WhatsApp quoteSetting up a company in JAFZA gives you 100% ownership, a UAE trade licence and the option to sponsor residence visas for yourself and your family. 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. The most common businesses New Zealanders open through GoldenKey are in dairy exports, education, aviation and hospitality, although JAFZA supports almost any activity. New Zealand dairy and meat exporters rely on Dubai as their Middle East gateway, which gives New Zealander entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their JAFZA licence is issued.
Why JAFZA
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. DP World logistics ecosystem integration.
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.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved with the JAFZA authority and initial approval is obtained; this stage rarely takes more than two business days. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a New Zealander founder in real time.
Step 3Document submission and payment
In short, 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
Your JAFZA licence, certificate of incorporation and lease are issued, and we move straight on to the establishment card, visas and bank introduction. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a New Zealander founder in real time.
Documents required
The document list for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a New Zealander founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Customs code application
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A bank statement from your New Zealand bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
Put simply, the figures below for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a New Zealander founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a New Zealander 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
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a New Zealander founder. On the ground, 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 New Zealander founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
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 New Zealander founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an import-export business in the UAE as a New Zealander founder for traders, consultants, tech entrepreneurs and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. 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 New Zealander founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening an import-export business in the UAE as a New Zealander founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
Once your documents are complete, the registrar typically issues the licence within 10 working days (Monday to Friday). Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
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 nine times out of ten, 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.
What is the difference between an FZE and an FZCO in JAFZA?
An FZE has one shareholder and an FZCO has two or more. Both offer limited liability and 100% foreign ownership, and the fees in JAFZA are for most applicants the same.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Yes. New Zealanders 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 a New Zealander citizen own 100% of a company in JAFZA?
Yes. New Zealanders can own the full share capital of a JAFZA company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
