DAFZA Company Setup in Dubai
Set up your company inside Dubai International Airport, with world-class offices, warehouses and global connections. Aspira handles everything from license to visas.
What Is DAFZA?
DAFZA company setup is a popular choice for trading, logistics, aviation and technology companies that want a premium Dubai address. DAFZA, the Dubai Airport Freezone (now often called DAFZ), was established in 1996 and is located right next to Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.
DAFZA is home to more than 1,700 companies, from global brands to fast-growing start-ups. Its location gives fast access to air freight, Dubai’s business districts and the metro, making it ideal for companies that move goods by air or travel often.
At Aspira Business Setup Services, we handle your DAFZA company setup from start to finish. Our team has 12+ years of experience and has formed 5,000+ companies for 4,500+ clients across all UAE free zones. We choose the right license and facility, prepare your documents, follow up with DAFZA and arrange your visas and bank account help.
Benefits of DAFZA Company Setup
A DAFZA company setup combines a prime location with strong infrastructure:
100% foreign ownership
No local partner or sponsor needed.
At Dubai International Airport
Fast air freight and easy travel.
Central Dubai location
Close to Deira, Downtown and the Dubai Metro.
Premium reputation
A respected address for banks, partners and clients.
Flexible facilities
Flexi-desks, offices, warehouses and light industrial units.
Strong sectors
Aviation, logistics, trading, technology and professional services.
Customs advantages
Goods can be stored and re-exported within the free zone.
Business support
Services for licensing, visas and company administration.
Types of DAFZA Licenses
Commercial License
For trading companies that import, export, store and distribute goods.
Service License
For consultancy, IT, marketing and other professional services.
Industrial License
For light manufacturing, assembly and packaging in a DAFZA facility.
E-Commerce and Technology
For online businesses and technology companies serving the region.
Our team will recommend the right license for your business.
DAFZA Company Setup Cost in 2026
DAFZA is a premium free zone, and its prices are given on a quote basis, so it usually costs more than smaller free zones. Your cost is made up of:
| Cost item | What it covers |
|---|---|
| License fee | Depends on license type and activities |
| Facility | A flexi-desk, office or warehouse is required |
| Establishment card | Needed before you can apply for visas |
| Visas | Government visa, medical test and Emirates ID per person |
DAFZA prices are quote-based and can change. Contact Aspira for an exact, up-to-date quote.
Your final DAFZA company setup cost depends on:
- Your license type and activities
- The type and size of your facility
- The number of visas you need
If your budget is the main priority, other free zones start from AED 5,565. Compare prices with our business setup cost calculator.
DAFZA Company Setup Process: Step by Step
Here is how it works with Aspira:
- Free consultation: we discuss your business, activities, facility needs and budget.
- Choose your license and company type: FZE, FZCO or branch.
- Reserve your company name: we check your name against the naming rules and reserve it.
- Submit your application: we prepare and submit your application and documents.
- Initial approval: DAFZA reviews your application, usually within a few working days.
- Choose your facility and sign the lease: flexi-desk, office or warehouse.
- Receive your license: DAFZA issues your license once everything is complete.
- Establishment card and visas: we apply for your establishment card and residence visas.
- Bank account and tax: we help you open a corporate bank account and register for corporate tax and VAT.
The full process usually takes two to four weeks.
Documents Required
- Passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photo with a white background
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copy, if you live in the UAE
- Proof of residential address
- Business plan, for some activities
For a branch or corporate shareholder, you will also need the parent company’s certificate of incorporation, articles of association, board resolution and good standing certificate. Most of these need to be attested.
Visas for Your DAFZA Company
A DAFZA company can sponsor residence visas for its owners, employees and their families. A flexi-desk usually allows a small number of visas, while offices and warehouses allow more. Aspira manages the full visa process for you.
Facilities in DAFZA
- Flexi-desks for small teams
- Offices and executive suites
- Warehouses, including temperature-controlled units
- Light industrial units
Your facility is a big part of your total cost, so we help you choose the right size from day one.
Who Should Choose DAFZA Company Setup?
- Aviation and aerospace companies
- Freight, logistics and courier businesses
- Trading companies that ship goods by air
- Technology and e-commerce companies
- International companies opening a Dubai office
If you are a consultant or small service business, a lower-cost free zone such as IFZA, Meydan or RAKEZ may suit you better. If you trade by sea, JAFZA may be a better fit. We will give you an honest comparison.
DAFZA vs JAFZA vs DMCC
| Feature | DAFZA | JAFZA | DMCC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Dubai International Airport | Next to Jebel Ali Port | Jumeirah Lakes Towers |
| Best for | Air freight, aviation, tech | Sea freight, logistics, industrial | Commodities, trading, services |
| Facilities | Flexi-desks, offices, warehouses | Offices, warehouses, land | Flexi-desks and offices |
| Starting cost | Higher | Higher | Premium |
Opening a Bank Account for Your DAFZA Company
Banks know DAFZA well, which helps your application. They usually ask for your license, company documents, lease agreement, shareholder passports and visas, and a description of your business and expected transactions. Aspira helps you prepare a complete file and introduces you to banks that suit your activity.
Corporate Tax and VAT for DAFZA Companies
Every DAFZA company must register for UAE corporate tax. Corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the rules of a Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income, but many service activities don’t count as qualifying income and are taxed in the normal way. VAT registration is required once your taxable sales pass AED 375,000 a year. Read our guide on corporate tax registration in Dubai to learn more.
DAFZA License Renewal
Your DAFZA license and facility lease must be renewed every year. Visas are renewed separately when they expire. Aspira reminds you before your renewal date and handles everything.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a facility that’s too small: your visa quota depends on your space.
- Underestimating the budget: plan for the facility as well as the license.
- Picking the wrong license type: commercial, service and industrial licenses cover different activities.
- Missing corporate tax registration: every free zone company must register.
- Selling directly to mainland customers without the right setup: you may need a distributor or mainland license.
Why Choose Aspira for Your DAFZA Company Setup?
- 12+ years of experience in UAE business setup
- 5,000+ companies formed for 4,500+ clients
- Company setup in all UAE free zones, Dubai mainland and offshore
- Honest advice on whether DAFZA or another zone suits your budget
- One team for your license, visas, PRO services, bank account help and tax registration
- Support after setup, including renewals
Related Organizations
- Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA): issues your license
- Dubai Customs: customs clearance for your goods
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA): residence visas
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA): corporate tax and VAT registration
Frequently Asked Questions
A: DAFZA is a premium free zone with quote-based prices. Your cost includes the license, facility, establishment card and visas. Contact Aspira for an exact quote.
A: Usually two to four weeks from application to license, depending on your activity and facility.
A: Yes. DAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership.
A: Yes, you need a facility. A flexi-desk is the smallest option.
A: It depends on your facility. A flexi-desk usually allows a few visas, and bigger offices and warehouses allow more.
A: Yes. Dubai Airport Freezone is known as both DAFZA and DAFZ.
A: Yes, especially for companies that ship goods by air.
A: Free zone companies mainly trade within the free zone and abroad. To sell on the mainland, you usually need a distributor or a mainland license. We will explain the best option.
Get Started with Your DAFZA Company Setup
Ready to start your DAFZA company setup? Contact Aspira for a free consultation and a clear quote.