WhatsApp quoteJAFZA issues commercial, professional and industrial licences from its base in Dubai, and GoldenKey processes new registrations there every week. 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. As a rule, payments between Thailand and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Thai baht (THB) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Thai business profiles. On the ground, thai nationals are a community in hospitality, spa and wellness, food and jewellery, so the JAFZA authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Thai applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why JAFZA
One of the reasons we recommend 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
Put simply, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Thai founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the JAFZA authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days (Monday to Friday).
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the issuing authority. For opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Thai 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
For most clients, for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Thai founder the authority asks for the following supporting documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Educational certificates attested by the Thailand authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A bank statement from your Thailand bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Customs code file
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Attested parent-company paperwork and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
Day to day, use the table below to compare packages for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Thai 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 Thai founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority 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
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 Thai founder no longer requires a local partner. 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 Thai founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Thai founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast. On the ground, 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 Thai founder. 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 Thai founder happen the same day they are ready.
Put simply, if you would like a written quotation for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Thai founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
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.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in JAFZA?
Most JAFZA licences can be issued 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.
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 for a small authority fee.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Yes. Thai 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.
Can my family from Thailand join me?
In our experience, once your investor visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
