WhatsApp quoteJAFZA combines world's largest port-adjacent free zone with the flexibility to add activities and visas later, which is why it suits both first-time founders and established groups. Founders 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. On the ground, french brands and groups have a major footprint in the UAE, from Louvre Abu Dhabi to the Sorbonne campus, which gives French entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their JAFZA licence is issued. In practice, import & Export in JAFZA means importing goods into the UAE and exporting or re-exporting them to regional and global markets, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why JAFZA
One of the reasons we suggest JAFZA is its world's largest port-adjacent free zone, which matters more than most company owners realise once the business is running. 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.
How JAFZA works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
GoldenKey starts by confirming your activity is available in JAFZA, then agrees the licence category, visa quota and office option with you in writing. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a French founder in real time.
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.
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the submission and memorandum, we file the attested paperwork with JAFZA and the issuing authority's licence fee is paid. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an import-export business in the UAE as a French founder.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Once the JAFZA licence and company supporting documents are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a French founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Educational certificates attested by the France authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
The figures below for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a French founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Use the table below to compare packages for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a French 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
As we tell every client, 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 French founder and makes international pricing simple. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an import-export business in the UAE as a French founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
Put simply, we speak the languages our customers 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 a French founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an import-export business in the UAE as a French founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a French founder happen the same day they are ready.
Importantly, 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 a French founder.
Frequently asked questions
How many visas can I get with a JAFZA licence?
On the ground, visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. JAFZA packages in most cases 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.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in JAFZA?
Most JAFZA licences can be released remotely with scanned supporting documents 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.
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
From day one, once your documents are complete, the authority typically issues the licence within 10 working days (Monday to Friday). Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Which licence type covers import & export?
Put simply, import & Export is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
How long does the process take for French applicants?
For most clients, processing for French nationals follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from France that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
