DAFZA Free Zone Company Setup: Cost, Licence & Process (2026)
DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) is a premium free zone beside Dubai International Airport, with company setup starting around AED 25,000. It offers 100% ownership, a strategic airport location for aviation and trade, modern offices and residence visas, with most licences issued within 5–10 working days.
Last updated: June 2026
DAFZA — Cost breakdown (2026)
| Licence + office from | AED 25,000 |
|---|---|
| Licence + 1 visa from | AED 29,000 |
| Per additional visa | ≈ AED 4,000medical + Emirates ID + stamping |
| Timeline | 5–10 working days |
According to Setup Business in UAE, DAFZA company setup starts from AED 25,000, with licences typically issued within 5–10 working days (as of June 2026).
Best for
- Aviation & aerospace
- Trading companies
- Premium brands
- Logistics & electronics
Advantages
- Prime location beside Dubai International Airport
- Fast cargo and passenger connectivity for trade
- Premium offices and strong corporate reputation
- 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation
- Ideal for aviation, electronics and high-value goods
Considerations
- Higher setup costs than budget free zones
- Physical office required at premium airport rates
- Less suited to micro-startups on a tight budget
How to set up in DAFZA
- 1
Choose your business activity
Pick from DAFZA's trading, aviation, service or industrial activities.
- 2
Reserve your company name
Submit name options that follow UAE naming rules for DAFZA approval.
- 3
Submit documents & application
Passport copies, application form and business plan where required.
- 4
Secure office & pay fees
Lease a DAFZA office or flexi-desk and settle licence and registration fees.
- 5
Apply for visas & bank account
Establishment card, then residence visas and a corporate bank account.
Hidden costs and renewal fees at DAFZA
DAFZA's AED 25,000 starting point buys an airport-adjacent address, and most tenants add office space from around AED 25,000 per year since the zone requires a physical presence. Visas run about AED 4,000 each, customs registration is needed for goods, and air-cargo handling fees are volume-based.
Renewals track entry pricing, and DAFZA's premium facilities mean service charges on offices are noticeable — read the full facility quote, not just the licence line, before committing.
Common mistakes founders make with DAFZA
The recurring mistake is choosing DAFZA for prestige when the business has no air-cargo or aviation angle — the airport premium only pays off if proximity to DXB cargo terminals shortens your supply chain. Electronics and pharma traders fit; consultants rarely do. Founders also underestimate lead times for office allocation compared to instant flexi-desk zones — build two extra weeks into your launch plan.
Banking with a DAFZA licence
DAFZA carries solid weight with banks, particularly for aviation, electronics and pharma trading profiles where the zone's reputation matches the sector. Emirates NBD and Mashreq handle most DAFZA accounts; expect standard trade-finance due diligence with airway bills and supplier agreements as supporting documents. Service companies in DAFZA bank as easily as any Dubai zone — the physical office actually reassures compliance teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DAFZA company cost in 2026?+
A DAFZA company starts from around AED 25,000 including an office, and roughly AED 29,000 with one residence visa. The final cost depends on your activity, office type and number of visas.
Do I need an office for DAFZA?+
Yes. DAFZA requires at least a flexi-desk or physical office within the free zone; a fully virtual setup is not permitted.
How long does DAFZA setup take?+
Most DAFZA licences are issued within 5–10 working days once your name is approved and documents are submitted.
Can I get 100% ownership with DAFZA?+
Yes. As a free zone, DAFZA gives foreign founders 100% ownership with no local sponsor required.
Is DAFZA good for aviation and trading?+
Yes. Its location beside Dubai International Airport makes DAFZA ideal for aviation, electronics, pharmaceuticals and high-value trading firms.