Day to day, 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 routine renewal process. 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. Pakistanis are one of the largest communities in the UAE, with well over a million residents, so the JAFZA authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Pakistani applications every day and process them without hesitation. In our experience, typical examples of this activity include food re-export, auto parts, textiles and machinery, which can usually sit together on one JAFZA licence.
Why JAFZA
Crucially, the authority permits Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZCO), Branch and Public Company, which covers solo founders, partnerships and overseas groups opening a UAE branch. 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
We confirm that your activity is available in JAFZA, choose the licence type and agree the visa package and office option that match your plan. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Pakistani founder in real time.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
Importantly, we submit your preferred trade names to JAFZA and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission.
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested paperwork and the licence fee is paid to the issuing authority. For opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Pakistani founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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.
Documents required
In short, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Pakistani founder.
- A police clearance certificate from Pakistan if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Educational certificates attested by the Pakistan authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A bank statement from your Pakistan bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
Pricing
In practice, pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Pakistani founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Use the table below to compare packages for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Pakistani founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.
Why the UAE
The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, and for that reason so many company owners choose it as a base for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Pakistani founder. 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 Pakistani founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
Most of our JAFZA clients come to us through referrals from other company owners, and that is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. As we tell every client, 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 Pakistani founder. Crucially, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Pakistani founder happen the same day they are ready.
If you would like a written quotation for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Pakistani 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?
Day to day, once your documents are complete, the licensing authority in most cases issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
How many visas can I get with a JAFZA licence?
Visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. JAFZA packages typically 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.
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 in most cases, 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.
Can a Pakistani citizen own 100% of a company in JAFZA?
Yes, it can. Pakistanis can own the full share capital of a JAFZA company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Yes. Pakistanis 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.


