UAE Jebel Ali Free Zone

We assist global clients looking to do  business in Jebel Ali Free Zone with the A to Z of business setup without the need for the client to travel to Jurisdiction. Some of our services include:

Regulatory licenses across all sectors

Provision of nominee directors and shareholders

Recruitment and employee hiring

Virtual/Physical Office space solutions

Employment and residency visas

The most common corporate structures preferred by foreign investors setting up in Jebel Ali Free Zone include i) the limited liability company (LLC/LTD) and ii) the branch office. See detailed comparison below:

Advantages and disadvantages of UAE Jebel Ali Free Zone business setup:

  • 100% Foreign Ownership: Companies in JAFZA can be fully owned by foreign nationals without the need for a local Emirati partner, which is a significant benefit compared to businesses operating in mainland UAE.
  • Tax Exemptions: Businesses in JAFZA enjoy a 0% corporate tax rate, 0% personal income tax, and exemption from import and export duties, making it a highly tax-efficient zone.
  • Repatriation of Profits and Capital: JAFZA companies are allowed to repatriate 100% of their profits and capital without restrictions, providing flexibility for foreign investors.
  • Strategic Location: Located adjacent to the Jebel Ali Port and near Dubai’s international airports, JAFZA offers a prime logistical advantage for companies engaged in trade, manufacturing, and distribution.
  • Business Support Services: JAFZA offers a comprehensive range of business support services, including administrative assistance, visa processing, and licensing, which simplifies the process of setting up and operating a company.
  • Long-term Leasing Options: Companies in JAFZA can secure long-term leases for offices, warehouses, and industrial spaces, providing stability for business operations and planning.
  • Simplified Customs Procedures: JAFZA offers streamlined customs processes, including on-site customs services, which reduce bureaucracy and improve the efficiency of importing and exporting goods.
  • Access to Global Markets: JAFZA serves as a gateway for companies to access the markets of the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, making it an ideal hub for global trade.
  • No Currency Restrictions: Companies operating in JAFZA can conduct transactions in any currency, offering flexibility for international trade and financial operations.
  • Restricted Market Access: Companies registered in JAFZA are not allowed to directly conduct business in the mainland UAE without a local distributor or agent, limiting access to the local market unless additional licenses are obtained.
  • Compliance with UAE Regulations: Although JAFZA is a free zone, companies must still comply with UAE corporate laws, visa regulations, and reporting requirements, which can be complex for foreign investors unfamiliar with the system.
  • Geographical Limitations: While JAFZA’s strategic location benefits global trade, it may not be suitable for businesses focused solely on the local UAE market or those that do not require access to international logistics hubs.
  • Annual Renewal Requirements: Companies in JAFZA are required to renew their licenses, leases, and visas annually, which involves ongoing administrative work and associated costs that some businesses may find burdensome.

Important links:

Company incorporation steps in UAE Jebel Ali Free Zone:

  1. Name Reservation: Girimba Consulting reserves a unique company name through the registration department;
  2. Documents Preparation: Our Team prepares the incorporation documents and emails our Client for signatures and email return;
  3. Certificate of Incorporation: Our Team submits an application for company registration with the Registration Services office and obtain a certificate of incorporation;
  4. Personal Tax Number: If the director is a foreign national, our team submits an application for a personal tax number (PIN) with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).;
  5. Corporate Tax Number: Our Tax Agent also submits an application to the Federal Tax Authority for the corporate/company PIN (tax number);
  6. Other Registrations: If the Client intends to hire local staff, our Team registers the company with i) General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA)ii) Mandatory Medical Scheme and iii) Wage Protection System (WPS);
  7. VAT Registration: Registration shall be facilitated as it is mandatory although VAT is not taxable for business conducted within JAFTA.
  8. Bank Account Opening: Girimba Consulting also assists our Clients to open a local corporate bank account with a top tier bank in JAFTA.


    Seek specific business information:

    Let us know more about your business needs by completing the form below. Our team will get back to you within twenty four hours.

    All information provided to Girimba via this form remains confidential, Girimba shall not sell, share or transfer any details to any authority or third parties except as may be required by law. If you however prefer not to fill up the form, you are welcomed to contact us by email or phone directly.

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    Girimba Consulting conducts business with openness, transperancy and honesty.We respect and uphold our Clients’ confidentiality, we offer quality service at affordable rates. Contact us for professional solutions.

    Clarence S. Carlos

    Regional Cordinator

    Clarence is our regional cordinator and head of business setup secretariat.