Nursery & Childcare in Jebel Ali Free Zone for American nationals
Free ZoneEducationRegulated Activity

Nursery & Childcare in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Nursery & Childcare

The UAE continues to attract American entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and JAFZA is one of the most popular jurisdictions for nursery & childcare operations. Growing American business community (~50,000), 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 Nursery & Childcare 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 KHDA before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up nursery & childcare 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 Nursery & Childcare?

Choosing JAFZA for your nursery & childcare 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 nursery & childcare 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 nursery & childcare professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your nursery & childcare 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 education enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

World's largest free zone
Direct access to Jebel Ali Port
Excellent logistics infrastructure
Tax-free environment
Industrial facilities

Visa Requirements for American Nationals

For American entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. A residence visa is processed after company formation for long-term business operations. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your nursery & childcare business in JAFZA.

Banking for American Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your nursery & childcare company in JAFZA: US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts. IBA assists with the additional documentation required. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand American business structures.

Document Attestation for American Nationals

Document attestation for American nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in United States, (2) Attestation by US Department of State / Secretary of State, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to nursery & childcare businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by US Department of State / Secretary of State
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from KHDA
5Completed application form for trade licence
6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)
7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
8Detailed business plan or activity description

Regulatory Note: Nursery & Childcare is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from KHDA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee16,000
Visa Package (per visa)5,000
Flexi Desk8,000
Shared Office15,000
Private Office40,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 29,000

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

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your nursery & childcare business plan and the best JAFZA licence options for American nationals.

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United States through US Department of State / Secretary of State and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

Submit the nursery & childcare licence application to JAFZA. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

4

Trade Licence Issued

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

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts.

7

Start Operations

Your nursery & childcare 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 American nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your nursery & childcare in JAFZA? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionJAFZA
TypeFree Zone
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 16,000
Setup Time5 days
Visa Quota6
Activity Code85200

Official Source

www.jafza.ae

By IBA Business Setup Team

Last updated: 26 February 2026

International Business Advisors DMCC has been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in the UAE since 2004, with 20+ years of hands-on expertise.

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