WhatsApp quoteJAFZA issues commercial, professional and industrial licences from its base in Dubai, and GoldenKey processes new registrations there every week. JAFZA 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 entrepreneurs and established groups. Filipinos are one of the largest communities in the UAE, estimated at around 700,000 to 1,000,000 people, so the JAFZA authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Filipino applications every day and process them without hesitation. Typical examples of this activity include food re-export, auto parts, textiles and machinery, which can as a rule sit together on one JAFZA licence.
Why JAFZA
In short, one of the reasons we point clients to JAFZA is its world's largest port-adjacent free zone, which matters more than most entrepreneurs realise once the business is running. 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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the JAFZA authority and obtains initial approval, in most cases within one to two business days.
Step 3Document submission and payment
On the ground, you sign the file and memorandum, we file the attested paperwork with JAFZA and the authority's licence fee is paid. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Once the JAFZA licence and company documents are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting.
Documents required
To be clear, for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder the licensing authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport issued by Philippines with at least six months' validity
- Educational certificates attested by the Philippines authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Customs code application
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. The figures below for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.
Why the UAE
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder for international founders. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Most of our JAFZA customers come to us through referrals from other business owners, so we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino 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 an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder happen the same day they are ready.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and an adviser will walk you through opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Filipino founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Is an audit required for a JAFZA company?
Requirements vary by zone and by company size. GoldenKey will confirm the current JAFZA rule when we prepare your quotation, and we provide bookkeeping if you need accounts in any case for corporate tax.
How many visas can I get with a JAFZA licence?
As a rule, 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 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.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Yes. Filipinos 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.
Do Filipinos need a UAE visa before applying for JAFZA?
No, it does not. You can apply for the licence from Philippines with scanned paperwork, and the investor UAE residence visa is processed afterwards.
