What documents does a Chinese national need to start a barbershop business in the UAE?

You will need a valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in China, attested documents via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT, and a business plan for your barbershop venture.

How long does it take for a Chinese citizen to set up a barbershop company in JAFZA?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Barbershop licence in JAFZA?

The typical processing time for a barbershop licence at JAFZA is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Dubai Municipality approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Barbershop company in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

Yes, JAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What business activities can I include on my JAFZA licence?

Your JAFZA licence can include barbershop as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Barbershop business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The annual licence renewal for a Barbershop JAFZA company costs approximately AED 16,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Is Jebel Ali Free Zone good for barbershop start-ups?

JAFZA is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering world's largest free zone and direct access to jebel ali port. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 8,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

Barbershop in Jebel Ali Free Zone for Chinese nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Barbershop in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Barbershop

Setting up a Barbershop business in Jebel Ali Free Zone as a Chinese citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to China-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Chinese business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at JAFZA has been streamlined significantly, with most services licences processed within 5 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 16,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your barbershop business in Jebel Ali Free Zone. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why JAFZA for Barbershop?

Jebel Ali Free Zone is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for services businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers world's largest free zone, which is particularly valuable for barbershop operations. Additionally, direct access to jebel ali port ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Excellent logistics infrastructure further enhances the appeal of JAFZA for barbershop professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your barbershop business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, JAFZA remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Chinese nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Chinese business community.

World's largest free zone

Direct access to Jebel Ali Port

Excellent logistics infrastructure

Tax-free environment

Industrial facilities

Visa Requirements for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. Once your barbershop licence is issued by JAFZA, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Chinese Business Owners

Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations. Several UAE banks have dedicated Chinese business desks and Mandarin-speaking staff. For your barbershop business in JAFZA, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Chinese business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any China-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for barbershop), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to JAFZA.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Signed application form from JAFZA authority

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Relevant industry experience documentation

Regulatory Note: Barbershop is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Municipality is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	16,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,000
Flexi Desk	8,000
Shared Office	15,000
Private Office	40,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 29,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your barbershop business plan and the best JAFZA licence options for Chinese nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from China through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the barbershop licence application to JAFZA. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official JAFZA trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations.

Start Operations

Your barbershop business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. JAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Chinese nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Barbershop in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000