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Dubai · Free Zone

Dubai South Free Zone

Aviation & Logistics Free Zone, Established 2006

AED 15,000 /year 5-14 working days setup 50 visas 4.5★ 0.8k reviews

What is Dubai South Free Zone?

145 sq km master-planned city surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport, offering aviation, logistics, commercial, and e-commerce licensing. Aerospace and MRO momentum is building through the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), with 653 new companies added in 2025.

Key Features & Benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% corporate/income tax
  • 145 sq km master-planned city
  • Adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport
  • Expo 2020 site / District 2020 nearby
  • Logistics corridor to Jebel Ali Port

Pricing & Costs

From AED 15,000/yr

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Year 1 cost range

Dubai South Free Zone Year 1 cost range: AED 15K to AED 50K, median AED 33K.AED 15K – AED 50K (median AED 33K)AED 15K – AED 50K (median AED 33K)
as of May 2026

Pricing

Dubai South Free Zone — Year 1 Fees

Last verified: May 2026

License Packages ⓘ

Flexi Desk Package (indicative)

AED 15,000/year
  • License
  • Flexi desk
  • 1 visa

Enterprise Package (indicative)

AED 40,000/year
  • License
  • Office
  • 3 visas

Note. Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are typically eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.

Government Immigration Fees ⓘ

Visa Costs every 2 years, per person
Establishment Card
Establishment CardⓘGovernment immigration file, renewed annually AED 1,000

Renewal Fees ⓘ

Yearly
License Renewalⓘ AED 10,000 – 10,000
Establishment Card Renewalⓘ AED 1,000
Every 2 Years
Visa RenewalⓘEvery 2 years (per person) AED 3,000 – 5,000

All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — verify directly with the freezone authority before making decisions. Last verified: May 2026

Setup & Documents

5-14 days

Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents

Setup Roadmap

Your journey from application to fully operational business.

5–14 working days 100% Remote No Visit Required
Step 1 1 day

Choose Business Activity

Select your business activity and license type from Dubai South Free Zone's approved list

Step 2 1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Submit trade name application for approval

Step 3 1-2 days

Submit Documents

Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents

Step 4 1 day

Pay License & Registration Fees

Complete payment for license and registration fees to Dubai South Free Zone

Step 5 5-14 days

Receive Trade License

License issued after document verification and payment confirmation

Step 6 2-4 weeks

Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account

Submit visa application and business bank account opening

Open for business.

License to Ready: typical timeline

From licence issuance through visa processing, bank account opening, and operational readiness. Estimates based on published rates and typical UAE freezone reported timelines as of May 2026.

Typically 47 days (range 27 days–66 days)License5–14 daysVisa7–21 daysBank14–28 daysReady1–3 days
as of May 2026

Document Checklist

Everything you need to register your company with Dubai South Free Zone.

Individual Shareholders

5 documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
  • Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

Corporate Shareholders

7 documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
  • Valid passport of authorized signatory
  • Share certificate
  • Good standing certificate
  • Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
Good to Know
  • Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
  • Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
  • Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
  • Corporate documents should be certified as true copies

Banking & Payments

3/5 ease · 3 partner banks

Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup

Banking

Corporate bank account opening, IBAN issued at setup where supported.

★★★ ★★ Moderate Banking ease — methodology ★★★★★ Major banks actively onboard new entities; average opening <2 weeks ★★★★ Most major banks accept; 2–4 weeks ★★★ Some banks accept; 4–6 weeks ★★ Challenging to open; 6–10 weeks ★ Typically requires special structuring
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

Partner Banks

Emirates NBD

Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking

Mashreq Bank

Digital-first banking with StartUp packages

RAKBANK

SME-friendly banking solutions

Documents Needed

Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Passport copy of all shareholders
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Brief company profile
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices)
3 months personal bank statement
Tips for Faster Approval
  • Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
  • Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
  • Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
  • Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Independent Advice

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Why Dubai South Free Zone?

8 key advantages

Key advantages that set this free zone apart

Why Dubai South Free Zone?

What makes this free zone stand out.

5-14 Day Setup

Standard company formation timeline. Fully remote setup available — no office visit required.

3 Partner Banks

Banking rated 3/5 (Moderate). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Up to 50 Visas

2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.

0% Corporate Tax

On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.

Mainland Trading Access

Multiple pathways to the mainland market including DET Permit and branch licensing.

Dubai Location

Adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Expo City Dubai, 30 minutes from central Dubai

145 sq km master-planned city

A key advantage of setting up your business in Dubai South Free Zone.

Adjacent to Al Maktoum International ...

A key advantage of setting up your business in Dubai South Free Zone.

Recommended For
  • Logistics and supply chain companies
  • E-commerce and online retail businesses
  • Import/export and international trading companies
  • Technology and software companies
  • Aviation, aerospace, and MRO companies
Consider Alternatives If
  • Solo freelancers or consultants (more affordable options exist)
  • Businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

Reviews

4.5★ (774 reviews)

Customer reviews and alternatives
Top Rated Service 2026 4.5 based on 774 reviews

Sourced from Google Maps — Last pulled May 2026

Reviews shown are unfiltered. Negative reviews often relate to third-party setup agencies rather than the freezone authority itself.

PRASAD NALLAMOLU March 2026

We are pleased to share details regarding the Dubai South Office Headquarters. The headquarters boasts modern architecture and sophisticated interior designs. It is designed to cater to various business needs within the dynamic economic zone. This facility offers a prime location for companies looking to establish a presence. Ultimately, it promises an environment that fosters innovation and growth.

Peggy G March 2026

I applied for my license in 2021, and the entire process was incredibly smooth. Every single person in the licensing department was supportive and helpful. There is one team member in particular I want to acknowledge, Mr. Dawood El Taheri. He has been the most helpful person throughout my years with Dubai South. Always humble, always responsive, and consistently willing to assist, even when something fell outside his direct scope. He would guide me to the right person every time. Truly exceptional support.

Rohit Jain March 2026

Situated in a calm and beautiful location. Very easy and comfortable to access from any part of Dubai. DSP is a reputable organization building sustainable communities. Must visit place for real estate enthusiasts.

govind sharma March 2026

Dubai South HQ is the corporate headquarters and central business hub of the larger Dubai South master-planned district — a major development focused on aviation, logistics, free-zone business services, residential communities, and economic growth.

Ismail Ibrahim March 2026

ATM is always one of the top three big tourism and travel exhibition in the world Pleasure to always to attend it for the past 10 years

Review data as of 29 March 2026. For the latest reviews, visit Google Maps.

Find Dubai South Free Zone on Google Maps

View location, hours, photos, and real-time reviews from Google Maps.

See reviews on Google Maps Leave a review

Reviews shown on Google Maps are from verified visitors and updated in real-time by Google.

Is Dubai South Free Zone Right for You?

✅ Choose Dubai South Free Zone if you...

  • • logistics and supply chain companies
  • • e-commerce and online retail businesses
  • • import/export and international trading companies
  • • technology and software companies

🔄 Consider alternatives if you...

  • • solo freelancers or consultants (more affordable options exist)
  • • businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

Compare with Similar Freezones

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Dubai Airport Free Zone

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FAQ

7 common questions

Common questions about setting up in this free zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setting up in Dubai South Free Zone.

How much does it cost to set up in Dubai South Free Zone?
First-year costs typically range from AED 15,000 – 50,000, depending on license type, office choice, and number of visas. This includes the trade license, registration, and basic setup but excludes visa processing costs.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai South Free Zone?
The standard setup process typically takes 5-14 working days, depending on document completeness and license type. Some zones offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
How many visas can I get with Dubai South Free Zone?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package. Based on office/facility size. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,000 – 5,000 for processing.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a Dubai South Free Zone license?
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland customers without additional permits. You can obtain a DET permit, mainland branch license, or service agent agreement to access the mainland market. E-commerce sales are generally permitted with appropriate approvals.
Do I pay corporate tax in Dubai South Free Zone?
Companies classified as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need a physical office in Dubai South Free Zone?
No, Dubai South Free Zone offers flexi-desk and virtual office options that satisfy UAE compliance requirements. You can upgrade to a private office or warehouse as your business grows.
How do I open a bank account with a Dubai South Free Zone license?
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for a business bank account with any UAE bank. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Required documents include your trade license, certificate of incorporation, passport copies, and proof of business activity.

Related guides

Deeper reading on topics relevant to Dubai South Free Zone.

Compare Dubai South Free Zone

Side-by-side head-to-head comparisons with other UAE freezones — cost, setup, banking, visas.

Third-party source

Third-party estimate — Dubai South does not publish open package pricing; quote-based. Verified June 2026

Last verified: June 2026

Report incorrect data Verify at source →

FreezoneMatch provides comparison tools based on publicly available data. We are not affiliated with Dubai South Free Zone. Costs and regulations change — always confirm directly with the freezone authority before making decisions.

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Current published fees, what year 1 actually includes, and a setup checklist — sent to your inbox within 24 hours.

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Sources: Dubai South Free Zone official siteDET (Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism)Google Maps reviews Last verified June 2026

Independent Advice

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