Starts from AED 0 (Premium) — best for Maritime, shipping, and industrial companies requiring large-scale workshops, warehouses, or prime office space with direct port and dry-dock access..
Starts from AED 38,120 (Premium) — best for Logistics, manufacturing, and international trading companies requiring access to a major port and extensive warehousing facilities..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
—
Annual Renewal
—
Year 1 Total
AED 38,120
Annual Renewal
AED 25,500
No breakdown available
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
No Pre-Bundled Packages
This jurisdiction offers custom pricing based on specific requirements rather than set packages.
Trading License Package (Flexi-Desk)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 45,000
NoteThis is an estimated package cost based on combining the lowest-tier license, registration, and facility costs. JAFZA's model is primarily à la carte rather than pre-bundled packages. Total cost can range from AED 40,000 to 60,000.
Service License Package (Small Office)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 60,000
NoteThis is an estimated package cost combining a service license with the smallest available office space (approx 26.88 sqm). Office rent starts from AED 53,670 per year.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority offers a lower starting price point at AED 38120
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~2 days
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Both are widely recognized as premium, tier-1 jurisdictions
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai Maritime City targets the global maritime industry, focusing on sectors such as ship repair, yacht manufacturing, maritime services, and logistics. Its primary investor profile includes marine service providers, engineering firms, yacht and vessel manufacturers, repair and maintenance companies, and shipping and logistics operators seeking a strategic location with specialized infrastructure.
Key Advantages
Dubai Maritime City is the definitive choice for businesses core to the maritime industry—ship repair, yacht manufacturing, marine engineering, and shipping—that require purpose-built, specialized infrastructure and direct integration with a global port operator like DP World.
Businesses without a direct link to the maritime industry (e.g., general trading, media, IT services) and solo entrepreneurs, as the zone does not offer freelance permits and its costs are aligned with its specialized, capital-intensive facilities.
JAFZA primarily targets businesses in the logistics, manufacturing, trading, and E-commerce sectors. Its ideal investor profile ranges from Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations requiring extensive logistics and industrial facilities to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in global trade. It is the undisputed hub for supply chain, logistics, and heavy industrial activities in the region.
Key Advantages
JAFZA is the undisputed leader for established businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and trading that rely on sea freight and multimodal transport, offering unparalleled access to Jebel Ali Port and a vast, powerful business ecosystem.
Freelancers, crypto-asset companies, or small service-based startups requiring only a virtual office, as JAFZA does not offer freelance permits, virtual asset licenses, or non-physical office packages.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 38,120. In the broader market context, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is officially positioned as "Premium".
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai Maritime City: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.
Dubai Maritime City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Dubai Maritime City is the definitive choice for businesses core to the maritime industry—ship repair, yacht manufacturing, marine engineering, and shipping—that require purpose-built, specialized infrastructure and direct integration with a global port operator like DP World.
JAFZA is the undisputed leader for established businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and trading that rely on sea freight and multimodal transport, offering unparalleled access to Jebel Ali Port and a vast, powerful business ecosystem.
