How to Set Up a Business in Jebel Ali Free Zone: Key Companies and Opportunities
Business opportunities for businessmen in the UAE abound. However, the best among those is the Jebel Ali Zone. Jebel Ali Free Zone enjoys the second position in this free trading zone in the world. This is because it is among the state-of-the-art infrastructures, an open business atmosphere, and effective economics. Hence, all this and business opportunities in this Free Zone will guide a person looking to start a business in the area.
Why choose Jebel Ali Free Zone?
Being one of the largest ports in the Middle East, this Free Zone is considered to be one of the oldest and most successful free zones in the UAE. This is because it is highly accessible to international markets, and many international exporters, importers, and traders benefit from this. Moreover, logistics and shipping companies have been attracted to this free zone.
Other advantages are 100 percent foreign ownership. Moreover, there are no import or export duties and no restrictions on hiring a foreign employee. That is why businesses, be it big or small, startup or multinational companies, have chosen this Free Zone.
Steps on how to establish in Jebel Ali Free Zone
To start a business in Jebel Ali Free Zone, just follow these easy steps,
1. Choose Business Activity
The very first step is to choose your type of activity. This Free Zone allows various sectors such as manufacturing, trading, e-commerce, technology, oil and gas, and food and beverage companies. So, it will help in deciding which type of license you need to apply for.
2. Business Form Selection
This Free Zone provides several business form options:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): This is for a Single shareholder.
- Free Zone Company (FZCO): The company for businesses with more than two shareholders.
- Branch Office: For international companies that would like to venture into Dubai.
3. Apply for a License
Every business needs to have a license to be operational legally. There are trade licenses and industrial licenses. Moreover, service licenses and national industrial licenses are among other types. However, the type of business to undertake and structural type will determine the license you may need at Jebel Ali Zone.
4. Location of Office Space
This Free Zone provides various offices including small offices for start-ups as well as the largest warehouses and manufacturing premises. So, to have a physical office is vital as this gives an impression of legitimacy about the business and its availability.
5. Submit Required Documents
Submit copies of the passport as well as a business plan. Also, proof of funds is an important document needed in the process of setting up this Free Zone. Every one of these documents is required during the application process. Do not delay your setup: Have all the documents to get the process done immediately.
6. Work with Business Setup Experts in Dubai
A business can be complicated to set up, especially for people new to Dubai. So, in most cases, it is best to work with a business setup consultant in Dubai. Business setup consultants in Dubai understand how to make the process faster and easier. A business setup expert in Dubai will be able to take you through all the processes from licensing to the selection of office space so you don’t commit common mistakes.
Major Companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone
This Free Zone is comprised of companies with numerous industries. Among the industries that have the highest frequency in this Free Zone include:
1. Manufacturing
Some of the most notable manufacturing firms and organizations use this Free Zone as a location. This is because it is best for production and exporting activities. Some of the sectors are the automotive parts sector, the consumer electronics sector, and also the industrial machinery sector.
2. Logistics and Shipping
This Free Zone is a major location for logistics companies. The main advantages are the proximity to Jebel Ali Port. Key companies: shipping lines, freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers.
3. E-commerce
This business is growing exponentially and there are many companies in this Free Zone dealing in online retailing and distribution. These would normally need warehousing. This the free zone provides amply.
4. Pharmaceutical and Healthcare
Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies also enjoy this Free Zone, accessing raw materials and customers from this Middle Eastern region.
5. Oil and Gas
Oil and gas majors, among others, have a base in this Free Zone for their Middle East operations.
6. Technology
Several technology companies and start-ups operate in this Free Zone, working on innovations in software, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
To access a comprehensive list of the companies operating within this region, you may refer to the Jebel Ali Free Zone companies list. These can help select partners, suppliers, or competitors.
Why Work with Business Setup Consultants in Dubai?
It is quite a legal and administrative procedure to start a Free zone business setup in Dubai. For that, many entrepreneurs now rely on business setup consultants in Dubai. This is because these experts know everything related to legal necessities. So, the procedure runs much more smoothly and faster.
Some of the advantages of having business setup experts in Dubai are:
- Knowledge of local regulations: Good knowledge of the laws and regulations in Dubai is the route towards the smooth conducting of a successful setup.
- Saving Time: Consultants assist finish your application process promptly. So, they help you save precious time.
- Tailor-made Advice: Business setup experts at DMCC offer advice according to your specific business needs.
The Differences Between Free Zone and Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
Setting up any business in this Free Zone and on the mainland is different, and the essential differences are below:
Ownership
In a free zone, you could have full foreign ownership whereas in the mainland. Sometimes sectors insist on a local sponsor from the United Arab Emirates.
Tax benefit
The free zone offers exempted taxes or duty-free imports and exports. This is available in the free zone but the same is not always a guarantee on the mainland.
Location Flexibility
The companies in the UAE mainland can conduct their businesses in any location whereas the free zone companies can conduct any type of business outside that respective free zone only in case they possess a local distributor.
So, if you want to install your business setup in Dubai mainland or a free zone you should note down the difference to enable you to make a decision.
Business opportunities in Jebel Ali Free Zone
This Free Zone offers a myriad of opportunities for ventures in different sectors. Some of these benefits include:
- Global market Access: There is direct access to Asian, African, and European markets. So, you can owe to the availability of Jebel Ali Port.
- Top-Notch Infrastructure: Infrastructures that offer high standards; from warehouses meant for storage to offices.
- Networking Opportunities: More than a hundred firms are here in Jebel Ali Free Zone coming from different parts of the globe. Thus, this is a networking opportunity wherein you get to talk to a potential client and supplier or partner.
FAQs
Is 100% ownership allowed in the Jebel Ali Zone?
It is one of its attractive features- 100 % foreign ownership is allowed.
Which Licenses are available in the Jebel Ali Zone?
The available one is a trade, industrial, and services license.
Are corporate tax income tax and customs duties exemptions applicable to businesses incorporated in the Jebel Ali Zone?
Yes, Exemption of corporate and income tax, and import and export duties
Can business be carried out from outside the Jebel Ali Zone?
Companies in this Free Zone generally require that they have a local distributor to carry out other businesses outside the Free Zone.
Where can I get business setup experts in Dubai?
There are lots of companies that provide business setup experts in Dubai that assist with the setup.
Conclusion
Tax-free, 100% ownership, and accessibility in a global market are the benefits of having a business in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. Your business will surely boom in such a strategic place with the help of a business setup consultant in Dubai. Moreover, here are unlimited opportunities in store, which makes this Free Zone the best option for logistics, manufacturing, e-commerce, and many more.
