Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) is a free trade zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, a government body, has been operating it since 1985. JAFZA is unique as it allows both free zone and offshore company setup which makes it the first place to offer free zone services in Dubai.
When you set up a free zone company in JAFZA, you get tax benefits and protection for your assets. Many people choose JAFZA free zone companies because it also allows you to buy property in Dubai. To start this type of company, you need the help of a registered agent in JAFZA. But finding the right agent can take time and effort. To make this easier, DBS Group offers registered agent services and helps you through the entire process of JAFZA free zone company formation.
Why Choose JAFZA For Your Free Zone Business?
Tax Benefits
JAFZA free zone companies provide tax benefits that help you protect your property from risks. With this tax-friendly system, businesses can save more money and legally protect their property.
Easy Business Setup
It is easy to start an free zone company in JAFZA. The phases are simple, and you only need some documents. If you want to establish your business, you can contact DBS GroupΒ for help.
Privacy And Confidentiality
Privacy is very essential for any business. In JAFZA, details about shareholders and company transactions are preserved under clear regulations. This helps business owners and entrepreneurs to keep their work private and legal.
Flexible Business Models
Many people in the JAFZA free zone choose the holding company structure. With this setup, you can own and manage various assets such as shares in other companies. A holding company in JAFZA also exempts you from paying UAE corporate and income taxes.
Owning Freehold Properties
With a JAFZA free zone Company, you can make freehold properties in Dubai. You can buy, sell or catch the property independently after obtaining a 'No Object Certificate' (NOC) from Dubai Land Department. This certificate shows that the government approves your ownership. DBS Group can guide you step by step to obtain this certificate without stress.
Types of Legal Structures Allowed in JAFZA
When you plan to start a business in Dubai, you first need to choose the right company type based on your needs. In JAFZA, the choice depends on how many people will own the company. Investors can register their business in JAFZA under the following structures:
Free Zone Establishment in JAFZA
If there is only one owner, you can set up a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) in JAFZA. The sole owner can be either an individual or a company. The risk or loss in an FZE is limited to the money invested. To make the setup easier, many investors take the help of business setup consultants in Dubai while registering an FZE in JAFZA.
Free Zone Company in JAFZA
If there is more than one owner, you can form a Free Zone Company (FZCO) in JAFZA. This type of company requires a minimum of 2 and can have up to 50 owners. These owners can be individuals or companies. An FZCO operates like an LLC in the free zone, and the companyβs losses are limited to the money invested by its owners.
Company Branch Formation in JAFZA
Companies already operating outside of JAFZA can open a branch in the free zone. The branch can be a foreign company outside the UAE or a local company in the UAE but outside of JAFZA. The parent company owns the branch entirely, and the branch must follow the same function and use the same name as the parent company.
Publicly Listed Company in JAFZA
JAFZA also allows investors to form a Publicly Listed Company (PLC). This type of company requires two or more owners. The owners have limited risk, and the company can invite the public to purchase shares. The shares of a PLC must be listed on a stock exchange.
Types of Business Licenses in JAFZA
JAFZA offers several options to companies forming a company. You can choose a license based on the type of work you plan to do. Key licenses include:
Trade License
If your company buys, sells, imports, exports or re-exports goods, you need to obtain this license. It is the most common license in JAFZA.
E-Commerce License
If your company sells products or services online through websites or apps, you need to obtain this license.
Industrial License
This license is for companies that manufacture or produce items. If your business stores or handles hazardous or dangerous materials, you will also need it.
Logistics License
This license is for businesses that are engaged in transportation, storage, delivery or distribution. Companies that store or transport goods in transit must also obtain this license.
Service License
If your business provides consultancy, professional or other services, you must obtain this license. It also covers businesses in the tourism, education and hospitality sectors.
The cost of a Jafza license depends on the type of license you choose and what business activities you want to carry out.
Documents Required to Set Up a Company in Jafza
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Passport copy (shareholders and managers)
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No Objection Certificate (NOC) (if the manager is under a UAE employment visa)
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) (shareholders and managers)
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Original bank reference letter (for each shareholder)
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Business Plan (a detailed proposal for the new company)
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Company Brochure (if available)
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Application Form and Letter of Intent (for company formation)
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Legal Representative Appointment Document (if applicable)
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Initial Approvals (from relevant authorities for specific activities)
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6 months bank statement or annual financial report (for existing shareholders; not required for new incorporations)
