JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)
Dubai's flagship industrial and logistics zone, wired to Jebel Ali Port.
Overview
JAFZA is Dubai's flagship industrial, logistics and trading free zone and one of the oldest and largest in the region (est. 1985). Anchored to Jebel Ali Port — one of the world's largest container ports — it's built for manufacturing, warehousing, large-scale trading and logistics, with access to land plots, warehouses and heavy infrastructure.
Key benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income; 0% personal income tax
- No restrictions on profit / capital repatriation
- Integrated with Jebel Ali Port and near Al Maktoum International Airport
- Access to warehouses, land plots and industrial-scale facilities
- 1,500+ approved activities and a digital licensing process
Business activities & licenses
JAFZA supports a range of license types and activities, including:
- Industrial / manufacturing
- Logistics & warehousing
- Trading & general trading
- Service & professional
- E-commerce
Ownership & visas
100% foreign ownership — FZE, FZCO and branch structures available.
Visa allocation scales with facility type — from office packages to large warehouses and industrial plots supporting substantial staff quotas.
Cost & timeline
Entry licenses can start lower, but a realistic standard trading license starts from ~AED 15,000/year; total setup often AED 40,000–60,000+ with facilities.
~2–4 weeks (longer for industrial / warehouse setups).
Prices are indicative starting points, not quotes. Government and free-zone fees change frequently — we confirm current, all-in figures before you commit.
Is JAFZA right for you?
Manufacturers, industrial operators, large-scale traders and logistics companies that need port access, warehousing or land and are targeting import-export and regional supply chains.
What makes JAFZA different
- One of the oldest (1985) and largest free zones in the world, run by DP World.
- Combined sea-air logistics via Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport.
Compare alternatives
How JAFZA compares
| Free zone | Emirate | License from* | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAFZA This page | Dubai | AED 15,000/yr | ~2–4 weeks (longer for industrial / warehouse setups) | Manufacturing · Warehousing |
| IFZA → | Dubai | AED 12,900/yr | License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available) | Consultants · E-commerce |
| Meydan → | Dubai | AED 12,500/yr | A few days to ~1 week (digital process) | Agencies · Consultants |
| DMCC → | Dubai | AED 20,000/yr | ~1–4 weeks depending on activity and workspace | Commodities · General trading |
* Indicative license-only starting points for budgeting — not quotes. Compare all 17 zones
JAFZA — frequently asked questions
01How much does it cost to set up in JAFZA?＋
Entry licenses can start lower, but a realistic standard trading license starts from ~AED 15,000/year; total setup often AED 40,000–60,000+ with facilities. These are indicative figures for budgeting — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in pricing for your activity and visa needs.
02Can I own 100% of my JAFZA company?＋
100% foreign ownership — FZE, FZCO and branch structures available.
03How many visas can I get with JAFZA?＋
Visa allocation scales with facility type — from office packages to large warehouses and industrial plots supporting substantial staff quotas.
04How long does JAFZA setup take?＋
~2–4 weeks (longer for industrial / warehouse setups). Timelines depend on document readiness, visa processing and bank onboarding.
05Who is JAFZA best for?＋
Manufacturers, industrial operators, large-scale traders and logistics companies that need port access, warehousing or land and are targeting import-export and regional supply chains.