WhatsApp quoteJAFZA combines world's largest port-adjacent free zone with the flexibility to add activities and visas later, and that is why it suits both first-time entrepreneurs and established groups. JAFZA issues commercial, professional and industrial licences from its base in Dubai, and GoldenKey processes new registrations there every week. the UAE is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, with a CEPA concluded in 2024, which gives Australian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their JAFZA licence is issued. As we tell every client, for Australian founders, the UAE is around 14 hours from Sydney from Canberra, Sydney is 6 to 7 hours ahead of the UAE, and English is the working language.
Why JAFZA
Importantly, unlike some zones, JAFZA does not require a large paid-up capital to be blocked in a bank account before the licence is released. JAFZA 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).
How JAFZA works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
Importantly, 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.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
Importantly, we submit your preferred trade names to JAFZA and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission. If the authority raises a query on opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the file forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Once the JAFZA licence and company documents are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
For opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder the authority asks for the following papers, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Educational certificates attested by the Australia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Customs code file
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
Pricing
In short, all prices for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder 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.
Why the UAE
For most clients, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many business owners choose it as a base for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder. In our experience, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
To be clear, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Our quotations for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Australian founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
Once your papers are complete, the issuing authority normally issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Is an audit required for a JAFZA company?
Requirements vary by zone and by company size. GoldenKey will confirm the current JAFZA rule when we prepare your quotation, and we provide bookkeeping if you need accounts in any case for corporate tax.
How many visas can I get with a JAFZA licence?
Visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. JAFZA packages typically start from a zero-visa option and scale to five or more visas with a physical office, and additional visas can be added later for the per-visa fee shown in our pricing.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Yes. Australians can own 100% of an import-export business in the UAE. {brand} recommends JAFZA for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
How long does the process take for Australian applicants?
As a rule, processing for Australians follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Australia that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
