DAFZA vs JAFZA: Side-by-Side Comparison
DAFZA is built around Dubai International Airport — perfect for air cargo, e-commerce fulfillment, and high-value logistics. JAFZA is the sea port equivalent, larger scale, better for bulk goods and industrial operations.
- Aviation-related businesses
- Tech companies
- Pharma trading
- Import/export
- Manufacturing
- Logistics companies
- Airport location
- Strong logistics infrastructure
- Diverse business community
- Port connectivity
- Customs advantages
- Huge warehouse options
- Mid-to-high pricing
- Limited warehouse compared to JAFZA
- Premium pricing
- Far from city center
- Not ideal for service-only businesses
Still not sure which fits your business?
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| DAFZA | JAFZA | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | dubai | dubai |
| License from | AED 15,000/yr | AED 15,000/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 14,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Setup time | 3-5 business days | 5-7 business days |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 1996 | 1985 |
| License types | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce | trading, service, industrial |
| Office options | flexi desk, private office, warehouse, cold storage | private office, warehouse, industrial unit, land lease |
Cost breakdown
DAFZA
- License (starting from)
- AED 15,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 14,000
- Visa packages
- 2 visas
- ~AED 8,000
- 5 visas
- ~AED 18,000
JAFZA
- License (starting from)
- AED 15,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 15,000
- Visa packages
- 3 visas
- ~AED 12,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 20,000
- 10 visas
- ~AED 30,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick JAFZA if
You import/export by sea, need large warehousing, or run industrial operations.
See full JAFZA profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, DAFZA or JAFZA?
JAFZA is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 15,000/year vs AED 15,000/year for DAFZA — a difference of AED 0 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at DAFZA vs JAFZA?
DAFZA advertises 3-5 business days and JAFZA advertises 5-7 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
What license types does each offer?
DAFZA issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce licenses. JAFZA issues trading, service, industrial licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.