JAFZA Company Formation 2026: Jebel Ali Free Zone
JAFZA, the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, is the UAE’s flagship free zone and one of the most strategically significant trade and logistics hubs in the world. Established in 1985 as the Middle East’s first free zone with just 19 founding companies, it has grown over four decades into a powerhouse hosting more than 11,000 businesses from 157 countries. Operated as part of the DP World group, JAFZA sits directly adjacent to Jebel Ali Port, the largest port in the Middle East, and near Al Maktoum International Airport, giving businesses an unmatched multimodal gateway to global markets.
The economic weight of JAFZA is substantial. According to official data confirmed by DP World and the UAE Media Office in May 2025, JAFZA and the Jebel Ali Port ecosystem together contribute 36% of Dubai’s GDP. In 2024, businesses registered in JAFZA generated AED 713 billion (approximately USD 190 billion) in trade, a record figure representing 15% year-on-year growth. Over the last two decades, JAFZA has attracted more than AED 110 billion in total investment and continues to serve as a primary anchor for foreign direct investment into Dubai.
This guide covers everything an investor, entrepreneur, or corporate decision-maker needs to know about establishing a company in JAFZA in 2026, from licence types and legal structures through to costs, the step-by-step registration process, and how the UAE’s corporate tax framework applies to JAFZA businesses. All data in this article is drawn from official JAFZA (jafza.ae), DP World, UAE Media Office, and UAE Ministry of Economy sources.
JAFZA is the UAE’s oldest free zone and the largest by physical scale and economic output. Its development from a 19-company industrial enclave in 1985 to a global trade ecosystem hosting over 11,000 businesses from 157 countries represents one of the defining achievements of Dubai’s economic diversification strategy. The 539-million-square-foot land bank, encompassing pre-built warehouses with leasing rates from AED 400 per square metre, factory units, industrial land plots, and modern business park offices, provides infrastructure at a scale no other UAE free zone can match.
The 2024 trade figure of AED 713 billion (USD 190 billion) is the highest in JAFZA’s 40-year history and demonstrates its character as a genuine global trade hub rather than simply a UAE business registration address. With more than 100 Fortune 500 companies active alongside thousands of SMEs and regional headquarters operations, JAFZA provides a commercial ecosystem of rare depth and credibility. On-site customs clearance facilities, integration with the Dubai Trade digital platform, and direct connection to DP World’s global logistics network compound this advantage for companies managing international supply chains.
In 2026, JAFZA is aligned with UAE national strategic priorities including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Operation 300bn (the UAE’s industrial production strategy), and Make it in the Emirates. For manufacturing businesses in particular, JAFZA provides a compelling combination of free zone tax incentives, access to DP World’s global supply chain infrastructure, and industrial facilities designed for production at scale, positioning it as the preferred UAE location for companies seeking to manufacture for both the domestic and export markets.
Why JAFZA? The Case for Setting Up in Jebel Ali
The primary reason businesses choose JAFZA over other UAE free zones is physical infrastructure and direct port access. Jebel Ali Port is the largest port in the Middle East and consistently ranks among the top 10 busiest container terminals globally. Operating adjacent to this port means that businesses in trading, distribution, re-export, and logistics have direct access to maritime routes connecting to more than 150 global ports and over 3.5 billion consumers by sea, air, and land. On-zone customs clearance and DP World’s integrated cargo handling give JAFZA companies supply chain efficiency that is simply not available from any other UAE free zone location. For businesses where physical goods movement through Jebel Ali Port is central to the commercial model, this proximity is not a benefit, it is a commercial requirement.
The Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central) is located near JAFZA and is being developed as the UAE’s largest aviation hub. For businesses requiring both sea and air freight access from a single registered base, JAFZA offers a degree of multimodal connectivity that positions Dubai as a logistics bridge between Asia, Europe, and Africa. DP World’s integration with JAFZA deepens this advantage, JAFZA companies can access DP World’s global trade network, its port operations across 60+ countries, and its digital trade facilitation tools as part of the zone’s commercial ecosystem. The result is a connected infrastructure platform that no standalone free zone can replicate.
Beyond infrastructure, JAFZA provides the full suite of UAE free zone legal and fiscal advantages: 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national partner requirement, zero import and export customs duties within the zone, and a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income for companies that meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person criteria under the UAE Corporate Tax Law. These advantages, combined with the commercial ecosystem of over 11,000 companies from 157 countries and a Fortune 500 presence that lends credibility to the entire zone, create a proposition that no other free zone in the region can fully replicate for trade, logistics, and industrial businesses.
Business Licence Types at JAFZA
JAFZA issues licences across six principal categories, each aligned to a distinct type of business activity. The choice of licence is not merely an administrative decision: it determines which activities are permitted, what physical facilities are required, and whether any sector-specific regulatory approvals are needed from external UAE authorities. Before applying, all intended business activities must be confirmed against JAFZA’s approved activity list, which covers over 1,500 categories across trading, services, manufacturing, and logistics. Selecting the wrong licence type at the outset is one of the most common causes of application delays and post-registration complications.
Trading licences represent the largest category of JAFZA registrations, reflecting the zone’s port-centric commercial identity. Both the Trading Licence for specific product categories and the General Trading Licence for unrestricted multi-commodity activity are extensively used by import-export businesses, regional distributors, and commodity traders that rely on Jebel Ali Port as their primary logistics gateway. JAFZA’s activity classification is tiered: a Type 1 licence covers up to seven activities within a single category group, while a Type 2 licence extends across two groups for a broader activity scope. Additional activities beyond package limits attract supplementary fees.
Service, Industrial, and Logistics licences serve distinct business segments that collectively make JAFZA one of the most operationally diverse free zones in the UAE. The Service Licence covers professional and advisory businesses from management consulting and IT services to financial advisory and training. The Industrial Licence supports manufacturers, processors, and assemblers who benefit from JAFZA’s pre-built factory units and large industrial plots with direct port access for raw material imports and finished goods exports. The Logistics Licence is specifically designed for the freight forwarding, customs broking, and supply chain management firms that form a critical part of JAFZA’s operational fabric.
Trading Licence
Authorises the import, export, distribution, and sale of specific goods or product categories defined in the licence. The most common entry point for businesses using Jebel Ali Port as their primary logistics gateway. Activities and product categories must be specified at the application stage and can be extended via a Type 2 classification for additional activity groups.
General Trading Licence
Permits trading across multiple product categories without restriction to specific items, providing maximum commercial flexibility for diversified trading businesses. Given its broader scope, the General Trading Licence carries higher fees than a product-specific trading licence and is best suited to businesses with a genuinely diverse product range.
Service Licence
Covers professional, advisory, and skills-based service delivery. Eligible activities include management consulting, IT services, financial advisory, legal services, training, engineering consultancy, and a wide range of professional activities. Service licence holders typically occupy JAFZA’s business centre offices or flexi-desk workstations.
Industrial Licence
For companies engaged in manufacturing, processing, assembly, packaging, and production operations. JAFZA’s industrial infrastructure includes pre-built factory units from 500 square metres, large industrial land plots for custom-built facilities, and seamless customs integration for raw material imports and finished goods exports via Jebel Ali Port.
National Industrial Licence
A specialist category for UAE-manufactured products seeking GCC-origin certification benefits. This licence is critical for manufacturers targeting preferential tariff access to GCC markets under bilateral trade agreements and for companies aligned with the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial production strategy.
Logistics Licence
Covers freight forwarding, customs broking, shipping agency, courier operations, warehousing, and supply chain management activities. This licence category directly supports the maritime and logistics ecosystem centred on Jebel Ali Port and is unique to JAFZA’s port-integrated operating environment.
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Legal Entity Structures in JAFZA
JAFZA offers five principal legal entity structures, each suited to a different ownership configuration, liability profile, and operational purpose. The most frequently used structures for new registrations are the Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for single-owner setups and the Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multi-owner businesses, both of which provide limited liability protection within the free zone framework. The choice of structure has direct implications for corporate governance, share capital arrangements, directorship requirements, and the documentation required at incorporation.
For multinational corporations seeking a UAE presence under their existing global brand, the branch registration route is the standard approach. A JAFZA branch does not create a new legal entity; it operates as an extension of the parent company, which retains full ownership and legal identity. JAFZA’s branch community is significant, with many of the world’s leading multinationals having established JAFZA branches to manage regional distribution and logistics operations. Branch registrations for foreign companies require the parent company’s certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, a board resolution authorising the branch, and current financial statements, all notarised and attested by the UAE Embassy in the parent company’s country of incorporation.
The Public Shareholding Company (PJSC) structure is available for large enterprises with future capital market objectives but is rare for typical SME or first-time JAFZA registrations. One structure that is entirely separate from the free zone licence framework is the JAFZA Offshore Company, governed by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Offshore Companies Regulations 2018. JAFZA Offshore companies receive a Certificate of Incorporation rather than a business licence and are designed for international holding, asset ownership, and cross-border trade. A dedicated guide to JAFZA Offshore Company Formation is available at businesssetuphq.com/jafza-offshore-company-formation/.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A single-shareholder limited liability company within the JAFZA free zone. The most common structure for individual entrepreneurs and sole corporate owners establishing a JAFZA presence. The single shareholder can be an individual or a corporate entity.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
A multi-shareholder limited liability company accommodating between two and fifty shareholders. Suitable for joint ventures, partnerships, and businesses with multiple individual or corporate owners. Each shareholder’s liability is limited to their subscribed share capital.
Public Shareholding Company (PJSC)
A listed company structure available for large businesses considering a future public market listing. Rarely used for typical SME registrations in JAFZA, but available to enterprises that require this corporate form.
Branch of a Foreign Company
International companies wishing to establish a UAE presence under their existing brand and legal identity register a branch in JAFZA. The branch operates as a direct extension of the parent company, which retains 100% ownership. Notarisation and UAE Embassy attestation of parent company documents is required.
Branch of a UAE Company
UAE mainland or other UAE free zone companies can register a JAFZA branch to access the zone’s port-centric infrastructure, logistics ecosystem, and on-site customs clearance facilities without full reincorporation.
JAFZA Company Formation Process: Step by Step
JAFZA’s company formation process is managed through a fully digital workflow via the Dubai Trade Portal (dubaitrade.ae), with physical visits to JAFZA required primarily for document finalisation and collection. The standard processing timeline for a straightforward application is seven to fourteen working days from the date of complete document submission, though applications involving sector-specific approvals, industrial facility arrangements, or branch registrations for foreign companies that require notarisation and attestation of parent company documents will typically take longer. JAFZA operates a dedicated client services team and a cost calculator tool at jafza.ae that provides indicative fee estimates before formal application.
Documentation requirements vary by entity type. FZE and FZCO applications require passport copies of all shareholders and directors, completed JAFZA application forms, and proposed trade name choices. Branch registrations for foreign companies additionally require the parent company’s certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, board resolution authorising the UAE branch, and current financial statements, all of which must be notarised and attested by the UAE Embassy in the parent company’s country of incorporation. This attestation process can take two to four weeks outside major cities, making early document preparation essential for any applicant with a fixed launch timeline.
Once the licence is issued, the post-formation process covers three further steps that are critical to full operational readiness: investor and employee visa applications, Emirates ID processing, and corporate bank account opening. JAFZA’s visa quota is linked to the type and size of premises leased, with flexi-desk allocations typically supporting one to three visas and dedicated office or warehouse space enabling proportionally higher quotas. Corporate bank account opening in the UAE requires the issued JAFZA licence, lease agreement, and shareholder KYC documentation. Business Setup HQ supports clients through each of these post-formation steps to ensure the entity reaches operational status as efficiently as possible.
Step 1: Confirm Your Business Activity and Licence Type
JAFZA’s approved activity list covers over 1,500 trading, service, industrial, and logistics categories. Selecting the correct activity determines the licence type, any sector-specific approvals required, and the most appropriate facility option. Incorrect activity selection is one of the most common causes of application delays.
Step 2: Choose Your Entity Structure
Select between FZE (single shareholder), FZCO (multiple shareholders), or branch of a foreign or UAE company. For most first-time JAFZA registrations, the FZE or FZCO is the starting point depending on ownership arrangements.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Submit at least three name choices to JAFZA. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions, must not duplicate existing registered names, and must not contain restricted or offensive terms. JAFZA verifies name availability through its company register.
Step 4: Select Your Premises
All licensed JAFZA companies are required to maintain a physical presence within the free zone. Facility options include:
- Flexi-Desk / Hot Desk: Shared workspace in JAFZA’s business centre, the most cost-effective entry point for service companies
- Dedicated Office: Private office space within JAFZA’s managed business parks
- Pre-Built Warehouse: Available from AED 400 per square metre per annum, suited to logistics and distribution businesses
- Pre-Built Factory: For industrial and manufacturing operations requiring dedicated production space
- Land Plot: For large-scale industrial or distribution operations requiring a custom-built facility
Step 5: Prepare and Submit Application
Submit the completed JAFZA application forms, passport copies of shareholders and directors, and all entity-specific supporting documents through the Dubai Trade Portal or via your authorised consultant.
Step 6: Pay Fees and Receive Licence
Upon JAFZA review and approval, fees are invoiced through the Dubai Trade Portal. The licence is issued following confirmed payment. JAFZA’s e-licence is available digitally via the Dubai Trade platform.
Step 7: Visas, Emirates ID, and Banking
Process investor and employee visas, Emirates ID applications, and corporate bank account opening following licence issuance. Visa quotas are determined by premises type and size.
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JAFZA Costs: What to Budget in 2026
JAFZA is positioned as a premium free zone, and its costs reflect the strategic port location, world-class infrastructure, and DP World integration that underpin its commercial value proposition. It is more expensive than free zones in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, or Sharjah, but for businesses where Jebel Ali Port access, manufacturing facilities, or proximity to a Fortune 500 commercial ecosystem are material to the commercial case, the premium is well justified. JAFZA publishes a cost calculator at jafza.ae that generates indicative fee estimates for specific activity and facility combinations prior to formal application, and all final fees should be confirmed directly with JAFZA or through an authorised consultant.
Licence fees at JAFZA are structured around activity type classification. A Type 1 licence, covering up to seven activities within a single category group, costs approximately AED 5,000 for the activity component. A Type 2 licence, covering up to twelve activities across two category groups, costs approximately AED 8,500. These activity fees are in addition to registration fees, premises costs, and visa charges. Facility costs vary significantly by type: pre-built warehouses start from AED 400 per square metre per annum, flexi-desk space starts from approximately AED 20,000 to AED 30,000 per year, and dedicated offices are priced at market rates. Industrial land plots and custom-built facilities are priced on an individual basis.
Visa and administrative costs add further to the total investment. Investor and employee visas cost approximately AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per person inclusive of medical testing and Emirates ID processing. Businesses should also budget for annual licence renewal, Chamber of Commerce registration, and the ongoing facility lease commitment. All figures in the table below are indicative; JAFZA fees are subject to periodic revision and should be confirmed through a current cost proposal.
| Cost Item | Indicative Amount (AED) | Notes |
| Activity Licence (Type 1) | AED 5,000 approx. | Up to 7 activities, single category group |
| Activity Licence (Type 2) | AED 8,500 approx. | Up to 12 activities, two category groups |
| Flexi-Desk / Shared Workspace | AED 20,000 – 30,000 per year | Entry-level; supports 1–3 visa quota |
| Pre-Built Warehouse | From AED 400 per sqm per year | Minimum unit sizes apply |
| Pre-Built Factory | From AED 450 per sqm per year | Varies by unit and specification |
| Registration / Administration | AED 5,000 – 10,000 | Indicative; varies by entity type |
| Investor Visa (per person) | AED 3,000 – 5,000 | Includes medical, Emirates ID |
| Annual Licence Renewal | Comparable to initial licence | Payable each year to maintain good standing |
Note: All figures are indicative. JAFZA fees are subject to revision; confirm current fees at jafza.ae or through your authorised consultant before committing to a structure.
JAFZA vs Other UAE Free Zones: Key Comparisons
JAFZA occupies a distinct segment in the UAE free zone landscape and is not a direct competitor to cost-efficient registration-focused zones such as IFZA, SHAMS, or AFZA, which primarily serve service companies and startups. JAFZA’s natural competitive set is the group of trade, logistics, and industrial free zones: DAFZA (Dubai Airport Freezone), Dubai South, and DMCC for commodities trading. The fundamental differentiator between JAFZA and all alternatives is direct port access. No other UAE free zone provides the combination of adjacency to one of the world’s top container terminals, full integration with DP World’s global logistics network, and a 539-million-square-foot infrastructure base. For businesses where physical goods movement through Jebel Ali Port is central to the operating model, JAFZA is functionally irreplaceable.
For businesses with air freight as their primary logistics mode, DAFZA at Dubai International Airport offers a strong alternative, and Dubai South provides proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport for air cargo operations. DMCC in Jumeirah Lakes Towers is the premier address for commodities traders, precious metals, and diamond businesses, but its city-centre location and limited physical warehousing make it unsuitable for businesses with substantial goods movement requirements. RAKEZ in Ras Al Khaimah is a frequently cited alternative for manufacturing and logistics businesses that prioritise cost over strategic location. Its fees are substantially lower than JAFZA’s and it also offers port and industrial land access, but without DP World integration or the Fortune 500 ecosystem that JAFZA provides.
The most common scenario in which businesses choose an alternative to JAFZA is cost sensitivity at the startup stage. A service company or small trading business that does not require a physical warehouse, does not ship primarily via Jebel Ali Port, and has a limited visa requirement is often better served by IFZA, SHAMS, or a comparable cost-efficient zone. As that business scales and its logistics requirements through Jebel Ali increase, upgrading to a JAFZA presence becomes commercially rational. Many JAFZA clients begin with a simpler free zone registration and migrate once their throughput justifies the investment. Business Setup HQ can advise on the right free zone for your specific stage of growth and activity profile.
| Criteria | JAFZA | RAKEZ | IFZA / SHAMS |
| Best For | Sea trade, logistics, manufacturing | Manufacturing, cost-conscious setups | Services, consultancies, startups |
| Port Access | Jebel Ali Port (direct adjacency) | RAK Port access | No direct port |
| DP World Integration | Yes | No | No |
| Fortune 500 Tenants | 100+ | Limited | Limited |
| Industrial Land / Warehouse | Extensive (539M sqft) | Extensive | Limited |
| Flexi-Desk Option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Relative Setup Cost | Premium | Moderate | Cost-effective |
| Visa Quota (Flexi-Desk) | 1 – 3 | 1 – 3 | 1 – 6 |
Note: DAFZA (Dubai Airport Freezone) specialises in airport-adjacent businesses and aviation-sector companies. For a full comparison including DAFZA and Dubai South, contact Business Setup HQ for a personalised free zone assessment.
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UAE Corporate Tax and JAFZA
The UAE’s Federal Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022), effective from June 2023, introduced a 9% corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Free zone companies, including JAFZA entities, may qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) and access a 0% rate on qualifying income from permitted activities. To qualify, a JAFZA company must maintain adequate economic substance within the free zone, earn qualifying income from qualifying activities as defined in the Corporate Tax Law, and satisfy the de minimis threshold, which ensures that non-qualifying income does not exceed 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower. Qualifying activities for JAFZA companies include manufacturing, distribution of goods from or through a free zone, logistics services, fund management, and a range of designated financial activities.
Income that does not qualify under the QFZP framework, typically income derived from UAE mainland commercial activity or from services provided to non-free-zone UAE entities, is subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate once taxable income exceeds the AED 375,000 threshold. JAFZA’s large multinational community has comprehensively engaged with UAE corporate tax requirements, and the zone provides well-established pathways for transfer pricing compliance, economic substance documentation, and annual tax return filing. Businesses newly established in JAFZA should engage a UAE-registered tax adviser at or before the point of incorporation to structure their operations in a manner that maximises the 0% qualifying income benefit from day one.
Value Added Tax (VAT) at 5% applies to JAFZA companies once annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Goods stored within JAFZA and subsequently re-exported abroad benefit from VAT suspension, while VAT becomes payable when goods enter the UAE mainland. Service companies operating exclusively from JAFZA and serving non-UAE clients may qualify for the zero-rated export of services treatment under the UAE VAT Executive Regulations, subject to specific conditions being met. The interaction of corporate tax, VAT, and economic substance requirements makes specialist tax advice essential for any business establishing a JAFZA company with an international operating model.
How Business Setup HQ Can Help with Your JAFZA Registration
Business Setup HQ provides comprehensive JAFZA company formation services, from initial planning and activity selection through to licence issuance, visa processing, and corporate banking introductions. Our team has deep, current knowledge of JAFZA’s requirements, fee structures, documentation standards, and the post-formation steps needed to bring a company to full operational readiness in the shortest possible time.
Whether you are establishing a trading entity, a regional logistics hub, a manufacturing operation, or a branch of an international group, Business Setup HQ manages every step of the registration process with precision. We also advise clients comparing JAFZA with other UAE free zones based on their specific activity profile and growth stage, and we connect businesses with specialist UAE corporate tax and VAT advisers where required for Qualifying Free Zone Person structuring.
To begin your JAFZA registration or to receive a detailed, personalised cost and structure assessment, contact Business Setup HQ today for a no-obligation consultation. Our advisers will walk you through the options, confirm the most appropriate structure for your goals, and give you a clear, transparent picture of the investment required before you commit to anything.
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Frequently Asked Questions About JAFZA Company Formation
According to official data confirmed by DP World and the UAE Media Office in May 2025, JAFZA hosts more than 11,000 businesses from 157 countries, including more than 100 companies from the Fortune Global 500. This figure represents JAFZA’s growth from just 19 founding companies in 1985. In 2024, these businesses collectively generated AED 713 billion (USD 190 billion) in trade, a record annual figure and a 15% increase on 2023.
A standard JAFZA free zone company registration takes seven to fourteen working days from the date of complete and correct document submission. Applications involving sector-specific regulatory approvals, industrial facility arrangements, or branch registrations for foreign companies that require notarisation and UAE Embassy attestation may take longer. The overall timeline from initial enquiry to operational licence, including document preparation, typically runs three to four weeks for most applications.
JAFZA companies may trade with UAE mainland customers, but transactions are treated as imports into the UAE mainland and are subject to applicable customs duties and VAT. Direct commercial activity on the UAE mainland without prior customs clearance is not permitted. Many JAFZA businesses appoint approved UAE mainland distributors or agents for domestic sales, or establish a separate mainland company to serve the local market directly.
Yes. A licensed JAFZA company can sponsor UAE residence visas for investors, directors, and employees. The number of visas available is linked to the type and size of premises leased: a flexi-desk arrangement typically supports one to three visas, while larger office, warehouse, or factory units allow proportionally higher quotas. A JAFZA Offshore Company, which holds a Certificate of Incorporation rather than a business licence, cannot sponsor visas.
JAFZA does not publish a mandatory minimum share capital for FZE or FZCO registrations. The share capital is agreed between shareholders and declared in the Memorandum of Association. In practice, most JAFZA free zone companies are incorporated with a nominal share capital figure. Businesses should discuss the appropriate amount with their consultant and intended banking partner, as some UAE banks apply their own minimum capital benchmarks during account-opening due diligence.
A JAFZA free zone company (FZE or FZCO) holds a business licence, can conduct commercial activity within JAFZA and internationally, must maintain physical premises within the free zone, and can sponsor UAE residence visas. A JAFZA offshore company receives a Certificate of Incorporation (not a business licence), cannot conduct commercial activity within the UAE, does not require physical premises, and cannot sponsor visas. The offshore structure is used for international holding, asset protection, and cross-border trade structuring. A full dedicated guide to JAFZA Offshore Company Formation is available at businesssetuphq.com/jafza-offshore-company-formation/.
Yes. All licensed JAFZA companies are required to maintain a physical presence within the free zone. The minimum option is a flexi-desk or hot-desk arrangement in JAFZA’s business centre, which satisfies the physical presence requirement at the lowest cost. Larger operations may lease dedicated offices, warehouses, factory units, or land plots. The choice of premises affects the visa quota available. Only JAFZA Offshore Companies are exempt from the physical premises requirement, as they are not issued a business licence.
JAFZA’s formation process is digital and managed through the Dubai Trade Portal. An authorised consultant can handle all submissions on your behalf. However, a physical visit to JAFZA is generally required for document finalisation, signature collection, and licence collection. Individual shareholders and directors may also need to appear in person at certain UAE government offices for Emirates ID registration and bank account opening. Business Setup HQ can advise on which steps require physical presence and help minimise unnecessary travel.
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