The Jebel Ali Free Zone has long served as a worldwide logistics and commerce hub. The number of shareholders and the type of business determine the establishment of a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone. If you are thinking about establishing there, you will need the best services on business setup in JAFZA.
In this article, you will learn everything about how to set up a business in JAFZA. You will know what this free zone is about and what you need to open your company there. Let us observe:
1. A brief introduction about the Jebel Ali Free Zone
2. What are the benefits of setting up a business in JAZFA?
3. What are the commercial activities?
4. Available licenses for JAFZA company registration
5. Requirements for starting a business in JAFZA
6. How to register a company in JAFZA?
7. What documents do you need for JAFZA company registration?
8. What are the stages for setting up a company in JAFZA?
9. Forming a Company in JAFZA: What you need to know
10. How can Connect Group help you with your business setup in JAFZA?
1. A brief introduction about the Jebel Ali Free Zone
The Jebel Ali Free Zone is a free economic zone in the Jebel Ali district of Dubai, the UAE, near Abu Dhabi. JAFZA, founded by a Ruler’s Decree, began operations in 1985 with standard-sized office units and warehouses to supply clients with ready-to-use facilities.
Thus, JAFZA’s facilities were enlarged to incorporate light industrial units in 1990. It is the biggest FZ in the entire world. JAFZA is located on both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road. Also, it is accessible by road as well as the Danube and UAE Exchange stations of the Dubai Metro Red Line.
On the other hand, JAFZA is home to almost 7,000 worldwide corporations. Approximately 100 of the Fortune Global 500 firms are included in this list. Hence, JAFZA receives around 32% of overall FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) inflows into the nation.
Therefore, the FZ generates 21% of Dubai’s GDP on an annual basis and employs more than 144,000 people in the UAE. In 2015, JAFZA generated $87.6 billion in commerce. In addition, Connect Group con help you in your business setup in JAFZA.
2. What are the benefits of setting up a business in JAZFA?
Exemptions and incentives are available to foreign enterprises that operate in JAFZA. Therefore, most businesses in the Jebel Ali Free Zone are involved in exporting. Among the advantages available to international investors are:
- Complete control of a company
- Easy to establish in Jebel Ali Free Zone. The procedure of establishing a business in Jebel Ali Free Zone is simple, uncomplicated, and quick. The only criterion is that the owner decides what sort of business he or she wants to create. Then, company activities can begin in 10 days after the relevant paperwork is completed.
- Multiple visas without committing to an office space. In fact, one of the reasons businesses pick JAFZA is because it allows for three permits without requiring real office space
- Full repatriation of money and revenues. As a result, you will get a simple business registration process
- No minimum share capital to establish a corporation in this Free Zone
- The shareholder’s liability is limited to the amount of capital invested in the firm
- There are no business income taxes
- There are no monetary limitations
- It is simple to sponsor dependents
JAFZA’s location is a significant selling advantage. It boasts one of the most modern warehousing facilities in the region, as well as the most developed port. A well-developed transportation infrastructure makes Jebel Ali a popular choice for large companies that trade with the rest of the world regularly. This is because it provides the quickest connection to shipments from Asia, Africa, the Russian Commonwealth (CIS), and elsewhere.
3. What are the commercial activities?
The range of activities is extensive. The following license types are available:
- Trading
- Industrial
- Service
- Logistics
- General trading
Therefore, you can register a company with a service activity only as a branch of an existing organization in Mainland UAE.
4. Available licenses for JAFZA company registration
Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone grants a variety of business licenses.
4.1. General Trading Permit
This license allows the holder to import, distribute, and store all products by JAFZA’s laws and regulations.
4.2. Trading Permit
On the other hand, this permission allows the bearer to import, export, distribute, and store the products listed on the permit.
4.3. Industrial Permit
If you have a license, you can import raw materials, produce specified items, and export the final product to any nation.
4.4. Service Permit
This license will allow you to perform the services specified in the license inside the FZ. Thus, the kind of service must be consistent with the parent company’s license. This is given by the Economic Department or Municipality of the appropriate Emirate in the UAE.
4.5. National Industrial Licensing
This license is designed for manufacturing enterprises that have at least 51% ownership or shareholding with AGCC (Arabian Gulf Co-operation Council) nationals/natives. Therefore, the value contributed to the item in the Free Zone must be at least 40%. If you hold this company license, you will have the same status as a local or AGCC within the UAE.
Additionally, if you want to know more about licenses and visas, such as the trade license and the Golden Visa, contact us.
5. Requirements for starting a business in JAFZA
As previously stated, the procedure of forming a company in JAFZA is rather simple. However, there are several prerequisites you must be aware of before proceeding. First of all, a free zone corporation must have two to five shareholders. Then, one stakeholder is required for a free zone establishment.
And lastly, foreign enterprises looking to expand in Dubai can open branch offices in Dubai. In addition, we can assist you with everything related to the legal requirements for setting up a Business in the UAE.
6. How to register a company in JAFZA?
The Jebel Ali Free zone Authority is the regulatory agency in charge of approving company registrations in the free zone. The steps are clear and uncomplicated:
- Choose a company name
- To receive the license, you must first decide on a company activity
- Obtain preliminary clearance from the authority
- Submit the documents and pay fees
- Obtain an office space
7. What documents do you need for JAFZA company registration?
Documentation for establishing a business in JAFZA is reasonably easy and is dependent on the business owner’s choice of company format. The following are the documentation that all businesses must provide:
- Application form for setting up a business in JAFZA
- Application form for environmental health and safety
- Copies of shareholders’, managers’, and secretaries’ passports
- A summary of the company’s operations
- Articles of incorporation of the company
8. What are the stages for setting up a company in JAFZA?
8.1. Stage 1: Establish the legal entity
First of all, you must determine the sort of legal entity to use while starting your business. Thus, the following forms of company creation exist:
- Company with many shareholders: This company’s stockholders span from 2 to 50, and they might be individuals or businesses.
- Company with a single shareholder: A single individual or commercial entity has the option of registering as a free zone establishment: Hence, the entity has a separate identity from its shareholders and has the same rights and privileges as a natural person.
- Existing commercial entity: Any entity with a branch outside of Jebel Ali Free Zone can register a branch within the Free Zone. The parent firm owns a branch, which is regarded as a legal entity of its parent company.
8.2. Stage 2: Choosing a trading name
Secondly, you should pick a trading name while deciding on the form of legal entity the firm should adopt. Hence, it is essential to verify with the competent authorities of the free trade zone the authorized trade names. Therefore, you must make sure that the desired name has not been registered.
Thus, the following are the primary requirements for mints to authorize a trading name:
- Not compromise the country’s public morality or national policy
- Match the firm’s legal form
- Not have been registered before
- Correspond to the needed type of activity
8.3. Stage 3: Apply for a license
Thirdly, depending on the activity carried out by the organization, a person is necessary to apply for a license. Hence, JAFZA provides the following licenses:
- Trading license: This license enables the investor to import, export, distribute, and store the products mentioned in the license.
- Service license: This certificate entitles the investor to perform the services specified in the license within the free zone.
- Industrial license: The owner of this license can import raw materials, make certain goods, and export the resulting products.
8.4. Stage 4: Select an office location
Fourthly, you must choose an office space and obtain a rental contract. This can be a difficult step. However, you will not have to worry about it if you work with us, as we offer our great real estate services.
8.5. Stage 5: Preapprovals and registrations
Fifthly, to start a business, you must obtain the appropriate approvals and submit the essential documentation. Nevertheless, the list of papers varies according to the sort of commercial activity, the type of firm, and the free zone authority’s criteria. Hence, the stages and permissions required for business setup are outlined below as a basic guideline.
- Initial permission: To proceed with the business license processes that allow foreign nationals to conduct their intended business activity, an initial approval certificate is necessary. Therefore, the initial permit allows the investor to start with the legal procedures to acquire a business license. It will also allow the investor to apply for the necessary permits from the relevant authorities to carry out the economic activity.
- Registration: After the first approval, you must register the business name and pay the registration fees.
- Licensing and visa applications: If all of the relevant papers are presented and validated, the license will be issued and the visa processing will begin.
Additionally, we can help you in obtaining visas, such as Dubai Work Remote Visa. Plus, check out our freelance visa services and full list of services. Contact us for more.
9. Forming a company in JAFZA: What you need to know
Investors should be aware of the basic requirements for business setup in JAFZA.
- Shareholders: A minimum of one shareholder is required, whether an individual or a corporation. Hence, a shareholder meeting should be held regularly. Nevertheless, every company should keep the minutes of all meeting proceedings.
- Corporate directors are not permitted: Besides, a minimum of two directors are required. The director’s personal information is not available to the public. Each director is appointed by the shareholders for a set period. Hence, in the event of death or resignation, a shareholder resolution may appoint another director.
- Secretary: Every company must have a secretary, who shareholders will appoint for a set period.
- Maintain annual accounts and audits: Every company must keep accounts. Hence, this must be kept for at least a year from the date they are prepared.
10. How can Connect Group help you with your business setup in JAFZA?
JAFZA meets the exact requirements of an entrepreneur or established business house looking for a Free Zone. Henceforth, JAFZA is one of the best places to establish your business. This is because of the quick system and world-class infrastructure, as well as proximity to local ports and airports.
Hence, we will get you the best services of business setup in JAFZA since we are an experienced company. Thus, we are going to handle all the procedures. Additionally, we will assist you in everything, so you will be comfortable with your new big decision.
Would you like to contact Connect Group to obtain more information on how to set up a business in JAFZA? Thus, if you have any questions, call us on +97143316688. You can email us at contact@connectgroup.co. Then, you will talk to one of our representatives who will answer your questions.
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