Dubai Airport Freezone, also known as DAFZ and DAFZA, is one of the most renowned in the UAE. As you will know if you are thinking of setting up a business in Dubai, there are various company formation and licence types for you to choose from. Innovative, advanced and dynamic, Dubai Airport Freezone is without doubt one to think about. Founded in 1996 and enjoying direct access to the world’s busiest international airport, DAFZ is not only the ideal gateway to the Middle East, it also offers exceptional facilities and unbeatable tax incentives.
The benefits of Dubai Airport Freezone for companies
With 2,300+ registered companies, 17,000+ freezone employees, 20+ sectors, 106,396m2+ warehouse space and 190,000m2+ office space, DAFZA is clearly a freezone that appeals to companies. Dubai International Airport Freezone boasts a strategic location, excellent infrastructure, extensive cargo handling facilities (with its very own logistics centre) and smart services platform. But beyond practicalities, the freezone makes a compelling case for entrepreneurs.
In terms of investment incentives, you can benefit from 100% foreign company ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no currency and employment restrictions, and efficient cargo clearance. And that’s not all. There are tax benefits too, namely no corporate tax, no income tax and VAT exemption. It is also worth stressing that when you set up in a freezone, you will be able to claim a Dubai Tax Residence Certificate, enabling you to take advantage of the benefits of double taxation avoidance treaties.
A variety of licence and company types
Dubai Airport Free Trade Zone offers a number of licence types to meet companies’ different requirements:
- Trade Licence
- Service Licence
- Industrial Licence
- General Trading Licence
- Talent Pass Licence
- Dual Licence with DED
The freezone also caters to a selection of company types, namely:
- Company: set up in the freezone, with 1 to 50 shareholders, and a minimum share capital of 1 AED.
- Public Limited Company: with no limit on shareholders.
- Branch: for foreign companies wishing to set up a branch of an existing company, no share capital is required.
World-class infrastructure and facilities
Dubai Airport Free Zone is equipped with exceptional infrastructure and facilities to meet the needs of a variety of industries. DAFZ Industrial Park is a case in point. This pioneering warehouse facility provides options that cater to rapidly expanding companies. The Park has 33 warehouses with a total surface area of 106,396m2. A range of unit sizes are available, with an average of 312m2, which can be leased with flexible renting options.
What’s more, the freezone has a total of 190,000m2 of office space, corporate event venues, food courts, banks and other business support service providers, providing an all-in-one business hub. There are, as you would expect, function rooms, boardrooms and meeting rooms for all your business events.
As you can see, Dubai Airport Freezone has everything business owners could possibly want or need to launch their company into the world. If you are keen to set up your business in the UAE, Europe Emirates Group would be delighted to assist you with the process. Get in touch and one of our expert advisors will reach out to you shortly.
Written by
Adrian Oton
CEO, Europe Emirates Group
