WhatsApp quoteJAFZA issues commercial, professional and industrial licences from its base in Dubai, and GoldenKey processes new registrations there every week. GoldenKey has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through JAFZA company formation, from name reservation to the moment the licence PDF lands in their inbox. the UAE is Italy's largest export market in the Gulf, especially for food, fashion, machinery and interiors, which gives Italian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their JAFZA licence is released. Italians are a growing community of designers, restaurateurs, engineers and traders, so the JAFZA authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Italian applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why JAFZA
Crucially, one of the reasons we suggest 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 issuing authority's processing time for a standard file is around 10 working days.
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.
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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Italian founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Document submission and payment
With the forms and memorandum signed, GoldenKey lodges the attested documents and settles the licence fee with the authority on your behalf.
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 Italian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
For most clients, the document list for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Italian founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A bank statement from your Italy bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Customs code application
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A police clearance certificate from Italy if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
Pricing
The figures below for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Italian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. In our experience, pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Italian 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
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Italian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. Importantly, 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 an Italian founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an import-export business in the UAE as an Italian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay. Put simply, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your JAFZA file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the request sit. From day one, 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 an Italian founder.
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 Italian founder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in JAFZA?
As we tell every client, most JAFZA licences can be issued 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?
Once your documents are complete, the issuing authority typically issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Can I open a UAE bank account with a JAFZA company?
Yes, JAFZA companies open accounts with UAE banks every day. Approval depends on the bank's compliance review of your profile, business plan and documents, and GoldenKey prepares the file and introduces you to a suitable bank.
Do Italians need a UAE visa before applying for JAFZA?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from Italy with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residence visa is handled afterwards.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Absolutely. Italians 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.
