What documents does a German national need to start a mep contracting business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Germany passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Germany, attested documents via German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille, and a business plan for your mep contracting venture.

How long does it take for a German citizen to set up a mep 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my JAFZA MEP 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 documents do I need to set up a MEP Contracting 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 Dubai Municipality. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

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

The annual licence renewal for a MEP Contracting 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 mep contracting 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.

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

Most of the setup process for a mep 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.

MEP Contracting in Jebel Ali Free Zone for German nationals

Free ZoneConstructionRegulated Activity

MEP Contracting in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About MEP Contracting

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

The licensing process at JAFZA has been streamlined significantly, with most construction 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 mep contracting 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 MEP Contracting?

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

The jurisdiction offers world's largest free zone, which is particularly valuable for mep 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 mep contracting professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your mep 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 German nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large German business community.

World's largest free zone

Direct access to Jebel Ali Port

Excellent logistics infrastructure

Tax-free environment

Industrial facilities

Visa Requirements for German Nationals

German nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your mep contracting 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 German Business Owners

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

Document Attestation for German Nationals

German nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for mep contracting), 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 Germany passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

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

Regulatory Note: MEP 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 mep contracting business plan and the best JAFZA licence options for German nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Germany through German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the mep 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. German nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your mep 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 German nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

MEP Contracting 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