SETUP | GOVERNMENT APPROVALS | REGISTRATION | LICENSE
DAFZA Dubai Airport Freezone Company Setup
Business Setup in DAFZA : One of the most advanced free zones in Dubai is the Dubai Airport Free Zone. DAFZA is the governing body that is in charge of all business registrations and licences. More than 1,600 businesses from all over the world run their businesses from the UAE. DAFZA is a great place to do business in the Middle East because it has a business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, tax exemptions, full repatriation of earnings, full ownership, and great facilities. DAFZA is strategically located next to the Dubai International Airport. It offers quick clearance and quick processing of paperwork to make business activity and efficiency as high as possible.
DAFZA is one of the free zones in Dubai that has grown the most quickly. There are many different types of businesses in DAFZA, such as transportation, freight, logistics, aviation, information technology, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food and drink, fashion and design, beauty and cosmetics, etc. DAFZA is a great chance for investors and businesses that want to set up shop in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
At a glance
DAFZA key facts
DAFZA
Free zone
Next to Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2
Location
2 – 8 weeks
Setup timeframe
Tax and duty exemption
Tax status
Key advantages
DAFZA advantages, tax and investment incentives
DAFZA is right in the middle of the city, right next to the Dubai airport.
Excellent facilities and infrastructure that are up to date.
Managing for the benefit of investors.
Fast cargo clearance and services at customs that are open 24/7.
A logistics centre with security that works around the clock.
Single window administrative services.
100% corporate tax exemption
100% personal income tax exemption
100% import and export tax exemption
100% foreign ownership
100% repatriation of capital and profits
No currency restrictions
The process
Business setup in DAFZA
How long it takes to set up a business in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) depends on how quickly requirements are met and how quickly authorities give their approval. There are four main steps to registering a business, which are:
01
Trade Name Registration
02
Finalize Business Activity
03
Document Submission
04
Apply for a Business Licence
Company structures
Legal entity types
Dubai Airport Free Zone lets investors and corporate shareholders build the kinds of structures that work best for them. Any of the following can be registered as a DAFZA entity:
Free Zone establishment
- Can have anywhere from one to fifty shareholders
- Shareholders can be people or businesses.
- The minimum amount of money you need is AED 1,000.
Branch Office of an existing company
- As a branch office, both local and foreign companies can sign up.
- The branch must be registered for the same business activities as the parent company.
- No capital investment is required
Paperwork
Documents required
- DAFZA application form
- Letter of Intent
- Copy of existing company brochure or profile (if available)
- Annual financial report (if available)
- Managers bio and CV copy
- Copy of shareholder(s) passport and CV copy
- Original bank reference letter for each shareholder(s)
Licensing
Types of licenses available within DAFZA
Commercial trading license
This type of licence makes it easier to import, export, re-export, distribute, and store certain goods.
Professional service license
A service licence is for people who are in the business of providing services.
Industrial license
This licence is for people who want to do light manufacturing, like putting things together and packaging them.
General trading license
Covers import, export, storage and distribution across different types of goods.
Why choose DAFZA?
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) is a great place to do business in the Middle East because it has a business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, tax exemptions, full repatriation of earnings, full ownership, and great facilities. DAFZ works in one of the largest economic free zones that is also growing the fastest.
- Access to world-class business services that can’t be beat
- Personal and business income tax of 0%
- Strategic location
- 100% business ownership and return of capital
- Live and work in the same vibrant town
- Thriving business centre
- Easy transportation
- Fast and easy setup process
Wider picture
Benefits of setting up business in the UAE
- 100% foreign ownership
- Tax benefits
- Duty free
- Low operational cost
- Low freight charge
- Abundant & inexpensive energy
- Exemption from all import and export duties
- Freedom to recruit expatriates
- Freehold offices available on sale or lease
- Readymade offices, factories & warehouses
- Free transfer of funds
- No foreign exchange control
