HT360 Business Setup Guide to Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

At HT360 Business Setup, we help entrepreneurs, investors, and global companies establish their presence in the UAE’s most dynamic free zones — including the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA).

Our expert consultants streamline the company formation, licensing, and visa process, ensuring that your business launches fast, legally, and strategically positioned for success in Dubai’s booming economy.

 Why Choose DAFZA with HT360?

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), founded in 1996, is one of the most prestigious and profitable business free zones in Dubai, located within Dubai International Airport (DXB).

By partnering with HT360 Business Setup, you gain:

  • ✅ Complete business setup support from start to license issuance

  • ✅ Zero tax benefits and 100% foreign ownership

  • ✅ Strategic access to global markets via Dubai International Airport

  • ✅ Seamless licensing, visa, and renewal services

 

Read More ➝

Get A Free Quote Now!

DAFZA Legal Business Structures
 (via HT360)

HT360 offers two main formation models within DAFZA:

1. Free Zone Company (FZCO)

  • 1–50 shareholders (individuals or corporate entities)

  • Minimum share capital: AED 1,000 per shareholder

  • Operates as a limited liability entity

2. Branch Office

  • 100% owned by a parent company (UAE or international)

  • No share capital required

  • Must have the same name and activity as the parent company

 Pro Tip from HT360:
 A Branch Office is ideal for existing businesses looking to expand into the UAE market with minimal setup time.

Types of Business Licenses in DAFZA (via HT360)

Commercial License

Trading, import/export, and logistics operations

Service License

Consulting, marketing, IT, management, and professional services

Industrial License

Light manufacturing, packaging, and assembly

Education License

Training, educational consultancy, and e-learning platforms

DAFZA Company Formation Fees (via HT360 Business Setup)

License Type

Annual Fee (AED)

Approx. USD

Trading License

15,000

4,110

Service License

15,000

4,110

Industrial License

15,000

4,110

General Trading License

50,000

13,699

FZCO Registration Fee

7,000 (one-time)

1,918

Industries Thriving in DAFZA

With HT360’s guidance, you can join over 1,600 companies from industries such as:

  • Aviation & Aerospace

  • Logistics & Freight Forwarding

  • AI, Technology & LLM Enterprises

  • Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare

  • E-commerce & Retail

  • Food & Beverage

  • Engineering & Manufacturing

FAQ’s

DAFZA is a government-backed free zone located within Dubai International Airport (DXB), offering 100% foreign ownership, tax-free business setup, and direct access to global markets

Because of its strategic airport location, zero taxes, fast company registration, and world-class infrastructure designed for logistics, aviation, technology, and trading companies.

  • 100% foreign ownership

  • Zero income and corporate tax

  • Full repatriation of profits

  • Strategic airport location

  • Fast setup and licensing process

  • Access to Dubai’s global business ecosystem

 

  • A Free Zone Company (FZCO) – with 1–50 shareholders

  • A Branch Office – fully owned by an existing parent company

The minimum share capital is AED 1,000 per shareholder for FZCOs.
 No capital is required for a branch company

DAFZA offers four main license types:

  • Commercial License (trading, logistics)

  • Service License (consulting, IT, marketing)

  • Industrial License (light manufacturing)

  • Education License (training and consultancy services)

 

  • Commercial / Service / Industrial License: AED 15,000 per year

  • General Trading License: AED 50,000 per year

  • Registration Fee (one-time): AED 7,000

 

A Commercial License allows trading in specific goods or sectors.
 A General Trading License permits trading in multiple product categories under one license.

Most companies can be registered within 2 to 5 business days, depending on document readiness and approvals

Yes, DAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership with no need for a UAE sponsor or partner.

Yes, investors can repatriate 100% of capital and profits without restrictions.

Popular sectors include:

  • Aviation & Aerospace

  • Logistics & Freight Forwarding

  • Technology & AI

  • Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare

  • Food & Beverage

  • Engineering & Manufacturing

  • E-commerce & Retail

  • Yes. DAFZA supports digital transformation, AI startups, LLM-based companies, and e-commerce enterprises, with infrastructure built for tech-driven businesses.
  • Yes. DAFZA supports digital transformation, AI startups, LLM-based companies, and e-commerce enterprises, with infrastructure built for tech-driven businesses.
  • Yes, DAFZA provides flexible office spaces, affordable licensing options, and digital support tools ideal for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises.
  • Yes. DAFZA offers premium offices, light industrial units, warehouses, and smart desk options with full facility management.
  • Yes. DAFZA’s online client portal allows you to apply, renew, and manage your license digitally.