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Quick Answers
How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai?
Business setup in Dubai starts from AED 9,500 for a basic free zone license. Mainland setup starts from AED 14,500.
Can a foreigner 100% own a company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can 100% own companies in most free zones and many mainland activities.
What is the cheapest free zone in Dubai?
RAK ICC, Ajman FTZ, and SRTIP offer the most affordable packages starting from AED 5,900.
How long does company registration take in Dubai?
Free zone registration takes 3-7 business days. Mainland takes 2-4 weeks.
Do I need a local partner in Dubai?
Not in free zones. In mainland, many activities now allow 100% foreign ownership.
JAFZA Company Setup Cost 2026 (Complete Breakdown)
JAFZA packages are split into licensing, office, and visa costs. Here is what you actually pay to incorporate in Jebel Ali Free Zone:
| Component | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade license | 12,000 - 25,000 | Depends on activity |
| Registration fee | 1,500 | One-time |
| Flexi-desk / office | 8,000 - 25,000 | Annual, mandatory |
| Visa (per person) | 4,500 - 6,500 | Incl. Emirates ID |
| Establishment card | 1,800 - 2,500 | Annual |
| Share capital (min) | 500,000 | Declared, not paid |
Year 1 all-in: approx. AED 27,000 - 55,000 depending on office and visas. Get an exact JAFZA quote from our free consultation.
JAFZA vs DMCC vs IFZA: Which Zone Wins?
| Factor | JAFZA | DMCC | IFZA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting cost | AED 12,000 | AED 15,000 | AED 11,500 |
| Total companies | 9,000+ | 21,000+ | 48,000+ |
| Best for | Logistics, trading | Commodities, crypto | General trading, SMEs |
| Location | Jebel Ali port district | JLT, downtown-ish | Dubai Silicon Oasis |
| Office flexibility | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
JAFZA wins for import/export and industrial activity; DMCC wins for commodities and fintech; IFZA wins for pure cost. See our full free-zone comparison.
JAFZA Business Activities & License Types
- General trading - import, export, re-export and distribution
- Industrial / manufacturing - with JAFZA warehouse or production space
- Logistics & freight - freight forwarding, shipping, cargo handling
- Consultancy & professional services - management, IT, legal advisory
- E-commerce - online retail and marketplace operations
JAFZA Setup Process in 5 Steps
- Select activity & legal form - FZE, FZCO, or branch structure.
- Reserve your company name with JAFZA and pay the reservation fee.
- Sign incorporation documents - MOA / AOA and board resolutions.
- Pay license + office fees and receive your trade license.
- Apply for visa & bank account - we handle the full process for you.
Launch your JAFZA company in 2-3 days - our team files everything on your behalf.

