Manufacturing Companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone | JAFZA Industrial License Application & Cost

Set up your manufacturing business in the Jebel Ali Free Zone with full foreign ownership, tax benefits, and first-rate infrastructure. Know about industrial license requirements, setup procedure, and JAFZA business license cost for a hassle-free launch of your factory.

1. Introduction

For a long time, the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has been a burgeoning industrial and manufacturing base of distinction in the United Arab Emirates. Over 57 square kilometers are home to hundreds of worldwide and regional manufacturers producing food and beverages, metals, machinery, chemicals, consumer goods, and other diversified manufacturing fields.

When people seek manufacturing companies in the Jebel Al Free Zone, it refers to market leaders, producers, and suppliers of major sectors of the region and international supply chains. From aluminum fabrication to frozen food processing, JAFZA covers it all.

What links them all then? The JAFZA industrial license is an official document giving permission to manufacture, assemble, and process goods in the free zone.

This article explores why JAFZA is a manufacturing powerhouse and what types of companies operate here, how the industrial license works, and what the typical costs for the JAFZA business license actually are.

2. Jebel Ali Free Zone: A Manufacturing Powerhouse

Set up in 1985, JAFZA is one of the very first free zones in the region and has since transformed into a global ecosystem for trade and manufacturing. The main reasons for its success include its geographic location at Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest seaports in the world, and at Al Maktoum International Airport, forming an incredibly strong multimodal logistics corridor.

Why Manufacturers Choose JAFZA:

• Global Reach: Land, sea, and air access to 3.5 billion consumers.
• Infrastructure: Pre-built warehouses, customizable plots, and dedicated sectors
• Supply Chain Efficiency: Port and airport proximity to reduce turnaround and distribution times.
• Investor-Friendly Policies: 100% foreign ownership, profit repatriation, and duty exemptions.

From the moment the raw materials are imported to when a product is exported, manufacturers in Jebel Ali Free Zone enjoy unparalleled support.

All these industrial corporations operate an industry license, which is the primary permission framework that allows them to import raw materials, manufacture, process, and export goods.

3. List of Manufacturing Companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone

This may give you a better idea of the manufacturing companies in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, categorized by sectors:

a. Food & Beverage Manufacturing

• Firms engaged in packing beverages, bottling, snack foods, and processed meats
• Examples include: Frozen food processing plants, soft drink bottlers, and industrial bakeries

b. Metal & Machinery Manufacturing

• This involves fabrication units, heavy machinery manufacturing, and metal casting
• Among the usual manufactured products are engines, aluminum profiles, pumps, and steel pipes

c. Chemical & Plastic Manufacturing

• Manufacturers of paints, plastic films and containers, industrial chemicals, adhesives, etc
• Companies serving the areas of packaging, automotive, and construction

d. Consumer & Household Goods

• Manufacturers of appliances, electronic products, cleaning products, and furniture
• Many export across the GCC and Africa, taking advantage of JAFZA’s location

Each of the industrial corporations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone operates on an industrial license, the key permission giving them the authority to import raw materials, manufacture, process, and export goods.

4. What Is an Industrial License in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

A Jafza Industrial license is meant for industries that involve activities in manufacturing, assembling, processing, or packaging goods. The license is necessary for all businesses intending to conduct any industrial or production-related activities within the free zone.

Key Activities Allowed:

• Assembly and fabrication of goods
• Industrial processing and transformation
• Storage of raw materials for production
• Packaging and labeling of finished products

License Types in Comparison:

License Type	Purpose	Key Use
Industrial	Manufacturing & processing	For production-based operations
Trading	Import/export & wholesale	For distributors and retailers
Service	Consultancy & support	For non-physical goods and services

5. Benefits of an Industrial License in JAFZA

Here are some of the benefits:

• 100% foreign ownership
• No import/export duties within the free zone
• Strategic access to Jebel Ali Port & Al Maktoum Airport
• Custom-built industrial land & pre-built warehouses
• Lower energy & logistics costs compared to other zones
• No personal or corporate income tax

JAFZA industrial licenses ensure that the manufacturers produce the goods on a large scale and efficiently ship them to the markets globally.

6. How to Get an Industrial License in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Here goes the simple stepwise guideline for getting a JAFZA industrial license:

Step 1: Choose Your Manufacturing Activity

Choose precisely one activity according to the approved list of JAFZA activities and lay down a detailed business plan.

Step 2: Submit Application & Initial Documents

These documents include:

• Shareholders’ passport copies
• Company profile and proposed activity
• Application form

Step 3: Get Initial Approval

The application and business plan shall be subjected to review by JAFZA. Environmental clearance may be required depending on the free zone sector.

Step 4: Lease Industrial Space

You can select between:

• Industrial plots
• Pre-built warehouses
• Build-to-suit factory facilities

Step 5: Facility Inspection

A JAFZA team will carry out an inspection of the facility once the commencement of the business is found to be safe, compliant, and suitable.

Step 6: Pay License Fees & Collect License

Your JAFZA industrial license will be issued after the final approval, along with payment.

7. JAFZA Industrial License Cost

The JAFZA industrial activity license fees vary depending on several factors, including the facility size, number of visas required, and type of activity.

Typical Cost Breakdown (AED):

Terms & Conditions

• Stage 1: License Issuance – 5–7 business days
• Stage 2: Immigration Card – 3–4 business days
  
  

Additional Charges

• If the applicant is inside the country: AED 780
• Transfer of sponsorship required: AED 920
• An offer letter is required: AED 100
• Applicant age is above 60: AED 5,000
• The job title is Partner or Investor: AED 250
  
  

Particulars	Amount (AED)
1 Year Trade License MOA
Certificate of Formation	5,000
Share Percentage certificate
Bank account opening assistance
Registration fees (One time)	5,000
Annual lease (6 Sq.m) (work station only)	35,000
10% security deposit (Refundable – one time)	3,500
Insurance (Annual)	100
Name plate (One time)	500
Amril Processing Fee	5,000
Total price	54,100

8. Why Choose Arnifi for Industrial Setup in JAFZA?

Establishing a manufacturing company has an assortment of its own processes requiring the utmost detail. At Arnifi, we ensure the seamless process of:

• Business Activity Matching – Help select the right license and activity
• Document Management – We prepare and submit all required forms
• Facility Selection – Guidance on leasing warehouses or custom plots
• End-to-End Coordination – From approvals to final license collection
• Cost Optimization – Helps you stay within budget and avoid delays

Partnering with Arnifi will fast-track your JAFZA industrial license acquisition, allowing you to start operations with confidence.

9. FAQs

10. Conclusion

The Jebel Ali Free Zone, UAE’s most advanced free zone, attracts manufacturers seeking to upscale production, minimize costs, and sell products on the global market. JAFZA stands for a one-stop shop, from logistics to legal support, whether you fit in with food processing, steel fabrication, or electronics assembly.

The development of each successful manufacturing industry within the Jebel Ali Free Zone starts with the first keystone: getting an industrial license.

Are you planning to set up or expand your manufacturing business? Contact Arnifi for expert licensing, compliance, and facility setup assistance today.