Dubai Airport Free Zone Company Formation Cost: Expecting a launch for your business near one of the busiest airports in the world is something great. Dubai Airport free zone (DAFZA) is one of the UAE’s most premium business districts, however with prestige, it delivers specific cost considerations.
This blog is a 2026 cost breakdown guide for the company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone where everything is clear and realistic.
Realistic company formation in Dubai airport free zone cost breakdown
For a real-world estimation of the core setup cost, you need to budget when planning company formation in the Dubai Airport free zone.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (AED) | Notes |
| Trade/Business License Fee | 15,000 – 50,000 | Depends on activity type (trading, services, industrial) |
| Registration Fee (one-time) | 5,000 – 10,000+ | Government processing and company registration |
| Office Rent (Annual) | 16,000 – 137,500+ | Varies significantly based on package & size |
| Establishment Card | 2,000 – 3,000 | Mandatory immigration card for operations |
| Flexi-Desk / Virtual Office | 15,000 – 25,000 | For smaller teams & visa allocation |
| Visa Processing (Per Person) | 4,000 – 6,000 | Includes stamping and initial application |
Do read about the essentials and cost highlights for business setup in DAFZA here.
Hidden fees of company formation in Dubai airport free zone cost
When estimating company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone cost don’t overlook these often overlooked adds-on:
Here are the hidden costs:
- Document attestation and notarization: AED 1000 – 3000.
- Medical and biometric Emirates ID fees: AED 1200 to 1800 per person.
- Bank account setup and minimum deposits: AED 5,000 to 10,000.
- Seal and legal documentation charges: AED 500 to 1,500.
- PO Box & postal fees: AED 1065 annually.
- Insurance and mandatory benefit: Service provider-based variations.
Also, read about DAFZA banking requirements for business setup here.
Visa costs of company formation in Dubai airport free zone
Visas deliver a crucial role in your total company formation in Dubai Airport free zone cost. The main elements of visa cost comprise the following:
| Visa Component | Cost (AED) |
| Investor/Partner Visa Application | ~2,696 – 4,200 |
| Employee Visa (outside) | ~2,696 |
| Visa medical & Emirates ID | ~1,200 – 1,800 |
| Visa stamping & processing | Included in main visa cost |
Note: Valid for 3 years and visa fee includes Emirates ID and Residency.
Office cost of company formation in Dubai airport free zone
Choosing the right office setup is responsible for impacting your budget. Here is quick breakdown for you:
| Office Type | Annual Cost (AED) | Visa Entitlement |
| Smart Desk (6.65 sqm) | ~16,625 | 1–2 |
| Small Office (10 sqm) | ~25,000 | 2–3 |
| Medium Office (27 sqm) | ~67,500 | 3–6 |
| Large Office (55 sqm) | ~137,500+ | 6–10+ |
Comparison with other free zones
Before you plan for Dubai Airport Free Zone you must get to learn about other free zones comparatively in terms of company formation cost.
| Free Zone | License (From) | Visa Cost | Office / Flexi-Desk |
| DAFZA | 15,000 – 50,000 AED | 4,000 – 6,000 AED | 16,000 – 137,500+ AED |
| DMCC (Premium) | ~25,000 AED | ~4,500 AED | ~30,000+ AED |
| Dubai South | ~15,000 AED | ~4,000 AED | ~10,000 – 20,000 AED |
| IFZA / Meydan | 12,000 – 14,000 AED | ~3,800 – 4,000 AED | ~8,000 – 15,000 AED |
Also, get to learn about banking features based on business suitability at DAFZA here.
Conclusion
Establishing one business in DAFZA is one of the top choices for international trade, logistics and premium brands. However, it comes with operational cost and higher setup cost as compared to other free zones in the UAE.
One clear understanding regarding company formation in Dubai Airport free zone cost can assist to develop an effective budget and avoid unwelcome surprises.
Let’s connect with us to get your business setup right in DAFZA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the minimum company formation cost to start in DAFZA?
A basic trade license with a small office starts around AED 40,000 to 45,000 in the first year.
Are visas included in the company formation cost?
No visas are added separately depending on how many people you plan to sponsor
Is corporate tax applicable for companies at DAFZA?
DAFZA companies can benefit from 0% corporate tax on the qualifying income subject to free zone rules. However, standard UAE corporate tax is 9% that is applied on non-qualifying income.
Do I need minimum share capital for company formation at DAFZA?
Yes, depending on company type, an FZCO may require share capital.
How long does the formation process take?
Typical license processing takes around 7 to 21 business days once all documents are in order.
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