DAFZ · Tughra

Packages, as published

Official rows come from the authority's own list. A row marked agent comes from a reseller because the authority does not publish that package, and it can contain a margin.

Package	Licence	Visas	Workspace	Setup	Renewal	Kind	Source
Smart OfficeSum of official price list items: annual rent 16,250 + license 15,000 = 31,250 recurring; registration 7,000 + MOA/AOA 500 + establishment card 2,020 = 9,520 one‑time. Total 40,770.	1 Industry Category & 3 Sub Activities	n/a	dedicated desk	not yet confirmed	not yet confirmed	official	dxbstart.com
Boutique OfficeOfficial price list: annual rent 37,500 + license 15,000 = 52,500 recurring; one‑time 9,520. Total 62,020.	1 Industry Category & 3 Sub Activities	n/a	office	not yet confirmed	not yet confirmed	official	dxbstart.com
Premium Office (25 sqm)Official price list: annual rent 62,500 + license 15,000 = 77,500 recurring; one‑time 9,520. Total 87,020.	1 Industry Category & 3 Sub Activities	n/a	office	not yet confirmed	not yet confirmed	official	dxbstart.com
Premium Plus Office (50 sqm)Official price list: annual rent 125,000 + license 15,000 = 140,000 recurring; one‑time 9,520. Total 149,520.	1 Industry Category & 3 Sub Activities	n/a	office	not yet confirmed	not yet confirmed	official	dxbstart.com
Standard Office 25 sqmOfficial price list: annual rent + service charge 55,155 + license 15,000 = 70,155 recurring; one‑time 9,520. Total 79,675.	1 Industry Category & 3 Sub Activities	n/a	office	not yet confirmed	not yet confirmed	official	dxbstart.com
Standard Office 50 sqm (General Trading)Official price list: annual rent + service charge 110,310 + license 50,000 = 160,310 recurring; one‑time registration 20,000 + MOA/AOA 500 + establishment card 2,020 = 22,520. Total 182,830.	General Trading	n/a	office	not yet confirmed	not yet confirmed	official	dxbstart.com
Light Industrial UnitAgent‑reported package (DXBStart): every year 440,425 + year one only 9,520 = 449,945. Official price list snippet not available; treated as agent price.	Industrial	n/a	warehouse	not yet confirmed	not yet confirmed	agent	dxbstart.com

Promotions the authority advertises

Free employment quota, waived non‑sponsored work permit fees (new & renewal), waived letters/NOCs/contract amendment charges, free temporary work permits (3 & 1 months), free meeting rooms twice yearly, priority DIEZA tenders (from DAFZ Essentials e‑book).

Fees, line by line

The figures our sum is built from. Only a proven fee is shown; the rest read not yet confirmed, and a reseller-only figure says so on its line.

Registrationnot yet confirmeddxbstart.com

Licencenot yet confirmeddxbstart.com

Establishment cardnot yet confirmeddxbstart.com

Immigration cardnot yet confirmeddxbstart.com

Residence visa, per personnot yet confirmeddxbstart.com

Medical and Emirates ID, per personnot yet confirmeddxbstart.com

Minimum share capitalnot yet confirmedmust be paid updxbstart.com

MOA/AOA issuance (one‑time)not yet confirmeddxbstart.com

Postal fee (annual, agent‑observed)not yet confirmedaurionuae.com

Knowledge & Innovation fee (annual, agent‑observed)not yet confirmedaurionuae.com

Parking (per slot per annum, for 50 sqm office)not yet confirmeddxbstart.com

General Trading license fee (annual, instead of standard 15,000)not yet confirmeddxbstart.com

General Trading registration fee (one‑time, instead of standard 7,000)not yet confirmeddxbstart.com

Workspace

Smart Office Desk (6.5 sqm)not yet confirmedDubai Airport Freezone · counts for the visa quota · source

Reseller prices seen against the official line

aurionuae.comnot quotedSmart Desksource

What a missing number means

The line stays visible and reads not yet confirmed. A figure the research records but the verification pass has not proven is never shown, and never becomes a zero.

Company and licence types

Company types

Freezone Company
1-50 (individual or corporate)
Public Limited Company
No limit
Branch
N/A (parent company)

Licence types

Trade License
Import, export, re-export, distribution, storage of specific products; also E-commerce license option for online trade of goods and services. dafz.ae
Industrial License
Light manufacturing, packaging, assembling. dafz.ae
General Trading License
General trading activities including import, export, re-export, storage, distribution. dafz.ae
Dual License with DET
Allows DAFZ companies to apply for a DET (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) license without physical office space on the mainland, enabling mainland trading. dafz.ae dafz.ae
Talent Pass License
Freelancing activities in media, technology, or education; includes visa entitlement and possibility of leasing a smart office. dafz.ae

How the authority processes it

Each step names who holds it. Days are the authority's published figure or a gap.

step 1 · days gap
Choose business activity and legal formApplicant
step 2 · days gap
Submit online application and documents for initial approvalApplicant
step 3 · days gap
DAFZ reviews and issues initial approvalDAFZ
step 4 · days gap
Sign lease agreement and make paymentApplicant
step 5 · days gap
Submit notarized and attested legal documents for registrationApplicant
step 6 · days gap
DAFZ issues trade licenseDAFZ
step 7 · days gap
Collect office keysApplicant

The authority's portal

NameDAFZ e-Business Portal

Who filesboth

Fully onlineYes

E-signaturenot stated

API or integrationnone

Partner programmenot stated

Selling to the UAE mainland

Yes, via Dual License with DET (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) without physical office space on the mainland. dafz.ae dafz.ae

Corporate tax

UAE Corporate Tax: 0% on taxable income up to amount not yet confirmed; 9% above. Free zone entities may qualify for exemptions on qualifying income, subject to conditions. All DAFZ companies must register and file annual returns. dafz.ae

Documents the authority asks for

Individual shareholder

Online Application Form dafz.ae
Company Profile / Brochure dafz.ae
Shareholders resolution for incorporation, appointment of manager/director/secretary (notarized and attested) dafz.ae
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) passport copy (notarized and attested) dafz.ae
UBO declaration form and supporting documents (proof of residential address, corporate structure chart if applicable) dafz.ae
Bank share capital letter if share capital above amount not yet confirmed (from a local bank) dafz.ae

Corporate shareholder

Online Application Form dafz.ae
Certificate of Registration/Incorporation of parent company (notarized and attested) dafz.ae
Memorandum & Articles of Association of parent company (notarized and attested) dafz.ae
Parent company resolution for establishment, appointment of manager, power of attorney (notarized and attested) dafz.ae
UBO passport copy (notarized and attested) dafz.ae
UBO declaration form and supporting documents dafz.ae
Bank share capital letter if share capital above amount not yet confirmed (from a local bank) dafz.ae

After the licence

Financial year, audit, corporate tax, VAT, UBO and renewal, as the authority states them.

Financial year

RuleCalendar year (Jan-Dec) typical, must be consistent year-over-year findcpa.aesource

First period, maximum monthsnot yet confirmedsource

Can choose the year endnot yet confirmedsource

Audit and financial statements

Audited accounts requiredYessource

Who mustAll DAFZA companies without exception findcpa.aesource

Submission deadlineWithin 6 months of financial year-end (e.g., June 30 for Dec year-end) findcpa.aeWithin 6 months of financial year-end (e.g., June 30 for Dec year-end) [findcpa.ae](https://findcpa.ae/blog/dafza-accounting-compliance)source

Approved auditor listYessource

Fee or penalty (AED)not yet confirmedsource

NotesAudit must be by DAFZA-approved auditor, ISA standards. Non-compliance blocks licence renewal. Another agent source (NEXORA) claims 90 days deadline, but official DAFZ source not found.source

VAT

Mandatory threshold (AED)not yet confirmedsource

Voluntary threshold (AED)not yet confirmedsource

Designated zonenot yet confirmedsource

NotesVAT registration mandatory if taxable supplies exceed amount not yet confirmed, voluntary if exceed amount not yet confirmed dafz.ae. Designated zone status for VAT not confirmed in sources.source

Corporate tax

Registration deadlinenot yet confirmedsource

QFZP conditionsTo be a Qualifying Free Zone Person, must: derive Qualifying Income; maintain adequate substance in UAE; satisfy de minimis requirement; not elect to be subject to standard CT; comply with transfer pricing rules; prepare and maintain audited financial statements tax.gov.aesource

Return deadlineWithin 9 months of the end of the Tax Period tax.gov.aeWithin 9 months of the end of the Tax Period [tax.gov.ae](https://tax.gov.ae/Datafolder/Files/Guides/CT/CT-Returns-EN-11-11-2024.pdf)source

Late registration penalty (AED)not yet confirmedsource

UBO, ESR and AML

UBO register requiredYessource

Where the UBO register is filedSubmit and update UBO details with DAFZ within 15 days of any change dafz.aesource

ESR statusNot mentioned in DAFZ sources; ESR may apply under UAE regulations. Economic substance notification deadline Dec 31 if applicable findcpa.aesource

AML / goAML registrationnot yet confirmedsource

Licence renewal

WhenAnnually, before licence expiry; initiate at least 30 days before findcpa.aeAnnually, before licence expiry; initiate at least 30 days before findcpa.aesource

RequirementsSubmission of audited financial statements; Updated shareholder information; Valid establishment card; Paid fees; Compliance with DAFZA regulationssource

Late penalty (AED)not yet confirmedsource

Banking

Banks commonly usednot yet confirmedsource

Typical account opening daysnot yet confirmedsource

Minimum balance (AED)not yet confirmedsource

Pain pointsnot yet confirmedsource

Accounting records

RequiredYessource

Retention yearsnot yet confirmedsource

StandardIFRS or IFRS for SMEs findcpa.aesource

Annual obligations

VAT return filing (quarterly)Annual28th day after quarter end [findcpa.ae](https://findcpa.ae/blog/dafza-accounting-compliance)source

Corporate tax return filingAnnualWithin 9 months of financial year-end (e.g., Sep 30 for Dec year-end) [tax.gov.ae](https://tax.gov.ae/Datafolder/Files/Guides/CT/CT-Returns-EN-11-11-2024.pdf)source

Transfer pricing disclosure formAnnualSame as corporate tax return deadline [findcpa.ae](https://findcpa.ae/blog/dafza-accounting-compliance)source

Audited financial statements submissionAnnualWithin 6 months of financial year-end (e.g., June 30) [findcpa.ae](https://findcpa.ae/blog/dafza-accounting-compliance)source

Economic substance notification (if applicable)AnnualDecember 31 [findcpa.ae](https://findcpa.ae/blog/dafza-accounting-compliance)source

Licence renewalAnnualAnnually, before expiry (initiate 30 days prior) [findcpa.ae](https://findcpa.ae/blog/dafza-accounting-compliance)source

Closing the company

Processnot yet confirmedsource

Cost (AED)not yet confirmedsource

How we file it

Internal view of the authority's channels and screens. It is what a filing integration has to work against, not a promise that the filing is live. integration source

Application channels

DAFZA Investor Portal (Client Portal)no URLwho can use: Investors and their authorised representativeslogin: Client Portal credentials (provided by DAFZA upon registration)The portal is referenced in the DAFZ Essentials guide as the 'Client Portal' and by an agent as the 'digital investor portal'. It supports online submission, document upload, payment, and status tracking. No direct public URL is given; access is likely via the DAFZ website.source

Invest in Dubai Unified Digital Windowno URLwho can use: All investors establishing companies in Dubai, including free zoneslogin: UAE Pass or other digital identity (not specified)Per Decree No. 13 of 2024, applications for free zones must be submitted through this unified platform, then routed to DAFZ's own systems for processing. The exact URL is not provided in the sources.source

Agent or partner programme

Existsnot stated

Namenot named

Feesnot yet confirmed

Commission or discountnot stated

How to applynot stated

Contactnot stated

Requirementsnot stated

Screens inside the portal

step 1
Scope activity and licence typeInvestorinputs: Business activity description, Licence type (commercial, service, industrial, etc.)
step 2
Trade name reservationInvestorinputs: Proposed trade names (up to 3)
step 3
Initial approval (gate 1)Investorinputs: Company structure details, Shareholder informationuploads: Passport copies of shareholders, Business plan (if required)
step 4
Workspace lease (gate 2)Investorinputs: Workspace type (smart desk, office, warehouse), Lease term
step 5
Document submission and KYCInvestorinputs: Personal details for KYCuploads: Passport copies, Visa copies (if any), CV, Educational degrees, Reference letters, Portfolio (for Talent Pass), Service list and fees (for Talent Pass)
step 6
PaymentInvestorinputs: Payment method selection
step 7
Licence issuance and Establishment CardInvestor / DAFZAinputs: Visa application detailsuploads: Additional documents for visa processing

Formats, signatures, payment

Document formatsnot stated

Signatures and identitynot stated

PaymentPayment can be made by credit card or cheque, as stated on the Talent Pass page. The DAFZ Essentials guide mentions payment through the Client Portal after invoice generation.

Status trackingApplicants can track application status via the DAFZA Client Portal. The DAFZ Essentials guide states that inquiries can be raised from the 'Client Portal' > 'Customer Care' tab.

API or bulk filingnot stated

After the licence, onlineEstablishment Card application; Visa processing (e-channel); Licence renewal; Licence amendment

Automation risks

Initial approval and KYC involve manual review; mismatched documents can cause delays
Portal may have CAPTCHA, rate limiting, or session timeouts
Workspace lease selection may require human interaction or negotiation
Payment gateway may require 3D Secure or other interactive verification
Document upload size/format restrictions may block automated submissions

Open integration gaps

No information on an agent or partner program for DAFZ was found in the provided sources.
Document format requirements (e.g., PDF, JPEG) are not specified.
Signature and identity verification methods (e.g., e-signature, UAE Pass) are not detailed.
API or bulk submission capabilities are not mentioned.
Exact URL for the DAFZA Investor Portal and the Invest in Dubai platform are not provided.
Login method details (e.g., username/password, UAE Pass) for the Client Portal are not specified.
Terms of service or conditions that explicitly forbid automation were not found.

What we still do not know about DAFZ

The research names its own holes. They stay on the page until a source fills them.

Prices

Immigration card fee not found in official price list; agent site velmontcrest.ae mentions amount not yet confirmed but unconfirmed.
Medical and Emirates ID fees are included in the visa fee according to the official price list; separate line‑item not available.
Light Industrial Unit official price list snippet not provided; only agent figure from DXBStart used.
Visa renewal costs not explicitly listed; visa fees shown are for new employment only.
Coworking products beyond the Smart Office desk (e.g., Smart Office Plus) lack detailed pricing in the provided sources.
Share capital paid‑up requirement: official guide states minimum amount not yet confirmed, but practical requirements may vary by activity; exact paid‑up enforcement not detailed.

Structure and process

Year of establishment not found in provided sources
Exact processing timeline (typical days) not specified; general UAE free zone guidance suggests 14 working days but not confirmed for DAFZ
Activity catalogue count and mixing rules not available
Portal URL not explicitly provided; likely integrated into main website
E-signature capability not mentioned
Payment methods not detailed
Agent/partner program details not found
Lease agreement signing method (physical vs. electronic) not specified

Compliance

Financial year: no explicit statement on ability to choose year-end or first period max months.
Audit submission deadline: conflicting agent sources (6 months vs 90 days); no official DAFZ source found.
Corporate tax registration deadline not specified.
VAT designated zone status not confirmed.
ESR specific requirements not detailed in DAFZ sources.
AML/goAML registration not mentioned.
Visa and labour information not available.
Banking information not available.
Deregistration process and cost not available.
Licence renewal late penalty amount not specified.
Audit fee/penalty amount not specified.
Corporate tax late registration penalty not found.
Accounting records retention: DAFZA 5 years, FTA 7 years; practical guidance 7 years.

Sources

Everything above was read from these pages. The read date is on each line.

Company Formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone - DAFZhttps://aurionuae.com/dubai-airport-free-zone-company-formationread 2026-10-20

Business Setup Process | Company Formation in Dubai, UAE | DAFZhttps://www.dafz.ae/en/business-setup/processread 2026-10-20

Start your business in Dubai - Free Zones in Dubai, Dubai Airport Freezone, UAE Tax Free Zone | DAFZhttps://www.dafz.ae/en/start-your-business-in-dubairead 2026-10-20

DAFZ_Welcome e-book_Final 2https://www.dafz.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DAFZ-Essentials__Final.pdfread 2026-10-20

DAFZ Licence Cost 2026: From amount not yet confirmed | DXBStarthttps://www.dxbstart.com/licensing/dafzaread 2026-10-20

DAFZ_Pricelist_FINALhttps://www.dxbstart.com/licensing/docs/dafza/DAFZ_Pricelist_2026.pdfread 2026-10-20