Why choose DAFZA?

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) sits next to Dubai International Airport and is home to more than 3,400 companies across 20+ sectors, from IT and pharma to aviation, logistics and luxury goods. Dubai Customs, GDRFA immigration and the Dubai Chamber all have offices on site.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of earnings.
  • Minimum share capital of AED 1 for an FZCO.
  • Office options from a smart desk to full offices and warehouses, with the visa quota scaling with space.
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

DAFZA costs in 2026

  • Pricing: DAFZA does not publish a fee schedule; packages are quoted on request.
  • Office tiers and visas: Smart Office desk (1 visa), Business Boutique (2 visas), Premium (3 visas), Premium Plus (6 visas); standard offices allow 1 visa per 8.33 sq m.
  • Scality (tech startups): AED 2,850 a month for up to 6 employees, plus AED 3,000 setup and AED 4,200 per sponsored visa.
  • Annual audit: all DAFZA companies must have accounts audited by a DAFZA-approved auditor.

Because DAFZA quotes privately, we price your setup against current DAFZA rates. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in DAFZA

  1. Choose your entity: FZCO (1 to 50 shareholders), PLC or branch.
  2. Choose your licence and office tier: trading, service, industrial, general trading or e-commerce, matched to the visas you need.
  3. Submit documents: passports, business plan and shareholder details.
  4. Receive your licence: typically one to two weeks once documents are in order.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is DAFZA best for?

Established companies and regional offices that want an airport-side address: IT and telecoms, pharma, aviation, logistics, jewellery and luxury goods. It is a premium choice rather than a budget one.

DAFZA FAQs

How much does DAFZA cost?

DAFZA does not publish prices. Costs depend on licence type and office tier; we quote against current DAFZA rates.

What is the minimum share capital in DAFZA?

AED 1 for an FZCO. General trading requires AED 500,000.

How many visas can I get in DAFZA?

It depends on your office: 1 on a Smart Office desk, 2 in a Business Boutique, 3 in a Premium office and 6 in Premium Plus.

Is an audit required in DAFZA?

Yes. All DAFZA companies must have annual accounts audited by a DAFZA-approved auditor.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; where an authority does not publish prices we say so. We confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.