Setting Up a New Company in DAFZA Free Zone

Are you looking to set up your company in the DAFZA Free Zone? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to establish your business in one of the most prestigious free zones in Dubai. Whether you are a startup, SME, or a multinational corporation, DAFZA offers a wide range of benefits and incentives that make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes. Let’s dive in and explore the process of company setup in DAFZA Free Zone.

Why Choose DAFZA Free Zone for Company Setup?

Setting up your company in DAFZA Free Zone comes with a multitude of advantages. Firstly, DAFZA offers 100% foreign ownership, which means that you have full control over your business without the need for a local partner. Additionally, companies established in DAFZA are eligible for 100% repatriation of capital and profits, making it a lucrative option for investors. Moreover, the free zone provides state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class facilities, and a strategic location near Dubai International Airport, ensuring seamless connectivity with global markets.

Why Choose DAFZA Free Zone?

• Strategic Location: Proximity to the airport and major transportation hubs.
• Tax Benefits: 100% foreign ownership and no corporate or personal income taxes.
• Business Facilities: Modern office spaces, warehouses, and shared services.
• Global Connectivity: Access to a wide network of international markets.

Steps for Company Formation in DAFZA Free Zone

1. Selecting a Business Activity: The first step in setting up a company in DAFZA Free Zone is to choose the type of business activity you wish to engage in. DAFZA offers a wide range of business activities, from trading to manufacturing, making it vital to select the most suitable option for your business.
2. Choosing a Legal Structure: Once you have identified your business activity, you will need to decide on the legal structure of your company. DAFZA allows for various legal structures, including free zone establishment (FZE), free zone company (FZCO), and branch office, each with its own set of benefits and requirements.
3. Reserving a Trade Name: The next step involves reserving a unique trade name for your company. The trade name should be in line with DAFZA’s guidelines and must not infringe on any existing trademarks.
4. Applying for a License: After selecting your business activity and legal structure, you will need to apply for the relevant license from DAFZA. The type of license you require will depend on the nature of your business and the services you intend to offer.
5. Leasing Office Space: As part of the company formation process, you will need to lease office space in DAFZA. The free zone offers a range of office options to suit your business needs, from flexi-desks to fully serviced offices.
6. Obtaining Approvals and Permits: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional approvals and permits from regulatory authorities in DAFZA. This could include health and safety certifications, environmental permits, or industry-specific licenses.
7. Opening a Corporate Bank Account: To conduct business in DAFZA, you will need to open a corporate bank account with a local bank. This account will be used for transactions, payroll, and other financial activities related to your company.
8. Visa Application: As a business owner in DAFZA, you may be eligible to apply for a residency visa for yourself and your employees. This visa will allow you to live and work in the UAE and enjoy the benefits of the country’s tax-free environment.

Benefits of Company Formation in DAFZA Free Zone

• 100% Foreign Ownership: One of the main attractions of setting up a company in DAFZA is that foreign investors can retain 100% ownership of their business, without the need for a local sponsor.
• Tax Incentives: Companies established in DAFZA are exempt from corporate and personal income taxes for a specified period, making it a cost-effective option for businesses looking to expand internationally.
• Strategic Location: DAFZA’s proximity to Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port provides businesses with easy access to global markets and shipping routes, making it an ideal location for trade and logistics companies.
• Business Support Services: DAFZA offers a range of business support services, including access to networking events, training programs, and market research, to help companies grow and succeed in the competitive marketplace.

Calculate Your Business Setup Cost Now

- Step 1 of 10

Q1 - Choose Your Business Category.

Pick the category that describes your business. *Please SelectAccountingAdvertisingAgriculturalFinanceLogisticsInvestmentReal EstateBrokerageConsultancy - ITConsultancy - MarketingConsultancy - HRConsultancy - MaritimeConsultancy - ManagementConsultancy - AviationConsultancy - FinanceConsultancy - LogisticsConsultancy - MediaDesignLifestyle CoachingProduction - Art/Video/Photography/Graphic DesignEvents/Exhibition OrganizersGeneral TradingTrading - GarmentsTrading - FurnitureTrading - Building MaterialsTrading - FoodstuffTrading - AutomobileTrading - ElectronicsSportsCustomer Care CenterOther

Other (please specify) *

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Q2 - NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES

3 activities are included. Additional activities can be added at AED 1000 per activity. *Please Select12345 or More

specify) or WILL

Next

Q3 - HOW MANY SHAREHOLDERS WILL YOUR COMPANY HAVE?

The number of shareholders will help identify the most suitable setup for your business. *Please Select12345 or More

Next

Q4 - HOW MANY VISAS WILL YOU NEED?

The number of visas you will need should account for your own visa (if required) and visas for the number of employees you plan to hire over the next year. *Please Select0123456

Next

Q5 - DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN?

DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN? *

• Yes
• No

Next

Q6 - ARE YOU CURRENTLY LIVING IN THE UAE?

Q6 - ARE YOU CURRENTLY LIVING IN THE UAE? *

• Yes
• No

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Q7 - ANNUAL TURNOVER

Your current or forecasted annual turnover for your business in the next 12 months. *

• AED 20,000 - 100,000
• AED 100,000 - 250,000
• AED 250,000 - 500,000
• AED 500,000 - 1,000,000
• AED 1,000,000 - 5,000,000
• AED 5,000,000 +

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Q8 - WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

Q8 - WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO START YOUR BUSINESS? *Please SelectImmediatelyNext MonthUndecided

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Q9 - CONTACT DETAILS

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone *

Nationality *AfghanAlbanianAlgerianAmericanAndorranAngolanAnguillanArgentineArmenianAustralianAustrianAzerbaijaniBahamianBahrainiBangladeshiBarbadianBelarusianBelgianBelizeanBenineseBermudianBhutaneseBolivianBotswananBrazilianBritishBritish Virgin IslanderBruneianBulgarianBurkinanBurmeseBurundianCambodianCameroonianCanadianCape VerdeanCayman IslanderCentral AfricanChadianChileanChineseCitizen of Antigua and BarbudaCitizen of Bosnia and HerzegovinaCitizen of Guinea-BissauCitizen of KiribatiCitizen of SeychellesCitizen of the Dominican RepublicCitizen of VanuatuColombianComoranCongolese (Congo)Congolese (DRC)Cook IslanderCosta RicanCroatianCubanCymraesCymroCypriotCzechDanishDjiboutianDominicanDutchEast TimoreseEcuadoreanEgyptianEmiratiEnglishEquatorial GuineanEritreanEstonianEthiopianFaroeseFijianFilipinoFinnishFrenchGaboneseGambianGeorgianGermanGhanaianGibraltarianGreekGreenlandicGrenadianGuamanianGuatemalanGuineanGuyaneseHaitianHonduranHong KongerHungarianIcelandicIndianIndonesianIranianIraqiIrishIsraeliItalianIvorianJamaicanJapaneseJordanianKazakhKenyanKittitianKosovanKuwaitiKyrgyzLaoLatvianLebaneseLiberianLibyanLiechtenstein citizenLithuanianLuxembourgerMacaneseMacedonianMalagasyMalawianMalaysianMaldivianMalianMalteseMarshalleseMartiniquaisMauritanianMauritianMexicanMicronesianMoldovanMonegasqueMongolianMontenegrinMontserratianMoroccanMosothoMozambicanNamibianNauruanNepaleseNew ZealanderNicaraguanNigerianNiueanNorth KoreanNorthern IrishNorwegianOmaniPakistaniPalauanPalestinianPanamanianPapua New GuineanParaguayanPeruvianPitcairn IslanderPolishPortuguesePrydeinigPuerto RicanQatariRomanianRussianRwandanSalvadoreanSammarineseSamoanSao TomeanSaudi ArabianScottishSenegaleseSerbianSierra LeoneanSingaporeanSlovakSlovenianSolomon IslanderSomaliSouth AfricanSouth KoreanSouth SudaneseSpanishSri LankanSt HelenianSt LucianStatelessSudaneseSurinameseSwaziSwedishSwissSyrianTaiwaneseTajikTanzanianThaiTogoleseTonganTrinidadianTristanianTunisianTurkishTurkmenTurks and Caicos IslanderTuvaluanUgandanUkrainianUruguayanUnited Arab EmiratesUzbekVatican citizenVenezuelanVietnameseVincentianWallisianWelshYemeniZambianZimbabwean

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Types of Business Licenses in DAFZA Free Zone

1. Trade License: A trade license in DAFZA allows businesses to engage in trading activities such as importing, exporting, and re-exporting goods. It is suitable for businesses involved in wholesale, retail, and distribution activities.
2. Service License: A service license in DAFZA is required for businesses that provide services such as consulting, IT, marketing, and other professional services. This license allows companies to offer their services within the free zone and beyond.
3. Industrial License: An industrial license is necessary for businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, and assembling activities. DAFZA provides state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to support industrial businesses.
4. E-Commerce License: In the digital age, an e-commerce license is essential for businesses operating in the online marketplace. This license allows businesses to sell products and services online and conduct e-commerce activities.

How to Get a Business License in DAFZA Free Zone

To obtain a business license in DAFZA, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Submit your business plan and license application to DAFZA authorities.
2. Choose the type of business license that aligns with your business activities.
3. Provide the necessary documentation and information required for the license application.
4. Pay the relevant fees and charges for the license issuance.
5. Once approved, you can start operating your business in DAFZA with your new license.

Costs of Setting up a Company in DAFZA Free Zone

Establishing a business in DAFZA Free Zone involves various costs that you should budget for in advance. Here are the key expenses to consider:

1. License Fees: The cost of obtaining a business license in DAFZA varies depending on the type of license and business activities. It is essential to determine the most suitable license for your company to avoid unnecessary expenses.
2. Office Space Rental: Renting an office space within DAFZA comes with its own set of costs, which can vary based on the size and location of the premises.
3. Visa Fees: Applying for visas for yourself and your employees incurs fees for processing and issuing the necessary permits.
4. Registration Fees: Registering your company with DAFZA involves administrative fees for processing your application and completing the legal formalities.

Types of Companies Allowed in DAFZA Free Zone

One of the key advantages of setting up a company in DAFZA Free Zone is the flexibility it offers in terms of business structures. The free zone allows for the establishment of a wide range of company types, catering to the diverse needs and requirements of entrepreneurs. Here are some of the types of companies that are permitted to operate in DAFZA Free Zone:

1. Free Zone Company (FZCO): A Free Zone Company (FZCO) is a popular choice for entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence in DAFZA. This type of company can be owned by a single shareholder or multiple shareholders and is typically incorporated with a minimum share capital requirement.
2. Branch Office: Foreign companies can also set up branch offices in DAFZA Free Zone, allowing them to conduct business activities in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Branch offices are considered an extension of the parent company and are subject to the regulations and restrictions of the parent company.
3. Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a single-shareholder company that is incorporated in DAFZA Free Zone. This type of company offers full ownership to the shareholder and allows for flexibility in terms of operations and decision-making.
4. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are companies that are set up for specific purposes, such as holding assets or carrying out specific financial transactions. DAFZA Free Zone allows for the establishment of SPVs, providing a flexible and efficient structure for investors and businesses.
5. IT and Technology Companies: DAFZA Free Zone is known for its focus on technology and innovation, making it an ideal location for IT and technology companies. From software development to cybersecurity services, technology companies of all sizes can thrive in DAFZA Free Zone.
6. Trading and Logistics Companies: With its strategic location near Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, DAFZA Free Zone is an ideal hub for trading and logistics companies. Whether you are involved in import/export, distribution, or warehousing, DAFZA offers state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to support your business operations.
7. Consultancy and Service Companies: Consultancy and service companies are also welcomed in DAFZA Free Zone, offering a wide range of professional services to local and international clients. Whether you are an accounting firm, legal practice, or marketing agency, DAFZA provides the necessary resources and support for your business to thrive.

Process of Setting Up Your Company in DAFZA Free Zone

Our team of experienced professionals specializes in assisting clients with every aspect of company setup in the DAFZA Free Zone. From initial consultation to license acquisition and beyond, we provide comprehensive support to ensure a successful establishment of your business.

1. Initial Consultation: We sit down with you to understand your business requirements and objectives.
2. Document Submission: Our team assists you in preparing and submitting all the necessary documents for company registration.
3. License Issuance: Once the documents are verified, we help you obtain the required business license from DAFZA.
4. Visa Processing: We streamline the visa application process for you and your employees, ensuring timely approval.

Our Services Include:

1. Consultation and Planning: We work closely with you to understand your business goals and tailor a setup strategy that aligns with your objectives.
2. License Application: We handle all aspects of the license application process, ensuring compliance with DAFZA regulations and guidelines.
3. Office Space Selection: We assist you in choosing the right office space or warehouse that meets your requirements and budget.
4. Visa Processing: Our team guides you through the visa application process for you and your employees.
5. Bank Account Opening: We facilitate the opening of a corporate bank account in Dubai for seamless financial transactions.

In conclusion, company setup in DAFZA Free Zone offers endless opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to establish a presence in Dubai. With its investor-friendly policies, strategic location, and world-class infrastructure, DAFZA is the ideal destination for companies looking to expand their operations in the region. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up your company in DAFZA Free Zone quickly and efficiently. So why wait? Start your business journey in DAFZA today and unlock a world of possibilities!

Connect with Neeja Corporate Services

Are you looking to start your company in Dubai but feeling overcome by the registration process? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Setting up a business in a foreign country can be challenging, but with the right guidance and support, it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Neeja’s business setup services offer complete support and serve as a one-stop shop for company setup in Dubai. We provide a wide range of value-added services, such as Company Setup in DAFZA Free Zone and VAT registration. Over the years, we have successfully advised many new entrepreneurs to make their business dreams a reality.

To book a free consultation, call on +971 43243031. You can also send a WhatsApp message at +971 50 465 2843. To connect over email, send us your query at [email protected].

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