Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone

The Dubai Airport Free Zone is also commonly known as DAFZA. Established in 1996, it is one of the fastest developing free zones in Dubai and the Middle East region.

It is strategically located in close proximity to Dubai International Airport. Moreover, it is a gateway that connects markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the rest of Asia. This makes it convenient for investors who are immersed in the world of trading.

In addition, the jurisdiction is home to more than 3,000 companies from various industry sectors. Some of these sectors include aviation, pharmaceuticals, trading, manufacturing, jewellery, logistics, and IT. It is also the parent free zone of Dubai Commercity.

Dubai Airport Free Zone is also amongst the list of UAE VAT designated zones. This means that DAFZA is a jurisdiction assigned by the Cabinet Decision and is considered to be outside the UAE for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes. These territories are specifically designed to offer tax incentives to businesses.

Steps to set up your business in Dubai Airport Free Zone

1- Determine the type of license and business activities
2- Determine the type of corporate structure
3- Application and submission of all required documents

You will need to acquire the following:

• Immigration card
• Entry permit
• Stamping, medical test, and Emirates ID

It is also a requirement to submit the following documents:

• Passport copy
• Visa copy
• EID copy (if applicable)
• Passport sized photograph
• Business Plan

Depending on the opted activities, you may need to submit additional documents.

4- Select the most suitable office space
5- Open a bank account

Legal structures permitted

• Free Zone Company (FZC)
• Branch of a foreign company
• Branch of a local company

It is also worth noting that if your company’s share capital is over AED 150,000, you will need to obtain a bank share capital letter.

Benefits of DAFZA company formation

• 100% foreign ownership
• No personal, income, or corporate taxes
• Full repatriation of capital and profits
• Simple and quick set up process
• 24 hours security services
• World-class infrastructure for trading
• Dedicated logistics centre
• Rapid cargo clearance
• Exemption from all import and export duties; however, you can’t import into mainland

An added benefit is that various government services are available within the jurisdiction. These services include:

• Notary
• 24 hours customs service
• Banks
• Telecommunications providers

Business licenses offered at Dubai

• Airport Free Zone
• Trading
• General trading
• Industrial license
• E-commerce
• Service license
• Freelancer permit/talent pass

Obtaining a license to start a DAFZA company will cost you approximately AED 25,000. On the other hand, the recently introduced freelancer permit will cost you approximately AED 9,500.

DAFZA also gives investors the opportunity to obtain dual license with the Department of Economic Development (DED). This enables companies to apply for a DED license without the requirement to have a physical office space on mainland. This also means that businesses can operate outside the premises of DAFZA.

Activities permitted at DAFZA

DAFZA offers a wide variety of activities for business owners to choose from. Some of these activities include:

• Investment
• Building materials
• Insurance
• Aircraft and spacecraft
• Chemicals
• Mobile trading
• Waste trading
• Business and management consultancy
• Legal services
• Architectural activities
• Engineering activities
• Transport, shipping and storage
• Motor vehicles and auto spare parts

Facilities offered at the free zone

• Flexi desk
• Executive offices
• Warehouses
• Storage spaces

License renewal process

The renewal process of businesses in DAFZA is a highly cost-effective and simple process. You will be required to submit an audit report starting from the second renewal of your company on an annual basis.

In order to complete the renewal process, you will need to pay the renewal fee and submit the signed lease agreement of your facility. An advantage is that your physical presence in the UAE is not required for renewal and can be completed through an agent.

Business liquidation process

Similar to renewal, company liquidation also does not need the physical presence of the owner and can be accomplished through an agent. You will be required to pay a government fee to complete the liquidation process.

Company liquidation takes about 1 month to be completed and involves the following steps:

• Cancellation of visas
• Termination of lease agreement
• Closure of bank account

To find out more about various options for business setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone, contact Shuraa — one of the best business setup companies in Dubai. Shuraa helps solve your business-related queries and offers you solutions best suited to your company formation in the UAE.

To get started on your business journey and find out more, contact our expert consultants at +97144081900 or send a WhatsApp message on +971507775554. You can also drop in an email at enquiry@shuraa.com and get your queries answered in no time.

Frequently asked questions about Dubai Airport Free Zone