WhatsApp quoteFor most clients, if 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 straightforward renewal process. JAFZA is Jebel Ali — the world's largest free zone and gateway to global trade, and it has become one of the most practical choices for founders who want a UAE licence without a large upfront budget. Icelandic seafood and clean-energy know-how reach the Gulf through Dubai, which gives Icelandic entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their JAFZA licence is granted. GoldenKey has Icelandic customers from Reykjavík, and our consultants understand the documents issued in Iceland and how to attest them for the UAE.
Why JAFZA
Popular activities in JAFZA include import/export, logistics, manufacturing, commodities and retail, and most of them can be combined on a single licence. 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
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the JAFZA authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days.
Step 3Document submission and payment
In practice, you sign the application and memorandum, we file the attested paperwork with JAFZA and the issuing authority's licence fee is paid. For opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
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.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
- A bank statement from your Iceland bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Educational certificates attested by the Iceland authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A passport issued by Iceland with at least six months' validity
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
Crucially, use the table below to compare packages for opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 4,950 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 46,310 |
| Bank account assistance | AED 1,650 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
Why the UAE
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder and makes international pricing simple. Put simply, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many company owners choose it as a base for opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our quotations for opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything. 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 a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How many visas can I get with a JAFZA licence?
Importantly, 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?
Day to day, most JAFZA licences can be issued 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.
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
Once your paperwork are complete, the licensing authority typically issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Is pharmaceutical & medical supplies allowed in JAFZA?
It can. Icelanders can own 100% of a pharmaceutical trading company in the UAE. GoldenKey recommends JAFZA for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does pharmaceutical & medical supplies need?
Importantly, mOHAP and DHA or DOH. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
