FAQ

Q.: Can I manufacture products in the LIU’s (Light Industrial Units) ?
A.: Yes. Some of the variants of the LIU has a higher electrical capacity and can be used for assembly operations.

Q.: Can I have a licence from Jafza but operate from Dubai or another Emirates?
A.: The Licence issued by Jafza is valid for operating your business only inside the free zone territory. You cannot use this licence to set up a business in any of the other Emirates. Goods maybe sold to other Emirates through distributors.

Q.: What is the minimum capital required for establishing a company in the Free Zone?
A.: There is no minimum capital requirement asked for by Jafza if you are merely setting up a branch of your company. However, if you are establishing an FZE or FZCO, then the minimum capital requirement is Dhs. 1 million (US $270,000) or Dhs. 500,000 (US$135,000) respectively.

Q.: How long is my resident UAE visa valid?
A.: The residence visa issued by Jafza is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue.

Q.: How do I bring in Business visitors?
A.: Jafza operations department provides the service of issuing visit visas for business purposes.

Q.: Can I convert my Driving Licence?
A.: Yes. The UAE recognises driving licenes from certain countries. Yes. The UAE recognises driving licences from certain countries. A local UAE license can be issued upon the completion of required formalities.

Q.: Do I have to employ nationals in my business?
A.: There is no compulsion to do so and you are free to hire staff from any country.

Q.: What type of business enterprises are allowed in the Free Zone?
A.: All types of legitimate business operations are allowed in the zone under Industrial, trading and service sectors subject to Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority approval.

Q.: Will the Government or the Free Zone Authority provide finance for projects in the Free Zone?
A.: The Government or the Free Zone Authority do not provide project funding. However, the companies can approach other private financial bodies for financing their projects.

Q.: Will the Government protect my product by the imposition of protective duty?
A.: No. The UAE has a free trade policy and no protective duties are imposed.

Q.: Can I be a partner in more than one company?
A.: Yes. There are at present no restrictions on the number of businesses in
which one person can be involved.

Q.: Can I import and export goods?
A.: Yes, subject to your particular licence. Jafza companies operating in the Jebel Ali Free Zone are amongst the major re-exporters in the region. No duties imposed if goods are imported and exported within the Free Zone.

Q.: Can my staff live on my factory premises?
A.: No. However, they can be put up in the Staff Accomodation in the Free Zone,or outside the Free Zone

Q.: Who is authorised to clear cargo through customs at Jebel Ali and Port Rashid Terminals or Dubai International Airport ?
A.: 1.Consignees holding a UAE federal or Dubai Economic Department licence or any of the four Free Zone licenses.
: 2.Agents holding a Dubai Economic Department Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) licence may also clear cargo on behalf of consignees.

Q.: What documents do customs need to see ?
A.: Delivery Order - This will be issued by the shipping agent upon receipt of freight charges and either the original bill of lading or a bank guarantee.; Original Invoice - This should be produced by the original exporter and legalised by a recognised authority in the country of export. (This document is used by customs here for duty charges and statistical purposes.); Certificate of Origin - Produced by the original exporter and legalised by a recognised authority in the country of export. This is used by customs to confirm the country of origin and its legitimacy.; Bill of Entry - Must be completed by the consignee or C&F agent. Free Zone(FZ) bills of entry are used for cargo declared for the zone. Cargo bound for Dubai is entered on a standard bill of entry.; Customs Duty Receipt - This is issued by customs if duty is payable.Certain importers are able to operate a credit facility with customs.; Duty Exemption Certificate - This is held either by companies importing cargo which do not attract duty, or by the agents acting on their behalf.

Q.: Where is the Jebel Ali Customs office ?
A.: It is located next to Jebel Ali Terminal main gate: Telephone: (04) 8816374/5 Fax: (04) 8816903 Customs head office is located at Port Rashid: Telephone: (04) 3455555

Q.: How do licence holders clear goods for sale locally ?
A.: Licence holders can sell their goods to companies in the UAE (through an agent or distributor) and also in the FZ. In the former case the Ex-FZ import bill is cleared through customs in the name of the buyer.
Please Note :Blank bills of entry may be purchased from Dubai Customs located at either Jebel Ali or Port Rashid Terminals. Dubai Ports Authority have a common documentary system. As a result, the documents may be processed at either location. Jebel Ali Terminal: (04) 8815000, ext. 254/256 or Port Rashid Terminal: (04)3451545, ext. 347