Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) is ranked 1st globally by the Foreign Direct Investment Magazine’s Global Free Zones & Awards 2012/13, DAFZA won this rating as a result of its excellent strategic approach and well-articulated plans to service its investors and partners.

DAFZA is one of the most prestigious and advanced free zones in Dubai, providing an ideal base to do business in the Middle East by providing a business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, tax exemptions, full repatriation of earning, total ownership and exceptional facilities. Strategically located next to the Dubai International Airport, DAFZA is boasting rapid clearance and fast processing of paperwork to maximize business activity and efficiency.

Established in 1996, Dubai Airport Free Zone has become the gateway for a remarkable number of global investors seeking business opportunities in the Middle East region. Home to over 1600 international firms from various parts of the world, the DAFZA positions itself as one of the fastest growing economic zones in the area.

Formation TYpes:

1. FZCO Setup

The FZCO company type is similar to a limited liability company that can operate within the Free Zone. Shareholders may be individuals, corporate entities or a combination of the two.

FZCO Features:

  • Can be from 1-50 shareholders (individual, corporate or both).
  • Minimum share capital: AED 1,000 (USD 272) per shareholder
  • Value of each share: AED 1000 (USD 272).

2. Branch Setup

Existing companies can establish a Branch of their parent company in DAFZA. No share capital is required.

Branch Features:

 

  • 100% owned by a parent company.
  • Same business name as a parent company
  • Same business activities as a parent company

DAFZA offers the following licensing options:

1. Trade License

A trade license allows the holder to carry out trading activities including import, export, re-export, distribution, and storage of specific products.

2. Service License

A service license is geared towards service-oriented businesses and enables an entity to provide services specified in the permit. Note that obtaining a service license requires consultation with the sales executives to facilitate the selection of the right category.

3. Industrial License

An industrial license entitles the holder to carry out light manufacturing industrial activities, packaging, and assembling.

4. General Trading License

A General Trading license allows the holder to trade in general activities including import, export, re-export, store, and distribute.

DAFZA business benefits:

  • DAFZA has a strategic location in the heart of Dubai next to the airport.
  • State-of-the-art infrastructure.
  • World-class facilities.
  • Single window convenience for administrative services
  • Investor-oriented management.
  • 24/7 customs services and rapid cargo clearance.
  • A dedicated logistics center.
  • 24/7 security.

Tax incentives:

  • DAFZA offers 100 per cent corporate tax exemption.
  • 100 per cent personal income tax exemption.
  • 100 per cent import and export tax exemption.

Investment incentives:

  • DAFZA ensures 100 per cent foreign company ownership.
  • 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits.
  • No currency restrictions.