WhatsApp quoteDay 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 straightforward renewal process. JAFZA combines world's largest port-adjacent free zone with the flexibility to add activities and visas later, and for that reason it suits both first-time company owners and established groups. Just as important, typical examples of this activity include food re-export, auto parts, textiles and machinery, which can usually sit together on one JAFZA licence. To be clear, 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
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 short, 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. If the authority raises a query on opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Swiss founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
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 file forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Once the JAFZA licence and company papers are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting.
Documents required
As a rule, the document list for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Swiss founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- Educational certificates attested by the Switzerland authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A passport released by Switzerland with at least six months' validity
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Swiss founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Swiss 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
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 Swiss founder predictable. 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 Swiss founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Swiss founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Day to day, 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 Swiss founder happen the same day they are ready. 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 Swiss founder.
If you would like a written quotation for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Swiss founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in JAFZA?
Most JAFZA licences can be released remotely with scanned papers 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?
Once your documents are complete, the issuing authority usually issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
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.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Yes. Swiss nationals 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.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Switzerland and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Switzerland have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
