The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been significantly growing in all directions ranging from the oil industry to the non-oil industries. The nation is recognized as one of the top business centres by foreign expats as it holds multiple free trade zones. One such free trade zone is the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone (JAFZA). This free trade zone has been marked as a game changer since its inception as it offers different company formation types and licenses. Let’s understand…
Jebel Ali Free Zone
The Jebel Ali Free Zone was established in the year 1985, is situated at the far western end of Dubai, and acts as a major trading and logistics hub after it made a humongous change in the growth record of Dh 294.5 billion that raised the non-oil industries by 17%.
The company formation in Jebel Ali Free Zone is a tremendous opportunity for business entities to establish their roots. Down the line of its inception, the region has been acting as a ground of international logistics and trading spot. Company formation in Jebel Ali Free Zone depends upon the number of shareholders and the nature of the business.
Company Formation Structures
The different types of company formation types include:
Multiple Shareholder Company
The number of shareholders for such company ranges between 2-50, that can be individual or a business entity. It is essentially a Limited Liability Company within the free zone.
Single Shareholder Company
A single individual or business entity has the flexibility to register themselves as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) in JAFZA Free Zone. The entity holds a different identity from its shareholder and has certain rights and privileges as that of a natural person.
Existing Business Entity
Branch of a well-established company possesses the full right to set up their branch in JAFZA.
Business License Types in JAFZA
Now, let’s have a look at the different types of trade license that you can acquire depending upon your business type in Jebel Ali Free Zone.
1. Industrial License
This license is issued to business entities who are involved in the manufacturing or production business of different goods.
2. Service License
This license is meant to carry out the legal activities, as well as professional level activities in JAFZA region. Any individual who wants to establish their business in this domain needs to have a Service License.
3. National Industrial License
Companies where the Government of UAE has acquired more than 51% of ownership, need to possess a national industrial license.
4. Innovation License
Dubai has been remarked as an innovative city. The city has been focusing on business entities that build innovative-based models. Keeping this in mind, JAFZA offers innovation license that these companies need to hold.
5. Offshore Registration
Offshore registration can be initiated only when an established Limited Liability Company comes into the picture. It is not mandated to hold a license, but Certificate of Incorporation is a must.
6. Trading License
Companies who plan to move ahead in the trading business in JAFZA Zone needs to hold a trading license.
7. E-Commerce License
Since the concept of E-Business has been booming all around the world, JAFZA provides an e-commerce license for business entities who want to initiate and set up an e-commerce business.
Thus, you have seen the different types of licenses that can be acquired in order to establish a company in JAFZA. Moving ahead, let’s have a look at the documents required and cost involved in acquiring these licenses.
Documents Required to Obtain a License in Jebel Ali Free Zone
To initiate the process of acquiring a license in JAFZA, the following essentials are to be submitted:
- Application for facility
- Passports of Shareholders and Managers
- Bank reference of each Individual
- Project summary
- Parent company’s profile (in case of a Branch Company)
- Application for registration of a Free Zone Company (FZCO)
- Application for registration of a Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- A non-refundable deposit of Dh 500
Dubai Free Zone License Cost
The cost of different license types is stated below:
|
License Type |
Group |
Fee in AED |
|---|---|---|
|
Trading License |
One |
5,500 |
|
Two |
9,000 |
|
|
Industrial License |
One |
5,500 |
|
Two |
9,000 |
|
|
National License |
One |
5,500 |
|
Two |
9,000 |
|
|
General Trading License |
- |
30,000 |
|
Logistics |
- |
30,000 |
Registration Free Zone License Cost
The registration cost differs according to the company structure:
|
Type |
Fee in AED |
|---|---|
|
Free Zone Company (FZCo) |
15,000 |
|
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) |
10,000 |
|
Branch of a Company |
5,000 |
|
Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA) |
200 |
|
Specimen Signature |
50 |
|
Board Resolution |
200 |
|
Application Fee |
500 |
In a nutshell, we can say that JAFZA serves to be one of the brilliant destinations for business entities. The entities have the freedom to obtain the license as per their business nature. To obtain your license in a foreign land, it’s good to have a word with a consultant before you actually initiate the process of establishing your company. We at Commitbiz helps you to obtain the same. We are one of the top business consultants in UAE that helps business entities to build their foundations in different corners of the world. Our core activities include accounting, taxation, legal, visa services. Our expert team will help you to obtain the license in a hassle-free way. To obtain a suitable license for your business, do contact us – we’d be happy to assist.
