Free Zones

DAFZA: Company Setup & Accounting Guide

2025-11-10 · 4 min read · By Aureus Worldwide

DAFZA, the Dubai Airport Free Zone, sits beside Dubai International Airport (DXB) and is one of the UAE's premium free zones, favoured by multinationals, traders and logistics businesses that value direct airport access. It is especially suited to high-value goods, aviation, electronics, pharmaceuticals and re-export trade. This guide explains how a DAFZA company setup works, the licences and facilities it offers, the steps, and the accounting and tax obligations that follow.

Why choose DAFZA

DAFZA's defining advantage is its location next to DXB, giving import/export and logistics businesses unrivalled air connectivity. It offers 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation and a single-authority process, with a reputation for quality infrastructure and a strong corporate community. It is positioned as a premium zone, so it suits businesses that value connectivity and prestige over the lowest possible cost.

Who it suits

DAFZA is a strong fit for:

• Trading, import/export and re-export companies
• Logistics, freight and supply-chain businesses
• Aviation and aerospace-related firms
• High-value goods, electronics, jewellery, pharmaceuticals
• Regional offices of multinationals

Licence and activities

DAFZA issues licences across trading, service and industrial categories tied to defined activity lists.

Confirm the current activity list and any sector approvals with the free zone authority.

Facilities

DAFZA is known for high-quality premises, typically including:

• Offices and executive suites
• Warehouses and light-industrial units
• Temperature-controlled and specialised storage
• Direct cargo and customs access at DXB

Premises choices affect visa allocations, so size them with your hiring plans and confirm current options with the authority.

Setup steps

1. Choose your activity and licence type.
2. Reserve a compliant company name.
3. Select your structure and shareholders (full foreign ownership permitted).
4. Choose premises, office, warehouse or unit.
5. Submit documents and receive approval and the trade licence.
6. Process establishment card and visas.
7. Open a corporate bank account, see our bank account guide.

Our company formation team can manage the full process.

Accounting, audit and tax considerations

A DAFZA company has the same UAE-wide obligations as any other entity:

• Bookkeeping. Trading and logistics businesses need solid inventory, cost and revenue accounting, see our accounting service.
• Audit. Free zones commonly expect audited financial statements at renewal; our audit team arranges this through licensed partner firms.
• Corporate Tax. Register and file federally. A QFZP may access 0% on qualifying income with substance and within the de minimis limits; otherwise 9% applies above AED 375,000. See our tax service.
• VAT and customs. Register for VAT at the threshold and manage import VAT, customs duty and re-export documentation carefully, see our customs duty guide.

Setup timeline and costs

A DAFZA setup is usually measured in days to a few weeks once documents are complete, though fitting out a warehouse or specialised storage adds lead time. As a premium, airport-adjacent zone, DAFZA's costs reflect its location and infrastructure, and they depend on the licence type, the premises, the number of visas and your activities. The zone revises its packages periodically, so confirm current fees and packages directly with the free zone authority rather than relying on third-party figures, and size the commitment to a realistic operating plan. Customs registration and bank-account opening can extend the timeline for trading businesses.

Staying compliant after setup

A DAFZA licence is renewed annually, and obligations continue between renewals. Diarise the renewal date and prepare early so visas, customs codes and banking are not disrupted. Trading and logistics businesses should keep inventory, customs and re-export documentation current throughout the year, alongside Corporate Tax registration and any VAT filings. Reviewing your premises and visa allocation before each renewal keeps a high-volume operation running smoothly and avoids last-minute disruption at one of Dubai's busiest trade gateways.

DAFZA at a glance

DAFZA versus Dubai South

DAFZA is built around DXB and high-value air trade, while Dubai South is anchored by Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali, with more land for logistics at scale. Choose based on which airport ecosystem and cost base suit your goods. For a broader framework, see choosing the right UAE free zone.

How Aureus Worldwide helps

Aureus Worldwide helps founders set up in DAFZA end to end, selecting the right licence, premises and visas through our company formation team. We then keep you compliant with accounting, Corporate Tax, VAT and customs, and arrange audit through licensed partners. We confirm changeable fees and facilities with the authority before you commit. To set up in DAFZA, contact us.

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