DAFZA Approved Auditors
in Dubai
Alya Auditors is an approved auditor for Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) companies. We help aviation, logistics, jewellery, and technology businesses file IFRS-compliant audited financial statements within DAFZA’s 90-day deadline.
Why DAFZA Companies Choose Alya Auditors
On DAFZA’s approved auditor panel, so reports are accepted without back-and-forth.
Familiar with the freight, aviation, and trading businesses DAFZA is built around.
DAFZA’s shorter filing window means we start early and move fast.
Statements prepared to the standard DAFZA requires, first time.
One clear quote before we start — no surprises once work is underway.
One point of contact from document collection through submission.
Who Needs a DAFZA Audit?
Every company licensed by DAFZA must prepare and submit audited financial statements every year in order to renew its trade licence — this applies across DAFZA’s 20+ business sectors, from aviation and logistics to IT and jewellery.
A missed or incomplete audit doesn’t just delay renewal — it can also affect your company’s eligibility for the UAE’s 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) corporate tax rate, so it’s worth treating as more than a formality.
DAFZA will not renew a trade licence without a valid audit on file.
Statements must follow International Financial Reporting Standards.
Only panel-approved firms can sign a report DAFZA will accept.
A missing audit can put your 0% corporate tax qualification at risk.
What You’ll Need for Your DAFZA Audit
To keep your DAFZA audit moving quickly, have the following ready:
- DAFZA trade licence
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Trial balance and general ledger
- Bank statements for the full financial year
- Sales and purchase invoices
- VAT records (if VAT-registered)
- Payroll records
- Fixed asset register
- Previous year’s audit report (if available)
The DAFZA 90-Day Rule
DAFZA requires audited financial statements within 90 days of your company’s financial year end — noticeably shorter than the 180-day window some other UAE free zones allow, so DAFZA companies have less room to start late.
Most DAFZA companies run a calendar financial year (1 January – 31 December), which puts the audit deadline around 31 March — confirm your own financial year end on your licence if you’re unsure.
Your audit is also checked at trade licence renewal, so a late audit can hold up renewal even before the 90-day window has technically closed.
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filing window | 90 days from financial year end |
| Typical example | 31 Dec year end → due by ~31 Mar |
| Also checked at | Trade licence renewal |
| Tax relevance | QFZP 0% corporate tax eligibility |
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
DAFZA sets and updates these penalties itself — confirm current fine amounts with DAFZA or your auditor before relying on any figure you see quoted online.
Late filing can trigger fines that grow the longer the audit stays outstanding.
DAFZA will not process your trade licence renewal without a valid, submitted audit.
A missing audit can jeopardize your 0% corporate tax qualification.
Our DAFZA Audit Process
Initial Consultation
Understand your DAFZA activity, sector, and financial year end.
Document Collection
Gather trial balance, bank statements, invoices, and supporting records.
Audit Planning
Scope the audit against DAFZA requirements and IFRS.
Financial Review
Test and verify transactions, balances, and disclosures.
Audit Report Preparation
Prepare and sign the audited financial statements as a DAFZA-approved auditor.
Submission & Support
Submit to DAFZA and support you through licence renewal.
Industries We Audit in DAFZA
DAFZA is built around air connectivity — our audit experience follows the same sectors.
How Alya Auditors Helped a DAFZA Logistics Company File in 9 Days
Company Background
A DAFZA-registered air freight and logistics FZE, coordinating cargo shipments for clients across the Middle East and South Asia.
The Challenge
With DAFZA’s shorter 90-day filing window and a licence renewal approaching, the company needed its audit completed faster than its previous auditor had managed the year before.
Our Solution
- Reviewed and organized a full year of freight and logistics accounting records
- Reconciled bank accounts and outstanding client balances
- Verified shipping invoices and supplier contracts
- Prepared IFRS-compliant financial statements
- Submitted the signed audit report to DAFZA ahead of the deadline
The Outcome
- Audit completed in 9 working days
- Filed two weeks ahead of the DAFZA deadline
- Trade licence renewed without delay
- Client moved its ongoing accounting to Alya Auditors
Representative example based on typical DAFZA engagements.
DAFZA Audit FAQs
Is a statutory audit mandatory for DAFZA companies?
Yes. Every DAFZA-licensed company must submit audited financial statements annually to renew its trade licence.
Who can sign a DAFZA audit report?
Only a firm on DAFZA’s approved auditor panel can sign a report DAFZA will accept. Alya Auditors is a DAFZA-approved audit firm.
What is the DAFZA audit submission deadline?
Audited financial statements are due within 90 days of your company’s financial year end — shorter than several other UAE free zones.
What happens if I miss the DAFZA audit deadline?
You may face fines that increase the longer the audit is outstanding, and DAFZA will not process your trade licence renewal until a valid audit is submitted. Confirm current fine amounts directly with DAFZA.
Does a missed audit affect my corporate tax status?
It can. A missing or non-compliant audit may put your company’s eligibility for the 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) corporate tax rate at risk.
How much does a DAFZA audit cost?
Cost depends on your company’s size, sector, and transaction volume. Request a free quote for a figure specific to your business.
How long does a DAFZA audit take?
Most DAFZA audits are completed within one to two weeks once records are ready, though DAFZA’s shorter 90-day window means it pays to start early.
What documents do I need for my DAFZA audit?
Typically your trade licence, MOA/AOA, trial balance, general ledger, bank statements, sales and purchase invoices, VAT records, payroll records, and your previous audit report if available.
Can I renew my DAFZA trade licence without submitting an audit?
No. DAFZA checks for a valid, submitted audit as part of the trade licence renewal process.
Ready for Your
DAFZA Audit?
Don’t risk fines, a delayed licence renewal, or your QFZP tax status. Work with a DAFZA-approved auditor who understands aviation, logistics, and trading businesses.
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