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Abdel E.Founder of a web development agency · FranceMoving to Dubai was completely stress-free. The team handled everything from A to Z and was always available to answer my questions.
Set up your company in DAFZA in 2026
Dubai Airport Freezone: worth considering when your operations depend on air freight and proximity to DXB.
Detailed quoteDedicated advisorNo commitment
Dubai Airport Freezone← All jurisdictions
DAFZA: bring your business closer to Dubai's airport.
DAFZA, also written DAFZ, stands for Dubai Airport Freezone. The zone sits next to Dubai International Airport (DXB). It hosts trading and services activities in particular, with office and storage solutions. Do not confuse it with Dubai South, built around Al Maktoum airport (DWC).
To decide on this location, start from your operations: where do goods arrive, who receives them and where do they leave? A business that ships regularly by air can have good reasons to look at DAFZA. For a consultant with no physical flows, the address and actual use of the office should be weighed against the cost of another free zone.
The cost of a DAFZA company setup depends on the licence and the space you genuinely need. Before comparing offers, clarify whether you want an office for your team, storage, or a base tied to air freight. Then add residency fees and operating costs to your budget.
Pricing and detailed fees
Your quote should separate incorporation, the licence and the premises. A licence price on its own does not represent the cost of setting up in Dubai Airport Freezone.
Swipe the table to see what is included →
| Item | Indicative price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation and licence | On quotation | Depends on activities, structure and any required approvals. |
| Office or operational space | Depends on the unit | Surface, fit-out, lease term and payment terms to be confirmed. |
| Immigration and residency | Depends on the file | Separate establishment card, visa, medical test, Emirates ID and insurance; check what is included. |
| Logistics and storage | Depends on operations | Transport, handling, goods insurance and storage services are not a licence price. |
| Renewal | To be costed separately | Ask for the recurring cost of the licence, premises and selected services. |
Square Zone builds your budget on an up-to-date quotation matching your activity. No setup package should be read as covering all residency or operating costs without a written breakdown.
DAFZ setup process ↗Before you dive in.
Which licence should you choose in DAFZA?
DAFZ distinguishes trading, service, light industrial and general trading licences in particular. The choice depends on what you invoice: selling products, delivering a service and doing assembly are different activities. Some require external approvals.
Prepare a precise list of your products and services before asking for a price. For instance, state whether you buy goods to resell them or only act as an intermediary. That distinction helps select the right activities and present a coherent file to the bank.
Office or warehouse: what should you check?
DAFZ offers several categories of space, including offices, industrial or storage units and cold storage solutions. Their availability and fit for your activity must be confirmed before you commit.
For premises, ask about access conditions, fit-out possibilities and service charges. For inventory, add storage temperature, insured value, volumes and pick-up frequency. Do not choose a warehouse on surface area alone: your logistics provider must be able to work there under the conditions you need.
DAFZA, JAFZA or Dubai South?
The first comparison is about your routes: DAFZA for a base near DXB, JAFZA for operations around Jebel Ali and Dubai South for those tied to DWC. The point is not to crown a best zone in the abstract, but to limit unnecessary trips and handling breaks.
Request two budgets with identical assumptions: monthly volumes, space, team and destinations. A licence price difference can be secondary if transport and storage costs change materially. Conversely, paying for a logistics base you never use adds no value to a fully online business.
How to set up your company in DAFZA
- 1
Describe your operations
We map your products, services, clients and premises needs to prepare the activity selection.
- 2
Confirm licence, structure and space
The DAFZ pathway revolves around these three choices. We check the documents and any matching approvals.
- 3
Finalise the file and the quote
You sign off on the constitutional documents, the premises terms and the fees before committing.
- 4
Organise the rest of your setup
After incorporation we coordinate the steps included in your package and prepare the bank file. The account decision rests with the bank.
Required documents
- ✓Identity documents for shareholders and the manager, as listed for your file.
- ✓Description of the activities, products and planned organisation.
- ✓Ultimate beneficial owner details and share split.
- ✓Parent company documents for a subsidiary or branch, formalities to be confirmed.
- ✓Premises documents and sector approvals where required.
Our verdict on DAFZA
DAFZA: strengths, limits and alternatives
Our advice: consider DAFZA when proximity to DXB or its facilities answer a specific operational need. Compare the full cost against the trips and services this location saves you.
DAFZA is worth a look if
- Your goods regularly transit through DXB
- You need premises suited to your operations
- Your team needs a base near the airport
Compare other options if
- You work remotely with no operational premises
- Your flows mainly go through Jebel Ali port
- Your priority is the budget of a small services company
Why choose Square Zone ?
One contact to coordinate the incorporation and everything that follows.
- /01
A clear plan, no surprises
A structure recommended for your activity and budget, with no hidden fees.
- /02
Execution from A to Z
Licence, visas, PRO services and renewals: we handle everything for you.
- /03
Compliance built in
We prepare the KYC file and define the accounting services you need with you.
- /04
Speed and dedicated follow-up
One dedicated contact to track your file and answer your questions.
- /05
Direct ties with local authorities
We coordinate the filing and any requests for additional documents.
What our clients say
Abdel E.Founder of a web development agency · France
Thomas V.Founder of a marketing agency · FranceI knew nothing about UAE procedures. Thanks to Square Zone my company was set up quickly and I felt supported at every step.
Fateh C.Founder of a concierge company · FranceVery professional and transparent support. They saved me precious time and spared me many mistakes in my move to Dubai.
Explore the other jurisdictions
Set up a company in Meydan Free Zone →Premium Dubai address, licence from AED 12,500, 100% digital.
Set up a company in IFZA Dubai →Licence from AED 12,900, multiple activities, remote setup.
Set up a company in RAKEZ →Among the cheapest reputable free zones, from AED 6,000.
Set up a company in Dubai South →The logistics and e-commerce hub, warehouses and air cargo.
Set up a company in DIFC →The financial centre: common law, Innovation licence from USD 1,500.
Set up a Mainland company in Dubai →Local market and government contracts, full DET process.
Set up a company in Ajman Free Zone →Virtual Office from AED 5,565 and packages with 1 to 10 visas.
Set up a company in JAFZA →Jebel Ali Free Zone: trading, warehouses and industry.
Set up a company in DMCC →Trading and services in JLT and Uptown Dubai.
Ready to start your company in Dubai?
Get a quoteFrequently asked questions
about company formation in Dubai
Yes. Both names refer to Dubai Airport Freezone. For your contract and licence, use the exact name shown on the authority's documents.
DAFZ's own FAQ states the zone is next to Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport, without being part of the airport. Check the actual location of your unit and how your goods will be transported.
You need a quotation matching your activities and premises. Compare setup fees, the licence, the lease, residency steps and renewal. An estimate that omits premises or visas is not a complete budget.
DAFZ offers service licences. Our advice is to check whether the office, location and environment match how you work, then compare with Meydan, IFZA or DMCC depending on your priorities.
No. The Ministry of Finance includes free zone companies in the scope of Corporate Tax. The 0% rate on qualifying income depends on meeting the QFZP conditions, not simply on a DAFZA address.