Dubai
Airport Free Zone ENQUIRE NOW
Dafza header

SetUp

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.

Awesome Image
Awesome Image
Awesome Image

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.

Awesome Image

Trusted by
400+

Businesses

Advantages of Setting Up in DAFZA

Setting up in DAFZA means building your business in one of Dubai's most globally connected environments.

DAFZA is particularly suited to aviation-linked businesses, logistics operators, e-commerce platforms, and high-value industries like electronics and pharmaceuticals.

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

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
Types of Structures

Business Structures in DAFZA

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

✓ Thank You!

Your request has been submitted successfully. We'll get back to you shortly.

  • Non-binding & confidential

    Let's Connect
    For A Free Consultation

What You Get

  • 🗸 Fast response within 1 business day
  • 🗸 Free discovery call with our expert

🔒 Your Privacy Matters

We will never share your details with any third-party

This forms collects your name, contact number, and email address so that we can contact you and provide a quote for our services. Please check our Privacy policy to see how we protect and manage your submitted data.
Awesome Image

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.

Steps to Set Up in DAFZA

Select Activities and Licence

Choose from DAFZA’s approved activities and licence types.

Decide Legal Structure

FZE, FZCO, or Branch depending on ownership

Reserve Trade Name

Submit your company name for approval.

Apply for Initial Approval

File company details and shareholder documents.

Lease Premises

Choose from offices, warehouses, or industrial units.

Prepare Documents

Draft and notarize MoA/AoA

Obtain Licence

Once approved, your trade licence is issued.

Visa & Immigration

Register for investor and employee visas.

Corporate Bank Account

Consultycs assists with a banking-ready compliance file.

Frequently Asked Any Questions

  • Which industries are best for DAFZA?
    Aviation, logistics, e-commerce, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and high-value trading.
  • Can I fully own a DAFZA company?
    Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted.
  • How long does setup take?
    On average, 1-2 weeks depending on activities and approvals.
  • Can DAFZA companies sell in Dubai mainland?
    They cannot directly trade onshore but can work with a local distributor or obtain a mainland licence.
  • Does DAFZA offer tax advantages?
    Yes—0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income, plus customs and VAT exemptions for re-exports.