Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) is a dynamic business hub located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Established in 1996, DAFZ is one of the fastest growing free zones in the world, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class facilities, and unmatched business incentives to investors and entrepreneurs from across the globe.

DAFZ covers an area of over 1.2 million square meters and is strategically located near the Dubai International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the world, making it an ideal location for businesses that require easy access to the global market. The Dubai Airport Free Zone is also located near major highways and seaports, providing easy access to other regions in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East.

One of the main objectives of DAFZ is to promote economic growth and development in the UAE by attracting foreign investment and encouraging the growth of local businesses. DAFZ provides a range of benefits and incentives to businesses that set up operations within the free zone, including:

100% Foreign Ownership

One of the main benefits of setting up a business in DAFZ is that foreign investors can own 100% of their businesses. This means that investors do not need a local partner or sponsor to set up their business in DAFZ. Foreign investors can also repatriate their profits and capital without any restrictions.

Tax Benefits

DAFZ offers a number of tax benefits to businesses, including:

• 100% exemption from corporate tax for 50 years
• 100% exemption from personal income tax
• 100% exemption from import and export duties
• No restrictions on currency exchange or capital repatriation

These tax benefits make DAFZ a very attractive location for businesses looking to reduce their tax liability and maximize their profits.

World-Class Infrastructure

DAFZ offers world-class infrastructure and facilities to businesses, including:

• Modern office spaces
• Warehouses and storage facilities
• Business centers and conference rooms
• High-speed internet connectivity
• 24/7 security and surveillance
• Dedicated parking facilities

These facilities are designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.

Access to a Skilled Workforce

DAFZ offers businesses access to a highly skilled and educated workforce. The free zone has a diverse population, with people from over 170 countries living and working in the area. This provides businesses with a wide range of talent and expertise to draw from when hiring employees.

Strategic Location

DAFZ’s strategic location near the Dubai International Airport and major highways and seaports provides businesses with easy access to the global market. This makes DAFZ an ideal location for businesses that require quick and efficient transportation of goods and services.

Business Support Services

DAFZ offers a range of business support services to help businesses succeed, including:

• Legal and accounting services
• Marketing and advertising support
• Human resources and recruitment services
• IT support and infrastructure
• Logistics and transportation services

These services are designed to help businesses streamline their operations and focus on their core competencies.

Easy Business Setup Process

Setting up a business in DAFZ is a relatively easy process. The free zone has a streamlined registration process that can be completed quickly and efficiently. The process involves the following steps:

• Determine the legal structure of the business
• Choose a business activity
• Select an office space
• Obtain initial approval from DAFZ
• Register the business and obtain a trade license
• Open a corporate bank account
• Obtain residence visas for employees

Setting up a business in Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) can be a streamlined and straightforward process. However, it does require a thorough understanding of the local regulations and procedures. In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step process to help you navigate the process of setting up a business in DAFZ.

Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business

The first step in setting up a business in DAFZ is to determine the legal structure of your business. The UAE offers a range of business structures, including:

• Free Zone Company (FZC): This is a limited liability company that can be owned by individuals or corporate entities.
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): This is a single-shareholder company that can be owned by an individual or a corporate entity.
• Branch Office: This is a branch of a foreign or local company that can be established in DAFZ.

Each of these business structures has its own requirements and benefits. It’s important to choose the structure that best suits the needs of your business.

Choose a Business Activity

The next step is to choose a business activity. Dubai Airport Free Zone offers a wide range of business activities, including:

• Logistics and transportation
• Trading
• Manufacturing
• Aviation
• Technology and innovation
• Business and professional services

It’s important to choose a business activity that aligns with the goals and objectives of your business. It’s also important to ensure that the chosen activity is permitted under DAFZ’s regulations.

Select an Office Space

DAFZ offers a range of office spaces to businesses, including:

• Executive offices
• Standard offices
• Shell and core offices
• Smart offices

The type of office space you choose will depend on the needs of your business. It’s important to choose an office space that is appropriate for the size and scope of your business.

Obtain Initial Approval from DAFZ

Before you can register your business in DAFZ, you need to obtain initial approval from the free zone. This involves submitting a completed application form and supporting documents, including:

Business plan

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors
• Proof of address for shareholders and directors
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (for FZC and FZE)
• DAFZ will review your application and provide you with initial approval if everything is in order.

Register Your Business and Obtain a Trade License

Once you have obtained initial approval from DAFZ, the next step is to register your business and obtain a trade license. This involves submitting the following documents to DAFZ:

• Completed application form
• Passport copies of shareholders and directors
• Proof of address for shareholders and directors
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (for FZC and FZE)
• Tenancy contract for your office space
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current sponsor (for individuals already in the UAE)

Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a trade license from DAFZ. This license will allow you to conduct business in DAFZ and the UAE.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

Once you have obtained your trade license, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. DAFZ has a number of local and international banks that offer corporate banking services. It’s important to choose a bank that best meets the needs of your business.

To open a corporate bank account, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Trade license
• Passport copies of shareholders and directors
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (for FZC and FZE)
• Proof of address for shareholders and directors
• Tenancy contract for your office space

Obtain Residence Visas for Employees

Once your business is up and running, you can apply for residence visas for your employees. The number of visas you can obtain will depend on the size of your office space and the type of business activity you are engaged in.

To obtain residence visas, you will need to submit the following documents to DAFZ:

• Passport copies of employees
• Photographs of employees
• Educational and professional qualifications of employees
• Medical fitness certificate for employees
• Visa application form
• DAFZ will review your application and issue residence visas for your employees if everything is in order.

Comply with Regulatory Requirements

As a business operating in DAFZ, you will be required to comply with a number of regulatory requirements. This includes:

• Filing annual returns and audited financial statements with DAFZ
• Complying with labor laws and regulations
• Complying with tax laws and regulations
• It’s important to ensure that you are aware of and comply with all regulatory requirements.

Take Advantage of DAFZ’s Business Support Services

Dubai Airport Free Zone offers a range of business support services to help businesses succeed. These services include:

• Business setup and registration services
• Legal and regulatory compliance services
• Marketing and promotional services
• Training and development services
• By taking advantage of these services, you can help your business succeed in DAFZ.

Obtaining a Dubai Airport Freezone business license can be a streamlined and straightforward process if you follow the above steps. It’s important to choose the right legal structure, business activity, and office space for your business. It’s also important to comply with all regulatory requirements and take advantage of DAFZ’s business support services. With the right preparation and guidance, you can successfully set up a business in DAFZ and take advantage of all the benefits it offers.