JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) — Complete Business Guide 2026
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) is one of the world’s largest free zones and UAE’s premier trade and logistics hub. Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port, JAFZA handles a significant portion of UAE’s non-oil trade. This guide covers JAFZA for businesses in 2026.
In this guide:
JAFZA Overview
- Established: 1985; one of the world’s first and largest free zones
- Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai; 35 km from Dubai city centre; adjacent to Jebel Ali Port
- Companies: 9,500+ companies from 100+ countries; one of the world’s most diverse business communities
- Jebel Ali Port: world’s 9th largest container port; 22.4 million TEUs annual capacity; connected directly to JAFZA warehouses via internal road network
- Operator: DP World (Dubai Ports World); JAFZA is managed by DP World which also operates the port
JAFZA Business Activities
- Trading and distribution: import, re-export, and distribution of goods across GCC and beyond; most popular JAFZA activity
- Manufacturing: over 20% of JAFZA companies are manufacturers; food processing, metal fabrication, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; dedicated industrial zones with large land plots
- Logistics and supply chain: warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance; bonded and non-bonded warehouses; JAFZA’s proximity to Jebel Ali Port makes it ideal
- E-commerce: dedicated e-commerce zone; last-mile delivery facilities; integration with UAE marketplace platforms (Amazon, Noon)
JAFZA Licence Costs and Requirements
- Trading company (FZE): AED 20,000-35,000/year; 1 shareholder; 1 investor visa included
- Trading company (FZCO, 2+ shareholders): AED 25,000-40,000/year
- Branch of foreign company: AED 30,000-50,000/year; parent company documents required
- Warehouse (in addition to licence): AED 15-40 per sq ft/year depending on size and location within JAFZA
- Flexi-desk: limited flexi options; JAFZA is more focused on companies with physical presence (office or warehouse); some JAFZA packages include basic office
JAFZA vs Other Dubai Free Zones
- JAFZA vs DMCC: JAFZA is best for trading and logistics (port access); DMCC is best for commodities trading, financial services, and professional services
- JAFZA vs Dubai South: JAFZA for sea freight; Dubai South for air freight or e-commerce; both operated by DP World; some companies have licences in both
- JAFZA vs IFZA: JAFZA is far more expensive than IFZA; JAFZA is worth the premium if you genuinely use Jebel Ali Port for your shipments; for service companies with no logistics need, IFZA at AED 14,900 is far better value
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAFZA | FZCo registration and service licence components | AED 40,000-55,000 planning range (licence component priced separately; mandatory physical facility lease AED 25,000-40,000 + establishment card AED 1,975 + 1 visa AED 3,518 + medical/Emirates ID) Confidence: Verified official price |
AED 5,000 annual service licence renewal component before facility and add-ons Confidence: Verified official price |
AED 20,000 3-year registration plus service licence components before facility and add-ons Confidence: Verified official price |
Visa access depends on the selected facility; immigration fees are separate | A workstation, office, warehouse, showroom or other qualifying facility is required and priced separately | Verified official price | Official JAFZA Investor Guide fee schedule; partial setup components | No material public conflict recorded | July 2026 |
| What is included | The current official guide lists AED 5,000 one-time FZCo registration and AED 5,000 annual service licence fees. The three-year component total is the registration fee plus three published annual licence periods. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Workstation, office, warehouse or other facility, security deposit, establishment card, visas, medical, Emirates ID, insurance, customs, activity approvals and advisory support. |
| Hidden-cost risk | AED 10,000 is not a complete JAFZA setup invoice. Facility choice and annual related charges materially change Year 1, renewal and three-year outlay; trading, logistics and industrial licences also use different official fee lines. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Large trading, logistics, warehouse, import/export and industrial companies needing port access. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.