DAFZA Company Setup in Dubai:
Licence, Office and Visas
DAFZA, the Dubai Airport Freezone, was established in 1996 next to Dubai International Airport and suits established trading, technology, aviation and service businesses. It requires office space rather than a desk-only package, and its dual licence with DET lets eligible companies operate on the mainland without a separate mainland office. Maven& checks your activity, premises and tax position first, then handles your licence, visas and bank account.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Dual licence option with DET
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Get your free setup quote
- DAFZA company setup partner
Foreign ownership
DAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership.
Licence routes to compare
A free zone licence, or a dual licence with DET for mainland operations.
Team for licence, visas and bank
One consultant handles your licence, residence visas, PRO work and bank account introductions.
- Who DAFZA suits
Businesses that suit a DAFZA company
Trading and distribution companies
Traders and distributors that benefit from airport proximity and customs access.
Aviation and logistics businesses
Aviation-linked and logistics businesses that want an airport-side address.
Technology and service firms
Technology and professional service firms that want a premium Dubai address.
Regional headquarters and groups
Groups setting up a regional headquarters or branch near the airport.
What are the main DAFZA rules and tax points?
A DAFZA licence suits many businesses, but it comes with rules on premises, approvals and tax that are worth checking before you commit.
- Office space: DAFZA companies lease office, warehouse or light industrial space in the zone, and desk-only packages are not generally offered.
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership is available.
- Dual licence: eligible DAFZA companies can apply for a DET licence to operate on the mainland without a separate mainland office.
- Approvals: regulated activities may need extra approvals from other authorities.
- Corporate tax: 0% applies only to qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Other income is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
- DAFZA vs mainland
DAFZA vs Dubai mainland company
Choose DAFZA if its location, licences and premises fit your business. Choose the mainland if you will sell directly to UAE customers.
| Feature | DAFZA | Dubai mainland (DET) |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Dubai Airport Freezone Authority | Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% for most activities |
| Selling in the UAE market | Within the zone, or on the mainland with a dual licence | Directly, anywhere in the UAE |
| Premises | Leased office, warehouse or light industrial unit | Physical office with Ejari |
| Corporate tax | 0% only on qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person, 9% above AED 375,000 otherwise | 9% above AED 375,000 |
| Best for | Established traders, aviation, technology and regional offices | Businesses serving UAE customers directly |
See mainland company formation or read the free zone vs mainland guide.
- Company structures
Three ways to set up in DAFZA
Company
For solo owners
- One shareholder
- Separate legal entity in the zone
- Premises sized to your visa plan
- Dual licence option with DET
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
Company
For partners and co-founders
- Two or more shareholders
- Separate legal entity in the zone
- Shareholding set out in the MoA
- Same premises and visa rules apply
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
a Company
For existing businesses
- Extends a company incorporated elsewhere
- Parent company documents need attestation
- Licensed under the parent company name
- The parent company carries the liability
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
How much does DAFZA company setup cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on your licence type, activity, premises and number of visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote that lists every DAFZA and service fee before you commit.
- DAFZA licence package and activity fees
- Leased office, warehouse or light industrial unit in DAFZA
- Establishment card and residence visas
- Annual licence renewal
- Accounting and reporting support
- PRO, bank account and tax registration support
- How it works
How to set up a DAFZA company in Dubai in 5 steps
Choose activities and licence
We match your activities to the right DAFZA licence category and confirm your tax position.
Reserve your name
We reserve a compliant name and prepare the application for DAFZA.
Apply and secure premises
We submit the application and arrange an office, warehouse or light industrial unit in DAFZA.
Receive your DAFZA licence
After approvals and fees, DAFZA issues your trade licence and incorporation documents.
Visas, bank account and launch
We process the establishment card and residence visas, then introduce you to UAE banks and set up accounting and tax registration support.
Documents required for DAFZA company setup
Most setups need only a few documents to start. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing for your structure.
- Passport copy of every shareholder, director and manager
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copy, if you are a resident
- Three proposed names, in order of preference
- A short description of your business activities
- Corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MoA/AoA and board resolution, attested
- Source of funds details, where the authority or bank asks for them
- Business plan or activity description, where required
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for DAFZA company setup in Dubai
One dedicated consultant
One consultant handles your trade licence, visas, Ejari and bank account introductions, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees, office, visa and service costs line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Right licence and tax position
Licence categories, premises rules and tax outcomes differ by activity. We check your licence type and your Qualifying Free Zone Person position before you pay a fee.
Licence, visas and bank in one process
Company formation, residence visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions are handled as one coordinated plan.
- DAFZA FAQs
DAFZA company setup in Dubai: frequently asked questions
The Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) is a Dubai free zone established in 1996 next to Dubai International Airport. It offers 100% foreign ownership and a dual licence with DET for mainland operations. See all free zones.
DAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership. Some regulated activities need extra approvals.
The cost depends on your licence type, activity, premises and number of visas, so there is no single price. It combines the licence package, your premises, the establishment card and visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote before you commit. Try the cost calculator.
Yes. DAFZA companies lease office, warehouse or light industrial space in the zone, and desk-only packages are not generally offered. The space is sized to your team and visa plan.
Yes, with the right licence. DAFZA’s dual licence with DET lets eligible companies operate on the mainland without a separate mainland office. A standard free zone licence does not give unrestricted mainland trading rights.
Yes, it must register. A free zone company pays 0% only on qualifying income if it is a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and 9% on other income above AED 375,000. A free zone licence does not by itself mean zero tax. See corporate tax registration and filing.
DAFZA licences include trading, industrial and service categories, a dual licence with DET, and a freelance licence for media, technology and education professionals. We match your activities to the right licence before applying.
The timeline depends on your activity, structure and documents, and on any approvals your activity needs. Visas and the bank account follow the licence. We give you a timeline for your case before you start. See the 5-step process.
Yes. A DAFZA company can sponsor residence visas for owners and employees, with the number linked to your licence and premises. See the investor and partner visa.
Yes. Banks run Know Your Customer checks and the decision is theirs. We prepare the file and introduce you to suitable banks. See corporate bank account opening.
Reviewed by the Maven& corporate setup team. Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you commit.
Ready to set up your DAFZA company?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a setup plan built around your activity. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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