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 entrepreneurs who want a UAE licence without a large upfront budget. 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 straightforward renewal process. Romanians are a large community working in hospitality, aviation, construction and IT, so the JAFZA authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Romanian applications every day and process them without hesitation. As a rule, the most common businesses Romanians open through GoldenKey are in IT and software, hospitality, construction and aviation, although JAFZA supports almost any activity.
Why JAFZA
To be clear, popular activities in JAFZA include import/export, logistics, manufacturing, commodities and retail, and most of them can be combined on a single licence. 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.
How JAFZA works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
In the first call we check that JAFZA lists your activity, settle the licence type and match the visa package and office to what you actually need.
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 working days. If the authority raises a query on opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Romanian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the file and memorandum, we file the attested paperwork with JAFZA and the authority's licence fee is paid.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
From day one, your JAFZA licence, certificate of incorporation and lease are issued, and we move straight on to the establishment card, visas and bank introduction. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Romanian founder.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Romanian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A police clearance certificate from Romania if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Educational certificates attested by the Romania authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Romanian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. As we tell every client, pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Romanian 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
Importantly, 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 Romanian founder. Day to day, 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 Romanian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
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 Romanian founder happen the same day they are ready. 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 Romanian founder. As we tell every client, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your JAFZA file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Romanian founder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in JAFZA?
In short, 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.
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
Day to day, once your supporting documents are complete, the authority typically issues the licence within 10 working days (Monday to Friday). Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
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 import & export allowed in JAFZA?
It can. Romanians 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 Romanian citizen own 100% of a company in JAFZA?
Yes, it can. Romanians can own the full share capital of a JAFZA company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.


