DAFZA Free Zone Company Formation: Trade Licenses, Offices and Costs
DAFZA, or Dubai Airport Free Zone, is the business hub located next to Dubai International Airport (DXB). It was established in 1996 and operates under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ). It supports various international companies across multiple industries. Its prime location suits your business that depends on air cargo, logistics and access to regional markets.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET license #909402
- 3,400+ companies in DAFZA
Why Companies Choose DAFZA, and When Another Zone Fits Better
Avyanco assists investors in evaluating why major corporations manage their business operations
Why Companies Choose DAFZA
- Close proximity to DXB with dedicated customs facilities and fast air cargo handling
- Designated zone status for Value Added Tax (VAT) suspensions on physical goods transfers.
- Operational eligibility for a dual license to trade across the UAE mainland directly without separate physical offices.
- Mature regulatory structure operating since 1996 under the unified governance of DIEZ.
- The established business ecosystem houses over 3,400 registered companies and international enterprises.
When Another Zone Fits Better
- Solo consultants who are looking for low-cost virtual licenses can find better alignment with options such as IFZA or Meydan.IFZA →Meydan →
- Those who want to focus on maritime logistics and heavy manufacturing operations can choose JAFZA.JAFZA →
- For wide regional options, you can explore our comprehensive guide to business setup in free zone frameworks in the UAE. If you are seeking DAFZA free zone company formation, you can contact our team and meet your operational requirements with the ideal zone.Free Zones →
DAFZA fits air-freight-reliant import/export merchants, tech distributors, aviation consultancy firms, regional corporate offices and e-commerce networks.
Quick answer: DAFZA setup at a glance
Avyanco provides you with DAFZA free zone company formation services. Whether you are a tech provider, trading company, aviation business, pharmaceutical distributor, or regional headquarters, we support you with our company setup services. We understand your business requirements, assess licensing requirements, choose a legal structure and budget for your visas, offices and compliance obligations. Our Dubai Airport Free Zone company formation fits your business if you are planning to expand to the UAE.
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership with full capital and profit repatriation.
Year-One Cost: From AED 15,000* to AED 38,000+ based on the license category and office facility.
Share Capital: FZCO minimum share capital is AED 1.
Timeline: Trade license issuance takes 7 to 10 working days, and residence visas take 2 to 4 additional weeks.
Taxation: 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, subject to Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions.
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
DAFZA Trade License Types and Activities
Trading License
It allows the import, export, re-export, storage, and distribution of designated physical items.
- Our team at Avyanco helps you select the right authorization as per your commercial scope. Here are the license activities and types available
- The DAFZA trade license accommodates up to 3 business activities within the same industry group, with additional activities allowed upon approval. Activities involving regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, or civil aviation need external clearances from relevant UAE authorities before license approval. We manage all authority filings on your behalf.
General Trading License
It allows trading across a broad spectrum of unrestricted goods under a single license.
- Our team at Avyanco helps you select the right authorization as per your commercial scope. Here are the license activities and types available
- The DAFZA trade license accommodates up to 3 business activities within the same industry group, with additional activities allowed upon approval. Activities involving regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, or civil aviation need external clearances from relevant UAE authorities before license approval. We manage all authority filings on your behalf.
Service License
It allows performing consulting, IT services, marketing, and professional advisory activities in the DAFZA zone.
- Our team at Avyanco helps you select the right authorization as per your commercial scope. Here are the license activities and types available
- The DAFZA trade license accommodates up to 3 business activities within the same industry group, with additional activities allowed upon approval. Activities involving regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, or civil aviation need external clearances from relevant UAE authorities before license approval. We manage all authority filings on your behalf.
Industrial License
It allows light manufacturing, assembly, processing, and packaging activities.
- Our team at Avyanco helps you select the right authorization as per your commercial scope. Here are the license activities and types available
- The DAFZA trade license accommodates up to 3 business activities within the same industry group, with additional activities allowed upon approval. Activities involving regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, or civil aviation need external clearances from relevant UAE authorities before license approval. We manage all authority filings on your behalf.
Trading/Commerce Licence
It allows online trading and digital store operations.
- Our team at Avyanco helps you select the right authorization as per your commercial scope. Here are the license activities and types available
- The DAFZA trade license accommodates up to 3 business activities within the same industry group, with additional activities allowed upon approval. Activities involving regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, or civil aviation need external clearances from relevant UAE authorities before license approval. We manage all authority filings on your behalf.
Dual License
It allows the DAFZA-registered entities to get the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) license for mainland trade.
- Our team at Avyanco helps you select the right authorization as per your commercial scope. Here are the license activities and types available
- The DAFZA trade license accommodates up to 3 business activities within the same industry group, with additional activities allowed upon approval. Activities involving regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, or civil aviation need external clearances from relevant UAE authorities before license approval. We manage all authority filings on your behalf.
Talent Pass License
This license is issued for individual freelancers in media, technology, and education sectors.
- Our team at Avyanco helps you select the right authorization as per your commercial scope. Here are the license activities and types available
- The DAFZA trade license accommodates up to 3 business activities within the same industry group, with additional activities allowed upon approval. Activities involving regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, or civil aviation need external clearances from relevant UAE authorities before license approval. We manage all authority filings on your behalf.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
An independent limited liability company formed with 1 to 50 shareholders. The minimum share capital requirement is AED 1 under current regulations.
- We assist you with the legal structure required for business setup in DAFZA under Regulations issued by DIEZ.
- Single-shareholder Free Zone Establishment (FZE) legal structures are consolidated under the FZCO framework, which supports 1 to 50 shareholders. You must evaluate the legal forms during Dubai Airport Free Zone company formation.
Branch of an Existing Company
It is the legal extension of a parent company incorporated either within the UAE mainland or overseas. No separate share capital is necessary, and the parent entity keeps the full legal liability.
- We assist you with the legal structure required for business setup in DAFZA under Regulations issued by DIEZ.
- Single-shareholder Free Zone Establishment (FZE) legal structures are consolidated under the FZCO framework, which supports 1 to 50 shareholders. You must evaluate the legal forms during Dubai Airport Free Zone company formation.
Public Limited Company (PLC)
PLC is designed for large enterprises that offer shares through an initial public offering (IPO) or list on public capital markets. It requires enhanced corporate governance and reporting standards.
- We assist you with the legal structure required for business setup in DAFZA under Regulations issued by DIEZ.
- Single-shareholder Free Zone Establishment (FZE) legal structures are consolidated under the FZCO framework, which supports 1 to 50 shareholders. You must evaluate the legal forms during Dubai Airport Free Zone company formation.
Offices and Visa Quota
We give you various business facility options, with total visa allocations tied to leased physical floor space instead of license type only.
| Facility option | Details |
|---|---|
| Smart Office / Flexi Desk | Smart offices provide shared desk spaces suitable for small operations and startups. Smart office quota is up to 1 to 2 residence visas. |
| Executive Office Spaces | It is a dedicated private office space starting from 25 to 50+ m². It provides a quota of up to 1 visa allocation per one visa per 8.33 m² leased space. |
| Warehouses & Industrial Units | Warehouse units are high-spec units designed for cold storage, logistics, and light manufacturing. It provides a quota on the basis of the total operational footprint and facility size. |
You can contact our consultants to plan the DAFZA company setup in Dubai. We help you to size your office space accurately and accommodate the year-two workforce expansion.
DAFZA vs JAFZA vs Dubai South at a glance
DAFZA free zones provide direct air cargo integration at Dubai International Airport for your business. If you run a logistics business through Jebel Ali Port, then JAFZA is the right zone for you. If your business requires a high-volume multimodal logistics hub near Al Maktoum International Airport, then Dubai South is suitable for you. Below is the complete comparison table between these three zones
| Parameter | ZoneDAFZA | ZoneJAFZA | ZoneDubai South |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Location | DXB Airport Perimeter | Jebel Ali Port Corridor | Al Maktoum Intl. Airport (DWC) |
| Year-One Cost From | AED 15,000* to 22,000* | AED 18,000* to 25,000* | AED 14,000* to 20,000* |
| Primary Freight Mode | Air Cargo & Express Freight | Maritime & Sea Freight | Air Logistics & Multimodal |
| Designated Zone | Yes (Cabinet Dec. 59/2017) | Yes | Yes |
| Best Suited For | Tech, Aviation, High-Value Trade | Heavy Industrial, Bulk Goods | Regional Logistics, Supply Chain |
To find the right commercial jurisdiction for your operational model, you can check our JAFZA and Dubai South business setup guides or consult with our experts for personalized support.
DAFZA Company Registration: Six steps from Name to License
Avyanco streamline the DAFZA company registration through the transparent process managed by the DIEZ digital services:
- 1
Activity & Facility Selection
We define the commercial activities and help you select between the executive office, office desk or warehouse space for your business setup.
- 2
Trade Name Reservation
We submit your corporate name options to the DAFZA authority for approval and compliance checks.
- 3
Initial Application & Review
We submit your formal incorporation application with the shareholder identity details.
- 4
KYC & Corporate Attestation
We conduct Know Your Customer verification. Corporate shareholders or foreign parent branches should provide legalized and attested incorporation documents.
- 5
Lease Agreement & Payment
We help you select the final office unit, sign the lease contract and pay the statutory licensing fees to set up your business legally in DAFZA.
- 6
License Issuance & Onboarding
We secure your trade license, register your establishment Card, process residence visas, and start your corporate bank account setup.
One partner-led team, start to finish
Licence, bank account, visas and tax handled by one named advisor, with government fees and our fee always shown separately.
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“I have been dealing with Akshta for more than a year now and she has been very professional.”
“In so far as the emigration process can ever be made easy, Avyanco achieves exactly this.”
“I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.”
“We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.”
“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
How Avyanco handles DAFZA Business Setup
Avyanco operate as an experienced DAFZA free zone company formation provider in Dubai with commercial licence #909402. Our experts guide various international founders to build their legal business in UAE free zones. Our services cover the
Licensing & facility
- Application filing
- Activity verification
- Office shortlisting
- Dual licensing
Banking & residency
- Banking processing
- Residence visas
Tax & compliance
- Corporate tax registrations
Documents required for registration
The successful DAFZA business registration in Dubai may require document submission. You must submit all essential documents accurately to set up your business legally. Here are the documents required
- Passport copy with valid details
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of residential address
- CV or professional qualifications, if required
- Proposed business activity and application details
- Parent company's certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum and articles of association, where applicable
- Board resolution authorizing the UAE establishment
- Details of directors, shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners
- Parent-company and branch documents, including attestation where required
DAFZA Trade License Cost and Year-One Budget
DAFZA does not publish the standardized public price list. The incorporation costs may vary based on the selected activities, facility, and visa requirements. Below are the license costs
Service Entity Budget
Trading Entity Budget: Trading License & Office Package (AED 32,000*) + Establishment Card (AED 2,500*) + 3 Residence Visas (AED 16,500*) = AED 51,000* Total Estimated Setup. *Indicative, subject to change
As per the UAE Corporate Tax law, the DAFZA-based entities can get access to the 0% rate on Qualifying Income if they keep the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. It requires maintaining adequate substance in the zone, earning the qualifying income (such as wholesale goods distribution from a Designated Zone), and complying with the de minimis threshold. Standard income above thresholds is taxed at 9%. When you navigate DAFZA business setup, our consultants provide you with comprehensive corporate tax registration and QFZP review services.
QFZP rules explained →Because DAFZA is designated as a Designated Zone under Cabinet Decision No. 59 of 2017 for VAT purposes, supplies of physical goods between the Designated Zones or international markets. The services rendered within DAFZA are subject to standard 5% UAE VAT. Mandatory VAT registration may apply when the taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Goods moved from the DAFZA to the UAE mainland are considered as imports and can attract customs duty. The applicable rate may depends on the goods, origin, and customs classification.
Designated Zone (Cabinet Decision 59/2017)DAFZA license costs
| Cost Item | Fee Frequency | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Service License (Flexi Desk / Smart Office) | Annual | From approximately AED 15,000* annually; workspace and package costs vary |
| Trading License (Smart Office Included) | Annual | From approximately AED 15,000*; a Smart Office package can bring the annual cost to roughly AED 28,000* to 40,000* |
| General Trading License | Annual | Approximately AED 50,000* annually; final cost depends on activities and facilities |
| Dual License Add-On (DET Mainland) | Annual | DET base fee approximately AED 5,000* to 8,000*, plus free-zone NOC, mainland premises and documentation; realistic all-in cost can reach AED 12,500* to 15,000+ |
| Establishment Card & Immigration Account | Annual | Approximately AED 1,500* to 2,000* annually |
| Executive Office Lease | Annual | Quotation based |
| Residence Visa (per person, incl. Medical & Emirates ID) | Per Visa (2 Years) | Approximately AED 4,500* to 7,000* |
The annual renewals require the license renewal fees, lease payments, and establishment card updates. You can check our detailed company formation packages or refer to our complete full Dubai setup cost guide.
Questions founders ask about DAFZA
Can I complete DAFZA company setup in Dubai from outside the UAE?+
Yes, you can complete the trade license and company incorporation process for DAFZA from outside the UAE. But the document certification, identity checks, signatures and immigration steps may require different arrangements and may require you to visit the UAE.
What is the DAFZA dual license, and what does it cost?+
A DAFZA dual license may allow the registered company to conduct business operations and avail government contracts in the Dubai mainland without the need for a separate physical office on the mainland. Moreover, you should confirm the fees and activity eligibility with official authorities before applying.
How many visas does a smart office allow?+
No single quota can be assumed for smart offices. DAFZA should confirm the entitlement against your selected premises, staffing requirements and license.
How long does DAFZA company registration take?+
DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) company registration takes 7 to 10 working days, upon completion of all documents and approvals. The overall process, from name reservation, initial approvals, to lease signing, takes around 2 to 4 weeks (or up to 4 to 6 weeks on the basis of external permits and visa processing).
Does Designated Zone status help a services company?+
No, Designated Zone (DZ) status may not provide operational or tax benefits to a service company in the UAE. Designated Zone treatment may affect the qualifying goods transactions for VAT purposes.
Who is the Talent Pass license for?+
The DAFZA Talent Pass is a freelance license issued for independent professionals and self-employed individuals. It is for individuals who work in the media, technology, education, marketing, consultancy, arts and culture fields.
Can a DAFZA company sell to the UAE mainland?+
Yes, a DAFZA company can sell to the UAE mainland by following the specific legal routes introduced under Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025 or traditional commercial channels. A dual license or other permit may be required. Make sure to check our mainland company formation service before selling your company.
Is DAFZA business setup suitable for a solo consultant?+
Yes, DAFZA free zone company formation is suitable for consultants who need the DAFZA location or facilities. If you work independently with limited premises or visa needs, then you can compare the annual costs against alternative options available before applying.
Guides to help you decide
Start your DAFZA application.
Get in touch with Avyanco and discuss your proposed activity, preferred office type and visa requirements. We can identify the registration steps and request the cost breakdown on the basis of your DAFZA free zone company formation.
- Your proposed activity
- Your preferred office type
- Your visa requirements
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision 100/2023 (QFZP) · Ministerial Decision 265/2023 (qualifying activities) · Federal Decree-Law 8/2017 (VAT) · Cabinet Decision 59/2017 (Designated Zones) · Dubai Executive Council Resolution 11/2025 · DAFZA (dafz.ae) · Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae). *QFZP 0% applies to qualifying income only, subject to the conditions above. *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of DAFZA and not affiliated with any UAE government agency. DAFZA rules, fees, facility inclusions, visa quotas, QFZP eligibility and Corporate Tax positions are set by the relevant authorities, vary by case and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with DAFZA and the Federal Tax Authority, or with us, before acting.