Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) for Business Setup?

Dubai Airport Free Zone business setup in the UAE is an attractive option for international entrepreneurs seeking a strategic location, high-speed registration, and strong logistics access. Located near Dubai International Airport, DAFZA offers an ideal platform for global trade, tech, and export-oriented operations. Advanced digital solutions, fast processing times, flexible licences, and 100% foreign business ownership - everything you need to get off to a strong start.

Most importantly, you can register a company in DAFZA completely remotely, without a visit to the UAE. This is a huge plus for international entrepreneurs. DAFZA offers convenient visa packages, developed infrastructure, and direct access to global markets.

About Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) was established in 1996 and has since established itself as one of the leading business hubs in the UAE. The zone is wholly owned by the Government of Dubai and is managed by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, ensuring a high level of reliability and regulation. DAFZA is located near Dubai International Airport, forming part of the city's strategic logistics cluster. Specialising in high-tech, pharmaceutical, logistics and trading companies, the zone provides access to more than 2.5 billion consumers in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and European markets.

Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Airport Free Zone

The Dubai Airport Free Zone business setup allows a variety of business activities including trade, logistics, IT, aviation services, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, consulting and light manufacturing. The zone is particularly suitable for companies operating in the high-tech and aviation logistics sectors due to its close proximity to the airport. Companies can register with one or more licences, including trade, service or industrial.

Some specialised areas, such as pharmaceuticals, drones, cryptocurrencies or financial technology, may require prior regulatory approvals. The Dubai Airport Free Zone also provides unique facilities for aviation and export-import related companies, including access to customs incentives and integration with Dubai Customs through e-services.

Step-by-Step Dubai Airport Free Zone Company Formation and Registration

The company registration process in Dubai Airport Free Zone is fast and simple, making it attractive to international entrepreneurs. Thanks to digital solutions and government support, starting a business can be done in person or remotely. Below is a step-by-step guide covering the key steps in the process, from selecting a licence to obtaining registration and renting an office.

Required Documents and Timeline

The following package of documents is required to register a company with DAFZA:

• A copy of the passport of each founder and director
• A photograph on a white background
• Proof of residential address (e.g. utility bill)
• CV or short biography of the founder
• In some cases, a business plan
• For non-residents, a copy of an entry visa or entry permit (if available).

Additionally, certified documents may be required if the company is opened in the name of a legal entity, including the charter and constituent documents of the parent company.

The processing time depends on the form of the company and the chosen licence. If the documents are submitted correctly and there are no additional approvals, the process takes from 14 to 28 working days, from the application to the licence. Remote DAFZA company processing is possible, especially through accredited agents, which simplifies the procedure for foreign investors and saves time.

Remote Registration Option

The Dubai Airport Free Zone offers a convenient opportunity to register a company remotely without the need for personal presence in the UAE. This is especially relevant for foreign investors and entrepreneurs wishing to quickly enter the market while minimising travel costs.

The remote registration process is carried out through accredited registration agents or directly through the DAFZA digital platform. In the first step, the applicant submits scans of all required documents (passport, photo, proof of address, CV, etc.) via an electronic form. After preliminary verification, a video verification - a short video session in which a DAFZA representative verifies the applicant's identity and clarifies key data - can be conducted with the client.

After registration and obtaining a licence, the client can operate the company remotely, including renting a virtual office, opening a corporate account and obtaining visas for employees. This format provides maximum flexibility and speeds up the launch of the business without logistical complexities.

Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai Airport Free Zone

Three main types of licences are available in DAFZA: commercial (for import, export and distribution), service (for consultancy and professional services) and industrial (for light industry and assembly). There are also specialised licences for IT, logistics and aviation sectors. The choice of licence depends on the company's activity and determines office and personnel requirements.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

When registering a business in Dubai Airport Free Zone, investors can choose from several office packages, each including a certain number of visas. The number of visas allowed depends on the size of the leased premises and is determined by the following rules:

• If the area is less than 40 m², 1 visa for every 12.5 m² is granted.
• For areas 40 m² and above, 1 visa for every 8.33 m².

Basic business packages:

• BEO office package (25 m²) - includes up to 2 visas
• Bronze office package (47-50 m²) - up to 6 visas
• Silver office package (50-55 m²) - up to 6 visas
• Gold office package (55-59 m²) - up to 6 visas
• Platinum office package (59-62 m²) - up to 7 visas.
• License costs vary from AED 13,000 - 15,000

The Dubai Airport Free Zone also offers flexible conditions for additional visas, depending on the individual needs of the company.

Additional costs:

• Registration fee - from AED 7,000
• Service fee - 12.5% of the rental price
• Parking - about AED 920 per year.
• P.O. Box - mandatory service, payable annually

For a 50 m² office with a three-year lease agreement with DAFZA, the basic costs are as follows. The rent is AED 92,500 per year, and the service charge is AED 11,563. A standard licence will cost AED 15,000 per year, with a registration fee of AED 7,000. Thus, including additional costs and excluding visa, insurance, and migration costs, the total annual budget for a company with a 50 m² office in DAFZA will be around AED 128,000.

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Dubai Airport Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?

Choosing DAFZA does not make sense for all types of businesses. Below you can find the list of criteria that will help you to understand whether the DAFZA company set up is worth considering.

Suitable if you are:

• International trader (import/export, logistics): DAFZA offers direct access to the airport, customs integration and global markets.
• Manufacturer with light manufacturing or assembly: warehousing and assembly operations are allowed.
• Consultant or IT specialist with corporate clients: the zone supports service licences including marketing, fintech and IT.
• Aviation and pharmaceutical companies: profile zone supporting highly regulated industries.
• Foreign companies wishing to open a regional office with a prestigious image and fast registration.

Not suitable if you are:

• Freelancer or self-employed professional with no employees: minimum office packages are designed for businesses with growth and require renting physical space.
• An early-stage startup with no budget: rent, fees, and license costs are higher than in some other zones.
• Persons with citizenship of high-risk countries (e.g. Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, etc.): registration may be rejected.

DAFZA is an ideal solution for mature businesses with an export model, but may be excessive in cost and structure for individual entrepreneurs and small start-ups.

Conclusion

Dubai Airport Free Zone is a strategically located, high-tech and prestigious free zone focused on international business, logistics and innovative industries. Its main advantages include direct access to one of the world's largest airports, fast customs procedures, support for B2B destinations and flexible conditions for foreign investors.

DAFZA license is ideal for companies involved in foreign trade, commerce, light manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, IT and aviation services. Businesses can register quickly, obtain a licence in 2-4 weeks, and submit documents remotely via video verification. This is particularly convenient for foreign owners wishing to minimise visits to the country.

If you are considering DAFZA registration, it is recommended that you seek professional advice. This will help you avoid mistakes in selecting a licence, correctly calculate the visa quota and complete the procedure remotely without wasting time. Expert support will accelerate the start of business and ensure compliance with all requirements of the UAE legislation.