Dubai Airport Free Zone: Your 2025 Guide to Business Setup
The Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), established in 1996, is one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing free zones, hosting over 3,100 businesses across aviation, logistics, IT, pharmaceuticals, and jewelry. Strategically located next to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA contributes 4.7% to Dubai’s GDP and offers tax-free, 100% foreign-owned setups. Persian Horizon, with 27 years of expertise, guides you through DAFZA business setup in 2025, leveraging world-class infrastructure and our Business Launch Service (persianhorizon.com/business-launch-service). This guide covers licenses, benefits, and steps to thrive in DAFZA.
Why Choose DAFZA for Your Business?
DAFZA spans 696,000m², offering 106,396m² of warehouses and 190,000m² of office space, ideal for logistics, trade, and manufacturing. Its proximity to the world’s busiest airport ensures access to 2.5 billion consumers across Europe, Asia, and Africa. DAFZA’s investor-friendly policies, including zero taxes and full profit repatriation, make it a top choice for global businesses in 2025.
Benefits of Setting Up in DAFZA
DAFZA company formation offers unmatched advantages for entrepreneurs in 2025:
1. Tax and Ownership Incentives
Enjoy 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate and personal income tax, and full repatriation of capital and profits, with no currency restrictions.
2. Strategic Location
Adjacent to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA provides rapid cargo clearance and 24/7 customs services, connecting you to global markets.
3. World-Class Infrastructure
Access 33 warehouses, fitted offices, and a dedicated logistics center, supported by advanced IT and telecommunications systems.
4. Streamlined Operations
Single-window administrative services and a smart platform like Dubai Blink, launched in 2025, simplify licensing and e-commerce operations.
5. Diverse Industries
DAFZA supports 20+ sectors, including aviation, IT, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals, fostering networking and growth.
Persian Horizon’s Investment Consulting Services (persianhorizon.com/investment-consulting) maximize these benefits for your venture.
Types of DAFZA Business Licenses
DAFZA offers six license types tailored to various activities:
- Trade License: For import, export, distribution, and storage of goods.
- Service License: For service-oriented businesses like IT or consultancy.
- Industrial License: For light manufacturing, packaging, and assembly.
- E-Commerce License: For online trading of goods and services.
- General Trading License: For multiple trading activities under one license.
- Dual License with DED: Allows operations outside DAFZA without a mainland office.
Consult Persian Horizon to select the right license for your business.
Company Formation Types in DAFZA
DAFZA supports three formation types for flexibility:
- Free Zone Company (FZCO): A limited liability company with 2–50 shareholders, requiring AED 1,000 minimum capital.
- Branch of Existing Company: For foreign or UAE firms, with no minimum capital.
- Subsidiary Company: A foreign company owning 100% of a DAFZA entity.
Persian Horizon ensures compliance with DAFZA’s formation requirements.
Requirements for DAFZA Business Setup
To set up a business in DAFZA, prepare these documents:
- Passport Copies: For shareholders and managers, with visa page entry stamp.
- Passport-Size Photos: For all shareholders and managers.
- Business Plan: A one-page outline of intended activities.
- Bank Statement: Six-month statement for individual shareholders.
- Bank Reference Letter: Original letter for each shareholder.
- No-Objection Certificate: For managers, if UAE-based.
- Corporate Documents: For corporate shareholders, including attested certificate of incorporation and memorandum.
DAFZA requires a leased office or warehouse; licenses are not issued without one.
Steps to Set Up a Business in DAFZA
Persian Horizon streamlines DAFZA business setup with a four-step process, completable in 2–4 weeks:
- Step 1: Choose License and Structure: Select a license (e.g., trade, service) and formation type (FZCO, branch).
- Step 2: Submit Application: Provide documents and three proposed company names for DAFZA approval.
- Step 3: Sign Lease and Pay Fees: Lease office space (from 6.65m² smart desks) and pay license fees (AED 15,000+).
- Step 4: Receive License: Obtain your trade license and open a bank account with Persian Horizon’s support.
Our Business Launch Service ensures a hassle-free setup.
Cost of DAFZA Company Formation
The cost for DAFZA company formation in 2025 ranges from AED 19,770 to AED 84,630, depending on:
- License Type: E.g., trade license starts at AED 15,000.
- Office Size: Smart desk (6.65m²) at AED 19,770; standard office (27m²) at AED 84,630.
- Visa Quotas: Additional visa fees apply (e.g., AED 3,000 per visa).
A typical setup with a trade license and small office costs ~AED 35,000. Persian Horizon provides tailored quotes.
Challenges to Consider
DAFZA is business-friendly, but consider these challenges:
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- Mandatory Office Lease: Licenses require rented space, increasing initial costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ongoing adherence to DAFZA’s rules demands diligence.
- Banking: Some banks may require higher minimum balances for free zone firms.
Persian Horizon mitigates these with expert support.
Why Choose Persian Horizon for DAFZA Setup?
Navigating DAFZA’s requirements can be complex. Persian Horizon, based at Fairmont Dubai, offers:
- 27 Years of Expertise: Trusted by 200+ global brands, with 500+ successful projects.
- End-to-End Support: From licensing to banking, our Business Launch Service covers all steps.
- Market Insights: 1,000+ consultants provide DAFZA-specific strategies.
- Networking: Our Investment Consulting Services connect you to investors.
Contact us at info@persianhorizon.com, (+971) 4254 4524, or WhatsApp (+971) 50 702 5341 to start your DAFZA journey. Visit persianhorizon.com for details.
Conclusion: Thrive in DAFZA in 2025
Dubai Airport Free Zone is a premier destination for logistics, trade, and manufacturing businesses, offering tax exemptions, 100% ownership, and unparalleled connectivity. With 3,100+ firms and initiatives like Dubai Blink in 2025, DAFZA is a gateway to global markets. Partner with Persian Horizon to navigate licensing and setup, and launch your business in this dynamic hub. Start today and seize DAFZA’s opportunities!
Disclaimer: Information in this article is for general purposes and may change due to UAE regulatory updates. Contact Persian Horizon for the latest guidance.
