DAFZA (Dubai Airport Freezone) Company Formation
DAFZA sits next to Dubai International Airport, ideal for companies that move high value goods by air or want a premium address close to the airport.
- Next to DXB, DubaiLocation
- 1996Founded
- 100%Ownership
- Quote on requestCosts
About DAFZA
Dubai Airport Freezone was established in 1996 beside Dubai International Airport. It is home to companies in aviation, logistics, electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods and technology, many of which ship by air.
DAFZA is part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority and offers offices, warehouses and light industrial units. It usually requires audited accounts at renewal. We confirm the current package costs when you enquire.
Authority
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority
Best suited to
Air freight dependent trading; Pharmaceutical and medical devices; Technology and electronics; Regional headquarters.
Benefits of DAFZA
Airport access
Direct link to DXB air cargo.
Premium address
Well known with international partners.
Facilities
Offices, warehouses and light industrial units.
Metro
Served by the Dubai Metro.
Ownership
100% foreign.
Integrated services
Immigration and licensing in one place.
Licence types available
Trading licence
Import, export and distribution.
Service licence
Professional services.
Industrial licence
Light manufacturing and assembly.
E-commerce licence
Online trading.
Legal forms, visas and office
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms | Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZCO), Branch |
| Visa allocation | Visa quota depends on facility size. |
| Office | Offices, warehouses and flexi options. |
How setup works
Activity and package
We match your activities to the zone’s list and choose a package and visa count.
Name and application
Trade name reserved and application filed with shareholder documents.
Licence issue
Initial approval, signing of incorporation documents and licence issued.
Establishment card and visas
Immigration card, entry permits, medicals and Emirates ID.
Bank, VAT and corporate tax
Bank account support, corporate tax registration and VAT where needed.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport size photographs on a white background
- Visa or entry stamp copy for UAE residents, or a visit visa page
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Short business plan or activity description (some zones)
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution and good standing, attested
DAFZA packages
Costs for DAFZA
We price DAFZA case by case because fees depend on the activity, office type and number of visas. Expect the total to include the licence and registration fees, the office or flexi desk, the establishment card and each visa (entry permit, medical and Emirates ID). Ask us for a written quote with current government fees.
Tax after setup
Free zone companies must register for corporate tax and file a return every year. If the company meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions (adequate substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited accounts, transfer pricing compliance and non qualifying revenue below 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower) it pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on the rest. VAT applies as normal unless the zone is a designated zone for goods. Corporate tax registration and VAT registration can be added to any package.
DAFZA questions
Why choose DAFZA?
For direct air cargo access, a premium address and facilities next to Dubai International Airport.
Does DAFZA require audited accounts?
Generally yes, at licence renewal.
Can a free zone company trade with mainland customers?
It can sell to mainland customers through a distributor or agent, or by registering a branch or obtaining a mainland permit where available. Services to mainland clients are possible in many cases. Rules differ by zone and activity.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up?
Many free zones allow remote setup. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.
Speak to our setup manager about DAFZA
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.