Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai

The Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone was established in 1985 and is located at the southwestern end of the city state. The Jebel Ali Free Zone began its operations with a few office units and warehouses, in 1990 expanding its operations by creating new light industrial facilities. Many international companies have subsidiaries in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and benefit from quality services and incentives helping them in their business undertakings.

Currently, the Jebel Ali Free Zone is among the largest business networks in the Middle East. It is also the first free zone in Dubai and in the world to obtain an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification in 1996.

Why set up a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai?

Foreign companies operating in Dubai free zones benefit from exemptions on import duties. Also, if concluding partnerships with other Dubai companies may benefit from other exemptions and incentives. Foreign companies may apply for trade and industrial licenses in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai. Most companies in the Jebel Ali Free Zone deal with exports. Among the incentives foreign investors may benefit from in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, there are:

• - full foreign ownership of companies,
• - full repatriation of capital and profits,
• - there is no minimum share capital for setting up a company in the Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone,
• - the shareholders’ responsibility is limited to the capital invested in the company,
• - there are no corporate or personal income taxes,
• - there are no currency restrictions.

Register a company in the Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone

Foreign investors may choose between the following three types of companies to incorporate in Jebel Ali Free Zone:

• - a free zone company (FZCo) that requires between two and five shareholders,
• - a free zone establishment (FZE) that requires one shareholder,
• - branch offices for foreign companies wanting to expand in Dubai.

Once the Dubai company type selected, the investor may define the business’ activity and apply for the adequate license.

The following documents must be provided for all types of companies:

• - a prescribed application form,
• - an environment health and safety application form,
• - shareholders, managers and secretary’s passport copies,
• - a description of the company’s activities,
• - the company’s articles of association.

Depending on the type of company, additional documents will be required and we invite you to contact our company incorporation agents in Dubai to find out what specific documents are necessary for setting up a business in the Jebel Ali Free Zone.