Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
Company Registration in DAFZA
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority is the official licensing authority that issues business licenses to expatriate investors. Companies can operate within the free zone, outside the free zone (subject to customs regulations), and in international markets.
Located next to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA offers premium infrastructure for global businesses. Company formation packages start from approximately AED 41,790, including a 6 sq. m office space under the Smart Desk package and the trade license. A wide range of activities can be licensed, including consultancy, trading, manufacturing, IT services, aviation services, mobile phone and accessories trading, and foodstuff trading.
Its strategic location provides access to over 2.5 billion consumers across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. DAFZA is known for modern facilities, flexible company setup packages, and strong investor benefits.
The free zone holds internationally recognized certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 27001, ISO 10002, and ISO 20000-1. It has also been ranked 2nd globally and 1st in the Middle East by Financial Times FDI Magazine in its global free zone rankings.
Businesses benefit from 24/7 operations, dedicated customer support, and fast cargo clearance through an integrated logistics center, ensuring smooth international trade operations.
VAT Exempted Free Zone – Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority is recognized as a VAT-designated free zone in Dubai. Businesses established here can benefit from VAT treatment applicable to designated zones under UAE regulations.
Transactions carried out within the free zone or between designated free zones may fall outside the VAT scope, subject to compliance with FTA rules. However, services provided or goods supplied to the UAE mainland or non-designated zones are subject to VAT as per applicable laws.
Free zone companies operating in designated zones with adequate economic substance, engaged in international trading activities such as purchasing from manufacturers and selling to overseas buyers, may qualify for corporate tax benefits based on current regulations.
Our consultants provide guidance on VAT treatment, regulatory compliance, company formation, office leasing, visa processing, chamber registration, VAT registration, and related services in DAFZA.
How to Set Up a Free Zone Company in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
Setting up a company in DAFZA involves a structured registration process. Engaging experienced business consultants ensures accurate documentation and smooth incorporation. The team at B2B Group of Consultants provides complete guidance for company formation in DAFZA.
The process begins with selecting the appropriate business activity and license type based on your business plan and professional background. The application form is then prepared and submitted along with shareholder details and identification documents.
Next, the tenancy contract for the required office space is arranged in line with the approved business activities. After submission of all documents, confirmation of shareholding structure, office space selection, and payment of the license fee, the trade license is issued by the authority.
Once the license is issued, investors can proceed with UAE residence visa processing and corporate bank account opening. B2B Group of Consultants offers end-to-end support for company formation, visa services, and related business requirements in DAFZA.
DAFZA Company Registration – Features
- Office space is available at AED 2,000 per sq. m.
- Minimum office size: 6.65 sq. m (Smart Desk Office Package).
- Premium infrastructure and modern amenities.
- Strategic business location with direct access to Dubai International Airport.
- Smart Desk Office Package (including office rent, license, registration, and related fees) starts from approximately AED 19,770 (USD 5,416).
- License issuance time: around 7 working days.
- Visa assistance provided by B2B Group of Consultants.
- VAT-designated free zone benefits as per UAE regulations.
- Free Zone Company (FZCO): 2 to 50 shareholders (individuals and/or corporate entities). Capital requirements depend on the selected activity.
- Branch of an existing foreign company: no minimum share capital requirement.
- Subsidiary company: 100% foreign ownership permitted in a Dubai free zone company.
Dubai Airport Free Zone Company License Fees
Smart Office Package Details
| Description | Smart Desk Package Fee (in AED) | Boutique Office Package Fee (in AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Office Area | 6.65 Sq.m Office | 10 Sq.m Office |
| Rent (including service charge) | 16,625 | 25,000 |
| Registration Fee (for FZCO only & one-time fee) | 7,000 | 7,000 |
| License Fee | 15,020 | 15,020 |
| Establishment Card | 2,020 | 2,020 |
| Postal Fee | 1,065 | 1,065 |
| Knowledge & Innovation Fee | 60 | 60 |
| Total DAFZA Company Setup Cost | AED 41,790 | AED 52,165 |
Note:- Insurance non inclusive.
Premium License Packages in DAFZA (Subject to Availability)
| Description | Premium Package Fee ( in AED) | Premium Plus Package Fee ( in AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Office Area | 27 Sqm Office Space | 55 Sqm Office Space |
| Rent (including service charge) | 67,500* | 137,500* |
| Registration Fee ( for FZCO only & onetime fee) | 7,000 | Nil |
| License Fee | 15,020 | 15,020 |
| Establishment Card | 2,020 | 2,020 |
| Postal Fee | 1,065 | 1,065 |
| Knowledge & Innovation Fee | 60 | 60 |
| Total DAFZA Company Setup Cost | AED 92,665* | AED 155,665* |
*Rent Calculated based on office area
General Trading License Package in DAFZA
Premium Office package offers a 50 sq. m fully furnished office space with telephone facilities. It includes a 5–6 visa quota, with visa charges billed separately.
| Description | Fee in AED |
|---|---|
| Office Area: 50 Sqm | 125,000 |
| Rate – 1-year Lease AED 2,500 per sqm – Annual fee | |
| General Trading License Fee – Annual Fee | 50,000 |
| Registration Fees – onetime payment | 20,000 |
| Establishment card Fee | 2,020 |
| Knowledge fee & innovation fees | 60 |
| P.O Box / Annual (Not Mandatory if there’s an existing PO BOX) – Annual fee | 1,065 |
| Memorandum of Association fee: AED 3,000 | Free for a new company only |
| Parking Fee (optional) | 1,097 |
| TOTAL PACKAGE COST | 199,242 |
Note
- A General Trading License in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority requires a minimum office space of 50 sq. m.
- A share capital deposit of AED 500,000 is mandatory.
Required Documents – Individual Shareholders
- Three proposed company names and a brief description of the business activity (one page is sufficient)
- Clear, colored passport copies of all shareholders
- Personal bank statements for the last six months (for each shareholder)
- CV or professional profile of the shareholders/authorized manager, outlining relevant business experience
New License Structure in DAFZA
A new license structure is now available at Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority for company registration. Businesses can select activities from Trading, Service, and Industrial categories under a single license.
The primary license type will be determined based on the main business activity selected.
| Activities | Primary Type for License |
|---|---|
| Trade + Service | Trade |
| Industrial + Service | Industrial |
| Trade + Industrial | Trade |
| Service + Trade + Industrial | Trade |
To learn more about the new license structure and the fees for adding additional business activities, speak with our expert consultants today.
Visa Cost in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
The employment visa cost in DAFZA is AED 5,407. This includes the inside-country employment visa application, residence visa stamping, medical test, visa status change, Emirates ID, and urgent visa stamping.
Warehousing Options in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
1. Light Industrial Units (LIU) – Within DAFZA
Light Industrial Units are located inside the main free zone area.
Unit Size: Approximately 353 sq. m (including 80–90 sq. m built-in office space on ground or mezzanine level)
Rate: AED 1,100 per sq. m + 10% service charge
Visa Eligibility: Up to 20 employment visas
2. DAFZA Industrial Park – Al Qusais, Dubai
DAFZA Industrial Park is a warehouse cluster managed by DAFZA, located around 5 km from the main free zone office in Al Qusais, Dubai (approximately 10–15 minutes’ drive).
- Unit Size: From 335 sq. m to 400 sq. m and above
- Rate: AED 800 per sq. m
- Visa Eligibility: 20 to 30 employment visas, depending on unit size
Required documents for Company Formation in DAFZA
Individual Shareholder(s)
- Completed Application Form
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager (including UAE residence visa page, if applicable)
- Passport copies of directors and company secretary (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor (for UAE residents, if required)
- Updated CV or professional profile
Corporate (Non-Individual) Shareholder(s)
- Completed Application Form
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager (including residence visa page, if applicable)
- Passport copies of directors and company secretary (if applicable)
- Company profile, brochure, or corporate CV
- Latest audited financial statements
- Notarized and attested Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and Power of Attorney (POA)
- Board resolution approving the establishment of an FZCO in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority
How B2B Group of Consultants Will Assist You?
We provide complete support for company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), including:
- Preparation and submission of the company application
- Drafting and review of the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Drafting and review of the lease agreement
- Assistance with legal attestation of documents
- Coordination with the Legal, Leasing, and Licensing Departments
- Collection of the original trade license and lease agreement
- Obtaining the attested Memorandum of Association
- Support with corporate bank account opening
- Issuance of the Certificate of Formation
- Handover of office keys
Company incorporation timeline in DAFZA: approximately 3–4 working days.
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority License Renewal Requirements and Fees
- Copy of the existing trade license and applicable renewal fee
- Good Standing Certificate from the Registrar of the parent company (for FZE, FZCO non-individual shareholders, and branches only), duly notarized and attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Original audited financial statements (If delayed: undertaking letter from the company confirming the submission date, along with the auditor’s appointment letter)
- Original insurance letter covering (Workmen’s compensation insurance, Fire and allied perils insurance, Third-party liability insurance minimum coverage of AED 2,000,000). An undertaking letter may be submitted in case of delayed insurance documents
B2B Group of Consultants is a registered agent of Dubai Airport Freezone and provides end-to-end support, acting as a single point of contact for investors.
PRO Services in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority
Our experienced team provides reliable PRO services in Dubai Airport Free Zone, ensuring smooth coordination with relevant departments and timely completion of formalities.
Our PRO services include Company license renewal, Audit report coordination, Employment and residence visa processing, Family visa assistance, Tax Residency Certificate support, VAT filing assistance, Document attestation services, Driving license assistance, Corporate bank account opening in Dubai, We manage the complete process efficiently, allowing you to focus on your business operations.
Company Termination / Winding Up / Closure in Dubai Airport Free Zone
Closing a company in DAFZA is a structured administrative process when managed correctly. The business owner must submit formal notification to the authority at least three months in advance to avoid penalties or late fees. A board resolution confirming the decision to wind up the company is required before proceeding with liquidation steps.
B2B Group of Consultants manages the complete company closure process in DAFZA, ensuring regulatory compliance, documentation accuracy, and timely coordination with all concerned authorities. Our team oversees each stage to ensure the company is formally closed without future liabilities.
Documents and Procedure for Closing a DAFZA Company
The standard procedure includes the following steps:
- Submission of formal company closure request to DAFZA
- Appointment of an approved liquidator to manage the winding-up process
- Preparation and attestation of Board Resolution for company termination
- Obtaining clearance letters (NOCs) from Etisalat and Customs authorities
- Closure of corporate bank accounts authorized by the signatory
- Publication of liquidation notice in local Arabic and English newspapers
- Preparation of audited financial statements and settlement of outstanding liabilities
- Cancellation of employee visas and completion of final settlements
Each step must be completed in sequence to obtain final deregistration approval from the Free Zone authority.
Termination / Liquidation Fees for DAFZA Company
The estimated cost for company liquidation in DAFZA is approximately AED 9,790. This typically includes the liquidation fee, attested board resolution, newspaper publication charges, port and customs NOC, and related administrative expenses.
Actual costs may vary depending on company structure, visa status, and pending obligations.
| Description | Fee in AED |
|---|---|
| DAFZA Liquidation fee | 6,520 |
| Attested Board Resolution for Liquidation | 1,520 |
| Newspaper publication both English & Arabic | 2,100 |
| Port and customs NOC | 250 |
Professional Assistance for DAFZA Company Closure
B2B Group of Consultants acts as a single-window service provider for company formation, visa processing, and company liquidation in Dubai Airport Free Zone.
Our consultants coordinate directly with DAFZA authorities, liquidators, banks, and government departments to complete the company closing process in the shortest possible time while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
For detailed guidance on DAFZA company termination procedures, connect with our experienced business advisors today.