Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

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About Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

The Dubai Airport Freezone is one of Dubai’s most popular free zones thanks to its strategic location and acceptance of many DED-permitted business activities.

The free zone is directly linked to Dubai International Airport and offers a fast-track customs process, making it the ideal hub for transport and trade Internationally and throughout the Middle East.

Prices starting from AED 50,000

Average business setup time: 2 weeks

Benefits of setting up a company in: Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

100% BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL REPATRIATION

As an expatriate, you can own 100% of the company and remit all profits to your home country.

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

DAFZA offers rapid clearance of paperwork to maximise business activity and efficiency.

OPEN TO ALL

DAFZA welcomes all DED-permitted business activity under industrial, trading and service licences.

STRATEGIC LOCATION

Linked directly to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA allows trade with every corner of the world.

FULLY SERVICED

DAFZA offers licensing and registration support to IT, telecoms and administrative services.

LEASING OPTIONS

DAFZA offers premium office spaces, coworking spaces and serviced offices.

Business Activities

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) welcomes a range of financial and professional business activities. Here are some of the most popular options:

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Consultancy

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Education

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Waste Management

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Storage

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Transport

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Aviation

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Logistics

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Marketing

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Tourism

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Hospitality

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Trading

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Health

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Manufacturing

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Contracting

Physical Presence Requirement

You do not have to be physically present to complete the setup process of your company.

Dubai Airport Free Zone: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to start a business in Dubai? If so, the Dubai airport freezone (DAFZA) may be the perfect option for you. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Dubai Airport Freezone and discuss the benefits of doing business there.

More than 2000 enterprises from over 20+ industries have been incorporated as DAFZA entities, with more than 20,000 professionals benefiting from a business-focused regulatory and tax environment that provides complete ownership, full repatriation of earnings, and excellent facilities.

So, if you are interested in starting a business in Dubai, keep reading!

What Is a Free Zone?

A free zone is a designated area in a country where foreign companies can establish and operate a businesses in a friendly tax envionment without having to comply with the local regulations.

Free zones offer tax and customs incentives as well as exemptions from certain labour laws. The Dubai Airport Freezone is one of the most popular free zones in the UAE, thanks to its strategic location and comprehensive business infrastructure.

The first free zone was established in the UAE in 1985, and there are now more than 40 free zones across the country. Read more on what a free zone is and why you might want to start a business in one here.

What Is Dubai Airport Free Zone?

The Dubai Airport Freezone is a special economic zone located in the Emirate of Dubai. Established in 1996 to promote trade and investment in the region, it is now home to over 2000 companies from more than 100 countries.

Companies choose to set up in the Dubai Airport Freezone for a variety of reasons. Airfreight is a key industry in the DAFZA, and many companies choose to set up their operations here due to the infrastructure and convenient proximity to the busiest airport in the middle east; Dubai International Airport. The Dubai Aiport Freezone is known for it’s business focused regulatory and is home to a wide range of business services, including company formation, accounting, legal services, and more.

They recently launched a talent pass freelancer program for freelancers, too. That enables people to live and work in the zone as individuals instead of having to form companies.

Start a Business at Dubai Airport Free Zone

To start a business at the Dubai Airport Freezone, you will need to complete some preliminary steps. The first step is to gather all of the required documents. These include:

  • A passport copy
  • A visa copy (if applicable)
  • A company registration form
  • The company’s memorandum and articles of association

The next step is to complete the company formation process. This includes setting up a company bank account, appointing directors and shareholders, and registering with the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority. There are many licenses you can apply for in the Dubai Aiport Freezone: E-Commerce license, General trading license, Industrual license, service license, Trade license and Dual license. It is important that you work out which license suits your business when going through the company formation process.

Location and Facilities

The Dubai Airport Freezone is located in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district next to Dubai International Airport. It is home to some incredible facilities, including:

  • A 24/7 customs and immigration desk
  • Separate visa and company registration areas
  • A wide range of business support services
  • Conference and meeting rooms
  • An on-site gymnasium
  • Cafes and restaurants

The Dubai Airport Free Zone has unparalleled facilities and luxurious amenities.

The Benefits of Living in the Dubai Airport Free Zone

If you are looking for a safe and secure place to live and do business, the Dubai Airport Free Zone is the place for you.

DAFZA has 24/365 security, so you can feel safe and secure knowing that your business is in good hands.

In addition, the telecommunications infrastructure in DAFZA is some of the best in the world. You will have access to all the latest technology and communications services, so you can stay connected with your business wherever you are.

Dining in DAFZA

DAFZA has a wide variety of restaurants, so you can find something to suit your taste. Whether you are in the mood for Italian, Indian, Chinese, or American food, you will be able to find a restaurant that meets your needs.

Real Estate in DAFZ

The DAFZA metro station is located in the Al Wasl neighbourhood.

The area near the metro station is popular with expats since it has some of the most affordable rentals near metro stations. If you’re searching for houses near Dubai’s DAFZA subway station, these neighbourhoods will be of interest to you.

Exit 1 For Al Twar

The community is recognized for having a variety of large villas that are considered to be a little more costly than usual. Al Twar is a family-friendly community that has parks, schools, and several childcare options for children.

Exit 2 For Al Qusais

Al Qusais is a residential haven for expatriates who are searching for cheap apartments to rent on the Exit 2 side of the Dubai Airport Freezone Metro Station. The Al Qusais community is regarded as one of Dubai’s oldest, with many people having resided there for more than 20 years.

Exit 3 For Al Nahda

Al Nahda is a large and populated area located on the Exit Three side of the Dubai Airport Freezone Metro Station. The community is perfect for singles and couples because there’s a high volume of very low-cost studios and modest apartments (typically up to 3 beds).

Detached Villas of Muhaisnah 3

The final neighbourhood we’ll cover is Muhaisnah 3, which is more villa-oriented. It boasts of a community park, as well as little groceries, mosques, and restaurants throughout the area. This is the most expensive option with all the villas costing well over 130K AED per year.

Demand is Soaring

Airplanes are not the only things sky-high in the Dubai Airport Freezone right now. House prices in the area are up too. Inceasing business activity is leading to increasing demand, which means there are fewer opportunities to buy in the area. So if you would like to move within an easy commute of the airport and free zone, renting may be your only option.

Other UAE Free Zones

There are a lot of other UAE free zones which are similarly well connected, and a lot of companies choose to set up in these free zones for the business friendly tax environment aswell as the many reasons outlined earlier for Dubai Airport Free Zone.

JAFZA and DMCC

JAFZA, located in Jebel Ali, is one of the most popular free zones in the UAE and offers excellent opportunities for businesses looking to get into the Middle East market. DMCC, also situated in Dubai, is popular with commodities traders and those in the precious metals and diamond trade.

Both of these zones offer a wide range of company setup options, including 100% foreign ownership, making them attractive to businesses from all over the world.

KIZAD and Fujairah

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) in Abu Dhabi is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most business-friendly zones in the UAE. It offers excellent facilities and an easy company setup process.

There are also many free zones located outside of Dubai and Abu Dhabi which may be worth considering for your business. Fujairah Free Zone Authority is one example and offers many benefits to shipping and transport businesses.

So, if you’re looking for an exciting opportunity to set up your business in the UAE, it’s worth considering one of the many free zones on offer.

Differences Between Dubai Airport Free Zone and Other Free Zones

The difference between Dubai Airport Freezone and other free zones in Dubai is that it has a specific area designated for businesses operating in the aviation, travel, and hospitality sectors. If you are interested in starting a business in one of these sectors, Dubai Airport Freezone is the best option.

Successful Dubai Airport Free Zone Businesses

Many successful businesses have been set up in the Dubai Airport Freezone. Some of these include:

  • Airlines
  • Cargo companies
  • Logistics companies
  • Customs brokers

If you’re looking to start a business in this dynamic and exciting region, the Dubai Airport Freezone is an excellent option. With its strategic location and world-class infrastructure, the Dubai Airport Freezone offers businesses a gateway to the Middle East and beyond.

Increasingly, service providers such as marketing and recruitment are also setting up in DAFZA.

Famous Companies Love DAFZA

Air freight and logistics is another key sector that is supported by Dubai Airport Free Zone. If you are looking to start a business in this sector, the free zone can provide you with all the necessary support and infrastructure.

World-famous companies based in DAFZA include:

  • DHL (EEMEA Headquarters)
  • Toyota Tsusho
  • Airbus Middle East
  • Boeing International Corporation

So, as you can see, your business would be in good company if you choose to set up in Dubai Airport Free Zone.

Dubai Airport Free Zone Company Setup Benefits to Business Owners

Business setup in DAFZA has some advantages that business owners can maximise. The main benefits are as follows:

  • 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital is allowed
  • No personal or corporate tax on income, profits, or capital gains
  • No import or export duties
  • No restrictions on currency or capital flows
  • Fast, efficient, and transparent licensing process
  • Industry perks (location, access, logistics)

The above benefits make DAFZA an extremely attractive proposition for businesses looking to set up in the UAE. With its strategic location and world-class infrastructure, Dubai Airport Freezone is the perfect place to do business. Contact us today to learn how Virtuzones expert business consultants can help you to get started.

New Business Setup With Virtuzone

In addition to company setup, Virtuzone also offers a range of other services including:

  • Legal and compliance support
  • Visa services
  • Bank account opening support
  • Office space and virtual offices

For more information about our services, please visit our website or contact us directly. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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