What documents does a Canadian national need to start a general contracting 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 general contracting venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a general contracting 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 much does it cost to set up a General Contracting business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The total setup cost for a General Contracting business in JAFZA starts from approximately AED 16,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 5,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my JAFZA General Contracting licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from JAFZA, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What business activities can I include on my JAFZA licence?

Your JAFZA licence can include general contracting 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 tax implications for a General Contracting 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.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a General Contracting company in JAFZA?

Most of the setup process for a general contracting business in JAFZA can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

General Contracting in Jebel Ali Free Zone for Canadian nationals

Free ZoneConstructionRegulated Activity

General Contracting in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About General Contracting

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 general contracting 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 General Contracting business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Municipality before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up general contracting 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 General Contracting?

Choosing JAFZA for your general contracting 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 general contracting 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 general contracting professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your general contracting 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 construction 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 general contracting business in JAFZA.

Banking for Canadian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your general contracting 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 general contracting 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)

5Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

6Signed application form from JAFZA authority

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Regulatory Note: General Contracting 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 general contracting 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 general contracting 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 general contracting 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.

General Contracting 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