JAFZA Company Formation in Dubai — logistics, trade & industry
JAFZA, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, is Dubai’s flagship logistics and industrial free zone, built around one of the world’s largest ports. It’s the home of import/export, warehousing and manufacturing at scale — with 100% ownership and 0% tax on qualifying income. Here’s how JAFZA works and the steps to set up.
What this guide covers
Quick summary
- Who it suits: logistics, import/export, distribution and manufacturing operations that need warehousing or land.
- Location: Jebel Ali Port — direct sea and air connectivity.
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership, 0% tax on qualifying income.
- Cost: facility-led — desk licences are modest; warehouses and plots are quoted to requirement.
- Best for: trade and industry at scale rather than lean service companies.
What JAFZA is
JAFZA — the Jebel Ali Free Zone — is Dubai’s flagship industrial and logistics free zone, built around the Jebel Ali Port, one of the world’s largest. It’s the natural home for import/export, logistics, manufacturing and large trading operations that need warehousing, land and direct sea and air connectivity.
Why founders choose JAFZA
- Port-side location at Jebel Ali, next to the port and close to Al Maktoum airport.
- Logistics & industry focus — warehousing, plots, and heavy-industry facilities.
- 100% foreign ownership and 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
- Scale. Facilities for large trading, distribution and manufacturing operations.
- Global connectivity for import, export and re-export across the region.
JAFZA cost in 2026
JAFZA pricing depends heavily on the facility — a desk-based trading licence is modest, while warehousing, plots and industrial units are quoted to your requirement. Because it’s facility-led, costs are provided on request. Tell us your operation and we’ll give you an itemised quote.
How JAFZA formation works
Activity & facility
We match your operation to the right licence and facility — desk, warehouse or plot.
Name & approvals
Trade name reserved and initial approvals obtained.
Documents & lease
We prepare documents and arrange your facility lease with JAFZA.
Licence issued
JAFZA issues your trade licence and registration.
Visas & bank account
Establishment card, visas, and corporate banking.
JAFZA vs other zones
Choose JAFZA for logistics, warehousing and industry at scale. For a lean service or consultancy company, a lower-cost zone like IFZA or RAKEZ is a better fit.
JAFZA company formation FAQs
What is JAFZA best for?
Logistics, import/export, distribution, warehousing and manufacturing. Its position next to Jebel Ali Port makes it ideal for trade and industry that move physical goods.
How much does JAFZA setup cost?
It depends on the facility. A desk-based trading licence is modest, while warehousing, plots and industrial units are quoted to your requirement. We provide an itemised quote based on your operation.
Can foreigners own 100% of a JAFZA company?
Yes — 100% foreign ownership with no local partner, plus 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
Does JAFZA suit a small service company?
It can, but a lean consultancy or service business is usually cheaper to run in a zone like IFZA or RAKEZ. JAFZA’s strength is facilities and logistics at scale.
How long does JAFZA formation take?
Around 2 weeks for a licence once documents and the facility lease are arranged, with visas and banking following.
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