Pondering over setting up your UAE business? The UAE’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (also commonly known as JAFZA) might be an option worth exploring. Situated in Dubai, it’s a Free Zone that’s well-suited for trade, logistics, manufacturing & global business. Being located beside Jebel Ali Port, it supports your access to local & global supply chains.
For United Kingdom business owners, a business setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone could turn out to be a practical way to import, export, distribute, manufacture, or expand regionally. That said, at Shuraa UK, our aim is simple: to help aspiring business owners plan their setup. From assisting you with the selection of activity & structure to guiding you through registration & licensing, we are there for you.

As we mentioned before, Jebel Ali Free Zone is a Free Zone that's well-suited for trade, logistics, manufacturing & global business. It is the oldest & biggest United Arab Emirates Free Zone and was founded in 1985. The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is what regulates the Jebel Ali Free Zone. For those who do not know, this Free Zone provides several company setup structures, which include:
Remember, what you choose is based on shareholders, activity, & model of business.
To add, when we talk about a JAFZA company formation, we need to know that it requires an appropriate leased facility. Furthermore, you can also structure a Jebel Ali Free Zone company setup around various operational requirements. Companies can select categories of licenses like trading, service, industrial, as well as logistics, which is, of course, subject to the permitted activities for that particular license.
For investors in the UK, Jebel Ali Free Zone company formation offers a structured way into Dubai, UAE.
Picking JAFZA could give companies access to a networked commercial atmosphere with facilities & licensing choices made for various business needs.
Situated near the Jebel Ali Port, JAFZA provides companies convenient access to global shipping routes as well as regional markets.
Investors are eligible to set up & own their companies without needing a United Arab Emirates national shareholder.
Companies could look at trading, logistics, industrial, as well as service activities, based on the needs of their selected JAFZA business license.
JAFZA company registration provides various structures for formation, permitting companies to go with an option that is suitable for their ownership & operational needs.
From offices to warehousing & other facilities, Jebel Ali Free Zone offers infrastructure that could support companies across various growth stages.
Having a JAFZA business setup could offer a foundation for companies that are seeking to grow their operations & make connections across local & global markets.
Based on the list of activities that have been approved & the needed permissions, it is possible for companies to be operational in areas like:
Remember, you need to select the JAFZA business license for yourself after you check the activity that has been proposed & the applicable requirements. Certain activities might need extra approvals or facilities that are specific.
When you select the activity first, it helps make sure that the structure of your company, its license, & premises are in line with the operation that is intended.
Establishing a company in JAFZA includes a series of simple steps, from selecting the activity to securing the license. Following the correct process helps make sure that your application is precise & properly completed.
Note: Connecting with a JAFZA company formation consultant could be helpful in organising the necessary documents & getting guided through every stage of the process.
The cost of a yearly business license in UAE’s Jebel Ali Free Zone ranges between €1,250* & €8,750* (around Dhs 5,000* to Dhs 35,000*), based on your particular license category as well as activities.
Yearly business license
Typical 1st-year setup cost
Remember, your license is just one component of your investment. A realistic overall 1st-year company formation cost in Jebel Ali Free Zone (which includes company registration, a flexible desk or office space lease, 1 residency visa, & your establishment card) has a typical range of €10,000* to €15,000* (around Dhs 40,000* to Dhs 60,000*). It should be noted that the choice of facilities, such as big physical office spaces or warehouses, will significantly raise the overall cost.
As a leading name in the business setup space, Shuraa UK has enabled over a thousand business owners in their expansion journey. We have highly experienced consultants who are equipped with all the knowledge that's needed to form your very own company in the UAE.
We have been around for a long time now, helping UK business owners actualise their United Arab Emirates Business dreams.
Each business has its very own requirements and budget, and at Shuraa UK, we understand that perfectly. That's why our solutions are customised as per your needs.
With Shuraa UK, there are no hidden costs to surprise you. We make sure to explain the expense, so you are aware of what you're investing in.
Right from the very first consultation to post-setup support, we make sure your business gets the right assistance it deserves at each step, because constant support matters.
Our team is made up of qualified professionals who come with a deep understanding of the needs of UK entrepreneurs when they plan for their UAE expansion.
During these years, we have successfully helped form 100K+ companies in the UAE, and we intend to form many more. So, you can trust us as your JAFZA company formation consultant.
Find answers to common questions about business setup in Dubai and the UAE.
If you have your business license for JAFZA, as a company, you are authorised to carry out approved activities within Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Usually, the setup might take around three to fourteen working days following the submission of all the needed paperwork, based on the type of formation, license, & activity categories.
Having a reliable consultant by your side could be of great help. This is because they could help provide clarification on the activities, paperwork, steps involved in licensing, & estimated costs, ultimately simplifying things for you.
Yes. With experience that spans decades and after having formed over 100K companies, we are confident in lending our support to aspiring business owners who wish to expand to JAFZA.
QFZPs, also known as Qualifying Free Zone Persons, could be benefitted from 0% CT on their income that is qualifying, whereas 9% CT is applicable to the taxable income that is not qualifying.
Usual documents include copies of the passport, corporate documents, passport-size photos, application forms, & a plan for your business, depending on the setup you have.
Still have any questions?