Start your IT business in the UAE’s growing market, whether it’s software development or IT consulting.
15,020 AED
2 weeks
Guaranteed
2 years
This step is crucial for a smooth business setup, as choosing the wrong activities or license can lead to issues during company registration. Such errors could result in difficulties when opening a bank account or obtaining residency visas for you and your employees.
The available company types at DAFZ include an FZCO (Free Zone Company), a PLC (Public Limited Company), or a branch of an existing local or foreign company.
For an FZCO, shareholders can be individuals, corporate entities, or a mix of both. The key features of an FZCO include:
1 to 50 shareholders (individuals, corporate, or both)
Minimum share capital of AED 1
A PLC is designed for business owners looking to list or offer shares on a securities market. This entity offers limited liability and allows for an unlimited number of shareholders.
Branches of existing companies in DAFZ require no share capital and must meet the following conditions:
Be 100% owned by the parent company
Share the same name as the parent company
Share the same activities as the parent company
Prepare and submit the required documents along with the application form for company formation in DAFZ. The necessary documents include:
Passport
Passport-size photo
Passport copies of all shareholders
Latest utility bill for address proof
NOC (No Objection Certificate) from a local partner
Business plan
Original bank reference letter
Six months of personal bank statements
Additionally, this step involves paying all the registration and processing fees.
Receive the license and registration documents for the company, including:
Receive the Establishment Card containing information about your company and visa quotes.
Once your entry permit is issued, you’ll have 60 days to enter the UAE if you’re currently abroad, in order to complete your medical test and biometric procedures for your residency visa. If you’re already in the UAE, your visa status will be changed from your current tourist or residency visa to the new one without the need to exit the country.
As part of the residency process, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination and submit the required documents for your residence visa. The number of visas you can obtain for owners and employees depends on the specific company registration package you choose.
After your residence visa is approved, you can proceed to obtain your Emirates ID. The processing and issuance of both the visa and Emirates ID typically take around 5 to 7 working days.
To open a corporate bank account in the UAE, apply to a local or international bank of your choice. Once your application is processed and you receive your account details, you can begin operating your business in the UAE.
| TYPE OF LICENSE | COST |
|---|---|
| 1-year Trading/Service/Industrial license | 15,000 AED |
| Standard Office package (27 sq.m. office + 3 visa quotas) | 84,630 AED |
| Standard Office package (54 sq.m. office + 6 visa quotas) | 141,985 AED |
| Standard Office package (100 sq.m. office + 12 visa quotas) | 245,664 AED |
| Premium Office package (27 sq.m. office + 3 visa quotas) | 92,570 AED |
| Premium Plus Office package (54 sq.m. office + 6 visa quotas) | 160,070 AED |
Additional costs apart from the license fee include:
Yes
Consider Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) for your business setup if:
Your business is related to trade or logistics, as DAFZ, being part of Dubai International Airport (DXB), offers excellent logistical opportunities and in-house customs services.
You prefer a free zone with advanced infrastructure, as DAFZ provides fitted-out offices, warehouses, a dedicated logistics center, notary services, and banks.
You are looking for a free zone that allows dual licensing with the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland operations.
You seek a bank-friendly and reputable free zone, as DAFZ is highly recognized by banks, simplifying bank-related operations like account opening.
Alternatively, consider other options like SAIF or JAFZA for industrial company setups, as they offer great facilities for such businesses.
No
DAFZ might not be the best choice if:
You are looking for a low-cost business setup, as DAFZ is not the most affordable free zone for company formation.
Your business focuses on media or IT and does not require storage or logistical facilities. In that case, Dubai Media City or Dubai Silicon Oasis would be more suitable.
Your business model requires virtual offices, as DAFZ mandates renting a physical office space.
The Dubai Airport Free Zone offers a wide range of business activities across various industry sectors, including:
Investment
Insurance
Aircraft and Spacecraft
Petrol/Crude Oil, Natural Gas
Legal Services
Business and Management Consultancy
Architectural and Engineering Activities, and Related Technical Consultancy
Transport, Shipping, and Storage
Travel Agent
Motor Vehicles & Auto Spare Parts
Metals & Metal Ores
Building Materials
Chemicals
Waste Trading
Equipment & Machinery
In the near future, dropshipping business models will also be available, making trading through DAFZ highly competitive and convenient. For e-commerce purposes, DAFZ has a dedicated offshoot, Commercity.
Below, you can find a table outlining the categories of business licenses available at DAFZ, along with their descriptions.
Start your IT business in the UAE’s growing market, whether it’s software development or IT consulting.
A Commercial License enables you to start a business in retail, wholesale, or import-export, providing access to both local and international markets.
With a Professional License, you can offer specialized services in fields like consulting, management, education, real estate, and more.
Offer professional services in sectors like consulting, marketing, or IT with a hassle-free setup process.
Launch your online store or digital marketplace in the UAE and tap into the region’s fast-growing e-commerce sector.
Trade multiple products across various industries with a single license, offering maximum business flexibility.
Set up your own production facility in the UAE and benefit from advanced infrastructure and global market access.
DAFZ has introduced a new license structure for company registration, allowing businesses to select activities from the Trading, Service, and Industrial categories under a single license. This system operates with a primary-type license, which works as follows:
Activities from the Trading + Service, Trading + Industrial, and Trading + Service + Industrial categories fall under the Trading primary-type license.
Activities from the Industrial + Service categories fall under the Industrial primary-type license.
Dubai Airport Free Zone offers a variety of fully fitted offices and warehouses, ready for immediate occupancy, to suit any business type supported by DAFZ licenses. Each office package includes one parking space.
Here are the office packages available at DAFZ:
Standard Office: Customizable offices with sizes ranging from 27 to 53 and 100 sq.m., offering 3, 6, and 10 visa quotas, respectively.
Premium Office: A turnkey office with 27 sq.m. of space and 3 visa quotas.
Premium Plus Office: A turnkey office with 54 sq.m. of space and 6 visa quotas.
A fully equipped dedicated workspace. It offers privacy, essential support services, and a professional environment for business growth.
A facility for companies needing storage space for goods and materials, often equipped for light industrial use.
A space designed for businesses involved in light manufacturing, testing, or repairing.
While office rental fees at DAFZ may be higher compared to the Dubai mainland, they include utilities, making DAFZ a preferred location for many industrial companies due to its competitive rates for electricity and rent.
In addition to the office options mentioned, DAFZ offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and a range of additional facilities designed to support your business’s growth. These include an in-house customs office, a dedicated logistics center, government service centers, retail and business centers, notary services, banks, and more.
DAFZ companies are eligible for a varying number of UAE residence visa quotas, depending on the office package or the size of the rented space. These range from 1 visa quota with the Smart Office package to up to 30 visa quotas for a leased warehouse of over 350 sq.m. in size.
|
|
DAFZ FEES INCLUDING MEDICAL CHECK AND EMIRATES ID
|
SALARY GUARANTEE
|
HEALTH INSURANCE
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Applicant outside UAE
|
2,596 AED (Normal)
3,207 AED (Express) |
Required
|
Required
|
|
Applicant inside UAE
|
4,096 AED (Normal)
4,707 AED (Express) |
Required
|
Required
|
All visas allocated through DAFZ are valid for 2 years. Note that all visas require mandatory health insurance.
Every company in the Dubai Airport Free Zone must undergo annual renewal. The renewal process involves repeating certain costs from the initial company registration, including license fees and office rent. Additionally, an annual financial audit of the company is required.
| FEE | COST |
|---|---|
| DAFZ Trading/Service/Industrial license renewal (minimal cost, does not include other associated fees) | 15,000 AED |
To renew your business license, submit an application form along with the required documents to the free zone authorities, sign the renewed lease agreement, pay the renewal fees, and wait for your license to be updated. The required documents include:
Business license
PO Box renewal receipt
Audit report
Renewal can be completed without the need for the company owner or general manager to be present, if you hire business setup consultants in Dubai.
You can make amendments to your company at any time, as many times as needed. Some of the most commonly requested amendments include:
Change of company name
Change of business activity
Share transfer
Change of manager/director
And others
Most amendments do not require the company owner to be present and can be handled by consultants specializing in business setup in Dubai.
To liquidate a company in DAFZ, the shareholders must provide notice of company termination at least 3 months before the lease expiration. The shareholders are required to appoint a liquidator for the company’s cancellation, typically an auditing firm.
| SERVICE | COST |
|---|---|
| DAFZ company liquidation | 6,500 AED |
The liquidation process at DAFZ involves the following steps:
Provide the required mandatory documents:
Board resolution signed by the shareholders, stating the reason for liquidation
Deregistration documentation
Business license and all other company incorporation documents
Customs Clearance Letter
Auditor Liquidation Certificate
Audit report
The company must also obtain clearance from the following departments:
DEWA
Dubai Customs in DAFZ
Emirates Post
DAFZ Digital Intelligence Department
DAFZ Compliance Health and Security Department
DAFZ Government Services Department
DAFZ Finance Department
Pay cancellation fees and settle any outstanding payments. Once this is done, the liquidation process is initiated.
Cancel all residence visas and other immigration-related documents issued under the company.
Once the liquidation is complete, you will be notified and receive the relevant documents.
Additionally, the company must advertise its closure in a newspaper. The costs for newspaper advertising, visa cancellation, and other expenses are separate and must be paid separately.
The Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) was established in 1996 as part of Dubai International Airport, making it a prime choice for businesses involved in logistics and import-export activities. DAFZ is particularly convenient for companies focused on transporting and selling goods both internationally and locally within the UAE.
DAFZ offers a wide array of infrastructure and services to support its businesses. These include government centers providing essential services related to customs, security, immigration, and healthcare, as well as the DAFZ Business Center, Retail Center, Halal Trade & Marketing Center, banks, notaries, and telecommunication providers.
Recognized by UAE banks, DAFZ is one of the few free zones offering dual licensing with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), allowing businesses to serve end-users while retaining 100% ownership. While company formation in DAFZ may not be the simplest, it is highly sought after due to its robust infrastructure and the support it offers to its operational companies.
The brand name Visa Kings Global is used under licence by Visa Success Limited. Visa Success Limited is not a firm of solicitors and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Visa Success Limited does not give financial, legal or tax advice.
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