What documents does a Canadian national need to start a building materials trading business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Canada, attested documents via Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, and a business plan for your building materials trading venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a building materials trading 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.

What are the tax implications for a Building Materials Trading business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in JAFZA may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

What business activities can I include on my JAFZA licence?

Your JAFZA licence can include building materials trading 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 documents do I need to set up a Building Materials Trading business in JAFZA?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Building Materials Trading business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The annual licence renewal for a Building Materials Trading 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.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Building Materials Trading 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.

Building Materials Trading in Jebel Ali Free Zone for Canadian nationals

Free ZoneCommercial

Building Materials Trading in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Building Materials Trading

The UAE continues to attract Canadian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and JAFZA is one of the most popular jurisdictions for building materials trading operations. Growing Canadian business community (~40,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Jebel Ali Free Zone gives your Building Materials Trading business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. The Building Materials Trading activity does not require any special regulatory approvals beyond the standard trade licence, simplifying the setup process considerably.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up building materials trading businesses in Jebel Ali Free Zone since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why JAFZA for Building Materials Trading?

Choosing JAFZA for your building materials trading business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers world's largest free zone, which is particularly valuable for building materials trading 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 building materials trading professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your building materials trading 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 commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

World's largest free zone

Direct access to Jebel Ali Port

Excellent logistics infrastructure

Tax-free environment

Industrial facilities

Visa Requirements for Canadian Nationals

For Canadian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your building materials trading business in JAFZA.

Banking for Canadian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your building materials trading company in JAFZA: Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Canadian business structures.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Document attestation for Canadian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Canada, (2) Attestation by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to building materials trading businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

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

8Completed application form for trade licence

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 building materials trading business plan and the best JAFZA licence options for Canadian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Canada through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the building materials trading 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. Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your building materials trading 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 Canadian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Building Materials Trading in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750