WhatsApp quoteIf you are weighing up where to register in the UAE, JAFZA deserves a close look for its world's largest port-adjacent free zone and uncomplicated renewal process. A JAFZA company can be owned entirely by foreign nationals, needs no local sponsor and can start trading internationally as soon as the licence is issued. Austrians are a small community of engineers, hospitality managers and traders, so the JAFZA authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Austrian applications every day and process them without hesitation. On the ground, the most common businesses Austrians open through GoldenKey are in engineering, hospitality, construction technology and trading, although JAFZA supports almost any activity.
Why JAFZA
On the ground, 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. 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.
How JAFZA works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
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
Day to day, 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 Austrian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Document submission and payment
Day to day, you sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested paperwork and the licence fee is paid to the licensing authority.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
JAFZA issues the licence, incorporation certificate and lease; from there we open the establishment card, process visas and arrange your bank introduction. For opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
The document list for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- A police clearance certificate from Austria if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Customs code submission
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A passport issued by Austria with at least six months' validity
Pricing
As we tell every client, the figures below for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Put simply, pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian 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
Day to day, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian founder no longer requires a local partner. As a rule, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian founder for international entrepreneurs.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. 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 Austrian founder. Our quotations for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Austrian founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
In our experience, once your supporting documents are complete, the authority typically issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in JAFZA?
Crucially, most JAFZA licences can be released remotely with scanned paperwork and a signed power of attorney. You will need to enter the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics when your residence visa is processed.
Can a JAFZA company do business on the UAE mainland?
A JAFZA company can sell to mainland customers through a mainland distributor, invoice services to mainland clients in most cases, and apply for a dual-licence arrangement where the emirate offers one. Direct retail or on-site contracting on the mainland needs a mainland licence.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Absolutely. Austrians 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.
Can my family from Austria join me?
Once your investor visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
