DAFZA Company Setup
Set up your company in DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) — premium free zone adjacent to Dubai International Airport. Ideal for aviation, cargo, logistics, IT, and high-value trading businesses.
Description
DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority) is a premium Dubai free zone located adjacent to Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world's busiest airports. DAFZA is the strategic choice for aviation services, air cargo, logistics, IT, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and high-value trading businesses that benefit from rapid airport access. Home to over 2,000 companies including major multinationals.
DAFZA offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full repatriation of profits, streamlined customs procedures (DXB cargo direct access), and a strong reputation for premium B2B operations. License types include Trading, Service, Industrial, and E-commerce. DAFZA facilities include flexi-desk, office suites, light industrial units, and warehouse space — all within minutes of DXB cargo terminals.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete DAFZA setup — package selection, activity confirmation, trade name reservation, KYC submission, MOA drafting, license issuance, visa processing, Customs Code registration, and corporate bank account introduction. Standard DAFZA setup completes in 7 to 12 working days from KYC submission.
What's Included
- DAFZA Trade License (Trading / Service / Industrial / E-commerce)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Adjacent to Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Premium B2B Reputation
- Flexi-Desk / Office / Light Industrial Options
- Up to 4 Related Activities Under Single License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1-2 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- DXB Cargo Direct Access
- Customs Code Registration
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Trade name following DAFZA naming rules
- Activity from DAFZA-approved list
- Flexi-desk minimum, upgrade for more visa capacity
- Industrial activities require MoIAT additional approval
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
- Annual license renewal
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- CV or Business Profile
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Business Activities
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For corporate shareholder: attested parent documents
Our Process
- Consultation on DAFZA package and activity selection
- Trade name reservation
- Submit KYC application
- DAFZA review and initial approval
- Facility lease agreement
- Pay DAFZA license and facility fees
- MOA drafting and notarisation
- Receive DAFZA Trade License
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Customs Code registration
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 24,000
- Service Fee: AED 5,000
- VAT (5%): AED 1,450
- Total: AED 30,450
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose DAFZA over other Dubai free zones?
DAFZA's strategic advantage is direct airport access — Dubai International Airport's cargo terminals are minutes away, making it the best choice for air freight, aviation services, high-value goods trading, and time-sensitive logistics. Premium B2B reputation also makes it attractive for multinational subsidiaries.
How much does DAFZA company setup cost?
DAFZA base trade license starts at approximately AED 24,000-28,000 in government fees. Office costs vary from AED 15,000+ for flexi-desk to AED 60,000+ for dedicated offices. Service fees, visa processing, and Customs Code are additional.
How long does DAFZA company setup take?
Standard DAFZA setup typically completes in 7 to 12 working days from KYC submission. Industrial activities with MoIAT approvals can extend to 4-6 weeks.
What activities is DAFZA best for?
DAFZA is particularly strong for: aviation services, air cargo and freight forwarding, pharmaceuticals, electronics trading, IT services, e-commerce, logistics, and premium goods trading. The proximity to DXB airport is the key value driver.
Can DAFZA companies sell to UAE mainland?
DAFZA companies cannot sell directly to the UAE mainland market without a local distributor. The license is best suited for international trade, B2B services, and businesses targeting global rather than domestic UAE markets.
How many visas can I get with DAFZA?
Flexi-desk packages support 2-4 visas. Office packages support 5-15+ visas based on space (standard rule: ~1 visa per 9 sqm). Larger facilities support unlimited visas. DAFZA visa processing is streamlined through their dedicated immigration counter.
Does DAFZA support warehousing?
Yes. DAFZA offers light industrial units and warehouse facilities for businesses needing physical storage and handling. Particularly popular for e-commerce fulfilment, electronics distribution, and pharmaceutical wholesale.