DAFZA is a free zone dedicated for development of trade business in Dubai. It facilitates growth of trading activities in the region by providing appropriate infrastructure. Over the years it has attracted many traders both locally and internationally and is ever growing since then.
Steps of business setup in DAFZA
A) Initial Approval:
1) Submit Application form
2) Submit Letter of intent (summary of the company)
3) Submit Business Plan
4) Submit Company brochure
5) Following are the documents required
a) Financial records(bank statement) of the shareholder(s)
b) Passport copies and CV’s of Shareholder(s)
c) Passport copy and CV of Manager
d) Original Bank reference letter for Shareholder(s)
e) NOC for Manager if he is a resident or under employment in UAE
f) NOC from relevant government authorities if required for the applied activity.
g) Any additional documents as required by the authorities
The authorities will review the above documents and if they are satisfied will issue the initial approval issued.
B) License approval:
1) After receiving the initial approval the next step is to select an office space in DAFZA zone
2) The authorities have appointed sales team to assist client for selection of desired office space
3) Once the office space is decided, necessary fees have to paid within 2 weeks of Issue of Invoice to obtain lease agreement
4) The next step after obtaining the lease agreement, the client has to submit the following legal documents:
a) Registration form
b) Proof of initial approval
c) Passport copy and CV’s of shareholder(s) and manager
d) Copy of POA if an legal representative is appointed
e) Board resolution to open a company / branch
f) In case of opening of a branch, Incorporation certificate of the parent company
g) If the shareholder(s) is corporate company then Incorporation certificate of the holding company
h) Bank reference letters for shareholders
i) Good standing certificate / letter of continuity for parent / holding company
j) Board resolution for corporate person as a shareholder(s)
k) RIC form for corporate person as a shareholder(s)
l) Board resolution for Natural person as a shareholder(s)
m) RIC form for Natural person as a shareholder(s)
n) Board resolution for corporate person and Natural person as shareholder(s)
o) RIC form for corporate person and Natural person as shareholder(s)
p) MOA/ AOA of the parent company / holding company
q) RIC form for Manager wherever applicable
r) Any other additional documents as required by the authorities
Note: All legal documents should be either submitted in original or copies notarize / attested by relevant government authorities wherever applicable.
The authorities will assess the above documents and once satisfied will issue the certificate of incorporation and the share certificate.