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Dubai Airport Free Zone Setup

Admin
March 16, 2025

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) is a strategically located free zone that offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to establish their presence in the United Arab Emirates. As a premier business hub, DAFZ provides an ideal environment for companies seeking to leverage Dubai's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.

What is Dubai Airport Free Zone?

Dubai Airport Free Zone is a tax-free economic zone located adjacent to Dubai International Airport. Established in 1996, DAFZ has become one of the fastest-growing free zones in the region, attracting businesses from various sectors. The free zone offers a range of benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined business setup processes.

Benefits of Setting Up in Dubai Airport Free Zone

Setting up a business in Dubai Airport Free Zone comes with numerous advantages:

Strategic Location: Proximity to Dubai International Airport facilitates easy access to global markets.
Tax Benefits: 100% tax exemption on corporate and personal income.
Foreign Ownership: 100% foreign ownership allowed.
Repatriation of Capital: Full repatriation of capital and profits.
Customs Duty Exemption: Exemption from import and export duties.
Efficient Infrastructure: State-of-the-art facilities and modern office spaces.
Business Support Services: Access to various business support services.

Types of Businesses Allowed in DAFZ

Dubai Airport Free Zone caters to a wide range of business activities, including:

Trading
Services
Manufacturing
Logistics
E-commerce
Media and Publishing
Information Technology
Aviation and Aerospace

Dubai Free Zone Business Setup Process

Setting up a business in Dubai Airport Free Zone involves several steps. The process is designed to be efficient and straightforward, allowing entrepreneurs to establish their presence quickly.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

The first step in setting up your business in DAFZ is to determine your business activity. DAFZ supports a wide range of industries, so it's essential to choose an activity that aligns with your business goals and the free zone's regulations.

Step 2: Select Your Company Name

Choose a unique company name that complies with UAE naming conventions. The name should not contain any offensive or blasphemous language and should not be already registered by another company.

Step 3: Determine Your Company Structure

Decide on the legal structure of your company. In DAFZ, you can set up as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) or a Branch of a Foreign Company.

Step 4: Submit Application and Documents

Prepare and submit the required documents, including:

Completed application form
Passport copies of shareholders and directors
Business plan
Bank reference letters
No objection certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (for UAE residents)

Step 5: Obtain Initial Approval

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you'll receive initial approval from DAFZ authorities.

Step 6: Lease Office Space

Choose and lease office space within DAFZ. The free zone offers various options, from small offices to large warehouses.

Step 7: Pay License and Registration Fees

Pay the necessary fees for your business license and company registration.

Step 8: Receive Final Approval and License

After completing all requirements and payments, you'll receive final approval and your business license.

Dubai Free Zone Benefits for Foreign Investors

Dubai Airport Free Zone offers numerous benefits for foreign investors looking to establish their presence in the UAE market:

100% Foreign Ownership: Unlike mainland companies, businesses in DAFZ can be fully owned by foreign investors.
Tax Exemptions: Enjoy 0% corporate and personal income tax, as well as exemption from import and export duties.
Capital Repatriation: Full repatriation of capital and profits is allowed, providing financial flexibility for investors.
Strategic Location: DAFZ's proximity to Dubai International Airport offers excellent connectivity to global markets.
Modern Infrastructure: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and advanced telecommunications infrastructure.
Business Support Services: DAFZ provides various support services, including visa processing, HR services, and more.
Simplified Setup Process: The business setup process in DAFZ is streamlined and efficient, saving time and effort.
No Currency Restrictions: Freedom to deal in any currency and maintain foreign currency accounts.
Networking Opportunities: Being part of a thriving business community offers networking and collaboration possibilities.
Legal Framework: A robust legal framework that protects investors' rights and intellectual property.

Dubai Free Zone Company Formation Requirements

To form a company in Dubai Airport Free Zone, you need to meet certain requirements:

Legal Requirements

Minimum Share Capital: The minimum share capital requirement varies depending on the type of license.
Shareholders: At least one shareholder is required for an FZ-LLC.
Directors: At least one director is required.
Local Agent: A local service agent is not required for free zone companies.

Documentation Requirements

Passport copies of shareholders and directors
Business plan
Bank reference letters
No objection certificate (for UAE residents)
Board resolution (for corporate shareholders)
Memorandum and Articles of Association

Financial Requirements

License fees
Registration fees
Office lease costs
Share capital (if applicable)

Physical Presence Requirements

Office Space: Companies must lease office space within DAFZ.
Visa Quota: The number of visas allowed depends on the size of the leased space.

Dubai Airport Free Zone Services and Facilities

Dubai Airport Free Zone offers a wide range of services and facilities to support businesses:

Business Setup Services

Company Registration
License Issuance
Visa Processing
Document Attestation

Office and Warehouse Solutions

Furnished Offices
Unfurnished Offices
Light Industrial Units
Warehouses

Logistics Services

Cargo Handling
Customs Clearance
Transportation Services
Storage Solutions

Business Support Services

HR Services
IT Support
Marketing Assistance
Legal Consultancy

Networking and Events

Business Networking Events
Trade Shows
Industry Seminars
Training Programs

Dubai Free Zone Sectors and Industries

Dubai Airport Free Zone caters to various sectors and industries, including:

Aviation and Aerospace

DAFZ is an ideal location for aviation and aerospace companies due to its proximity to Dubai International Airport.

Information Technology

The free zone provides a conducive environment for IT companies, offering advanced infrastructure and support services.

Logistics and Supply Chain

DAFZ's strategic location makes it perfect for logistics and supply chain companies looking to optimize their operations.

E-commerce

With its modern facilities and efficient customs processes, DAFZ is well-suited for e-commerce businesses.

Manufacturing

Light and medium manufacturing activities are supported in DAFZ, with access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Media and Publishing

DAFZ offers a suitable environment for media and publishing companies, with access to modern communication infrastructure.

Trading

The free zone supports various trading activities, benefiting from Dubai's position as a global trade hub.

Consultancy Services

Professional service firms and consultancies can thrive in DAFZ's business-friendly environment.

Dubai Free Zone Registration Process

The registration process for setting up a company in Dubai Airport Free Zone involves the following steps:

Submit Application: Prepare and submit the application form along with required documents.
Document Verification: DAFZ authorities will verify the submitted documents.
Initial Approval: Receive initial approval for your business setup.
Name Reservation: Reserve your chosen company name.
License Fee Payment: Pay the required license and registration fees.
Office Space Lease: Choose and lease office space within DAFZ.
Memorandum of Association: Prepare and submit the Memorandum of Association.
License Issuance: Receive your business license and company registration certificate.
Bank Account Opening: Open a corporate bank account in the UAE.
Visa Processing: Apply for residency visas for shareholders and employees.

Dubai Free Zone Trade License Types

Dubai Airport Free Zone offers various types of trade licenses to cater to different business activities:

Trading License

This license allows companies to import, export, and distribute products within the free zone and internationally.

Service License

Ideal for companies providing professional services, consultancy, or other service-based activities.

Industrial License

Suitable for manufacturing and assembly activities within the free zone.

Logistics License

Designed for companies involved in logistics, warehousing, and distribution services.

E-commerce License

Specifically tailored for online retail and e-commerce businesses.

General Trading License

Allows companies to trade in multiple product lines without restrictions.

Conclusion

Dubai Airport Free Zone offers an attractive proposition for businesses looking to establish their presence in the UAE. With its strategic location, tax benefits, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly policies, DAFZ provides an ideal environment for companies to thrive and expand their operations globally.

FAQs

Q: Can I own 100% of my company in Dubai Airport Free Zone? A: Yes, DAFZ allows 100% foreign ownership of companies.
Q: What are the tax benefits of setting up in DAFZ? A: Companies in DAFZ enjoy 0% corporate and personal income tax, as well as exemption from import and export duties.
Q: How long does it take to set up a company in DAFZ? A: The process typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the business and document readiness.
Q: Can I conduct business outside the free zone? A: Free zone companies are generally restricted from conducting business in the UAE mainland without a local agent or distributor.
Q: What types of office spaces are available in DAFZ? A: DAFZ offers various options, including furnished and unfurnished offices, light industrial units, and warehouses.