WhatsApp quoteJAFZA 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 founders and established groups. JAFZA issues commercial, professional and industrial licences from its base in Dubai, and GoldenKey processes new registrations there every week. the UAE is the largest export market for US goods in the Middle East, and the dirham's dollar peg removes currency risk, which gives American entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their JAFZA licence is released. GoldenKey has American clients from New York, Los Angeles and Houston, and our consultants understand the supporting documents issued in United States and how to attest them for the UAE.
Why JAFZA
Crucially, the authority permits Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZCO), Branch and Public Company, which covers solo entrepreneurs, partnerships and overseas groups opening a UAE branch. From day one, unlike some zones, JAFZA does not require a large paid-up capital to be blocked in a bank account before the licence is granted.
How JAFZA works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
Day to day, 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.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an American founder in real time.
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.
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. Nothing is submitted for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an American founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
To be clear, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an import-export business in the UAE as an American founder.
- Attested parent-company paperwork and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A police clearance certificate from United States if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Customs code file
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Educational certificates attested by the United States authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
All prices for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an American founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an American 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 an American founder predictable. Day to day, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an import-export business in the UAE as an American founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Just as important, 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 an American 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 an American founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with opening an import-export business in the UAE as an American founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
If you would like a written quotation for opening an import-export business in the UAE as an American founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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 usually the same.
How long does the JAFZA licence take?
Once your documents are complete, the authority typically issues the licence within 10 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Is import & export allowed in JAFZA?
Yes. Americans 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 I combine import & export with other activities?
As a rule, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
