Compare JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority and RAKEZ Free Zone for Manufacturing & Industrial setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority vs RAKEZ Free Zone for Manufacturing & Industrial: JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority starts at AED 40,211 (91% bank approval) and RAKEZ Free Zone at AED 6,000 (90%). On Year-1 cost, RAKEZ Free Zone is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 40,211 | 3-5 days | Easy | Largest free zone, logistics hub, port access, trading and industrial activities | |
| AED 6,000 | 3-4 days | Moderate | Light industrial, trading operations, cost scaling |
Largest free zone, logistics hub, port access, trading and industrial activities
Manufacturing licences in UAE free zones grant access to industrial plots, pre-built warehouses, and labour accommodation. Environmental approvals from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment or the free zone authority are required before commencing production. Industrial licences typically require a higher minimum capital investment than commercial licences.
Manufacturing of goods within a free zone qualifies as a qualifying activity with a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. Goods sold domestically attract 5% VAT, while re-exports from designated zones may be zero-rated.
Manufacturing companies benefit from working capital facilities, machinery financing, and letters of credit for raw material imports. Banks will request detailed production capacity data, supply contracts, and off-take agreements. Environmental compliance documentation is increasingly important for account opening.
JAFZA offers purpose-built industrial plots with pre-approved environmental permits and heavy-power connections, enabling manufacturers to move from licence issuance to full production in under 90 days.
2025: AED 2 billion Jafza infrastructure expansion
2024: Jafza contributed 23.8% of Dubai's total foreign trade
Company setup in JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority starts from AED 40,211 per year.
JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority processes company registrations in 3-5 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 91%. Banking difficulty is rated Easy.
Most UAE free zones including JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
Both zones are evenly matched. Choose JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority if: Largest free zone, logistics hub, port access, trading and industrial activities. Choose RAKEZ Free Zone if: Cost-effective setup with industrial and trading options in RAK.
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Needed to see exactly what I was paying for at RAKEZ versus other zones. The itemized fee breakdown — license, visa, sponsorship — made the comparison transparent.
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