DAFZA company setup cost (2026)
| Item | Government cost |
|---|---|
| Service or trade licence, year one (smart desk + 1 visa) | ≈ AED 55,000–85,000 |
| General trading licence, year one | ≈ AED 95,000–150,000 (larger office and share-capital deposit apply) |
| Warehouse or industrial setup | ≈ AED 215,000–342,000+ |
Headline: Year-one from about AED 55,000 (smart desk + one visa) — indicative, not a quote.
Year-one budget: AED 55,000–85,000 for a basic service or trade setup.
This is an indicative market band compiled from published guides, not the zone’s price list. Treat it as a planning range and confirm before you pay.
Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.
Benefits of the DAFZA licence
- Established address with strong recognition among banks and corporates
- Airport-side location with air-cargo and logistics connectivity
- Smart-desk, office and warehouse options
- Licence categories covering trading, services, e-commerce and industrial activity
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
Who is DAFZA best for?
- Aviation and aerospace suppliers
- Air-freight and logistics operators
- Corporates that want a premium airport address
Typical permitted activities
- Trading and general trading
- Aviation and aerospace services
- Logistics and freight forwarding
- Technology and consulting
Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.
What to watch out for
- One of the most expensive free zones per year
- General trading licences carry a large office and share-capital requirement
How to set up a company in DAFZA
- Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
- Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
- Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
- Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
- Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
- Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
- Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.
DAFZA compared with similar UAE free zones
| DAFZA | JAFZA | DMCC | Dubai South | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai | Dubai | Dubai |
| Best for | Aviation, logistics & premium trading | Logistics, trading & industrial | Commodities, crypto & multi-sector | Aviation, logistics & e-commerce |
| Licence cost | Year-one from about AED 55,000 (smart desk + one visa) | Trading licence from about AED 5,000/yr (one activity group) · office, warehouse and visas extra | From AED 46,780 (one-visa package) | Indicative from about AED 10,000–12,500 for entry packages |
| Setup time | 2–4 weeks | 1–3 weeks | 1–3 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Banking ease | High | Good | High | Moderate |
| Fee data | Indicative band | Indicative band | Published | Indicative band |
FAQs: DAFZA Free Zone company formation
How much does a DAFZA licence cost?
A basic service or trade setup with a smart desk and one visa typically totals AED 55,000–85,000 in year one according to published market guides. General trading and warehouse setups cost considerably more. Request a written quote for your exact activity.
How much does it cost to set up a company in DAFZA Free Zone?
Indicative cost: Year-one from about AED 55,000 (smart desk + one visa). This is a market price band, not a quote; Year-one totals: AED 55,000–85,000 for a basic service or trade setup. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.
How long does DAFZA company setup take?
Typically 2–4 weeks once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in DAFZA?
Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.
Can companies licensed in DAFZA trade in the UAE mainland?
Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.
Do I need a physical office in DAFZA?
Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.
Are DAFZA companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.
Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in DAFZA?
UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for DAFZA is “High”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.
What documents are required to set up in DAFZA?
Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.
Who is DAFZA best for?
Aviation and aerospace suppliers; Air-freight and logistics operators; Corporates that want a premium airport address.
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