Compare JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority and Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone for Logistics & Supply Chain setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority vs Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone for Logistics & Supply Chain: JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority starts at AED 40,211 (91% bank approval) and Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone at AED 4,999 (88%). On Year-1 cost, Sharjah Publishing City 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 4,999 | 1-2 days | Moderate | Fastest setup time and lowest entry cost for freelancers and startups |
Largest free zone, logistics hub, port access, trading and industrial activities
Logistics licenses cover freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain management. Many free zones with port or airport proximity (JAFZA, DAFZA, AFZ) offer integrated logistics licensing with customs-bonded warehouse access. A separate transport permit from the UAE Ministry of Infrastructure may be needed for fleet operations.
Logistics qualifies as a qualifying free zone activity. International freight and transport services are zero-rated for VAT purposes. Domestic transport and warehousing services within the UAE attract the standard 5% VAT.
Logistics companies benefit from trade finance products including letters of credit and bills of collection. Banks will want to see contracts with shipping lines or airlines and evidence of an established logistics network. High transaction volumes may require dedicated relationship management.
JAFZA sits adjacent to Jebel Ali Port — the largest container port between Rotterdam and Singapore — providing logistics companies with on-terminal warehousing, bonded storage, and same-day customs clearance capabilities.
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.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone wins on 3 of 4 dimensions. We recommend Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone for cost-conscious founders and JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority if largest free zone, logistics hub, port access, trading and industrial activities.
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