WhatsApp quoteFounders choose JAFZA when they want a credible UAE address, fast licensing and packages that scale from a solo flexi-desk to a multi-visa office. JAFZA combines world's largest port-adjacent free zone with the flexibility to add activities and visas later, so it suits both first-time founders and established groups. For Chinese company owners, the UAE is around 8 hours from Beijing or Shanghai from Beijing, 4 hours ahead of the UAE, and Mandarin-speaking support is available through our partner network. In short, free zone traders can import duty-free into the zone and re-export without paying UAE customs duty, so Jebel Ali and Sharjah zones dominate this activity. Selling into the UAE mainland triggers 5% duty.
Why JAFZA
As we tell every client, office options in JAFZA range from office suite, showroom, warehouse, factory, bulk liquid facility or open yard, so you only pay for the space your visa quota actually needs. Popular activities in JAFZA include import/export, logistics, manufacturing, commodities and retail, and most of them can be combined on a single licence.
How JAFZA works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
In our experience, in the first call we check that JAFZA lists your activity, settle the licence type and match the visa package and office to what you actually need.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
We submit your preferred trade names to JAFZA and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder in real time.
Step 3Document 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.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Crucially, 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 a Chinese founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
For opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder the registrar asks for the following papers, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A passport issued by China with at least six months' validity
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- 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 passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
Pricing
The figures below for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Importantly, use the table below to compare packages for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.
Why the UAE
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder and makes international pricing simple. In short, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Put simply, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which paperwork each of them will ask for on a JAFZA file.
Tell us about your plans for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Chinese founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
Importantly, once your supporting documents are complete, the licensing authority usually issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Can I add more activities to my JAFZA licence later?
Yes. JAFZA allows activity additions and changes through a licence amendment, which GoldenKey can process in a few working days for a small authority fee.
How many visas can I get with a JAFZA licence?
Visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. JAFZA packages usually 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.
Can a Chinese citizen own 100% of a company in JAFZA?
Yes. Chinese nationals can own the full share capital of a JAFZA company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is there a double taxation agreement between China and the UAE?
Yes, it can. The UAE and China have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
