZA
From document collection to first banking transaction — typical timeline 2-4 weeks.
Initial consultation & document collection
We map your business activity to the right license type, prepare the document checklist and answer cost questions. Most clients close this step on a 30-minute call.
Name reservation & activity approval
We submit 3 proposed company names to the zone and confirm the activity is on the approved list. Approval comes back in 1-2 working days.
License application & payment
We submit the application package, MOA and lease through the zone portal. Payment is via online card / bank transfer. License is issued in 5-7 days.
Establishment Card & investor visa application
Once the license is live, we apply for the Establishment Card (3-5 days) and submit your investor visa entry permit (3-7 days).
Medical, biometrics & Emirates ID
You complete the medical (1 hour) and biometric capture (30 minutes). Emirates ID is issued within 5-10 days. We handle all bookings.
Corporate bank account opening
We introduce you to 2-3 UAE banks matched to your activity (Mashreq Neo, WIO, Emirates NBD, ENBD, ADCB). Account opens in 2-4 weeks.
Estimate Your Year-1 Cost in JAFZA
Pick license type, visa count and office — we calculate the total instantly.
What You Need to Provide
We handle all government paperwork on your side. Here's everything we'll ask from you at the start:
- Passport copies of all shareholders (6+ months valid)
- Passport-size photos with white background
- Proposed company name (3 options)
- List of intended business activities
- Application form signed by the shareholder
- Proof of address (utility bill less than 3 months old)
- Visa copies & Emirates ID (if UAE residents)
- NOC from current sponsor (if employed in UAE)
JAFZA vs Other Free Zones
Year-1 entry-level package starting prices.
JAFZA — Frequently Asked Questions
Entry-level packages in JAFZA start from AED 15,000. The final cost depends on activity type, visa count and office option — most SMEs land in the AED 18,000-30,000 range for Year 1 with 1 investor visa. We send the exact breakdown within 24 hours of your enquiry.
JAFZA issues most licenses in 14-21 days through its digital portal. The investor visa adds another 10-14 days after the license is issued. A corporate bank account opens in 2-4 weeks depending on the bank and activity.
Free Zone companies can sell to other Free Zone or Mainland businesses (B2B), export internationally, or sell on e-commerce platforms. Direct B2C retail to UAE consumers requires a Mainland (DET) license or a Mainland distribution agreement.
The base package includes 3+ visas. Additional visas are available — pricing depends on package and office size. Investor visas allow you to sponsor your spouse, children and parents for UAE residency.
No, the incorporation is fully digital — passport scans, signed forms and payment can be submitted remotely. You only need to be physically present for Emirates ID biometrics and the medical check (2-3 hours total) when activating your investor visa.
JAFZA licenses cover logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and port-side trade. Full list of approved activities is available on request — we match your business model to the right license type before you commit.
Sertificates
Start Your JAFZA Company
