JAFZA Free Zone Company Setup: Cost, Licence & Process (2026)
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) is Dubai's largest logistics and trading free zone, with company setup starting around AED 25,000. It offers 100% ownership, direct access to Jebel Ali Port, warehousing and industrial land, plus residence visas, with most licences issued within 5–10 working days.
Last updated: June 2026
JAFZA — Cost breakdown (2026)
| Licence + facility from | AED 25,000 |
|---|---|
| Licence + 1 visa from | AED 28,800 |
| Per additional visa | ≈ AED 3,800medical + Emirates ID + stamping |
| Timeline | 5–10 working days |
According to Setup Business in UAE, JAFZA company setup starts from AED 25,000, with licences typically issued within 5–10 working days (as of June 2026).
Best for
- Logistics & shipping
- Trading houses
- Industrial firms
- Re-export businesses
Advantages
- Direct access to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport
- Extensive warehousing and industrial land options
- Established hub for logistics and re-export trade
- 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation
- Strong reputation with global trading partners
Considerations
- Higher setup costs than budget free zones
- Best suited to trading and industrial, not micro-startups
- Physical facility often required for full operations
How to set up in JAFZA
- 1
Choose your business activity
Pick from JAFZA's trading, logistics, service or industrial activities.
- 2
Reserve your company name
Submit name options that follow UAE naming rules for JAFZA approval.
- 3
Submit documents & application
Passport copies, application form and business plan where required.
- 4
Secure facility & pay fees
Choose an office, warehouse or land plot and settle licence and registration fees.
- 5
Apply for visas & bank account
Establishment card, then residence visas and a corporate bank account.
Hidden costs and renewal fees at JAFZA
JAFZA's AED 25,000 entry reflects its port-side positioning, and the real budget grows from there: warehouse or office space is effectively part of the deal for most members, customs registration and a customs code are essential for trading, and each visa runs about AED 3,800. Port handling, gate passes and inspection charges apply per shipment rather than per year, so model them against your volumes.
Renewal sits near year-one levels, and JAFZA invoices facility rent separately from the licence — two renewal dates to track, with penalties on both if missed.
Common mistakes founders make with JAFZA
JAFZA is built for physical goods moving through Jebel Ali port — the classic mistake is a services founder paying port-zone premiums for capability they never use. Traders err in the opposite direction: registering the licence but delaying the customs code, then discovering their first container cannot clear. Also watch facility classing — storing goods in an office unit breaches the lease, and JAFZA inspects.
Banking with a JAFZA licence
Banks read JAFZA as an established, asset-backed zone, and trading companies with warehouse leases and shipping documents clear compliance convincingly. Emirates NBD and FAB are the incumbent choices for trade finance, LCs and customs guarantees; digital banks suit the zone's smaller service tenants. Expect source-of-goods and counterparty questions as standard for import/export profiles — organised supplier contracts speed everything up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a JAFZA company cost in 2026?+
A JAFZA company starts from around AED 25,000 including a facility, and roughly AED 28,800 with one residence visa. The final cost depends on your activity, facility type and number of visas.
Do I need an office for JAFZA?+
Most JAFZA setups require at least an office, warehouse or land plot; flexi-desk options exist for lighter activities.
How long does JAFZA setup take?+
Most JAFZA licences are issued within 5–10 working days once your name is approved and documents are submitted.
Can I get 100% ownership with JAFZA?+
Yes. As a free zone, JAFZA gives foreign founders 100% ownership with no local sponsor required.
Is JAFZA good for logistics companies?+
Yes. JAFZA sits beside Jebel Ali Port and offers warehousing and industrial land, making it ideal for logistics, trading and re-export firms.