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INDUSTRY · LOGISTICS & SHIPPING

UAE free zone for logistics, shipping and freight-forwarding.

Compare UAE free zones for freight-forwarding, third-party logistics (3PL), shipping agencies, customs-clearance and last-mile delivery. Workbook AED, customs-code integration, and the strongest UAE seaport / airport-adjacent zones.

Last updated: Reviewed by · UAE-resident team · DubaiWorkbook-verified against authority pricing

Licensing for Logistics & shipping businesses

Freight-forwarding and 3PL activities sit under 'Logistics Services', 'Freight Forwarding' or 'Cargo Handling' activity codes. Customs-code registration is mandatory and integrated with the trade licence in airport/seaport-adjacent zones (DAFZA, JAFZA, KIZAD, Hamriyah). Shipping-agency licences require Federal Transport Authority (FTA-Maritime) registration in addition to the free-zone licence. Last-mile delivery for UAE-domestic routes typically requires a mainland licence with the relevant emirate's transport authority (Dubai RTA, etc.).

Recommended UAE free-zone routes for Logistics & shipping

DMCC · Import-Export
AED 1,925

Dubai's gold + commodities cluster + logistics activity. Cheapest Dubai entry; strong B2B reputation for international freight.

IFZA · Logistics Services
AED 12,900

Dubai stamp + broad logistics activity. Best for mid-sized freight-forwarders + 3PL operations.

ANCFZ · Import-Export
AED 4,888

Higher visa quota at lower year-one AED. Suits 3PL + warehousing operations with growing operational headcount.

Key topics on this page

  • Jebel Ali Port — largest container port in the Middle East. Dubai International Airport — 4th-busiest cargo airport globally
  • Tax-free re-exports via bonded free zones (JAFZA, DAFZA, KIZAD)
  • Strong GCC + African + South Asian distribution corridor
  • UAE Customs digital integration with most free-zone authority systems
  • 0% Corporate Tax under QFZP for qualifying re-export logistics businesses

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate customs code for my logistics business?

Yes. UAE customs require an authority-issued customs code linked to your trade licence. Dubai Customs, Sharjah Ports + Customs, Fujairah Customs and Ajman Customs each register their own. Airport/seaport-adjacent free zones (DAFZA, JAFZA, KIZAD) integrate customs-code registration into the licence workflow.

Which UAE port has the best re-export corridor?

Jebel Ali Port (JAFZA) — largest container port in the Middle East, direct shipping lanes to East/West Africa, India, China, Europe. Hamriyah Port (Sharjah) — strong for industrial commodities. Khor Fakkan (Sharjah) — direct Indian Ocean access. DAFZA — for air-freight to global markets.

Can I run a last-mile delivery service from a free zone?

Partly. The free-zone licence covers the business entity, but UAE-domestic last-mile delivery typically requires a mainland licence + emirate transport-authority approval (Dubai RTA, Sharjah Transport Authority, etc.) for the vehicles + drivers. Many founders structure: free-zone holding/brand + mainland operating branch for the delivery vehicles.

Does QFZP apply to logistics?

Yes for qualifying re-export logistics activities (handling goods exported outside UAE). The QFZP regime requires substance (UAE employees, office, UAE-incurred expenses) and qualifying-income (re-exports, B2B services to non-UAE clients). Pure domestic-logistics revenue is taxed at 9%. Coordinate with a UAE tax adviser.

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