Companies holding a Free Zone license are permitted to operate in the Jafza Zone and outside the UAE. Operation within the UAE can be undertaken either by a commercial agent, representative, distributor, or the mother company licensed by the relevant UAE authority. Any company holding a Free Zone license can itself purchase goods or services within the UAE.

Any company wishing to set up a project in Jafza zone must first complete a simple questionnaire. From the information provided, the Free Zone Authority can make a first assessment of whether the company’s needs can be met.

Salient Features for JAFZA Offshore:

• 100% foreign ownership
• Company can own real estate properties on Palm islands or any properties owned by Nakheel Company LLC or any other real estate properties approved by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
• Company can hold an account in a bank in the UAE for the purpose of conducting routine operational transactions.
• One residence visa will be issued for one director, if the Offshore Company is maintaining an office in the Free Zone.
• The Company will not be allowed to carry on business with people who are resident in the UAE or carry out any trade in the free zone or in the UAE, unless they have first obtained the appropriate license from the relevant competent authority.
• The registrar has the power to appoint competent inspectors to investigate the affairs of the offshore Company.  Upon discretion of the registrar, inspection costs may be charged to any office bearer of the Company.

While Jafza was established to complement and contribute to Dubai’s growth and development, its legal status is quite distinct. Companies operating there are treated as being “offshore” or outside the UAE for legal purposes. The Jafza Free Zone was established in 1985 with the specific purpose of facilitating investment. Accordingly, the procedures for setting up in the zone are relatively simple.

The option of setting up in Jebel Ali is therefore most suitable for companies intending to use Dubai as a regional manufacturing or distribution base and where most or all of their turnover is going to be outside the UAE.

If the company wishes the Jafza Free Zone Authority to sponsor employees on its behalf, applications for entry permits may be submitted once the license has been issued. The bank guarantee called for in the personnel secondment agreement will be required at this stage together with visa charges.

If the company’s project involves the erection of a structure, detailed plans must be submitted after the lease has been signed. When the plans have been agreed, a building permit will be issued.

Licenses at Jafza :

A General Trading License allows the holder to import, distribute and store all items as per Jafza rules and regulations.

A Trading License allows the holder to import, export, distribute and store items specified on the license.

An Industrial License allows the holder to import raw materials, carry out the manufacture of specified products and export the finished product to any country.

A Service License allows the holder to carry out the services specified in the license within the Free Zone. The type of service must conform to the parent company's license, issued by the Economic Department or Municipality of the relevant Emirate in the UAE.

A National Industrial License is designed for manufacturing companies with an ownership or shareholding of at least 51% AGCC (Arabian Gulf Co-operation Council).

At Jafza Offshore, we set up a Branch of a Foreign Company with all crucial guidelines for efficient and smooth process. Get FREE QUOTE Request