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. 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. Importantly, payments between Nigeria and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Nigerian naira (NGN) transfers settle promptly and UAE banks are familiar with Nigerian business profiles. Put simply, 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
JAFZA licences are renewed annually with a simple online payment and updated passport copies, and GoldenKey sends a reminder 60 days before the due date. 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.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
Crucially, we submit your preferred trade names to JAFZA and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian 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. Nothing is submitted for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A bank statement from your Nigeria bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Customs code application
- A police clearance certificate from Nigeria if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
Pricing
Day to day, all prices for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. As a rule, pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian 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 an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian founder no longer requires a local partner. Put simply, 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 Nigerian founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Day to day, after your JAFZA licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. In practice, 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 an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian founder.
If you would like a written quotation for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Nigerian founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
As we tell every client, once your supporting documents 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?
Most JAFZA licences can be released 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 residency visa is processed.
Can I add more activities to my JAFZA licence later?
Yes. JAFZA allows activity additions and changes through a licence amendment, which GoldenKey can process in a few working days (Monday to Friday) for a small authority fee.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Yes. Nigerians 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 I combine import & export with other activities?
In most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
