JAFZA Documents Checklist

Why JAFZA

Day to day, one of the reasons we recommend JAFZA is its world's largest port-adjacent free zone, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running. From day one, direct access to Jebel Ali Port — 15% of Dubai's GDP passes through here. To be clear, unlike some zones, JAFZA does not require a large paid-up capital to be blocked in a bank account before the licence is issued.

How JAFZA works with GoldenKey

1. 
   Step 1

   Consultation and activity selection

   For most clients, we confirm that your activity is available in JAFZA, choose the licence type and agree the visa package and office option that match your plan.

2. 
   Step 2

   Name reservation and initial approval

   GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the JAFZA authority and obtains initial approval, for most applicants within one to two working days (Monday to Friday). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to preparing documents for JAFZA.

3. 
   Step 3

   Document submission and payment

   With the forms and memorandum signed, GoldenKey lodges the attested paperwork and settles the licence fee with the registrar on your behalf.

4. 
   Step 4

   Licence issued and next steps

   Your JAFZA licence, certificate of incorporation and lease are issued, and we move straight on to the establishment card, visas and bank introduction. For preparing documents for JAFZA this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.

Documents required

The document list for preparing documents for JAFZA is short, and most clients already have everything on it.

• Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
• A passport-size photograph on a white background
• A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
• A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
• Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
• A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities

Pricing

All prices for preparing papers for JAFZA are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for preparing supporting documents for JAFZA depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.

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

Signatures and powers of attorney

Most JAFZA applications are signed electronically. If you prefer not to travel, a notarised power of attorney lets GoldenKey sign on your behalf for the licence stage; visa biometrics still require your presence in the UAE.

Format and attestation

JAFZA accepts clear colour scans for most documents, but educational certificates for professional activities and any corporate shareholder documents must be attested in the home country and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. GoldenKey tells you which of your documents need attestation before you send anything.

Why the UAE

For most clients, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes preparing documents for JAFZA a route to relocation as well as a business decision. In short, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies preparing documents for JAFZA for international founders.

Why GoldenKey

For most clients, most of our JAFZA clients come to us through referrals from other entrepreneurs, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. GoldenKey builds its own CRM and client portal, so you can see the status of your JAFZA application, download your paperwork and pay invoices from your phone. Just as important, you deal with one named consultant from the first call until your JAFZA licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.

Frequently asked questions