Establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone

In the heart of the Emirate of Dubai, it stands out as one of the main destinations for establishing a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, as it provides a distinguished investment environment and broad opportunities for companies wishing to grow and expand. Jebel Ali Free Zones are an integrated center that combines advanced infrastructure and attractive government facilities, making them an ideal choice for investors and businessmen.

Jebel Ali is distinguished by its distinguished strategic location near Jebel Ali Port, which is one of the most important ports in the region, in addition to its proximity to Dubai International Airport, which facilitates effective access to regional and international markets. In addition, the free zones in Jebel Ali provide the possibility of benefiting from distinctive tax and customs facilities, including not imposing taxes on profits for a period of up to 50 years, and not imposing customs duties on import and export.

The UAE government encourages innovation and entrepreneurship through its great support for emerging and medium-sized companies, and provides a flexible legislative and regulatory environment that facilitates the procedures for establishing companies in the free zone and operating them with high efficiency. Jebel Ali also offers broad investment potential in diverse fields such as logistics, manufacturing, and clean technologies, making it a preferred destination for research and industrial companies.

Steps to establish a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Setting up a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai requires following several basic steps to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory procedures. Here are key steps to setting up a company in this region:

1. Choosing the type of company: You must first determine the type of company that suits your business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, or a joint stock company, while considering the financial and legal requirements and benefits of each type.
2. Choosing a company name: A unique name must be chosen that is not similar to the names of existing companies, and it must comply with the legal regulations in Dubai and in the UAE in general.
3. Identifying shareholders and directors: The people who will be shareholders in the company and the managers who will manage it must be identified, with the shares and responsibilities precisely defined.
4. Determine the commercial activity: The company’s activity must be precisely determined in accordance with the activities permitted in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, and the necessary approvals must be obtained if there are.
5. Preparing the necessary documents: Required documents such as investment contracts and government approvals must be prepared and signed by all authorized shareholders and managers.
6. Submitting the application and registration: The registration application and all required documents must be submitted to the Dubai Business Authority or the entity responsible for registering companies in the Jebel Ali area.
7. Obtaining the necessary licenses: After registering the company, you must obtain the necessary licenses to start operating legally, and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
8. Opening a bank account: A bank account must be opened in the name of the company to effectively manage financial operations and commercial transactions.
9. Health Insurance and Social Security: Employees must be registered in the health insurance and social security system according to local regulations.
10. Commitment to annual reports: The company must commit to submitting the required annual and financial reports to local authorities, and comply with all applicable laws and legislation.

Procedures for establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone 

• The Free Zone Administration will examine the submitted offer once these documents are received and taken care of.
• Initial approval can be obtained. The company will be required to fill out the forms and documents shown in the appendix to the license application form necessary to obtain the legal status of the company.
• He will review the submitted documents and will make arrangements to hold a meeting to discuss and present at least the final details of the project.
• If all matters are met, the free zone administration will issue a conditional approval for the project.
• After that, the free zone administration will prepare a rental agreement. If necessary, the management will prepare a personal guarantee agreement for the company’s signature.
• At the time of signing, the applicant must present the insurance certificates required in the agreement and pay the rent and license fees before receiving the license.
• If the company wishes the free zone administration to sponsor employees on behalf of the company, the company must submit applications for permits for entry signs as soon as the license is issued to it.
• To begin the stage, the bank guarantees required within the personal guarantee agreement must be submitted along with entry visa expenses.
• If the project requires construction of a building, its detailed plan must be submitted after signing the lease contract.
• You need to agree on a building plan to issue a building permit.

Costs of establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone includes several costs that investors must consider before making the final decision. Here is an overview of some of the costs you may encounter:

1. Licensing and registration fees: These fees include the costs of obtaining business licenses and commercial licenses necessary to start commercial activity in the free zone. These fees may vary depending on the type of activity and the size of the company.
2. Rental costs: The investor must pay rental costs for offices or commercial spaces within the free zone. These costs vary based on location, size and specifications.
3. Infrastructure costs: A new company may need to invest in the infrastructure required to operate the business effectively, such as technology, equipment, and other supplies.
4. Labor and staffing costs: The investor must employ the human resources necessary to operate the company, which includes the costs of salaries, benefits, and health insurance.
5. General administrative costs: These costs include administrative fees and other general expenses such as marketing, advertising, advertising, and office supplies.
6. Taxes and insurances: The investor must comply with local taxes, social and health insurances in accordance with local laws and regulations.
7. Legal and advisory costs: Certain investment activities may require specialized legal advice to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, which increases overall costs.

Documents required to establish a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone requires submitting a number of basic documents. These papers usually include:

• Copy of passport for founders: A copy of passport must be submitted for both founders and main partners.
• Recent personal photo: Recent personal photos are usually required for both founders and key partners.
• Business plan: A detailed document that describes the nature of the business that the company will undertake, the financial strategy, and expectations for growth and expansion.
• Lease Contract or Location Approval: An office lease contract or document must be submitted proving ownership of the location where the company’s business operations will be conducted in Jebel Ali.
• Information about shareholders and directors: Detailed information must be provided about the major shareholders and executives of the company, including educational background and work experiences.
• Company incorporation documents: Company incorporation documents and related legal documents, including authorizations and assembly resolutions if there are any.
• Official registration form: The official form for company registration in the Jebel Ali Free Zone must be completed and submitted, in accordance with the requirements of the local authorities.
• Necessary qualifications certificates: If the founders’ profession requires specific certificates, certified copies of these certificates must be submitted.

At the conclusion of this article, we can conclude that establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone is a fruitful investment step with great benefits. The free zone provides an advanced and distinctive commercial environment, as it enjoys facilities and privileges that guarantee the success and growth of business.

Thanks to its strategic location close to the port and airport, the free zone enjoys strong communications and easy access to regional and international markets. It also provides many licenses and tax and customs exemptions that help achieve financial savings and enhance the company’s competitiveness.

In addition, the free zone provides advanced infrastructure that includes shipping, warehousing and logistics facilities, as well as support, financing and training services that facilitate the smooth start-up and operation of businesses.

However, we must note that establishing a company in a free zone requires compliance with local laws and regulations and cooperation with relevant authorities. It is important to plan well and obtain appropriate advice from local experts to ensure that all procedures are carried out correctly.

In general, establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone provides excellent investment opportunities and competition in the business market. Investors can take advantage of the facilities and advantages available in the free zone to achieve success and sustainable growth.

The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone