What documents does a Canadian national need to start a medical equipment 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 medical equipment trading venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a medical equipment 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my JAFZA Medical Equipment Trading 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.

How much does it cost to set up a Medical Equipment Trading business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The total setup cost for a Medical Equipment Trading 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 get a residence visa with my Medical Equipment Trading licence from JAFZA?

Yes, your medical equipment trading licence from JAFZA entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 6 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 5,000.

What are the tax implications for a Medical Equipment 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 documents do I need to set up a Medical Equipment 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. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Ministry of Health. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Medical Equipment Trading in Jebel Ali Free Zone for Canadian nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Medical Equipment Trading in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Medical Equipment Trading

As a Canadian national looking to establish a Medical Equipment Trading business in Jebel Ali Free Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Canada has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Canadian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Medical Equipment Trading business will benefit from world's largest free zone and direct access to jebel ali port. The JAFZA licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 16,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your medical equipment trading setup in JAFZA. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why JAFZA for Medical Equipment Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Jebel Ali Free Zone continues to attract medical equipment trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers world's largest free zone, which is particularly valuable for medical equipment 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 medical equipment trading professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your medical equipment 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

Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your medical equipment trading 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 Canadian Business Owners

Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. For your medical equipment trading business in JAFZA, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Canadian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Canada-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for medical equipment trading), 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 Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Ministry of Health

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Detailed business plan or activity description

7Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Regulatory Note: Medical Equipment Trading is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Ministry of Health 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 medical equipment 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 medical equipment 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 medical equipment 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.

Medical Equipment 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