Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing free zones. Established in 1985, JAFZA today is spread over an area of 48 sq. kms and is home to over 7000 companies, including over 120 of the Fortune Global 500 enterprises, from across the world.

JAFZA has ready-made office units, warehouses, light industrial units and land on long term lease. These land sites are suitable for a variety of purpose-built facilities. Also, JAFZA has business centers and hotels for visitors. Both individuals and legal entities can set up general trading, normal trading, industrial, national industrial, logistics and service providing companies in JAFZA.

Type of Licenses of JAFZA

• General Trading License allows the holder to import, distribute and store all items as per JAFZA rules and regulations;
• Trading License allows the holder to import, export, distribute and store items specified on the license;
• Industrial License allows the holder to import raw materials, carry out the manufacture of specified products and export the finished product to any country;
• Service License allows the holder to carry out the services specified in the license within the Free Zone. Service License is allowed only for branches of existing UAE based company. The type of service must confirm to the parent company’s license, issued by the Economic Department or Municipality of the relevant Emirate in the UAE;
• Logistics License, which is only allowed for branches of existing UAE based companies, allows the company to provide logistics services, which involve managing, planning, operating and handling the flow of goods from sources of production to marketplaces, including, freight forwarding, cargo clearance, warehousing, sorting out, packaging, distribution by air/ sea/ land and other value-added services;
• National Industrial License is designed for manufacturing companies with an ownership or shareholding of at least 51% with AGCC (Arabian Gulf Co-operation Council) nationals/citizens. The value added to the product in the Free Zone must amount to a minimum of 40%. This company license allows the holder the same status as a local or AGCC inside the UAE.

JAFZA Incentives

By setting up your business in JAFZA, you can enjoy following benefits:

• The largest and oldest free zone in the region
• It is located in Dubai
• Hosts around 6,400 companies, including over 120 of the Fortune Global 500 enterprises
• Globally respected and well-known free zone
• 100 % foreign ownership is allowed
• 100% income and corporate tax exemption
• 100% capital and profit repatriation
• Can open a bank account in UAE based banks
• Ready built office facilities, warehouses and factory units and land plots are available for lease or sale
• It has access to entire Gulf and global markets
• It has the biggest sea port in the region

JAFZA is known as the international business hub of the Middle East. It focuses on constant development and innovation, long-term customer relationship and creativity. It offers its investors world-class infrastructure, port facilities and community amenities. Driven by continuous growth in demand JAFZA has started multibillion expansion project that is called JAFZA South. In addition, it has initiated a huge convention centre called the Convention Center Complex. The Convention Center Complex worth of AED 2.5 billion will be an excellent business platform.

The new developments at JAFZA and the surrounding areas are aimed to develop JAFZA into the world’s one of the most efficient sea-air hubs. Jebel Ali Free Zone is the world’s only free zone located in the middle of the region’s largest airport and a seaport; Jebel Ali Sea Port, world’s 7th largest container port on one side and the Al Maktoum International Airport, one of the world’s largest cargo airports on the other side.

Our Expertise

At Mimo Legal Consulting we have the expertise you need to setup your business in the UAE. We will help you to choose the right legal structure and license based on your requirements and business objectives. We also assist you in opening your bank account and acquiring residency visas in the UAE. If you are interested in setting up your business in the UAE, please contact us for further information.