DAFZA: Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

August 21, 2020

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) was established in 1996 and also is now one of the fastest-growing free zones in the Gulf and the Middle East. Moreover, it is located adjacent to the Dubai International Airport, which significantly makes it one of the most sought-after free zones. It offers a variety of facilities as well as a very good infrastructure. It is home to more than 1600 companies and 15000+ professionals.

It is also suitable for all three types of setup:

1. Freezone company setup in Dubai

2. Mainland company formation in Dubai

3. Offshore company formation in Dubai

Why Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority?

A strategic location as it is significantly situated next to the Dubai International Airport along with world-class infrastructure which provides clients an upper hand to perform all business activities efficiently and effectively.
100% import and export tax exemption.
It offers 24/7 customs services as well as rapid cargo clearance.
100% personal income tax exemption.
Dedicated logistics center.
100% corporate tax exemption.
100% foreign enterprise ownership.
No currency restrictions.
100% repatriation of capital and profits.

Process of Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

The process is quite easy. It involves the following three basic steps:

Firstly, Choose your license type
Secondly, Choose your company type
Thirdly, Choose your space

The Types of Licenses for Company Formation in DAFZA

Trading License:

Allows importing, exporting, distributing, consolidating, as well as storing almost all product types.

Industrial License:

In particular, it allows the implementation of all light production activities that are specified in the license.

Service License:

Generally, it allows the carrying out of service or consultancy activities specified in the license.

E-commerce License:

With this license, permission is given to trade goods as well as for services online.

General Trading License:

This license allows the holder to trade in general activities such as import, export, re-export, storage, and distribution.

Dual License with DED:

This license allows DAFZA-registered companies to apply for a DED (Dubai Department of Economic Development) License without any need in particular for physical office space on the mainland. Basically, businesses possessing this license can operate out of DAFZA.

Business Structures Available at Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company:

A free zone limited liability company in DAFZA can be a wholly owned company or a significantly independent legal entity. At least one director is required.

2. Branch Company:

It is, in particular, the branch of an existing company with no share capital requirements.

Following are the Facilities Available at Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

Office space
- Licensing, registration, and insurance
- Fully furnished
- IT equipment and services
- Housekeeping
- Reserved Parking

Power availability up to 200kW, which suits all business sizes
Warehousing as well as Industrial Space
Cold Storage
Retail Outlets
Light Industrial Units

DAFZA Industrial Park
- Twenty employment visas for spaces 350 sqm. and also below
- Thirty employment visas for spaces above 350 sqm.
- Thirty-Three warehouses
- Ten cold-storage enabled warehouses
- 312 sqm. average warehouse size
- 117 sqm. is the average office area per warehouse (Blocks C & D)
- 7.9 m minimum warehouse height
- 11.1 m maximum warehouse height
- Individual loading and unloading areas
- Daylight adaptive design

The Business Activities Permitted in Dubai Airport Free Zone

Education
Banks, Finance, and also Credit
Investment
Insurance
Restaurants, Bars, and Canteens
Railway
Aircraft as well as Spacecraft
Petrol/ Crude Petrol/ Oil and Natural Gas
Electronics and Electrical Group
Legal Services
Business as well as Management consultancy services
Engineering, architectural activities, as well as the relevant technical consultancy
Other Service / Trade Activities which are subjected to approval
Transport, Shipping, as well as Storage
Travel Agent
Motor Vehicles & Auto Spare Parts

Representative Office
Agricultural raw materials and also live animals and Plants
Foodstuff and Beverages
Textiles, Clothing, as well as Footwear
Advertising
Stationery & Books
Household & Furniture Trading
Jewelry
Sports Equipment
Perfumery, Medicines, Beauty
Spectacles & Contact Lenses
Metals & Metal Ores
Building Materials
Agricultural, Flowers & Plants
Chemical
Waste Trading
Bags, Packaging Material & Paper Trading
Equipment & Machines

The Documents Required for Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority:

Firstly, Application Form
Secondly, Business Plan
Thirdly, Personal Bank Statements of 6 months
Fourthly, the Original bank reference letter
Fifthly, the Passport of the shareholder as well as the other officers, manager, director, and secretary if applicable.
Lastly, No Objection Letter for the manager (if he is a resident of UAE and a UAE employment visa-holder).

After obtaining the initial approval, the applicant is required to submit the following documents-

Notarized as well as Attested Owner’s declaration regarding the establishment of the company in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority and guarantee for the full financial commitment.
Attachment of Notarized as well as Attested Power of Attorney of Manager, Director, and Secretary as applicable.
Notarized and Attested Appointment of Legal representative, however, if applicable, and their passport copy.
Specimen Signature to be provided in DAFZA’s presence.
Lastly, I Signed an office rental agreement.

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority Square Business Centre

Grow your business at DAFZA

1. DEIRA Meeting Room:

Following are the features:

Video as well as audio conferencing (available at cost for international calls)
Wireless presentations
Built-in computer
Physical connectivity (HDMI/VGA/A-VGA)
Display screen

Nano table PC
DAFZA stationary
Complimentary hot beverages
Complimentary WiFi
Free parking

2. Al-Wasel Meeting Room:

Following are the features:

20-pax capacity
Video, as well as audio conferencing, are available at cost for international calls
Wireless presentations
Built-in computer
Physical connectivity (HDMI/VGA/A-VGA)
Display screen

Nano table PC
DVD player
Document camera
DAFZA stationary
Complimentary hot beverages
Complimentary WiFi
Free parking

3. Jumeirah Conference Room:

Following are the features:

30-pax capacity
Video and also audio conferencing are available at cost for international calls
Wireless presentations
Built-in computer
Physical connectivity (HDMI/VGA/A-VGA)
Display screen
Nano table PC

DVD player
Document camera
23 touch screens
DAFZA stationary
Complimentary hot beverages
Complimentary WiFi
Free parking

4. Al Majlis Function Room:

Following are the features:

200-pax capacity
Three display screens
Wireless presentations
Live recording camera
Podium PC
Podium microphone
Wireless handheld microphones

Lapel microphone
Podium HDMI/VGA port
DAFZA stationary
Complimentary hot beverages
Complimentary WiFi
Free parking

5. Auditorium:

Following are the features:

225-pax capacity
Suitable for presentations, training sessions, seminars, remote lectures, cultural events, as well as programs
Podium with interactive panels
Wireless multi-way presentation (smartphones/laptops/Mac/PC)

HD recording system (podium and screen)
Annotation as well as whiteboard facilities on the podium
Video conferencing through the People+ content system
Live to stream

Types of Services Provided by Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

DAFZA Services

1. Business Services:

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority offers a variety of business setup services in Dubai like Freezone company set up in Dubai, Mainland company formation in Dubai, Offshore company formation in Dubai, and administrative services to both their new and existing clients. These services aim to make day-to-day business operations smooth and easy. Further, they have a one-stop-shop concept within DAFZA, which includes all of the necessary government departments and private entities that are needed to set up and run the company.

Furthermore, other services are available to a dedicated government service center, banks, telecommunications companies, and other service providers.

2. Service Portal:

DAFZA provides an online service portal, which is an integrated platform, and it not only helps in setting up a company but also is a gateway for all the needs after business registration. It can be accessed directly through the smartphone and features more than 250 essential DAFZA services.

3. Operational Services at Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority:

Leasing and Licensing – Incorporation, registration of a new Free Zone establishment or a branch of a foreign company, Freezone licensing, and Office lease agreements.
Interiors and Facilities Management – In-house interior design services, turnkey solutions with convenient payment plans, fit-out and also retrofit activities approvals, housekeeping and building maintenance, HVAC, central cooling systems, and emergency power.
Government Services – Visas include employment visas, visit visas and dependents’ visas, Family sponsorship, Visa transfer, and Employment contracts.
Dedicated Government Service Centres – Dubai Customs, Dubai Police, Directorate of General Residency, Foreign Affairs, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Chamber, and Emirates Post.

Information and Communication Technology – Telecom services, Telephone line and services, Etisalat and also Du connectivity, IT support packages, and also integrated solutions
Security Services – 24/7 security with CCTV surveillance, Entry permits, Car park leasing, Comprehensive safety systems which include fire alarms, smoke and heat detectors, automatic sprinklers as well as emergency lighting), and Certified fire safety training
Other Service Providers – Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Etisalat, Du, Travel agencies, and Visa Services

4. Visa Services:

It provides all business owners with visas as well as healthcare cards for their families and staff.

-Staff Sponsorship

At DAFZA, business owners’ support is offered for processing visas, residence permits, and healthcare cards. Further, it is also ensured that medical reports and any other necessary staff documentation are completed.

-Family Sponsorship

It can significantly assist company directors and managers in obtaining visas for their families and dependants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

1. For what period is the DAFZA license valid?

The DAFZA license is in particular valid for one year.

2. Are audit reports to be submitted annually?

Yes, companies have significantly established in DAFZA and therefore, have to submit audit reports annually.

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Form a DAFZA company

DAFZA: Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

Why Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority?

Process of Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority