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
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.
Gain a decisive competitive edge with our unique combination of strategic benefits designed for ambitious international companies.
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.
Operate seamlessly across the free zone and Dubai's mainland market with a single DAFZA license, saving significant cost and complexity.
Benefit from 0% corporate and personal income tax, 100% foreign ownership, and 100% repatriation of capital and profits, guaranteed for 50 years.
Choose from a portfolio of state-of-the-art smart offices, light industrial units, and logistics facilities designed to meet the highest international standards.
Experience a fast-track company formation process with our single-window administration handling all registration, licensing, and visa services efficiently.
Leverage our VAT Designated Zone status to trade physical goods between designated zones tax-free, alongside a full exemption on import and export duties.
DAFZA offers premium, all-inclusive packages designed for strategic value and operational excellence. The following estimates are for a standard company setup.
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AED Pricing
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
AED 7,550
AED 4,920
DAFZA offers a range of license types to accommodate diverse business activities, from global trade to professional services.
Join a thriving community across a wide spectrum of high-growth industries.
| 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 |
Our streamlined, single-window process ensures your business is licensed and operational in record time.
Phase 1 Focus
Submit your application form, shareholder documents, and business plan. Our team will guide you on the correct license and facility.
We secure your trade name and obtain the necessary initial approvals from the DAFZA authority.
Sign the Memorandum of Association and make the payment for your license and facility package.
DAFZA issues your official trade license and facility lease agreement, allowing you to formally commence business.
We open your company immigration file (Establishment Card) and begin processing residency visas for shareholders and employees.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Contact our expert advisors today to get a personalized quote and a clear roadmap for your DAFZA company setup.
