After the merger the brand is officially written DAFZ, though the market still knows the zone as DAFZA. Below we look at its strengths, how registration works, what a 2026 launch costs and the tax the company can expect.
Why choose DAFZA
The main argument is geography. When cargo has to fly out today, sitting next to the DXB terminals becomes a real competitive edge rather than a line on a slide.
- Dubai airport cargo terminals just minutes away — critical for air freight and perishable goods
- 100% foreign ownership and free repatriation of capital and profits
- Up to three activities on a single licence: trading, services or manufacturing
- Property formats from a smart-desk to warehouses and office floors
- A dual-licence option for working with the mainland Dubai market
- DIEZ synergy — access to the services of the combined ecosystem of three zones
Steps to register a company in DAFZA
The procedure is standard for Dubai free zones and runs with the support of a zone manager:
- Choose the activity and company form — FZE, FZCO or branch
- Submit the application with founders’ passports and a short business description
- Obtain preliminary approval from the authority
- Pay the fees and sign the agreement for an office, smart-desk or warehouse
- Receive the licence and open a corporate account with a UAE bank
- Arrange residence visas for the founders and staff
The standard timeline is two to three weeks from document submission to the licence. Allow another one to two weeks for the bank account and visas: here the pace is set by the banks and medical centres, not by the zone authority.
Cost of opening a company in DAFZA (2026)
The budget depends on the company form and the property format. The figures below are guideline amounts from open sources as of mid-2026.
| Cost item | Amount, AED | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | 2 000 – 7 000 | One-off, depending on the company form |
| Annual licence | from 15,020 | Trading, Service or Industrial, up to three activities |
| Smart-desk / flexi-office | from 16,625 | Annual; sets the visa quota |
| Residence visa | ≈ 4,000 – 5,500 | Per person, including medical and Emirates ID |
| First-year total | ≈ 40,000 – 55,000 | Basic package with one visa |
| Warehouse / logistics format | on request | For air logistics, assembly and storage |
For warehouse and manufacturing projects the estimate is calculated individually: the price depends on floor area, the grade of the unit and power consumption. Ask the zone for a current rate before paying any deposit.
Taxation in DAFZA
The standard UAE regime applies: corporate tax of 9% on profit above AED 375,000, a 0% rate below the threshold, and VAT of 5% on most transactions. Companies with a genuine presence and qualifying activities may claim Qualifying Free Zone Person status and a 0% rate on qualifying income — check the conditions as at the registration date, since the FTA refines them periodically.
Who DAFZA suits
- Air logistics, express-delivery and perishable-goods trading companies
- Importers and exporters of electronics, pharma and other fast-moving cargo
- Service and trading companies that value proximity to the airport and northern Dubai
“DAFZA wins where delivery speed is part of the product: air logistics, express export, perishables. If your cargo doesn’t fly, compare the rates with neighbouring Dubai zones — sometimes they work out cheaper”, notes the lead lawyer at Dynasty Business Adviser.
Open a company in DAFZA with Dynasty Business Adviser
We’ll select the activity and property format, prepare the documents, and guide you through the licence, the bank account and the visas. Get in touch and we’ll put together a precise calculation for your project.
Get a consultation
Pricing is current as of the publication date (13.07.2026) and verified against open sources, including dafz.ae and diez.ae; confirm rates directly with the zone authority before making any payment.
