Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) started with only 19 businesses in 1985. Now, it is the largest customs-bonded zone in the Middle East and the main free zone for DP World. Today, it is home to more than 11,000 businesses from 157 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies, in important areas like logistics, manufacturing, trading, and e-commerce. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is in a great spot between Jebel Ali Port, the world’s largest man-made harbor and one of the top ten container ports in the world, and Al Maktoum International Airport. It uses the Dubai Logistics Corridor to give you access to over 150 global ports and a market of 3.5 billion people.
The zone has modern warehouses, light industrial units, and over 700 e-services on the Dubai Trade platform that make digital operations easy. As of 2024, JAFZA still drives the economy, bringing in 23.9% to 32% of Dubai’s foreign direct investment, 21% to 36% of the emirate’s GDP, and AED 713 billion in non-oil trade.
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is a strategic place for businesses that want to grow in the MENA region and beyond because it supports more than 160,000 jobs and encourages innovation and long-term growth through programs like Bharat Mart, smart logistics, and its larger sustainability agenda.
Access to Jebel Ali Port, which is the biggest man-made harbor in the world.
0% corporate and personal tax; no customs duties, subject to conditions specified under corporate tax.
A lot of warehouses, industrial plots, and offices.
Affordable land leases and setup costs.
Whether you’re launching a trading business or innovating in tech, JAFZA provides tailored licenses to match your operations. Each license is designed to simplify setup and ensure regulatory clarity for seamless growth.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the company setup process in the UAE.
Follow these six essential steps to get your business up and running smoothly.
Step 4
Helping entrepreneurs build and grow in the UAE with complete support, expert guidance, and reliable partnerships.
Complete support from registration to banking, visas, and beyond.
Tailored pricing that fits your business needs—no hidden fees, just value.
Trusted by global clients across various industries.
Your goals are our priority. Personalized assistance at every step.
Hassle-free integration into UAE’s local compliance and business environment.
Fast-track processes through strong local and government partnerships.
Free Zones in UAE offer various options for company formation, depending on the requirement and structure of ownership. The main types are:
Manage all your social channels, ensure customer supremacy engagement, track your performance and more—all from a single platform
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) supports a wide spectrum of business activities, making it an ideal choice for companies targeting regional and global markets. Some of the key activities include:
JAFZA is a strategic center for supply chain and international trade operations because it focuses on logistics, manufacturing, trading, and e-commerce.
The needs for warehousing depend on what the business does. Companies that deal with logistics and trade may need a warehouse, but JAFZA also has flexible office and coworking space for businesses that provide services.
The normal process for starting a business takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how long it takes to get the right paperwork and approvals for the business to start operating
Yes, businesses that are registered in JAFZA can export to any country in the world without paying any customs duty.
The minimum share capital for a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is AED 1,000. For a Free Zone Company (FZCO), it depends on how many shareholders there are and what the business does.
Yes, JAFZA needs a warehouse that is at least 300 square meters big, which will cost about AED 120,000 a year. Offices or coworking spaces might be good options for businesses that don’t do logistics.
Yes, JAFZA is a designated area for UAE VAT law. There is no VAT (0%) on transactions in the zone or exports, but there is 5% VAT on transactions in the mainland UAE.
Yes, JAFZA companies can qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate as QFZPs, per Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2023 and Ministerial Decision No. 139 of 2023. They must:
Not elect the 9% corporate tax rate.
JAFZA’s status as a Designated Zone makes it ideal for trading and logistics firms seeking this tax benefit.
Yes, all companies registered in JAFZA must submit audited financial statements annually, as mandated by JAFZA rules and the company’s Articles of Association. Submissions are due within 90 days of the financial year-end. Non-compliance may incur a fine of AED 5,000 per month and risk non-renewal of the trade license.
BYB (Build Your Business) is a specialized firm focused on building the foundation for businesses to operate globally. We provide clear guidance and practical support to individuals and companies on how to properly establish their business, follow all rules, and design its structure to begin work in different countries. Our deep knowledge includes how to stay compliant in various nations, selecting the best legal setup, and making smart choices about local business environments. We help get registrations, explain tax requirements, and put in place the basic systems for running an office. BYB is an essential partner for those starting international businesses, making sure they have a solid and rule-abiding base from the very beginning.
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