What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a optical shop business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Egypt, attested documents via Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your optical shop venture.

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a optical shop 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 business activities can I include on my JAFZA licence?

Your JAFZA licence can include optical shop 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my JAFZA Optical Shop 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 an Optical Shop 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 DHA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the tax implications for an Optical Shop 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.

How much does it cost to set up an Optical Shop business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The total setup cost for an Optical Shop 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.

Optical Shop in Jebel Ali Free Zone for Egyptian nationals

Free ZoneHealthcareRegulated Activity

Optical Shop in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Optical Shop

The UAE continues to attract Egyptian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and JAFZA is one of the most popular jurisdictions for optical shop operations. Large Arab expatriate community (~400,000), 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 Optical Shop 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 DHA before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up optical shop 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 Optical Shop?

Choosing JAFZA for your optical shop 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 optical shop 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 optical shop professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your optical shop 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 healthcare enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

World's largest free zone

Direct access to Jebel Ali Port

Excellent logistics infrastructure

Tax-free environment

Industrial facilities

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

For Egyptian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your optical shop business in JAFZA.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your optical shop company in JAFZA: Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Egyptian business structures.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Document attestation for Egyptian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Egypt, (2) Attestation by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to optical shop businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Signed application form from JAFZA authority

5Professional qualification certificates or approvals from DHA

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

Regulatory Note: Optical Shop is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from DHA 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 optical shop business plan and the best JAFZA licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Egypt through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the optical shop 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. Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your optical shop 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 Egyptian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Optical Shop 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