JAFZA Activity List 2025 | Business Setup in Jafza

JAFZA Activity List for Businesses at JAFZA

Thinking of starting a business in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)? But confused about the business activities allowed in the free zone? Enterworld is here for you! JAFZA is one of the popular free zone that is preferred by entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UAE. The free zone offers tax-free benefits, supportive infrastructure, thriving business community and is well-connected to major highways and transportation networks.

JAFZA offers a variety of business activities but choosing the right one can be confusing. Therefore, JAFZA offers an official activity list that has a list of different types of activities allowed under the various license types.

In this blog, we will learn about the business activity list for businesses at JAFZA.

Why JAFZA?

The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) is one of United Arab Emirates oldest and most successful free zones. JAFZA was launched in 1985 and is located in Dubai, near Jebel Ali Port, which is the largest port in the Middle East. It is managed and owned by DP World, who is a global leader in trade solutions and logistics. Today, JAFZA is a home to over 9000+ companies.

Features of JAFZA

Access to world-class infrastructure
No import and export duties
Simplified company registration process
Leading logistics hub in the UAE
100% foreign ownership

What is the JAFZA Activity List?

The JAFZA activity list is a catalogue of different business activities approved to operate in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. The activity list by JAFZA is regularly updated, therefore the list will be helpful for you to find the emerging new business activities in the market. The activity list of JAFZA can also be used to compare different businesses, get ideas for a new startup or explore current trends.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) in Dubai offers attractive opportunities and a wide range of business activities from different sectors and the activity list can be categorised into four license types: Trading, Industrial, Service and logistics.

Trading License

The trading license in JAFZA is used by the entrepreneurs who import, export or distribute goods within JAFZA. It includes business activities such as general trading of goods, machinery, textiles, electronics and more. Therefore, any business that has a trading license in JAFZA can conduct business activities such as sale and distribution of goods.

Industrial License

The industrial license in JAFZA is for companies that are involved in assembling goods, manufacturing and processing or packaging activities. If you are an entrepreneur with an industrial license, you can setup a production unit to process raw materials and operate industrial business activities in a world-class industrial hub in JAFZA.

Service License

The service license in JAFZA is tailored for businesses offering professional services or consultancy services. If your business offers IT support, advertising, business advisory, legal consultancy or marketing services, you can apply for a service license in JAFZA. It will allow you to provide professional services to your clients and customers in JAFZA.

Logistics License

The logistics license in JAFZA is ideal if you are involved in transportation, warehousing, delivery and distribution services. This license will allow you to manage and operate logistics services and provide shipping solutions in JAFZA. Additionally, JAFZA’s strategic location near the Jebel Ali Port will give you a strong advantage.

Characteristics of the JAFZA Activity List

Have a look at the features of the JAFZA activity list-

Purpose: The main purpose of the JAFZA activity list is to outline the types of businesses that are allowed to operate in the free zone. The list also ensures that your business aligns with JAFZA’s standards and regulations, including the licensing and registration process.

Scope: The list covers a large list of business activities across a wide range of sectors, primarily focused on trading, industrial, service and logistics sectors. The Jebel Ali Free Zone offers an excellent platform for businesses to conduct trade and legally operate business activities within the free zone and globally.

Significance: JAFZA is one of the leading free zones in Dubai, UAE and having the official list for businesses makes it easier for entrepreneurs considering starting a business in the thriving free zone as the list defines the activities that are allowed and simplifies the process of business setup.

Popular JAFZA Business Activity List

JAFZA offers a wide range of business activities that are in accordance with the directives of the Dubai Economic Department (DED). The following list of activities is under the main categories of license: Trading, Service, Logistics & Transportation, Special Activities and Industrial/ Manufacturing.

1. Trading Activities

General Trading
Import/Export of Electronics
Import/Export of Office Equipment
Import/Export of Toys and Stationery
Import/Export of Industrial Machinery
Import/Export of Mobile Phones and Accessories
Import/Export of Medical Equipment and Supplies
Import/Export of Computer Hardware and Software
Import/Export of Jewellery and Precious Stones
Import/Export of Household Appliances
Import/Export of Construction Materials
Import/Export of Agricultural Products
Import/Export of Cosmetics and Perfumes
Import/Export of Safety Equipment
B2B and B2C E-commerce

2. Service Activities

Business Management Consultancy
Advertising Services
HR and Recruitment Services
Media Production and Content Creation
Market Research and Surveys
IT Infrastructure Design and Support
Translation and Language Services
Technical Inspection and Certification
Software Development and Testing
Cloud Computing Services
Translation and Language Services
Technical Inspection and Certification
Architecture and Interior Design Services
Digital Marketing & SEO Services
Event Planning and Management
Media Production and Content Creation
Architecture and Interior Design Services
Legal Advisory Services
Auditing and Accounting Services
Education and Vocational Training

3. Logistics & Transportation

Customs Clearance
Supply Chain Management
Shipping Agency Services
Freight Forwarding
Warehousing and Storage
Distribution and Delivery Services
Cargo Handling

4. Special Activities

Environmental Services
Oil and Gas Services
Marine and Ship Management
Waste Management and Sanitation
Security Services
Hazardous Materials Handling
Healthcare Services (Clinics, Medical Equipment Trading)

5. Industrial and Manufacturing

Recycling and Waste Processing
Light Manufacturing
Furniture Manufacturing
Heavy Industrial Manufacturing
Assembly of Electronic Devices
Foodstuff Processing and Packaging
Metal Fabrication
Plastic Moulding and Processing
Textile and Garment Manufacturing
Printing and Packaging
Vehicle Modification and Assembly
Chemical Manufacturing
Paint and Coating Production
Wood Products Manufacturing
Production of Cleaning and Hygiene Products

Key Industries at JAFZA

JAFZA is a major industrial hub in Dubai, and it supports a variety of industries. The key industries in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority are:

Food and Agriculture
Logistics Sector
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Retail & E-Commerce
Manufacturing industry
Petrochemicals industry
Electronics & Electrical
Healthcare Distribution
Machinery and Equipment
Automotive & Spare Parts

How to Apply for a Business Activity at JAFZA?

To apply for a business activity in JAFZA, you will have to select the right activity type from the official list. After selecting the activity type, you will have to complete the licensing and the company formation process to legally operate in JAFZA.

1. Determine Your Business Type from the JAFZA Activity List

You will have to check the JAFZA Activity list to identify your business type. Your business type must align with the activity list. Then, you must decide if you need a service license, a trading license, an industrial license or a logistics license for your business operations.

2. Select the Right Business Structure

You will have to choose the right business structure that suits your business needs.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE), which is for a single shareholder
Free Zone Company (FZC), which is for multiple shareholders (up to 50)
A Branch Office, which is an extension of a pre-existing company

3. Prepare the Mandatory Documents

The key documents required are:

Passport copies of shareholders and managers
Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill)
Business plan about the intended activities
JAFZA completed the application form
No Objection Certificate – NOC if required

4. Submit Initial Application

You will have to submit your application form with the business activity selected and the documents to JAFZA. JAFZA will review your initial application and ensure you comply with the regulations of JAFZA.

5. Receive Preliminary Approval

If the JAFZA authority approves your application, you will receive the preliminary approval to start your business in the free zone. Some of the specific industries will require additional approval and permits from relevant authorities.

6. Sign the Lease Agreement

To start a business in JAFZA, having a physical office space is mandatory; therefore, you will have to choose an office space or a warehouse within the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) and sign the lease agreement.

7. Pay the Fees and Finalize Licensing

You will have to pay the required application fees depending on the type of business and the type of license. Once the payment is done, your official business license will be issued by JAFZA, which will allow you to operate in the free zone legally.

8. Apply for Visas

Lastly, you will be required to apply for a visa through your JAFZA license for shareholders, managers, directors or employees. Additionally, you can apply for an establishment card to manage your employee visas.

9. Open a Corporate Bank Account

Through your JAFZA business license, you can open a corporate bank account with a UAE bank institution for smooth financial transactions in the free zone.

10. Ensure Compliance

When you do business in JAFZA, you will need to comply with the standards and regulations of the free zone. The key regulations of JAFZA are:

Annual financial audit reports  
Annual license renewal
Health and safety standards when dealing with industrial business activities

The Detailed Activity List for Businesses at JAFZA

The Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) highlights the development in the business sector of the country and its competitiveness in the global markets.

To support this, the government works with partners such as Economic Development Departments and other government agencies to create a unified guide for economic activities in the country. This guide is based on accurate statistical data that follows international standards and is updated periodically to meet the needs of businesses.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) follows the guidelines set by the Dubai Economic Department (DED). The detailed official activity list for businesses at JAFZA includes:

1. TRADING

Business Activity	Group Code
Advertising	001
Agricultural, flowers & plants	002
Aircraft & train trading	003
Amusement equipment & supplies trading	004
Bags, packaging material & paper trading	006
Building materials trading	007
Chemicals trading	008
Electronics & electrical group	009
Fuel & petroleum products trading	011
Jewellery trading	012
Metal & its products trading	014
Motor vehicles & auto spare parts	015
Perfumery, medicines, beauty	016
Readymade garments group	017
Foodstuff and beverages	018
Separate trading activities	019
Ships & boats trading	020
Spectacles & contact lenses trading	021
Sports equipment trading	022
Stationery and books trading	023
Trade license & video and recordings	024
Tobacco & smoking accessories trading	026
Waste trading	028
Household & furniture trading	029
Exchange and financial	523
Regional liaison office	557
Representative office	558

2. SERVICES

Business Activity	Group Code
Advertising	501
Transport, shipping and storage	27
Equipment, engines, machinery & repairing	303
Light aircraft maintenance	312
Motor vehicle repairing	323
Repairing of electrical and electronic appliances	331
Accounts	500
Banks, finance & credit group	505
Building maintenance, surveillance & cleaning services	507
Car registration & transfer services	508
Car rent and passenger transport	509
Consultancy -b- engineering	514
Cleaning services	511
Contracting and building works	517
Cooperation societies	518
Documents destroying & storage	519
Domestic gas station	520
Education	521
Event organizers	522
Exchange and financial	523
Exhibition organizers	524
Facility management	525
Finance consultant	526
Foodstuff supply	527
Fuel supply	528
Gas station	529
Gent’s salon	530
Government liaison office	531
Halls & exhibitions	532
Hospitals & recovery houses	533
Institute and education	534
Insurance	535
Insurance consultants	536
Investment	537
Key duplicators & stamp making	538
Kids saloon	539
Labor supply & employment agency	540
Laboratories	541
Laundry	543
Legal services	544
Machinery & equipment rental	545
Medical clinic	546
Medical laboratories	547
Motor & motorcycles driving institutes	548
Nursery	549
Office & electronic equipment rental	550
Other engineering services	551
Other personal & trading services	552
Outlet group	553
Packing services	554
Postal services	555
Real estate	556
Regional liaison office	557
Representative office	558
Restaurants and coffee shops	559
Separate service & trading activities	560
Sewage and cleaning services	561
Sport club	562
Sport equipment rental	563
Sporting & recreation	564
Studio – professional license	565
Studio – trade license	566
Supermarket	567
Time sharing	568
Trade license & video and recordings	569
Translation group	570
Typing & translation	571
Veterinary clinic	572

3. INDUSTRIAL

Business Activity	Group Code
Block and building stones industry	301
Cotton & metal nets & ropes manufacturing	302
Equipment, engines and machinery	303
Food industries	307
Garments, rugs, textile & products manufacturing	308
Glass & chinaware manufacturing	309
Glass industries	310
Handicraft workshops	311
Light aircraft manufacturing	312
Manufacture of batteries	313
Manufacturing of gold	314
Manufacture of eyeglasses	315
Manufacture of medicines	316
Manufacture of motor vehicles & motor cycles	317
Manufacture of tyres & rubber products	318
Manufacturing of bags, shoes and leather products	319
Manufacturing of tobacco and cigarettes	320
Manufacturing of wood, wood products and furniture	321
Meat processing	322
Paper & paper products	324
Petroleum & metal extraction	326
Petroleum products & chemicals	327
Pipes and wires manufacturing	328
PLASTIC INDUSTRIES	329
Power generation and transmission	330
Electrical and electronic appliances	331
Ship building	333
Structural steel manufacturing	334
Technical & professional workshops	335

Rules and Regulations at JAFZA

The Jebel Ali Free Zone is the leading free zone in Dubai, UAE. It is also the largest free zone in the world. There are over 11,000 registered companies in JAFZA from a wide range of sectors. Therefore, a well-developed compliance framework is necessary to ensure equal opportunities and in accordance with the local and international laws, standards and regulations.

JAFZA has implemented a set of rules and regulations as a document for all businesses to establish a transparent and fair business environment to ensure accountability and adherence to the standards of the free zone. As a business in the JAFZA free zone, you can use the document to learn about the rules, regulations and framework. The following list of rules and regulations for businesses operating in JAFZA is:

Federal Law (37) In matters of Trademark
Rules and regulations governing Offshore Companies
Rules and regulations related to mortgage
JAFZA Rules 9th Edition (2023)
Termination guide
JAFZA Companies Implementing Regulations 2016
General Terms and Conditions regarding Business Centres and Business Incubators
e-Financial Statement Submission Guide
Online Payment Transaction for Invoices
Rules and regulations for leasing agreements
Rules and regulations for the development of the facility (Industrial, Warehouse, Logistics)
Rules and regulations related to documents required for business registration
Rules and regulations for the Ultimate Beneficial Owner

Documents Required for Businesses at JAFZA

The key documents for businesses to legally operate in JAFZA are:

JAFZA Application Form
Proof of Identity
Business Profile
Shareholder Information
Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Application Form (if required)
Detailed Business Plan
Board Resolutions/Power of Attorney (if required)
Memorandum and Articles of Association
No Objection Certificate (NOC) (for UAE residents)
Certificate of Registration
Licenses

How to Modify Business Activities at JAFZA?

In Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), entrepreneurs can modify the business license by either adding or removing the activities. The following is how you can modify your business license in JAFZA:

Decide which business activity needs to be added to your license.
Review the list of activities that is readily available in the Dubai Economic Department.
Check if the business activity is a part of the group that already exist on your current license.
You can visit the customer service desk of JAFZA or submit a request through an email.
Specific activities in business may need permit and approvals from the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) authority or other relevant authorities.
There will be an extra fee of AED 500 if your activity exceeds the maximum number allowed in a business group.

What Does it Mean to add an Activity?

In JAFZA, you are allowed to operate multiple business activities under one license. Therefore, you can expand your business activities and offer new services or products without applying for a new license. Additionally, every business operating in JAFZA is required to have an active business licence and the cost of your license will be defined by the number of business activities added. When you have added a business activity to the license, you can legally operate the business activities.

To Wrap Up

JAFZA offers attractive opportunities for businesses to grow in an excellent, business-friendly environment, empowering companies to expand globally and achieve sustainable growth. The features that the Jebel Ali Free Zone offers position it as one of the leading free zones for innovation, expansion and success in the UAE.

The exclusive official activity list of JAFZA, world-class facilities and the available licensing options allow you to choose the business activity that best fits your goals, financial capability and allows you to establish your company in the thriving free zone confidently. By selecting the right activity, you can take full advantage of JAFZA’s investor-friendly policies, simplified registration and flexible licensing options, making JAFZA a good destination for business.

Why Choose Enterworld?

At Enterworld, we will simplify the process for you. With 10+ years of experience in over 100+ countries and our professional expertise as one of the top business consultants, we can help you choose the right business from the official activity list of JAFZA. We can help you process the paperwork, register your company and apply for the right license while ensuring compliance.

FAQs About JAFZA Activity List

How to choose the right business activity for business in JAFZA?

To choose the right business activity in JAFZA you will have to conduct market research and access the current demand of the market, identify your business goals and your core business activities. You must also identify the type of license available and ensure you can follow the rules and regulations required for the selected business activity.

Who approves business activities in JAFZA?

In JAFZA the authority that approves the business activities is the JAFZA Authority. It is the one that manages the registration and license approvals for businesses considering to start a business within the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).

What are the benefits of Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) offers many benefits for the entrepreneurs. Starting from a strategic location to tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, proximity to Jebel Ali Port, excellent connectivity through airport, port and road and seamless international trade. JAFZA also allows 24/7 business operations with a strong framework for confidentiality with regards to information of the companies.

What is the tax rate for business activities in JAFZA?

The tax rate for business activities in JAFZA will depend on the business, if your business is classified as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, you will be able to enjoy a 0% tax rate. However, if your business is not qualified or meet the criteria, you will need to pay a standard corporate tax rate of 9%.

What are the business activities in JAFZA?

JAFZA supports a variety of different business activities such as food and agriculture, e-commerce, trading, logistics, consultancy, industrial, manufacturing, retail, service, recycling and waste processing, advertising services, environmental services, healthcare distribution and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) business activity etc.

Do we need special license for certain activities?

Yes, you will need a special license, an additional permit or license for certain business activities such as medical, pharmaceutical, chemicals, industrial or food trading etc., from the Dubai Municipality or even Health & Safety departments depending on your business requirement.

What is the overview of JAFZA?

The Jebel Ali Zone (JAFZA) is one of the oldest and leading free zones in the UAE. It is established in the year 1985. It is owned by the company DP World. JAFZA was created to promote trade and diversify the economy of Dubai. Today, the Jebel Ali Free Zone is one of the top free zones in Dubai that offers a business-friendly environment, tax benefits and flexible licensing options for businesses. The biggest advantage of JAFZA is its proximity to the Jebel Ali Port, which is one of the world’s busiest and largest ports.

What are the licenses available in JAFZA according to the activity list?

The licenses available for businesses in JAFZA are:

Trading license
Industrial license
Service license
Logistics license

What is the structure for business in JAFZA Free Zone?

The structures for business in JAFZA Free Zone are:

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Branch of a Foreign Pre-Existing Company

Why is the JAFZA activity list important?

The JAFZA activity list is important as the checklist shares the business activities that are allowed to legally operate in the free zone. The list also ensures that the business complies with the rules and regulations of the free zone. It also makes the company registration more simplified and straightforward.