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. Setting 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. For most clients, the most common businesses New Zealanders open through GoldenKey are in dairy exports, education, aviation and hospitality, although JAFZA supports almost any activity. New Zealanders are a small community in dairy, education, aviation and hospitality, so the JAFZA authority, the banks and the immigration officers see New Zealander applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why JAFZA
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. Crucially, 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
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
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the JAFZA authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days. If the authority raises a query on opening a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Document submission and payment
As a rule, with the forms and memorandum signed, GoldenKey lodges the attested supporting 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 a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder.
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A bank statement from your New Zealand bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Customs code application
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport granted by New Zealand with at least six months' validity
Pricing
All prices for opening a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. To be clear, pricing for opening a logistics company 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
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder no longer requires a local partner. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander 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 a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder happen the same day they are ready. Just as important, our quotations for opening a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a logistics company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
Importantly, once your papers are complete, the authority typically issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in JAFZA?
To be clear, most JAFZA licences can be granted remotely with scanned 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.
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 typically the same.
Is logistics & freight forwarding allowed in JAFZA?
It can. New Zealanders can own 100% of a logistics company 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?
Absolutely. New Zealanders can own the full share capital of a JAFZA company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.


