Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, commonly referred to as DAFZA, is a free economic zone in Dubai. It is a hub to more than 1600 companies that are carrying out an operation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
It was established in the year 1966 and became a part of Dubai government’s strategic plan. Today, DAFZA is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the region and contributes 4.7 percent to Dubai’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Business Setup
Company Formation
Bank Account Opening
Visa Services
DAFZA provides a wide range of services to its clients; be it business setup or administrative. According to DAFZA:
The one-stop shop concept brings together the dedicated Government Service Center and private organizations such as Banks and Telecommunications companies to allow you to enjoy the ease of access and seamless processes
There are three types of services which are currently being provided by DAFZA, which are as following:
Business Setup Services
- Leasing and Licensing
- Visa Services
- Dedicated Government Service Centres
Industrial License
- Interiors and Facility Management Services
- Information and Communication Technology
- Security Services
- Others (i.e. Food Court, Retail Area, Travel Agencies and more)
Online Service Portal
DAFZA is one of few free zones that have been exempted from newly-implemented VAT (Value Added Tax). The world’s most recognized brands have established their Middle Eastern hubs in Dubai Airport Free zone.
The DAFZA offices are located right adjacent to the Dubai International Airport, which is the free zone area of the city. DAFZA allows local and foreign investors a “complete tax-free business setup and execution of services, along with complete foreign ownership and no currency restrictions.” If you are interested in setting up a business at DAFZA then follow the below-mentioned procedure to ensure successful registration of your company.
In addition to this, the DAFZA will enable companies to operate 24-hours and all seven days of the week. Lastly, companies will also have no restrictions on hiring employees.
Select Company Type, License, and Facility
- Select your company’s type, whether it is a Free Zone Company or a Branch Office of an Existing Company
- Based on your company’s operations, choose the type of license you want to apply for
- Choose a facility that best fits your business location
Submit Documents
The organization has listed all the required documents which are needed to process your application, which are:
- Application form
- Letter of intent
- If applicable:
- Existing company brochure
- Annual financial report
- Approval from third-party authorities
- Shareholder and manager’s passport copy and CV
- Original bank reference of each stakeholder
- NOC issued by a current sponsor for the manager
Collect Your License
Once everything is done successfully, the final step is the collection of your business license, which is also a two-step process.
- Signing Lease
- Payment
Here are the most prominent features of Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority:
Here are the most prominent features of Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority:
Electronic
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics
Food and Beverage
Electrical
Engineering and Building Materials
Jewelry
Information Technology
Aerospace and Aviation
Precious Stones
Telecommunications
Logistics and Freight
Luxury Items
Only two types of legal entities are allowed to establish their operations in the Dubai free zone, which includes
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Branch Office of Existing Company
Branch Office of Existing Company
For individual shareholder/s:
Application Form – Made available by Aurion
Shareholder’s or manager’s passport copy, with residence visa page
Passport copies of secretory and directors (optional)
NOC from sponsors (this is for companies based in UAE only)
6 month’s personal bank statement
CV
For non-individual shareholder/s:
Application Form – made available by Aurion
Shareholder’s or manager’s passport copy, with visa page of the residence
Passport copies of secretory and directors (optional)
CV or company brochure/profile
Audited financial report
Notarized and attested certificate of incorporation, POA or MOA
Shareholders resolution calling for the establishment of FZCO in DAFZA – which is made available by Aurion
The companies operating in DAFZA follow the same rules and regulations for licenses as Free Zone. There are 4 types of available licenses, with the option to hold dual licenses as well depending on the nature of the business and its requirements.
Trade License
This is offered to those companies which are looking to deal in import, exports, distribution and storage of products.
Service License
This type enables companies to provide their services to the masses.or.
Industrial License
Companies which want to carry light manufacturing industrial activities, which includes packaging and assembling as well
General Trading License
If your company qualifies for more than two types of licenses then they are eligible for this type of license
Dubai Airport Free Zone provides custom and tailor-made products to meet the requirements of businesses. From fully furnished office packages to office solutions, DAFZA has it all.
The products are basically divided into three separate categories:
