The Ultimate Gateway for Global Trade
Leverage our strategic location at Dubai International Airport and premium infrastructure to accelerate your access to markets across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Established
1996
Registered Companies
3,100+
Professionals Employed
20,000+
Customs Service
24/7
Strategic Location
Adjacent to DXB
A World-Class Hub for International Business
Established in 1996, Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) is a premier free zone strategically located next to Dubai International Airport. We provide a comprehensive, modern business environment for international companies, offering an unrivalled gateway to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Official Name
- Dubai Airport Freezone Authority
- Primary Focus
- Logistics, Aviation, High-Value Trade
- Minimum Share Capital
- AED 1,000 (deposit not required)
- VAT Designated Zone
- Yes, for physical goods
- Annual Audit
- Mandatory for all companies
- Remote Incorporation
- Yes, 100% remote setup available
The DAFZA Advantage: Speed, Access, and Profitability
Gain a decisive competitive edge with our unique combination of strategic benefits designed for ambitious international companies.
Unrivalled Airport Connectivity
Gain direct access to Dubai International Airport with 24/7 customs and rapid cargo clearance, ensuring your high-value goods move faster than anywhere else.
Exclusive Dual License
Operate seamlessly across the free zone and Dubai's mainland market with a single DAFZA license, saving significant cost and complexity.
Complete Financial Freedom
Benefit from 0% corporate and personal income tax, 100% foreign ownership, and 100% repatriation of capital and profits, guaranteed for 50 years.
World-Class Infrastructure
Choose from a portfolio of state-of-the-art smart offices, light industrial units, and logistics facilities designed to meet the highest international standards.
Streamlined Single-Window Setup
Experience a fast-track company formation process with our single-window administration handling all registration, licensing, and visa services efficiently.
Optimized for Trade & Logistics
Leverage our VAT Designated Zone status to trade physical goods between designated zones tax-free, alongside a full exemption on import and export duties.
Transparent Investment for a Premium Location
DAFZA offers premium, all-inclusive packages designed for strategic value and operational excellence. The following estimates are for a standard company setup.
0-Visa Flexi-Desk Package
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Flexi-Desk Facility Lease
- Trade/Service License
- Flexi-Desk Facility Lease
- Establishment Card (Immigration File)
1-Visa Flexi-Desk Package
Billed annually
- 1 Resident Visa(s)
- Flexi-Desk Facility Lease
- Trade/Service License
- Flexi-Desk Facility Lease
- Establishment Card (Immigration File)
- Full Visa Processing for one investor
Executive Office Package
Billed annually
- 2 Resident Visa(s)
- Fully Furnished Private Office
- Trade/Service License
- Fully Furnished Private Office
- Establishment Card (Immigration File)
- Higher Visa Quota
AED Pricing
Transparent Investment for a Premium Location
DAFZA offers premium, all-inclusive packages designed for strategic value and operational excellence. The following estimates are for a standard company setup.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Estimated first-year setup fees derived from landing page content.
Cost Phase Timeline
Active Phase 1
One-Time Fees
AED 7,550
AED 4,920
Find the Perfect License for Your Business
DAFZA offers a range of license types to accommodate diverse business activities, from global trade to professional services.
Commercial Trade License
Professional Services License
Industrial License
General Trading License
Popular Business Activities at DAFZA
Join a thriving community across a wide spectrum of high-growth industries.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Freight Forwarding | Logistics & Freight |
| Supply Chain Management | Logistics & Freight |
| Third Party Logistics (3PL) Services | Logistics & Freight |
| Aircraft and Spacecraft Trading | High-Value Trading |
| Electronics & Electrical Group Trading | High-Value Trading |
| Pharmaceuticals Trading | High-Value Trading |
| IT Consultancy | Professional & IT |
| Business Consultancy | Professional & IT |
| Management Consultancy | Professional & IT |
| Cosmetics, Soaps & Perfumes Manufacturing | Light Industrial |
| Plastic Products Manufacturing | Light Industrial |
| Electronic Components & Boards Manufacturing | Light Industrial |
Your Fast-Track to Operating in Dubai
Our streamlined, single-window process ensures your business is licensed and operational in record time.
Phase 1 Focus
Initial Approval
Included Technology & Services
Consultation & Document Submission
Submit your application form, shareholder documents, and business plan. Our team will guide you on the correct license and facility.
Initial Approval & Name Reservation
We secure your trade name and obtain the necessary initial approvals from the DAFZA authority.
MOA Signing & Fee Payment
Sign the Memorandum of Association and make the payment for your license and facility package.
License & Lease Issuance
DAFZA issues your official trade license and facility lease agreement, allowing you to formally commence business.
Immigration & Visa Processing
We open your company immigration file (Establishment Card) and begin processing residency visas for shareholders and employees.
Who Succeeds at DAFZA?
The Global Logistics & Freight Forwarder
DAFZA's direct integration with Dubai International Airport and 24/7 customs eliminates costly delays, providing a critical operational advantage for managing time-sensitive air cargo.
Primary Benefit
Unparalleled speed-to-market through rapid cargo clearance.
The High-Value Goods Trader
The combination of 0% import/export duties and VAT Designated Zone status significantly reduces supply chain costs, maximizing profit margins on electronics, pharmaceuticals, or luxury goods.
Primary Benefit
Maximized profitability with optimal tax and duty structure.
The MNC Regional HQ
The exclusive 'Dual License' allows seamless operation in both the free zone and mainland markets from a single, prestigious DAFZA base, simplifying regional expansion.
Primary Benefit
Unified market access without needing a second company.
The Aviation & Aerospace Supplier
Position your business within a dedicated aerospace hub at the heart of global aviation, providing direct proximity to major airlines and MROs at DXB.
Primary Benefit
Strategic positioning inside a core aviation ecosystem.
How DAFZA Compares
DAFZA is the premium choice for businesses where air-cargo speed and a prestigious corporate environment are paramount.
| Feature Highlight | DAFZA | Jafza | Dubai South |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Logistics Focus | Air Freight (DXB) | Sea Freight (Jebel Ali Port) | Air Freight (DWC) |
| Mainland Market Access | Dual License available | Requires separate mainland license | Requires separate mainland license |
| Ideal For | High-value goods, corporate HQs | Heavy industry, bulk sea cargo | Large-scale aviation MRO, future logistics |
| Proximity to Dubai Center | Excellent (15 mins) | Fair (40 mins) | Fair (45 mins) |
| Environment | Premium, established corporate park | Vast industrial & logistics zone | Developing, large-scale plots |
This is a general comparison. We recommend a detailed consultation to determine the best fit for your specific business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Position Your Business at the Center of Global Trade?
Contact our expert advisors today to get a personalized quote and a clear roadmap for your DAFZA company setup.
- Clear, all-inclusive pricing
- Expert guidance at every step
- Fast-track setup process