The Dubai Airport Free zone (DAFZ) was established in 1996 and has since grown into a thriving business center located at the crossroads of global trade. Boasting direct access to the world’s busiest airport, DAFZ serves as an excellent entry point to the Middle East, while providing exceptional connectivity to Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Far East.
Currently, DAFZ is home to over 2,300 businesses across various sectors and industries, employing over 17,000 professionals. The tax-free and business-friendly environment of the freezone allows for complete ownership and unrestricted repatriation of earnings, along with access to top-notch facilities.
Business Setup Process in Dubai Airport Free Zone
Starting a business in DAFZ is easy, with seamless processes that minimize paperwork and time requirements. Whether you’re starting from scratch or relocating an existing company, BizVibez’s professional team provides free guidance to help you maximize the opportunities this hub has to offer. Our efficient three-step process for setting up a business in Dubai makes doing business in the UAE simple and easy.
Following are the step’s to start a business in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DFDA)
Choose the Company License Type
Dubai Airport FreeZone offers several types of licenses for businesses, including:
- Trade License
Enables the holder to engage in trading activities like import, export, re-export, distribution, and storage of specific products. An option of E-commerce License is also available for online trading of goods and services. - Service License:
Ideal for service-based companies and allows them to provide the services specified in the license. - Industrial License:
Authorizes the holder to participate in light manufacturing, packaging, and assembly activities. - General Trading License:
Grants the holder permission to trade in general activities, including import, export, re-export, storage, and distribution. - Dual License with DED*:
Allows companies registered with DAFZA to apply for a DED (Dubai Department of Economic Development) License without requiring physical office space on the mainland. These businesses can operate from within DAFZA. - Talent Pass License:
Offered to individuals engaged in freelancing within the media, technology, or education industries. It offers benefits like a visa entitlement and the possibility of leasing a smart office.
Choose the Company Type
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) offers 3 company formation options:
- Free zone Company:
A firm set up in the freezone, with 1-50 shareholders (individual or non-individual), requiring a minimum share capital of AED 1. - PLC (Public Limited Company):
A public limited firm with limited liability, unlimited number of shareholders, and suited for companies planning to go public (IPO). - Branch/Representative Office:
A branch of a foreign company, without a required share capital, established in DAFZ.
Bizvibez provide vide range of office spaces to choose from. We also provide virtual space for work to avail hassle-free business while sitting miles away.
Business Activities Permitted at Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
DAFZA allows a diverse range of business activities for its tenants to engage in, providing numerous opportunities for growth and expansion. Some of the activities permitted at DAFZA include
- Investment – This refers to investing in various financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, within the freezone.
- Building materials – Businesses involved in the production, import, and distribution of building materials are allowed to operate at DAFZA.
- Insurance – This includes insurance companies, brokers, and intermediaries who provide insurance services and products.
- Aircraft and spacecraft – Companies involved in the manufacture, maintenance, and repair of aircraft and spacecraft are allowed to operate at DAFZA.
- Chemicals – This includes businesses involved in the production, distribution, and storage of chemicals and related products.
- Mobile trading – This refers to businesses engaged in the trade of mobile phones, tablets, and other related products.
- Waste trading – This encompasses companies involved in the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste.
- Business and management consultancy – This includes businesses that provide advice and support on management and business practices.
- Legal services – This covers law firms, lawyers, and other legal professionals offering their services at DAFZA.
- Architectural activities – This encompasses architectural design and planning services for buildings, landscapes, and other structures.
- Engineering activities – This includes businesses involved in various engineering fields, such as civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
- Transport, shipping, and storage – This refers to businesses engaged in the transportation of goods, shipping, and storage services.
- Motor vehicles and auto spare parts – This encompasses companies involved in the production, import, and distribution of motor vehicles and auto spare parts
Benefits of having a business in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is a prime location for businesses, located at the heart of Dubai and easily accessible to major areas. The freezone boasts world-class infrastructure, including cargo handling facilities and a dedicated logistics center, which makes it an attractive place for businesses to set up operations.
In addition, DAFZA offers various online business services through its smart services platform, making administrative processes more convenient for businesses. Investment in DAFZA comes with many incentives, including 100% foreign company ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and a lack of currency and employment restrictions. This, coupled with efficient and fast business clearance processes, makes DAFZA an attractive option for investors.
Another advantage of operating in DAFZA is its tax-free status, with no corporate tax or income tax and exemption from VAT, making it a tax-friendly zone for businesses.
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