Even now, Jebel Ali Free Zone holds strong for firms dealing in shipping, big-volume trade, or making goods. By 2026, though still top-tier, its pricing adjusts quietly – fitting giants just as well as compact traders.
Starting a business in JAFZA comes with specific expenses by 2026. Fees shift depending on company type and activity scope. Some charges apply upfront during registration. Others appear later, tied to licensing steps. Office space selection affects total spending too. Additional costs cover visas and legal processing. Renewals add ongoing financial needs each year.
1. One-Time Registration Fees
Once you pick how your business will be set up, a single payment is required before getting approved. The amount depends on that setup choice.
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A business set up in a free zone might cost AED 10,000. One person can own it entirely.
- Free Zone Company (FZCO): A Free Zone Company runs on a fee of AED 15,000. Ownership fits between two and fifty people.
- Branch Office: AED 5,000 (Extension of a parent company).
- Administrative Fees: Expect to set aside between AED 1,000 and AED 2,500 for paperwork like naming consent, MOA preparation, and official meeting records.
2. Annual License Fees
Whatever you’re selling at JAFZA shapes which license fits your business. The count of items plus what kind of work you do decides it.
- Trading License (Type 1): Costs AED 5,500. This version covers seven items at most, all from the same category.
- Trading License (Type 2): Costs AED 9,000. This covers a maximum of twelve items taken across two categories.
- General Trading License: Starting at AED 30,000, this allows any kind of product without category limits.
- Service/Professional License: The fee stands at AED 8,000.
- Industrial License: For an industrial or national industrial license, the fee is AED 5,500.
3. Office and Facility Costs (Annual Rent)
Every business in JAFZA must have an actual space on site. By 2026, choices include small desks that adapt to needs or massive storage buildings spread wide.
- Flexi-Desk: Starting around AED 12,000 and climbing to AED 20,000. Perfect if your new business requires just two or three visas.
- Standard Office: Starting around 27 square meters, a compact office runs between AED 30,000 and AED 55,000 annually.
- JAFZA One (Premium): Top-level office space sits past AED 70,000.
- Warehouse/Light Industrial: From AED 450 to AED 700 per square meter—costs shift based on location and electrical load limits.
- Security Deposit: A sum equal to 10% of the yearly rent is held as a returnable payment.
4. Visa and Immigration Fees
Starting with the entry permit, JAFZA visa fees include every step along the way. Getting stamped as a resident is part of what you pay upfront.
- Establishment Card: A yearly fee between AED 1,800 and AED 2,500.
- Employment Visa (Per Person): AED 4,600 – AED 7,000. This includes the entry permit, medical check, Emirates ID, and residence stamping.
- Health Insurance: Starting in 2026, health coverage is a requirement. A minimal policy runs around AED 700, while company-tier options can exceed AED 5,000.
5. Realistic First Year Budget
Here’s what it takes to cover all costs in 2026:
| Business Type | Setup Details | Estimated Total Cost |
| Solo Trader (FZE) | Flexi-Desk + 1 Visa | AED 40,000 – AED 55,000 |
| Small Business (FZCO) | Small Office + 3 Visas | AED 85,000 – AED 110,000 |
| Industrial/Logistics | Warehouse | AED 150,000+ (Varies by scale) |
Office: 807, Clover Bay Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Contact: +971 4 222 9911 | info@intellectca.ae
Website: https://intellectca.ae/
