JAFZA Activity List for Businesses at JAFZA

Ever had a great business idea but weren’t sure if you could launch it in a free zone like JAFZA? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs get excited about setting up in Jebel Ali Free Zone, thanks to its tax-free benefits, global trade access, and investor-friendly rules—but hit a roadblock when it comes to choosing the right business activity.

That’s where the JAFZA Activity List comes in. JAFZA provides an official activity list that includes all the types of businesses allowed in the zone like trading, services, manufacturing, and more.

What is JAFZA?

JAFZA, short for Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, is one of the oldest and most successful free zones in the UAE. Established in 1985, JAFZA is located in Dubai and is managed by DP World, a global leader in logistics and trade solutions. Over the years, it has become home to more than 9,000 companies, including many Fortune 500 brands.

JAFZA is strategically positioned near Jebel Ali Port, the largest port in the Middle East, and just a few minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport.

Here are some of the key advantages of business setup in JAFZA:

• 100% foreign ownership, no need for a local sponsor.

• Zero personal income tax and no corporate tax for a set period.

• Full repatriation of profits and capital.

• No import or re-export duties.

• Access to world-class infrastructure, including warehouses, office spaces, and custom-built facilities.

• Simplified company setup process with clear guidelines and support from JAFZA authorities.

• Ability to sponsor employees and dependents directly under the company. 

What is the JAFZA Activity List?

The JAFZA Activity List is an official document that outlines all the business operations you can legally carry out in the zone. It includes a wide range of activities across industries like trading, manufacturing, logistics, consultancy, IT services, and more. Every company in JAFZA must choose one or more activities from this list when applying for a license.

All business activities in JAFZA are regulated by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) itself, which is part of DP World. JAFZA reviews and updates its activity list periodically to keep up with changing market trends, emerging industries, and investor demands. New activities may be added, and existing ones may be refined or reclassified to ensure relevance and clarity.

JAFZA Business Activities List

JAFZA offers a comprehensive range of business activities that are aligned with the directives of the Dubai Economic Department (DED). Here is an overview of the primary categories and examples of business activities permitted in JAFZA:

1. Trading Activities

• General Trading

• Import/Export of Electronics

• Import/Export of Industrial Machinery

• Import/Export of Mobile Phones and Accessories

• Import/Export of Computer Hardware and Software

• Import/Export of Construction Materials

• Import/Export of Office Equipment

• Import/Export of Jewelry and Precious Stones

• Import/Export of Household Appliances

• Import/Export of Medical Equipment and Supplies

• Import/Export of Toys and Stationery

• Import/Export of Agricultural Products

• Import/Export of Cosmetics and Perfumes

• Import/Export of Safety Equipment

• B2B and B2C E-commerce

2. Industrial/Manufacturing Activities

• Light Manufacturing

• Heavy Industrial Manufacturing

• Assembly of Electronic Devices 

• Foodstuff Processing and Packaging 

• Metal Fabrication 

• Plastic Molding and Processing 

• Furniture Manufacturing 

• Textile and Garment Manufacturing 

• Printing and Packaging 

• Vehicle Modification and Assembly 

• Production of Cleaning and Hygiene Products 

• Recycling and Waste Processing 

• Chemical Manufacturing 

• Paint and Coating Production 

• Wood Products Manufacturing 

3. Service Activities

• Business Management Consultancy

• HR and Recruitment Services

• Market Research and Surveys

• IT Infrastructure Design and Support

• Software Development and Testing

• Cloud Computing Services

• Digital Marketing & SEO Services

• Event Planning and Management

• Media Production and Content Creation 

• Translation and Language Services

• Technical Inspection and Certification

• Architecture and Interior Design Services

• Legal Advisory Services

• Auditing and Accounting Services

• Education and Vocational Training

4. Logistics & Transportation

• Freight Forwarding

• Customs Clearance

• Warehousing and Storage

• Distribution and Delivery Services

• Shipping Agency Services

• Cargo Handling

• Supply Chain Management

5. Specialized Activities

• Oil and Gas Services

• Marine and Ship Management

• Healthcare Services (Clinics, Medical Equipment Trading)

• Environmental Services

• Security Services

• Waste Management and Sanitation

• Hazardous Materials Handling

Some activities may require special approvals or certifications. Multiple activities can be included in a single license if permitted by JAFZA regulations.

You can find the full and detailed list of all JAFZA business activities across trading, industrial, service, logistics, and other sectors directly from the official source here: Complete JAFZA Business Activity List (PDF)

Key Industry Sectors in JAFZA

JAFZA supports a diverse range of industries, including:

• Logistics

• Food & Agriculture

• Retail & E-Commerce

• Petrochemicals

• Automotive & Spare Parts

• Electronics & Electrical

• FMCG

• Healthcare Distribution

• Manufacturing

• Machinery and Equipment

Also read: DED License Activities List in the UAE

How to Apply for a Business Activity in JAFZA

Applying for a business activity in JAFZA involves selecting the right activity from the official list and following the company formation and licensing process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Understand Your Business Activity Needs

Review the JAFZA Business Activity List to identify which business activities align with your business plan. Decide if you need a Trading, Industrial, Service, or Logistics License, or a combination of these.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Typical documents required include:

• Passport copies of shareholders and managers
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill)
• Business plan outlining the intended activities
• Completed application form from JAFZA
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

3. Submit Initial Application

Submit your business activity selection along with the application form and required documents to JAFZA. JAFZA officials will review the proposed activities to ensure compliance with regulations.

4. Receive Preliminary Approval

Once your activity and documents are approved, you will receive a preliminary approval or “in-principle” license confirmation.

5. Sign the Lease Agreement

Choose your office or warehouse space within JAFZA and sign the lease agreement. This step is crucial as having a physical address is mandatory for the license.

6. Finalise Licensing and Registration

Pay the necessary fees for your license and registration. JAFZA will issue your official business license reflecting your approved activities.

7. Apply for Visas and Other Services

After licensing, you can apply for employee visas, customs codes, and other necessary permits tied to your business activities.

Note: Consulting a PRO or business setup specialist like Shuraa Business Setup can help streamline the process.

How to Add or Modify Business Activities in JAFZA?

If you wish to add or modify business activities on your existing JAFZA license, you will need to:

1. Review the list of activities available as per the Dubai Economic Department.

2. Determine which business activity needs to be added to your license.

3. Determine if the activity is part of a group that exists on your current license.

4. Submit a request via email or visit the JAFZA customer service desk.

5. Certain activities may require approvals from the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) authority or other third parties.

6. Each additional activity that exceeds the maximum allowed per group will incur an additional fee of AED 500.

How Shuraa Can Help

Picking the right business activity in JAFZA is super important as it decides what kind of license you’ll need and what your company is allowed to do. Choosing the wrong activity can lead to delays or problems down the road. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get expert advice before moving forward.

At Shuraa Business Setup, we make the process simple for you. Our team helps you choose the right activity, get the right license, and handle all the paperwork. From start to finish, we’re here to make your JAFZA company setup easy and hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

*Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or regulations.