How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide)

Key takeaways

• Licence packages in JAFZA start from on request; visas, office and approvals are added on top.
• Logistics & Freight Forwarding is a commercial activity, so check for external approvals before budgeting.
• Renewal in year two is lower than the first-year total because registration fees are one-off.
• Ask for a written total that separates government fees from GoldenKey's service fee.

Background

Put simply, one of the reasons we recommend How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide) is its world's largest port-adjacent free zone, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running. Importantly, popular activities in How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide) include import/export, logistics, manufacturing, commodities and retail, and most of them can be combined on a single licence. How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide) is located in Jebel Ali Port area, Dubai — adjacent to Jebel Ali Port (world's 9th busiest), and the authority's processing time for a standard file is around 10 working days (Monday to Friday).

What to do, in order

1. 
   Step 1

   Consultation and activity selection

   In the first call we check that How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide) lists your activity, settle the licence type and match the visa package and office to what you actually need.

2. 
   Step 2

   Name reservation and initial approval

   Your trade name is reserved with the How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide) authority and initial approval is obtained; this stage rarely takes more than two working days. For the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in JAFZA this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.

3. 
   Step 3

   Document submission and payment

   You sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested papers and the licence fee is paid to the authority.

4. 
   Step 4

   Licence issued and next steps

   For most clients, once the How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide) licence and company documents are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting. Your portal shows the status of this step for the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in JAFZA in real time.

Documents you will need

Keep these ready before you start:

• Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
• Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
• A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
• A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
• A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months

Costs

From day one, prices for the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in JAFZA are drawn from GoldenKey's live price list and confirmed in writing before you pay. Day to day, government fees change from time to time; the figures on this page update automatically when they do.

Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.

Why the UAE

English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in JAFZA for international founders. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from the cost of starting logistics & freight forwarding in JAFZA can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.

How GoldenKey helps

Because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which documents each of them will ask for on a How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide) file. GoldenKey is a licensed business setup consultancy, not a reseller, which means your How Much Does It Cost to Start Logistics & Freight Forwarding in JAFZA? (2026 Guide) file is prepared, checked and submitted by our own team.

Frequently asked questions