Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)

Establish your business in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) with 100% foreign ownership and direct connectivity to Dubai International Airport. We handle your complete company formation, from license selection and documentation through to facility allocation and visa processing.

DAFZA’s strategic location adjacent to one of the world’s busiest airports makes it ideal for trading, logistics, aviation services, and businesses requiring rapid international connectivity. Our team manages the entire setup process so you can focus on your operations.

Why Choose DAFZA for Your Business?

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) was established in 1996 and has grown to host over 2,000 companies from more than 100 countries. Its location within the Dubai International Airport complex provides unmatched logistics advantages for import-export businesses, aviation services, and companies with international supply chains.

DAFZA is particularly suited for businesses that benefit from:

• Direct airport access – Located within Dubai International Airport, providing immediate cargo and passenger connectivity
• 100% foreign ownership – Full ownership without requiring a local partner or sponsor
• 0% personal income tax – No taxation on personal earnings for employees and shareholders
• Qualifying Free Zone tax benefits – Eligible businesses can benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income under UAE free zone regulations
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits – No restrictions on transferring funds internationally
• Integrated customs facilities – On-site customs clearance for faster processing
• 24/7 operations – Round-the-clock business operations permitted
• World-class infrastructure – Modern offices, warehouses, and logistics facilities
• Global connectivity – Access to over 260 destinations through Dubai International Airport

For businesses comparing free zone options, see our overview of Dubai free zone company setup or specific zones like JAFZA for port-based logistics or DMCC for commodities trading.

DAFZA License Types We Offer

We assist clients in obtaining the appropriate DAFZA license based on their business activities:

License Type	Suitable For
Service License	Consultancy, IT services, marketing agencies, professional services operating within the free zone
Trading License	Import, export, distribution, and storage of specific product categories
Industrial License	Manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and production activities
General Trading License	Trading in multiple product categories (electronics, textiles, furniture, etc.) under one license
E-Commerce License	Online trading and digital commerce operations
Dual License (DAFZA + DED)	Businesses requiring both free zone registration and mainland trading rights

The Dual License option allows your company to operate within DAFZA while also holding a Dubai Economy license to trade directly in the UAE mainland market. We advise on whether this option suits your business model.

Legal Structures Available in DAFZA

We set up companies in DAFZA under three legal structures:

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

A single-shareholder company structure ideal for individual entrepreneurs or parent companies establishing a UAE presence. The FZE requires:

• One shareholder (individual or corporate)
• Minimum share capital of AED 1,000
• Minimum one director (can also serve as secretary)

Free Zone Company (FZC)

A multi-shareholder company for partnerships or joint ventures. The FZC requires:

• Two to fifty shareholders (individuals or corporates)
• Minimum share capital of AED 1,000 per share
• Minimum two directors and one secretary

Branch Office

For existing companies (UAE or foreign) wanting to establish a DAFZA presence without creating a new legal entity. Branch offices:

• Operate as an extension of the parent company
• Have no minimum capital requirement
• Require parent company documents (Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, Board Resolution)

Industries Suited for DAFZA

DAFZA’s airport location and infrastructure make it particularly attractive for:

• Aviation and aerospace – Aircraft parts trading, MRO services, aviation consultancy
• Logistics and freight – Freight forwarding, cargo handling, supply chain management
• Electronics trading – Consumer electronics, IT hardware distribution
• Pharmaceuticals – Pharmaceutical trading and distribution (with regulatory approvals)
• Luxury goods – Watches, jewelry, fashion distribution
• E-commerce – Online retail operations with fulfillment capabilities
• General trading – Multi-category import/export businesses

DAFZA Facilities We Arrange

We help you select and secure the right facility based on your operational requirements:

Facility Type	Description
Flexi Desk	Shared workspace with business address, ideal for startups and service companies
Serviced Office	Furnished private offices with reception and meeting room access
Commercial Office	Shell and core office space for companies requiring custom fit-out
Light Industrial Unit	Combined office and warehouse space for light manufacturing or storage
Warehouse	Storage and distribution facilities with loading docks

Documents We Need From You

To start your DAFZA company formation, we require:

For Individual Shareholders

• Passport copies (valid for at least 6 months)
• Passport-sized photographs with white background
• Curriculum vitae / resume
• Bank reference letter
• No Objection Certificate from current UAE sponsor (if applicable)

For Corporate Shareholders

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Board Resolution authorizing UAE company formation
• Company brochure or profile
• Latest audited financial statements or annual report
• Bank reference letter
• Six months bank statement (for existing companies)

We handle the Letter of Intent, application forms, lease agreements, and all DAFZA-specific documentation on your behalf.

Our DAFZA Company Setup Process

We manage every stage of your DAFZA company formation:

Initial Consultation and Structure Selection
We assess your business requirements, recommend the appropriate legal structure (FZE, FZC, or Branch), and identify the correct license type for your activities.

Trade Name Reservation
We submit your proposed company names to DAFZA for approval and reservation. Name approval typically takes 1-2 business days.

Document Preparation and Submission
We prepare your application package, including the Letter of Intent and all supporting documents, and submit to DAFZA for processing.

Facility Selection and Lease Agreement
We help you select appropriate office or warehouse space and negotiate the lease terms. You sign the facility agreement with DAFZA.

License Issuance
Once DAFZA approves your application and you complete fee payment, we collect your business license and establishment card. Total processing time is typically 2-4 weeks.

Post-Licensing Support
We assist with corporate bank account opening, visa processing, and ongoing compliance requirements.

DAFZA Setup Costs in 2026

DAFZA company formation involves several cost components. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees:

Cost Component	Estimated Range (AED)
License Fee (Annual)	15,000 – 50,000
Registration Fee	5,000 – 10,000
Flexi Desk (Annual)	15,000 – 25,000
Serviced Office (Annual)	40,000 – 80,000
Warehouse/Industrial Unit (Annual)	80,000 – 300,000+
Visa Processing (Per Person)	4,000 – 6,000
Establishment Card	2,000 – 3,000

Total first-year investment typically ranges from AED 40,000 to AED 150,000+ depending on license type, facility choice, and visa requirements. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your business. For cost comparisons across zones, see our business setup costs page.

Tax Considerations for DAFZA Companies

DAFZA companies must understand UAE tax obligations in 2026:

Corporate Tax: The UAE applies a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. However, DAFZA is a designated Qualifying Free Zone. Companies meeting substance requirements and earning “qualifying income” (primarily from transactions with other free zone entities or from qualifying activities) may benefit from 0% corporate tax on that income.

VAT Registration: Businesses with annual taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 must register for VAT at 5%. Free zone to free zone transactions may qualify for zero-rating. We assist with VAT registration and compliance.

Personal Income Tax: The UAE maintains zero personal income tax. Your salary and dividends are not taxed.

Customs Duties: Goods imported into DAFZA for re-export are generally duty-free. Duties apply only when goods enter the UAE mainland market.

Additional Services After License Issuance

Once your DAFZA company is established, we provide ongoing support for:

• Corporate bank account opening – We assist with documentation and bank introductions. See our bank account services
• Visa processing – Investor visas, employee visas, and dependent visas based on your facility’s visa allocation
• Tax registration – FTA registration and Tax Registration Number (TRN) application
• Accounting services – Bookkeeping and financial reporting through our accounting services
• PRO services – Government document processing through our PRO services
• Annual license renewal – We manage the renewal process before your license expires

Why Work With Us for DAFZA Setup?

As experienced business setup specialists, we offer:

• Direct relationships with DAFZA authority for efficient processing
• Accurate license and activity selection for your business model
• Facility negotiation and lease arrangement
• Complete document preparation and submission
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Tax structuring advice for free zone benefits
• Ongoing compliance support and license renewals

Contact our team at +971 55 378 8000 to discuss your DAFZA company setup requirements.