Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), formerly known as DAFZA, sits next to Dubai International Airport and is one of Dubai's established free zones for trading, logistics, technology and service companies. It is regulated by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), created under Dubai Law No. 16 of 2021. We help you choose the right licence, company type and space in DAFZ, prepare the documents and handle the application, visas and corporate bank account.
- Location: next to Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Regulator: Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ)
- Company types: Freezone Company (FZCO), Public Limited Company (PLC), Branch
- Shareholders: 1 to 50 for an FZCO (individuals or companies)
- Minimum share capital: AED 1 for an FZCO; a bank capital letter is needed above AED 150,000
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
- Space: offices, warehouses, industrial units and cold storage
Who DAFZ Suits
- Import, export and distribution companies that move goods by air
- Service and consulting firms that want a Dubai address near the airport
- Light manufacturing, packaging and assembly
- Family offices (Single-Family and Multi-Family Office licences)
- Freelancers in media, technology and education (Talent Pass)
- Companies that also want to work on the Dubai mainland through the Dual Licence with DET
Licence Types in DAFZ
Trade licence
Import, export, re-export, distribution and storage of specific products.
E-commerce licence
Trading goods and services online.
Service licence
Providing the services named on the licence.
Industrial licence
Light manufacturing, packaging and assembling.
General trading licence
Trading in general goods, including import, export, re-export, storage and distribution.
Single-Family Office licence
Managing the investments and affairs of one family.
Multi-Family Office licence
Providing family office services to several families.
Dual Licence with DET
Lets a DAFZ company obtain a Dubai mainland (DET) licence and operate on the mainland from its DAFZ office, without a separate mainland office.
Talent Pass licence
For freelancers in media, technology or education, with a visa entitlement and the option of a smart office.
Company Types in DAFZ
Freezone Company (FZCO)
1 to 50 shareholders, who can be individuals or companies. Minimum share capital AED 1.
A single-shareholder company is also set up as an FZCO.
Public Limited Company (PLC)
Limited liability with no limit on shareholders.
Suited to companies that plan to list or offer shares on a securities market.
Branch
An existing UAE or foreign company can open a branch in DAFZ.
No share capital is required.
Office and Warehouse Space
DAFZ leases office space, warehouses and industrial units, and cold storage. The space you lease affects how many residence visas the company can apply for, so we match the space to your visa plan before you sign.
How to Set Up a Company in DAFZ
- Free consultation: we confirm your business activity, licence type and company type.
- Activity check: some activities need a no-objection certificate from another government department; we tell you up front.
- Choose your space and sign the lease with DAFZ.
- Submit the incorporation documents and pay the fees.
- Receive your licence and company documents.
- Apply for investor and employee visas and Emirates IDs.
- Open your corporate bank account and register for corporate tax.
Documents You Need
For individual shareholders: passport copy, passport photo, and UAE visa or Emirates ID if you already live in the UAE.
For a company shareholder or a branch: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association and a board resolution from the parent company, usually attested.
We send you the exact checklist for your activity.
DAFZ Setup Costs
Your cost depends on the licence type, the size of office or warehouse, the number of visas and any activity approvals. DAFZ is a premium location next to the airport, so it is usually chosen for its address, logistics and space options rather than as the lowest-cost free zone. Tell us your activity and visa needs and we send you a written, itemised quote. 0% instalment plans are available.
Corporate Tax for DAFZ Companies
Every DAFZ company must register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income if it meets the conditions; its taxable income that is not qualifying income is taxed at 9%. A company that does not qualify pays 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Our group's tax agency can handle registration and filing.
Why Set Up in DAFZ With Jitendra Business Consultants
Company formation in the UAE since 2001, with 5,500+ companies formed. One group for setup, accounting, VAT, corporate tax and trademarks. Offices in Dubai and Sharjah, with advice in English, Arabic and Hindi.
DAFZ Company Setup FAQs
Is DAFZA the same as DAFZ?
Yes. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) now operates as Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) and is regulated by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in DAFZ?
Yes. DAFZ companies can be fully foreign owned.
What is the minimum share capital in DAFZ?
AED 1 for a Freezone Company. If the share capital is above AED 150,000, a bank share capital letter is required. A branch needs no share capital.
How many shareholders can a DAFZ company have?
A Freezone Company can have 1 to 50 shareholders. A PLC has no limit.
Can a DAFZ company trade on the Dubai mainland?
Yes, through the Dual Licence with DET, which lets you operate on the mainland from your DAFZ office, or by working with a mainland distributor.
Does DAFZ offer a freelance licence?
Yes. The Talent Pass licence is for freelancers in media, technology and education and includes a visa entitlement.
Do I need an office in DAFZ?
Yes, companies lease space from DAFZ, such as an office, smart office, warehouse or industrial unit. The space affects your visa allocation.