Free zone · Dubai
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ/DAFZA) Company Setup
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ, often called DAFZA) is a Dubai free zone established in 1996 with direct access to Dubai International Airport. It is part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and suits trading, logistics, aviation, technology and regional headquarters that value an airport location and a central Dubai address.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about DAFZ
- Emirate
- Dubai
- Location
- Adjacent to Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Established
- 1996
- Authority
- Part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ)
- Sister zones
- Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership
What is DAFZ and how does it work?
DAFZ sits beside Dubai International Airport (DXB), which makes it practical for companies moving high-value or time-sensitive goods by air and for regional offices whose teams travel constantly. Since 2021 it has been grouped with Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).
Because DAFZ is a premium, central zone, it attracts established companies and regional headquarters more than micro start-ups. The licence, entity type and office you choose drive your visa capacity and costs, so the zone is best compared against alternatives once your activity and headcount are clear.
Activities
What can a DAFZ company do?
- Air-freight trading and logistics
- Aviation and aerospace services
- Technology and electronics trading
- Pharmaceutical and medical trading (subject to approvals)
- Regional headquarters and services
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Offices beside Dubai International Airport
- Warehouses and light industrial units
- Flexible workspace for smaller teams
Visas
How many visas can a DAFZ company get?
Visa capacity is linked to your premises and package. Residence visas follow the standard UAE process of entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and stamping.
Tax
How is a DAFZ company taxed?
DAFZ companies must register for UAE corporate tax. A company meeting the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions applies 0% to qualifying income and 9% to other taxable income. Customs and VAT treatment for goods depends on how they move in and out of the zone.
Good fit
Who is DAFZ best for?
- Companies shipping goods by air
- Aviation and aerospace service providers
- Regional headquarters wanting a central Dubai address
- Technology and electronics traders
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Very small start-ups optimising for lowest cost
- Heavy industry needing large plots
- Businesses serving walk-in mainland customers
Process
How to set up a company in DAFZ
-
01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
-
03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
-
05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
-
06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in DAFZ.
- 01
Confirm your activity and entity type with the zone before choosing premises.
- 02
Check whether your goods need product-specific approvals, for example pharmaceuticals.
- 03
Size the office or warehouse around the visas you need.
- 04
Plan how goods will move between the zone, the airport and the mainland.
- 05
Prepare parent-company documents if you are opening a regional branch.
Frequently asked
Questions about DAFZ
Is DAFZA the same as DAFZ?
Yes. Dubai Airport Freezone is commonly called DAFZA and now brands itself as DAFZ. It is part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority together with Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity.
Where is Dubai Airport Freezone?
DAFZ is located next to Dubai International Airport (DXB), giving direct access to air cargo and a short trip to central Dubai.
Who should choose Dubai Airport Freezone?
Companies that move goods by air, aviation service providers, technology traders and regional headquarters that want a central, premium free zone address.
Can a DAFZ company sell to the UAE mainland?
Not directly. It needs a mainland distributor, a mainland branch or another permitted route to sell to onshore customers.
What kind of companies choose Dubai Airport Freezone?
Companies that ship time-sensitive or high-value goods by air, aviation service providers, technology traders and regional headquarters that want a premium address close to central Dubai.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Not sure DAFZ is right?
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