Business Formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Expert DAFZA Company Formation Consultancy
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) was established in 1996 as part of the government’s drive to diversify the UAE economy, and it has since grown into one of the country’s fastest-growing free zones, contributing 4.7% to Dubai’s GDP. DAFZA is home to over 1,600 companies operating across sectors including electronics, IT and telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, aerospace and aviation, logistics and freight, and food and beverage.
Spread across approximately 696,000 square metres, DAFZA offers a mix of offices, warehouses, and purpose-built units, alongside amenities such as conference rooms, a business lounge, and dedicated Tasheel services for visa and labour processing. Since 2022, DAFZA has operated under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), alongside Dubai Silicon Oasis, bringing both zones under a shared regulatory umbrella.
At FAR Consulting Middle East, we manage DAFZA company formation from legal entity selection through documentation, licensing, and visa processing, backed by advisory experience in the UAE since 1985.
Request A QuoteBenefits of DAFZA Business Setup
DAFZA gives investors a genuinely well-established, aviation-linked free zone with strong infrastructure. Key benefits include:
- 100% ownership for foreign investors
- No income tax
- Full profit and capital repatriation
- Minimal import and export duties
- Faster licensing and setup compared to mainland formation
- Stable and transparent regulations
- No currency restrictions
These advantages make DAFZA a strong fit for businesses connected to aviation, logistics, and international trade.
License Types Available in DAFZA
DAFZA issues licences based on your specific business activity. Main categories include:
- General Trading Licence: for trading across a wide range of goods
- Service Licence: for consultancy and service-based activities
- National Industrial Licence: for manufacturing and industrial operations
We confirm which licence category fits your specific activity before you apply, since some activities may require third-party approvals, such as media, IT, or pharmaceutical businesses.
Documents Required for DAFZA Company Registration
Setting up a company in DAFZA requires a defined set of documents:
- Application form and Letter of Intent
- Existing company brochure, if available
- Annual financial report or shareholder’s six-month bank statement, not applicable for new registrations
- Copy of the manager’s passport and CV
- Copy of shareholders’ passports and CVs
- Original bank reference letter for each shareholder
- No Objection Letter from the current sponsor for the manager, if a UAE resident on an employment visa
- Initial approvals from third-party authorities, where your activity requires them, such as media, IT, or pharmaceutical
For corporate shareholders and branches, additional documents apply: an attested and notarized Memorandum and Articles of Association, a board resolution expressing intent to establish a UAE branch, and a certificate of registration or incorporation, all attested by the UAE Embassy at the place of origin.
Process of DAFZA Business Setup
- Choose your business activity. This determines your licence category and any additional approvals required.
- Select your legal entity. Decide between an FZ LLC or a branch of an existing company.
- Reserve your trade name. Confirm your company name meets DAFZA’s naming rules and is available.
- Submit your application and documents. Provide shareholder, manager, and (where applicable) corporate documentation.
- Obtain third-party approvals, if required. Certain activities, such as media, IT, or pharmaceutical businesses, need additional sign-off.
- Receive your business licence. Once approved, your licence is issued along with your share capital certificate, if capital is paid in full.
- Apply for visas. Process residence visas for shareholders, managers, and employees.
The overall process typically takes two to four weeks, depending on your activity and how quickly documents are ready.
Support Services for DAFZA Business Setup
FAR Consulting Middle East manages the entire DAFZA company formation process, from selecting the right legal entity to initiating visa processing and submitting your application requirements. Our support includes:
- Legal entity selection and structuring advice
- Trade name reservation and licence application
- Coordination with third-party authorities for regulated activities
- Visa and Emirates ID processing
- Corporate bank account opening support
- Ongoing compliance and licence renewal assistance
We stay involved well beyond licence issuance, so your DAFZA company remains compliant year after year.
Cost of DAFZA Business Setup
The cost of DAFZA company formation depends on several factors, including your chosen licence type, business activity, visa requirements, and whether your activity needs third-party approvals. Registration fees, licence fees, and visa processing costs all contribute to the overall investment required.
Because these variables differ from one business to the next, we review your specific requirements first and then provide a clear, itemized cost estimate, with no hidden fees.
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