DAFZA Company Formation – Dubai Airport Free Zone
Evolve Your Business in DAFZA seamlessly with our expert guidance.
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STRATEGIC BUSINESS HUB
Accelerate Your Global Business Growth
Established in 1996, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) has become one of the UAE's most dynamic free zones with over 2,000 multinational companies from 20+ sectors. Strategically located adjacent to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA offers unparalleled logistics advantages, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly regulations. With its prime position at the crossroads of East and West, DAFZA provides the perfect launchpad for companies looking to establish a powerful presence in the MENA region and beyond.
100% Foreign Ownership
0% Corporate & Income Tax
Direct Airport Access
Premium Office Solutions
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Global Companies
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Industry Sectors
0%
Capital Repatriation
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Years of Excellence
Our Comprehensive DAFZA Solutions
Evolve Consultancy offers end-to-end business setup and support services for Dubai Airport Free Zone, tailored to your specific requirements
Company Formation
Complete handling of your DAFZA company establishment process, from initial application to final approval, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.
Office Space Assistance
Help in selecting the optimal office solution in DAFZA, including executive offices, smart offices, co-working spaces or virtual offices based on your needs.
Visa Processing
Efficient handling of residence visa applications for investors, employees and dependents, including medical testing, Emirates ID and visa stamping.
Bank Account Setup
Assistance with corporate bank account opening in UAE's leading banks, preparation of all required documentation, and banking relationship management.
License Selection
Expert consultation on choosing the right license type (Trading, Services, Industrial) based on your business activities and strategic objectives.
Document Authentication
Complete handling of document legalization, attestation and authentication required by UAE authorities for business setup in DAFZA.
Legal Compliance
Ensuring your business meets all DAFZA regulatory requirements, including company documentation, approvals and legal structure.
Activity Selection
Guidance on selecting and registering the optimal business activities for your DAFZA license to maximize operational flexibility.
License Renewal
Timely management of your DAFZA license renewals, ensuring business continuity and compliance with the latest regulatory requirements.
PRO Services
Dedicated PRO assistance for government transactions, document processing, and administrative procedures throughout your business operations.
Accounting & Audit
Professional accounting, bookkeeping and audit services tailored to DAFZA requirements and UAE financial regulations.
Business Expansion
Strategic guidance on business growth, including activity additions, capacity expansion, and establishing operations in mainland UAE.
Why Choose Evolve Consultancy for Your DAFZA Business
Time Efficiency
We minimize setup time by efficiently managing all procedures and anticipating requirements in advance.
Expert Guidance
Our consultants have extensive experience specifically with DAFZA regulations and procedures.
Cost Optimization
We help you select the most economical setup options while ensuring they meet your business needs.
End-to-End Service
From initial consultation to operational business, we handle every aspect of your DAFZA journey.
Your DAFZA Journey With Evolve
We simplify the complex setup process with our structured approach, handling all the details so you can focus on your business
1
Initial Consultation
Our experts analyze your business needs, objectives, and preferred operational model to develop a tailored DAFZA setup strategy. We outline available options, requirements, and timelines during this comprehensive consultation.
Business needs assessment
License type recommendation
Cost & timeline projection
2
Documentation & Application
We prepare and review all required documentation for your DAFZA application, ensuring everything meets regulatory standards. Our team handles the submission process and follows up with authorities to expedite approvals.
Document preparation & verification
Application submission
Authority liaison & follow-up
3
Facility Selection & Setup
Based on your business requirements, we help you select the optimal office space or facility within DAFZA. Our consultants arrange viewings, negotiate terms, and manage the leasing process to secure the best possible arrangement.
Office space consultation
Lease agreement negotiation
Setup coordination
4
Visa & Legal Registration
We process residence visa applications for you, your employees, and dependents as applicable. Our team handles the entire procedure, including medical testing, Emirates ID applications, and visa stamping to ensure compliance with UAE immigration laws.
Visa application processing
Legal documentation
Government processing
5
Banking & Financial Setup
We assist with corporate bank account opening, introducing you to suitable banking partners and preparing all necessary documentation. Our consultants guide you through the process, helping you establish essential financial infrastructure for your business operations.
Bank selection assistance
Account opening support
Financial documentation
6
Operational Launch & Ongoing Support
Once your DAFZA company is established, we provide comprehensive support to ensure smooth operations. Our team remains available for license renewals, additional visa processing, regulatory compliance, and any other business support services you may require.
Operational guidance
Regulatory compliance
Ongoing business support
Typical Timeline
The complete DAFZA setup process typically takes 3-5 weeks depending on business complexity and requirements
Dedicated Support
A dedicated consultant will guide you through each step with regular updates and transparent communication
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about setting up your business in Dubai Airport Free Zone with Evolve Consultancy
What are the main advantages of setting up a business in DAFZA?
Businesses in DAFZA enjoy several key advantages, including:
- 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local sponsor
- 0% corporate and income tax for a guaranteed period
- Complete repatriation of capital and profits
- Strategic location adjacent to Dubai International Airport
- State-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities
- Streamlined business setup procedures
- Access to a skilled workforce
- Excellent logistics and connectivity
Our consultants at Evolve can help you fully leverage these benefits for your specific business model.
What types of licenses are available in DAFZA?
DAFZA offers several types of licenses depending on your business activities:
- Trading License: For import, export, and distribution of products
- Service License: For providing professional or commercial services
- Industrial License: For manufacturing, assembly, and processing activities
- General Trading License: Allows trading in multiple product categories (requires minimum 50 sqm office space)
- Logistics License: For logistics and supply chain management companies
Evolve Consultancy can advise on the most suitable license type based on your business activities and goals.
What is the typical timeline for setting up a company in DAFZA?
The complete DAFZA company formation process typically takes between 2-4 weeks, depending on:
- The complexity of your business activities
- The type of license required
- Availability of required documentation
- Processing times of regulatory authorities
At Evolve Consultancy, we streamline this process by handling all documentation and government interactions, proactively managing applications to minimize delays, and maintaining close relationships with DAFZA authorities.
What documents are required to set up a company in DAFZA?
The following documents are typically required for DAFZA company formation:
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Professional and educational certificates (attested if required)
- Business plan or company profile
- Bank reference letters (if applicable)
- Specimen signatures (to be signed in DAFZA's presence)
- Application forms and related documentation
Evolve Consultancy assists with document preparation, verification, and submission, ensuring all requirements are met according to DAFZA regulations.
What facility options are available in DAFZA?
DAFZA offers various facility options to suit different business needs:
- Executive Offices: Fully furnished premium office spaces starting from 25 sqm
- Smart Offices: Modern co-working spaces with flexible arrangements
- Light Industrial Units: For manufacturing and assembly operations
- Warehouses: Temperature-controlled storage facilities
- Land for Development: For custom-built facilities
- Virtual Offices: Business address and mail handling services (for specific license types)
Evolve Consultancy helps you select the most suitable facility based on your operational requirements and budget considerations.
How does the visa process work for DAFZA companies?
DAFZA companies are eligible to sponsor visas for shareholders, employees, and their dependents. The visa allocation is typically based on:
- The size of your office space (e.g., 25 sqm typically allows for 2-3 visas)
- The type of business activity
- The capital investment
The visa process involves several steps, including:
- Entry permit application
- Status adjustment or exit and re-entry
- Medical testing in the UAE
- Emirates ID registration
- Visa stamping on passport
Evolve Consultancy manages the entire visa process, ensuring compliance with UAE immigration regulations and minimizing processing time.
What ongoing compliance requirements apply to DAFZA companies?
DAFZA companies must adhere to several ongoing compliance requirements:
- Annual license renewal
- Lease agreement renewal
- Submission of audited financial statements (if applicable)
- VAT registration and compliance (if threshold is met)
- Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) compliance (if applicable)
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) reporting
- Maintenance of corporate records
Evolve Consultancy provides comprehensive compliance management services to ensure your business meets all regulatory requirements and avoids penalties or operational disruptions.
Can DAFZA companies do business with the local UAE market?
Yes, DAFZA companies can do business with the local UAE market, but certain conditions apply:
- Business with UAE mainland companies may require using a local distributor or agent
- Direct retail activities within the UAE mainland are restricted without additional licensing
- Service-based companies generally have more flexibility in providing services to mainland clients
- Import duties may apply when goods enter the UAE mainland market from DAFZA
Evolve Consultancy can advise on structuring your operations to effectively serve both international and local UAE markets while complying with all regulations.