Set Up Your Business in DAFZA
The Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), established in 1996, is one of Dubai's most prestigious free zones. Located next to Dubai International Airport (DXB), it provides companies with immediate access to over 2.5 billion consumers across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
DAFZA is home to more than 2,000 companies, including multinationals in aviation, logistics, technology, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Its reputation as a premium business hub, coupled with world-class infrastructure and strict compliance standards, makes it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs and corporates alike.
Advantages of Setting Up in DAFZA
Setting up in DAFZA means building your business in one of Dubai's most globally connected environments.
Key benefits include:
- Location inside Dubai International Airport, enabling instant trade and cargo movement
- 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of profits and capital
- Exemptions from import and re-export duties
- Flexible workspace options including offices, warehouses, and light industrial units
- Strong global reputation, ideal for companies needing credibility with partners and banks
DAFZA is particularly suited to aviation-linked businesses, logistics operators, e-commerce platforms, and high-value industries like electronics and pharmaceuticals.
Business Structures in DAFZA
-
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Single shareholder, limited liability.
-
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Two or more shareholders, limited liability.
-
Branch Office
Extension of an existing UAE or foreign
Types of Licences in DAFZA
Start your business in Dubai Airport Free Zone with Consultycs guiding you every step of the way. Knowing the DAFZA business setup cost upfront ensures a smooth start. We customize everything from licenses to office spaces to match your budget and ambitions.
- Trade Licence - For import, export, distribution, and re-export of goods.
- General Trading Licence - Allows trading across multiple product categories under one licence.
- Service Licence - For consultancy, IT, HR, marketing, and professional services.
- Industrial Licence - For light manufacturing, packaging, and processing.
- E-commerce Licence - For businesses operating online trading and digital platforms
Steps to Set Up in DAFZA
1.
Decide Legal Structure
FZE, FZCO, or Branch depending on ownership
2.
Reserve Trade Name
FZE, FZCO, or Branch depending on ownership.
3.
Reserve Trade Name
Submit your company name for approval.
4.
Apply for Initial Approval
File company details and shareholder documents.
5.
Lease Premises
Choose from offices, warehouses, or industrial units.
6.
Prepare Documents
Draft and notarize MoA/AoA
7.
Obtain Licence
Once approved, your trade licence is issued.
8.
Visa & Immigration
Register for investor and employee visas.
9.
Corporate Bank Account
Consultycs assists with a banking-ready compliance file.
Your Trusted Business Setup Partner
Why Wait? Start Your Business in UAE Today! Contact us now for a free consultation.
Why Consultycs?
DAFZA offers prestige and connectivity—but setup requires precision. At Consultycs, we make sure your business is structured correctly, your licence matches your goals, and your banking and visa processes are handled without delays.
We focus on clarity, compliance, and long-term growth—so you can focus on your business.
Business Activities in DAFZA
DAFZA authorises a wide range of activities, grouped under licence types:
Trading / General Trading
- Import and export of electronics, IT equipment, and consumer goods
- Distribution of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food products
- Re-export of high-value goods across global markets
Industrial
- Light manufacturing and assembly of electronics
- Packaging of food and beverages
- Processing of cosmetics, health products, and supplements
Service
- Business consultancy and management advisory
- IT services, cloud solutions, and software development
- Marketing, advertising, and media-related services
- HR and recruitment services
Logistics (specialised strength of DAFZA)
- Air cargo handling and freight forwarding
- Warehousing and bonded storage
- Supply chain management and express courier services
E-commerce
- Online retail and marketplace operations
- Cross-border e-commerce platforms
- Digital goods and software sales
FAQ'S
Aviation, logistics, e-commerce, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and high-value trading.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted.
On average, 1-2 weeks depending on activities and approvals.
They cannot directly trade onshore but can work with a local distributor or obtain a mainland licence.
Yes—0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income, plus customs and VAT exemptions for re-exports.
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