Dubai South Free Zone company setup, costs and visas
The zone around Al Maktoum International: logistics, aviation and e-commerce fulfilment. The Dubai South Business Hub licence costs AED 12,500 with a flexi‑desk and up to five activities (a limited-time offer at AED 11,375 was running when we checked), a licence can issue the same day once documents are approved, and the list covers 3,500+ activities. Visas are priced on top.
Dubai South Free Zone in numbers
Last verified: 28 Sep 2026. Checked against the zone’s own published tariff.
Who Dubai South fits and who it doesn’t
Dubai South suits founders whose business physically moves things: air-cargo agents and freight forwarders, aviation suppliers, and e-commerce operators who want fulfilment space next to Al Maktoum International (DWC) at lower rents than the city core. According to dubaisouthbh.com (checked on 28 September 2026), a licence with a flexi‑desk costs AED 12,500 (AED 11,375 under the current offer) and includes no visa. The licence can be issued on the same day, and the activity list runs to 3,500+ entries.
It fits less well for pure consultants, agencies or holding vehicles. They would pay for airport proximity and warehousing corridors they will never use, and a desk-only zone elsewhere issues the same kind of trade licence. If you invoice services rather than handle goods, compare options on our free-zone index before choosing a logistics district.
What the AED 12,500 licence covers and what sits beyond it
The headline figure buys the trade licence and a flexi‑desk, with no visa. Visas come in separate packages, so ask the zone for the visa package price before you plan a team. On top sit the costs every UAE company carries: the establishment (immigration) card and each residence visa with its medical test and Emirates ID. Once you outgrow a desk, the largest line is the warehouse, land or logistics-unit lease.
Operational space in Dubai South usually costs less than at Jebel Ali or around DXB. The district is still filling in, so amenities and neighbouring tenants are thinner than in an established zone. Put the licence, visas and lease together in the setup-cost calculator before you compare zones.
Office, visas and substance in Dubai South Free Zone
An office is not required at entry: the flexi‑desk holds the licence, and visas are bought as separate packages on top of it. When the business needs operational floor, the next step is leased warehouse or office space.
For corporate tax, a free zone company needs adequate substance in the zone to pay 0% on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person. A flexi‑desk with no real operations is a weak position. If you physically handle goods at DWC, the operations themselves provide substance; if you only invoice services from elsewhere, it is harder to show.
Dubai South vs JAFZA
The usual alternative for logistics is JAFZA at Jebel Ali. Its licence starts lower, at AED 5,000, but every JAFZA licence needs a leased facility, so the real entry cost runs higher. In return it offers deep-water port access and visa numbers that grow with your facility.
| Dubai South | JAFZA | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence from | AED 12,500 with flexi‑desk (offer AED 11,375) | AED 5,000 |
| Office | Flexi‑desk included | Leased facility required |
| Licence issue | Same day | 3–14 days |
| Visas | Not in the AED 12,500 package; sold as separate visa packages | Scale with the facility |
| Best for | Air cargo and e-commerce near DWC | Sea freight, port access, heavy warehousing |
Choose Dubai South for a flexi‑desk start next to the airport with room to add warehouse space later; choose JAFZA when sea freight and large-scale warehousing drive the model.
How to set up a company in Dubai South Free Zone
Activities and trade name
Choose the licensed activities and reserve a trade name. The activities decide which approvals you need, how banks read your file and whether your income can qualify for the 0% QFZP rate.
Documents and KYC
Passports, application forms and a clear account of where the money comes from. Free zone companies can be 100% foreign-owned, so no local sponsor is needed.
Licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence (typically within one business day). The immigration establishment card comes next and opens visa processing.
Visas and bank account
Each visa holder needs an entry permit, a medical test and an Emirates ID. The corporate bank account is opened in parallel and is usually the slowest step.
Dubai South Free Zone: questions founders ask
Do you need a physical office to set up in Dubai South?
How many visas does the Dubai South licence include?
Is Dubai South good for e-commerce fulfilment?
Dubai South or JAFZA for logistics?
Is Dubai South a bet on Al Maktoum airport expansion?
E-commerce fulfilment: Dubai South or Dubai CommerCity?
Is the “from AED 12,500” price the official tariff?
Can this company do business on the UAE mainland?
Does 0% corporate tax apply here?
This is general information on UAE rules. It is not legal, tax or immigration advice for your situation. Rules and government fees change; we confirm the position for your facts in writing before you act.