DAFZA Company Formation 2026 – Dubai Airport Free Zone Cost & Licence
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is one of the emirate’s premium business districts, set directly beside Dubai International Airport (DXB). It was built for companies whose business depends on speed, security and a prestige Dubai address, from aviation and electronics to pharmaceuticals, logistics and high-value trading. Every DAFZA company enjoys 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax and full repatriation of profits.
Why DAFZA
DAFZA’s defining advantage is location. Sitting adjacent to DXB gives tenants efficient customs access and rapid movement of time-sensitive, high-value cargo, a decisive factor for perishables, pharma and premium electronics. The free zone pairs that logistics edge with a genuinely prestigious address that reassures international partners and banks. It is a premium zone, and it is positioned accordingly: for established traders, re-exporters and multinationals rather than the lowest-cost startup.
What you can do — activities
DAFZA supports a broad set of high-value activities, including:
- Aviation and aerospace services.
- Logistics, freight and re-export.
- Electronics and technology trading.
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.
- Luxury goods and high-value general trading.
On-site offices and warehousing let you keep licensing, staff and inventory in one secure, customs-connected location.
Requirements and documents
You will generally need passport copies for the shareholders and the manager, passport photographs, a proposed company name and a description of activities. Trading and regulated activities such as pharmaceuticals may require extra approvals or product-specific documentation. Once the authority approves your application and facility, your licence is issued and visa processing can begin.
Cost — what drives the price
DAFZA sits at the premium end of the market, and pricing reflects the location, facilities and prestige rather than a bargain headline. Your total depends on the activity type, office or warehouse size, and visa count. We do not publish a single figure because it would mislead; instead we build an itemised quote and an all-in annual package tailored to your operation, so the premium you pay is transparent and justified.
Process
- Define your activities and confirm shareholding.
- Reserve the name and submit for initial approval.
- Select office or warehouse space on site.
- Sign the documents and settle the agreed package.
- Collect the licence, then process the establishment card and visas.
DAFZA vs other free zones: Where budget zones compete on price, DAFZA competes on logistics and prestige. If your margins depend on airport proximity, fast customs and a blue-chip address, the premium is an investment; if you are a lean service startup, a lower-cost zone may serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose DAFZA over a cheaper free zone? DAFZA offers airport-side logistics, efficient customs and a prestige address, value that matters most for high-value trading, pharma and aviation.
Does DAFZA offer warehousing? Yes. Offices and warehousing are available on site, keeping your licence and inventory in one customs-connected location.
Is DAFZA good for re-export? Yes. Its position beside DXB makes it a strong base for import, re-export and time-sensitive cargo.
Do I keep full ownership and profits? Yes. 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax and full profit repatriation all apply.