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Business Setup in DAFZA

The Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is a premium free zone located beside Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest cargo and passenger hubs. Its location makes DAFZA the natural choice for businesses that depend on air freight and fast global movement of goods — aviation, aerospace, electronics, IT, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods and high-value trading.

We manage your DAFZA setup end to end — company structure, license type, facility selection, registration, visas and corporate bank account introduction — working directly with the free zone authority.
[ AIRPORT-ADJACENT HUB ]
Global Logistics Gateway

A premium industrial ecosystem offering high-specification facilities, rapid customs processing protocols, and direct air cargo integration.

[1.0 / REGULATORY AUTHORITY]

About DAFZA

Established in 1996, the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority licenses and regulates companies within the zone and is recognised for its premium positioning and proximity to Dubai International Airport. DAFZA hosts a large community of multinational and high-value businesses, supported by fast customs clearance and direct access to air cargo. Its ecosystem also includes Dubai CommerCity, a dedicated free zone for e-commerce.

Why Choose DAFZA

[1.1]
  • Airport-adjacent location — minutes from Dubai International Airport for rapid air freight and re-export.
  • 100% foreign ownership — full ownership with no local partner required.
  • High-value sectors — ideal for aviation, electronics, IT, pharmaceuticals, jewellery and luxury goods.
  • Fast customs clearance — streamlined import, export and logistics processes.
  • Premium business community — a prestigious address among multinational companies.
  • Tax efficiency — 0% corporate tax on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and full profit repatriation.

License Types in DAFZA

[1.2]

Your business activity determines the specific category of corporate trade license issued within the zone.

Trading license — allocated for the import, export and distribution of specific physical goods.
General Trading license — permits trading a wide range of diverse products under a single operational license.
Service license — tailored explicitly for commercial consultancy, professional profiles, and service activities.
Industrial license — structural parameters deployed for light manufacturing and material assembly.
[1.3 / LEGAL FRAMEWORKS]

Company Types in DAFZA

DAFZA provides several legal entity structures scaled depending on the number of shareholders and the nature of the business.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE) Optimized structure for a corporate entity with a single shareholder.
Free Zone Company (FZCO) Designed for a company layout incorporating two or more shareholders.
Branch Office A direct expansion or branch of an existing UAE or foreign company asset.

DAFZA companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits. A company that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, while non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard rate. We help structure your activities to remain compliant and tax-efficient.

[1.4 / INFRASTRUCTURE CHANNELS]
Facilities Available

DAFZA provides high-specification facilities suited to premium and logistics-driven businesses. Options include fitted and customizable offices within the free zone, warehouses and light-industrial units for storage, distribution, and assembly, as well as smart and flexi workspace frameworks optimized for smaller teams and startups.

[1.5 / RESIDENCY STREAMING]
Visa Allocation Framework

Your visa quota in DAFZA is linked directly to your leased facility type and corporate setup package.

Investor/Partner Visas
Employment Quotas
Family Sponsorship
Golden Visa Protocols
[1.6 / SYSTEM SEQUENCE]

DAFZA Setup Process

We manage each stage with the free zone authority on your behalf.

01. Activity Selection
we confirm your activities, company type and license.
02. Initial Approval
we secure your company name and preliminary approval.
03. Facility Selection
we match you to the right office, warehouse or workspace.
04. Documentation
we prepare and submit the application and incorporation documents.
05. License Issuance
DAFZA issues your trade license and incorporation certificate.
06. Residency Tracking
we process the establishment card, investor and staff visas, Emirates ID and medical.
07. CORPORATE BANK ACCOUNT INTRODUCTION — we introduce you to our banking partners and assist with the application.
[1.7 / REQUIRED DOSSIER]

Documents Required for DAFZA Setup

The documents below cover the typical requirements for each shareholder type. We issue a tailored checklist after your consultation.

Individual Shareholder Corporate Shareholder Branch Company
  • Passport copy of each shareholder and director.
  • UAE visa and Emirates ID copy for residents, or the entry-stamp page.
  • Recent passport-size photograph.
  • Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
  • Completed application form and business plan, where required.
  • Certificate of incorporation of the parent company.
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association.
  • Board resolution approving the DAFZA incorporation.
  • Register of directors and shareholders.
  • Passport copies of directors and authorised signatories.
  • Documents attested and legalised for use in the UAE.
  • Parent company trade license and incorporation documents.
  • Board resolution to open a DAFZA branch and appoint a manager.
  • Power of attorney for the branch manager.
  • Audited financial statements of the parent, where requested.
  • Attested and legalised corporate documents.
[ESTIMATED SETUP TIME]
5 to 7 Business Days
A DAFZA company is typically incorporated within 5 to 7 business days once documents are in order. Visa and Emirates ID processing usually takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks.
[VALUATION PARAMETERS]
Premium Asset Tier Pricing
As a premium, airport-adjacent free zone, DAFZA sits at the higher end of Dubai pricing, reflecting its location and facilities. Costs depend on company type, license, facility, visa quota and specific approvals. Contact us for an all-inclusive quote.
Why Choose Legacy Partners for DAFZA Setup

Direct operational configurations aligned to your corporate rollout workflows.

Direct free zone experience
we manage DAFZA registrations, facilities and approvals daily.
End-to-end service
licensing, facility, visas and bank-account introductions under one roof.
Transparent pricing
clear, all-inclusive packages with no surprise invoices.
Multilingual advisors
a single dedicated point of contact throughout your setup.
[ INTRA-ZONE INQUIRIES ]

Frequently Asked Questions

DAFZA is the Dubai Airport Free Zone, a premium free zone located beside Dubai International Airport, established in 1996.

DAFZA is ideal for aviation, aerospace, electronics, IT, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods and high-value trading businesses that rely on air freight and fast logistics.

Its key advantage is proximity to Dubai International Airport, offering rapid customs clearance and air-cargo access, alongside a premium multinational business community.

Yes. DAFZA companies allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner, plus full repatriation of capital and profits.

A DAFZA company that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, while non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard rate.

Yes. DAFZA’s ecosystem includes Dubai CommerCity, a dedicated free zone designed for e-commerce and digital trading businesses.

A free zone company trades freely outside the UAE and within the zone. To sell directly in the UAE mainland, it works through a local distributor or a mainland branch.

Incorporation typically takes 5 to 7 business days once documents are ready, with visas and Emirates ID adding about 2 to 3 weeks.
[REGIONAL COMPLIANCE ROUTER]

Compare your options on our main Company Formation in UAE hub, or explore other Dubai free zones — JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA, DIFC, Meydan and Dubai South. For post-setup support, see our Corporate Tax, VAT, Audit, Accounting, Trademark and Business Advisory services.

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