Company Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

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Company Setup in Dubai Airport FreeZone Authority (DAFZA)

Founded in 1996, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is located within the Dubai International Airport and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing free zones in the Gulf and Middle East. As part of the government's strategic plan to foster an investment-driven economy, DAFZA provides comprehensive business solutions to both local and international investors. It remains one of the most sought-after Free Trade Zones in Dubai, offering a streamlined process for business setup with minimal requirements, reasonable costs, and a swift registration process.

DAFZA offers a range of services within the free zone, including company licensing, leasing, government support for visa processing, facility management, telecommunications, smart desks, IT services, and security. Additionally, government centers, banks, and commercial hubs are conveniently located within the zone.

One of DAFZA's key advantages is its strategic location and connectivity. Its proximity to Dubai International Airport and integrated infrastructure makes business travel seamless. DAFZA companies operate 24/7, with round-the-clock customer service and expedited cargo clearance through its dedicated logistics center.

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Legal Structure in DAFZA

Free Zone Company (FZCO):
A Free Zone Company (FZCO) operates similarly to a limited liability company within DAFZA. Shareholders can be individuals, corporate entities, or a combination of both. The number of shareholders can range from 1 to 50, with a minimum share capital requirement of AED 1,000 per shareholder. Each share is valued at AED 1,000, which is approximately USD 274.

Branch
As the name suggests, an existing company can establish a branch of its parent company in DAFZA. No share capital is required for a branch, and it must be wholly owned by the parent company, operating under the same name and business activities. If the share capital exceeds AED 150,000, a bank share capital letter will be required.

The type of license required for the company will depend on its specific business activities.

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Business Activities in DAFZA

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) allows a wide range of business activities across various sectors. Some of the key categories include:

Education
Banks, Finance, and Credit
Investment
Insurance
Restaurants, Bars, and Canteens
Railway
Aircraft and Spacecraft
Petroleum, Crude Oil, and Natural Gas
Electronics and Electrical Group
Legal Services
Business and Management Consultancy
Architectural and Engineering Activities with Technical Consultancy
Other Service and Trade Activities (Subject to Approval)
Transport, Shipping, and Storage
Travel Agents
Motor Vehicles & Auto Spare Parts
Representative Offices
Agricultural Raw Materials, Live Animals, and Plants
Foodstuff and Beverages
Textiles, Clothing, and Footwear
Advertising
Stationery and Books
Household and Furniture Trading
Jewelry
Sports Equipment
Perfumery, Medicines, and Beauty Products
Spectacles and Contact Lenses
Metals and Metal Ores
Building Materials
Agriculture, Flowers, and Plants
Chemicals
Waste Trading
Bags, Packaging Materials, and Paper Trading
Equipment and Machinery

Certain business activities may require additional approvals, such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from external government entities, depending on the specific industry or service being provided.

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Required Documents for Company Formation in DAFZA

Individual Shareholders

To set up a company in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), the following documents are typically required:

Application Form – Provided by Aurion or the relevant DAFZA authority.
Passport Copy of the shareholder(s) and manager, including the residence visa page if applicable.
Passport Copies of Secretary and Directors (optional).
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor (for UAE-based companies only).
Personal Bank Statement for the last six months.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the shareholder(s) or manager.

These documents form the basis for initiating the company formation process in DAFZA

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Non-Individual Shareholders

For companies with non-individual shareholders, the following documents are necessary for forming a Free Zone Company (FZCO) in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA):

Application Form – Provided by Aurion or the relevant DAFZA authority.
Passport Copy of the shareholder(s) and manager, including the residence visa page (if applicable).
Passport Copies of Secretary and Directors (optional).
Company Brochure or Profile or Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the manager.
Audited Financial Report of the company.
Notarized and Attested Certificate of Incorporation, Power of Attorney (POA), or Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Shareholders’ Resolution – Calling for the establishment of a Free Zone Company (FZCO) in DAFZA, provided by Aurion.

These documents are required to complete the incorporation process for a non-individual shareholder in DAFZA.

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Steps to Register a Company in DAFZA

01. Select Company Type, License, and Facility

Choose the company type: either a Free Zone Company (FZCO) or a Branch Office of an existing company.
Select the appropriate business license based on your company’s operations.
Choose a facility that suits your business needs and location within DAFZA.

02. Submit Documents

Submit the required documents, which may include:

Application form
Letter of intent
Existing company brochure (if applicable)
Annual financial report (if applicable)
Approvals from third-party authorities (if required)
Passport copy and CV of the shareholder(s) and manager
Original bank reference for each stakeholder
NOC from the current sponsor (for the manager, if applicable)

03.  Collect Your License

Once all documents are processed successfully, complete the following steps to receive your business license:

Sign the lease agreement for your facility.
Make the necessary payment.

After these steps, your company will be officially registered in DAFZA.

Cost of Business Setup in DAFZA

The cost of setting up a business in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) typically starts at AED 14,999*, but it can vary based on several factors, including

License Type: Different types of licenses come with varying fees.
Additional Licenses and Permits: If your business requires multiple licenses or permits, the cost may increase.
Business Activities: The number and type of business activities you conduct can affect the overall cost.
Office Space: The size and location of your office space play a significant role in determining setup costs.
Visas: The number and type of visas required for employees and stakeholders will impact the cost.
Additional Services: Any extra services, such as legal or consultancy support, can add to the total.

DAFZA has recently reduced its fees, making it more affordable to establish a business in the free zone. Companies like RadiantBiz Business Setup offer competitive rates and can help you reduce costs for your DAFZA company setup.

*Costs are subject to change based on specific requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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