From a small operation of just 19 companies Jebel Ali Free Zone has grown into a thriving business community with over 7,100 companies that continues to expand. In the past decade, JAFZA has achieved fourfold growth in its number of customers. Today, JAFZA is a dynamic base for thousands of businesses, from over 100 countries, attracting more than 20% of the UAE’s foreign direct investment, all the while exceeding 50% of Dubai’s total exports, with a phenomenal value for trade of $69 billion.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority established the first Dubai
International Business Company (IBC) in 2003, under the "Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) Offshore Companies Regulations 2003". This company can be used to
trade internationally, but cannot do business within UAE, with UAE residents or trade in JAFZ/UAE unless it has first obtained the appropriate license in the free zone.
IBC can hold bank accounts in UAE, and own any real estate properties in UAE. After January 2011, when local authorities restricted all other offshore companies from owning Dubai properties, JAFZA Offshore became the
only choice when it comes to structuring property ownership in the UAE.
- 100% foreign ownership is permitted
- No minimum capital required
- All shares must be fully paid when allotted, and no bearer shares or differential classes of shares are allowed
- There is no requirement to deposit the capital in bank
- Minimum of one shareholder is required. Corporate shareholders are authorized
- Two Directors are required. Corporate directors are not permitted.
- Offshore company should have a Secretary (a UAE resident) who may also be a Director of the company
- One residence visa can be issued for one director provided the company maintains an office in the JAFZ
- An efficient regulatory regime with total exemption on taxes and duty
- Flexibility to open a corporate bank account in Dubai
- A registered agent is required to be appointed by the Company from the approved list of registered agents maintained by JAFZA / Dubai.
- The Offshore domicile is located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ)
Find here the list of all the r
equired documents for setting up a Jebel Ali Offshore Company.
If you wish to proceed with the registration of new business in the JAFZA, just simply fill up the Application Form and forward it to us together with all the required documents as per the list above.
And then just plan for your first working days because they are coming soon!
