DAFZA
DAFZA is a free zone in Dubai, UAE offering 100% foreign ownership, residence visas and fast, mostly-digital company setup, with licences starting from AED 15,000+. Below: setup costs, visa options, popular activities and the step-by-step process.
DAFZA is a premium free zone adjacent to DXB airport—well-known for logistics and high-compliance trading.
Why choose DAFZA?
- Immediate airport access; ideal for air cargo workflows.
- High reputation; strong for compliance-heavy goods.
- Warehouse and office options for scaling teams.
Typical setup costs
Warehouse rent and utilities vary by size and power load.
Process
- Initial approval & KYC.
- License issuance & company docs.
- Immigration setup; visas for staff.
Starting from: AED 15,000+
How much does a DAFZA licence cost?
A licence here typically runs AED 25,000 - 60,000 for year one. The licence is normally issued in 5 - 15 working days once documents are ready, and entry package tiers carry 3 - 6 visas. The low end is a single-activity licence with no staff visas; the high end reflects extra activities, a dedicated office or a higher visa quota.
Airport-adjacent; priced for logistics and re-export rather than lean service companies.
Estimate. Indicative market range for planning, not confirmed with the authority. Check current figures before you apply.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence (year one) | AED 25,000 - 60,000 | Varies with activity count and facility |
| Establishment / immigration card | AED 1,200 - 2,000 | One-off per company, required before any visa |
| Investor or partner visa (2 years) | AED 3,500 - 5,500 | Includes medical, Emirates ID and status change |
| Employee visa (2 years) | AED 4,000 - 6,500 | Per employee |
| Annual licence renewal | 85 - 100% of year-one fee | Excludes one-off formation items |
Indicative ranges for planning, not a quote. Zone packages and government fees change — confirm current figures with the authority before you apply.
How many visas do you get?
Quota follows the facility you take, not the licence itself.
| What you lease | Typical visa quota | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licence only (zero-visa) | 0 | Trade licence with no residency for anyone |
| Flexi desk / smart desk | 1 - 6 | Set by the package tier you buy, not by the activity |
| Dedicated office (15 - 25 sqm) | 4 - 8 | First step up when a flexi desk runs out of quota |
| Larger office or warehouse | about 1 per 9 sqm | Subject to the zone approving the allocation |
Full detail, including how to increase your allocation: free zone visa quota explained.
Popular activities
Related guides
Compare before you commit
Last updated: October 2026
General information, not advice. Fees, packages and visa quotas are set by the free zone authority and change without notice — confirm current terms before applying.