FreezoneMatch

Dubai South Free Zone

Dubai South Free Zone — Aviation & Logistics Free Zone, Established 2006

AED 20,000 /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.

145 sq km master-planned city surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport, offering aviation, logistics, commercial, and e-commerce licensing.

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 20,000/yr

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

Dubai South Free Zone — Year 1 Fees

License Packages ⓘ

Flexi Desk Package

AED 20,000/year
  • License
  • Flexi desk
  • 1 visa

Enterprise Package

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

💡 Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are 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: 12 February 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

🎉

You're Open for Business!

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 with guaranteed IBAN.

★★★ ★★ Moderate
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.

Best For
  • Logistics and supply chain companies
  • E-commerce and online retail businesses
  • Import/export and international trading companies
  • Technology and software 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
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.

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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.
Official source

Dubai South Free Zone official website and published tariffs

Last verified: February 2026

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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.

Independent Advice

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Or contact Dubai South Free Zone directly

www.dubaisouth.ae
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