JAFZA Company Formation in Dubai | Elevate Auditing

JAFZA Company Formation in Dubai

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JAFZA Company Formation in Dubai

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the UAE’s most established and globally recognized free zones. Known for its strategic port access, strong legal framework, and investor-friendly regulations, JAFZA has become the go-to hub for businesses looking to expand across the Middle East and beyond.
Whether you’re considering JAFZA offshore company formation or a full Jebel Ali Free Zone company setup, the benefits are unmatched: global recognition, tax advantages, and a secure regulatory framework.

Why Choose JAFZA for Your Business?

  • Strategic Location – Direct access to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport.
  • Global Reputation – A trusted name in free zone operations since 1985.
  • Investor-Friendly Laws – Transparent and efficient business setup procedures.
  • Diverse Licenses – Options for trading, services, industrial, and holding activities.
With these advantages, it’s no surprise that JAFZA new company formation continues to attract entrepreneurs, multinationals, and holding companies from across the world.
JAFZA Company Formation in Dubai

Required Documents & Regulations

To complete JAFZA company formation, you will prepare and supply:

  • Passport copy of shareholder(s) and director(s)
  • Proof of address (residence)
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Bank reference letters or financial credentials
  • Any additional approvals or no-objection certificates if the law requires them

You must follow all JAFZA offshore company regulations regarding compliance. Some activities, such as trading in the UAE mainland, may not be permitted.

JAFZA Company Setup Cost

The JAFZA company setup cost depends on the license type, company structure, and whether you are forming an offshore, free zone, or holding company.
  • Industry packages for JAFZA offshore setup commonly start from about AED 18,000. Exact figures vary with services and license type.
  • JAFZA license cost depends on activity (for example trading vs industrial) and any facilities you rent.
  • Annual renewals and maintenance fees also apply, depending on whether you use an office within the free zone or rely on agent services.

While offshore companies have no minimum capital requirement, a JAFZA holding company or free zone entity may need to meet additional setup conditions.

Office or Flexi-Desk Option

Workstation/ Flexidesk
Area in sqm 6
Total Annual Rent 30000
10 % Security Deposit (Refundable – One Time) 3000
Insurance (Annual) (per unit) 100
Name Plate (One Time) 500
Total Lease Payments 33600
Office
Area in sqm Starting at 40 SQM
Rate (PSQM) 2000
10 % Security Deposit (Refundable – One Time) TBC
Insurance (Annual) (per unit) 100
Name Plate (One Time) 500
Total Lease Payments TBC
Total Available KVA (Electrical Power cannot be Upgraded) 60
Area in sqm (approximate) 556
Annual Rent per sqm 450
Rent 249,750
10 % Security Deposit (Refundable – One Time) 24,975
2% of annual rent-Public Health Levy 4,995
Insurance (Annual) (per unit) 300
Total Lease Payments TBC

License Cost

Activity License Cost License Cost Formation Cost Other Govt Cost
Service License with 7 Activities 5000 5000 1500 11500
Trading License 7 Activities 5000 5000 1500 11500
Trading License 2 different Group Activities 8500 5000 1500 15000
Industrial License 5000 5000 1500 11500
Industrial License Seven Activities in 2 Groups Each 8500 5000 1500 15000
General Trading 15000 5000 1500 21500
Logistic License 15000 5000 1500 21500
JAFZA Company Formation in dubai

JAFZA New Company Formation: Step-by-Step Process

The process of JAFZA new company formation is straightforward when approached with the right guidance:
Free zone establishment (FZE), free zone company (FZCO), or branch of an existing firm.
Trade, service, industrial, or holding activities.
The JAFZA license cost varies depending on your activity type.
Shareholder passports, application forms, and business plans.
JAFZA authority reviews and issues your incorporation certificate.
This process allows you to establish a legitimate presence in Dubai’s most respected free zone, while gaining access to global markets through Jebel Ali Port.

JAFZA Company Formation in Dubai: Who It Suits Best?

Opting for JAFZA company formation in Dubai makes sense if you want:

  • Access to international trade routes via air and sea
  • A legally recognized UAE entity with 100% foreign ownership
  • A platform for import, export, or re-export activities
  • Secure asset-holding through a JAFZA holding company or offshore structure

JAFZA is equally popular among startups testing regional waters and established corporations looking to strengthen their UAE footprint. Its credibility also makes it attractive for investors who may later expand into other free zones, like RAKEZ, or consider a Dubai real estate company setup.

JAFZA Offshore Company: Key Highlights

A JAFZA offshore company is ideal for international operations, asset protection, and holding structures. However, it comes with specific regulations:

  • A JAFZA offshore company receives a certificate of incorporation rather than a business licence. It cannot conduct commercial activity within the UAE domestic market or with UAE residents.
  • JAFZA offshore companies do not provide eligibility for UAE residence visas. They do not require a physical office in the UAE and must operate via a registered agent.
  • Requires at least one shareholder and one director (can be the same person).
  • Confidentiality of shareholder details is maintained.

Many investors use offshore companies as part of their broader structure, often combining them with RAKEZ holding companies or other free zone company setups to diversify operations.

business setup in dubai

JAFZA Offshore Company Regulations

Before proceeding with JAFZA offshore company formation, it’s important to understand the compliance framework:

  • Documentation: Passport copies, proof of residence, bank reference letters, and Memorandum & Articles of Association.
  • Banking: Offshore entities can open UAE or international corporate bank accounts.
  • Restrictions: No physical office space within JAFZA, no visas under the company, and no direct real estate activity (unless specifically permitted).

Despite these restrictions, JAFZA remains a highly trusted offshore jurisdiction — offering a solid alternative to international tax havens.

How Elevate Can Help

Setting up in JAFZA involves legal paperwork, government approvals, and cost structuring. That’s where we step in.

At Elevate Accounting & Auditing, we guide you through:

  • Choosing the right license type
  • Preparing documentation
  • Liaising with JAFZA authorities
  • Structuring your setup to match long-term goals

Beyond JAFZA, we also support Dubai real estate company setup, RAKEZ holding company incorporation, and broader free zone company setup services across the UAE.

Ready to Start Your JAFZA Company Formation?

If you hope to move forward with JAFZA company formation, you deserve clear, correct guidance.

Contact Elevate Accounting & Auditing today. Let us help you plan, budget, and complete your setup with confidence.

+971 56 167 2533
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+971 56 167 2533

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –

The cost depends on the free zone and license type. In JAFZA, company setup costs usually include registration, license fees, and office space.

The JAFZA company setup cost varies depending on your chosen structure and license. Registration packages often start with basic licensing and scale up based on activities.
To create a free zone company, you select a legal structure, apply for a license, submit documents, and get approval. JAFZA is one of the most established options for free zone company setup in Dubai.
JAFZA stands for Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. It manages the Jebel Ali Free Zone company formation process and oversees regulations for companies operating in the zone.
A JAFZA offshore company is often used for holding assets or international business outside the UAE. A JAFZA free zone company operates within the UAE and can trade, provide services, or manufacture.
The zone offers several license types, such as trading, service, industrial, and logistics. The JAFZA license cost depends on the activity and office requirements.

Yes. JAFZA allows full foreign ownership for both new entities and branches, making it highly attractive to international investors.

Yes. Many businesses choose a JAFZA holding company to manage regional investments. It is also a strong option for those who may later expand into RAKEZ or other zones.
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