Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)
DFC is a Dubai-based free zone with packages starting from AED 13,375, supporting up to 3 visa allocations, and moderate banking access. Dubai Flower Centre is a highly specialised free zone dedicated exclusively to floriculture and perishable goods trade. Located adjacent to Dubai International Airport, it spans 100,000 sqm with 34,000 sqm of state-of-the-art cold storage facilities, handling 150,000–180,000 tons of perishable goods per year. DFC is the only UAE free zone purpose-built for the flower and perishable supply chain, offering unmatched cold-chain logistics for international traders.
From
AED 13,375
Established
2004
Companies
19
Max Visas
3
Banking
Moderate
DFC Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Visa (Business License Only) | AED 9,375 | 0 | Flexi Address | AED 13,375 | AED 10,000 |
| 1 Visa (Small Warehouse) | AED 9,375 | 1 | Small Cold Storage Unit | AED 30,215 | AED 28,215 |
| 2 Visas (Standard Warehouse) | AED 9,375 | 2 | Standard Cold Storage Unit | AED 45,055 | AED 43,055 |
| 3 Visas (Large Warehouse) | AED 9,375 | 3 | Large Cold Storage + Processing Facility | AED 64,895 | AED 62,895 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Airport-adjacent location — direct airside access for perishable logistics, minimising spoilage and transit time
- State-of-the-art cold chain infrastructure — 34,000 sqm cold storage with temperature-controlled zones
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation with zero corporate and income tax
- Purpose-built processing and re-export facilities for cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other perishables
- Strategic hub connecting growers in Africa, Asia, and South America with GCC and global markets
Watch out for
- Extremely niche — limited to floriculture and perishable goods only, unsuitable for general business activities
- Very small tenant base (19 companies) — limited networking and community ecosystem
- Minimal publicly available information on licensing costs and application procedures
- Setup can take 30+ days due to specialised facility allocation and regulatory approvals
- No virtual or flexi-desk options — requires physical cold-storage or processing facility commitment
Visa Information
Max Quota
3 visas
Up to 3 visas depending on facility size.
Processing Time
15 days
Renewal Cost
AED 3,500
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 2,500
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,000
Investor Visa
AED 3,500
Medical Standard
AED 420
Emirates ID Typing
AED 420
In Country Status Change
AED 1,700
Approximately 2–3 weeks with all documents in order. Dubai free zone visas process in ~15 working days via Dubai's immigration portal.
Banking
Partner Banks
Banking is moderate. Emirates NBD and FAB have branches or express units at DXB Cargo Village. Opening a corporate account takes 3–4 weeks with full KYC. Trade finance facilities available.
Features
Mainland Trading
Free zone entity. Mainland trading via agent arrangement only.
Physical Office Required
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
Not applicable — DFC is exclusively for floriculture and perishable goods trading.
Shared Ownership
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Annual audited financial statements required as per UAE free zone regulations.
Share Capital Requirement
AED 150,000 (depositable)
Location
Recent Developments
- Handling 150,000–180,000 tons of perishable goods annually through Dubai International Airport
- Continuing to serve as the Middle East's primary floriculture re-export hub
- Part of Dubai Airports' broader cargo and logistics expansion strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dubai Flower Centre and who is it for?
Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) is a specialised free zone adjacent to Dubai International Airport, purpose-built for floriculture and perishable goods trading. It is designed for flower traders, perishable goods importers/exporters, horticultural businesses, and cold-chain logistics companies.
How much does a DFC license cost in 2026?
A new 1-year trade or service license at DFC costs AED 9,375. Three-year licenses scale linearly (about AED 27,000). Cold storage warehouses start around AED 15,000 annually for small units. Total Year 1 with 1 visa and small warehouse is approximately AED 30,215.
What cold storage facilities does DFC offer?
DFC has 34,000 sqm of temperature-controlled cold storage across its 100,000 sqm campus. Facilities include multi-temperature cold rooms, processing areas for quality inspection and repacking, and direct airside access to Dubai International Airport for rapid perishable handling.
Can I set up a non-floriculture business at Dubai Flower Centre?
No. DFC is exclusively dedicated to floriculture, perishable goods, and related activities such as cold-chain logistics and agricultural product processing. General trading, consulting, tech, and other business types are not permitted.
How long does it take to set up a company at DFC?
Company setup at DFC typically takes approximately 30 days or more, factoring in license processing, facility allocation, and visa issuance. The timeline can vary depending on facility availability and the complexity of your operation.
Is it easy to open a bank account with a DFC license?
Moderate difficulty. As a niche free zone, some banks may require additional documentation including trade contracts and supplier agreements. Emirates NBD and RAKBANK are commonly used. Expect 3–6 weeks for account opening.
What logistics advantages does DFC offer?
DFC's primary advantage is its location adjacent to Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest cargo hubs. This enables same-day air-to-cold-storage transfer, minimising spoilage. Dubai's position also provides access to GCC, Asian, African, and European markets within short flight times.
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Starting From
AED 13,375 /yr