Dubai South Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Dubai South Free Zone for Business Setup?

Today, Dubai South is perceived as one of the emirate's most ambitious projects. It is formed around the future megaport and the world's largest airport - Al Maktoum International. Due to its location at the intersection of key trade routes, the zone is particularly interesting for companies in logistics, aviation, transport and related services.

The zone is growing in popularity due to a combination of favourable conditions and government support. Residents receive 100% foreign ownership, and the possibility of free capital withdrawal. The corporate tax of 0% for those accredited as QFZP. The registration procedure is simplified: all documents can be submitted remotely, without the need for a personal visit to the UAE.

At the same time, business packages are characterised by transparency and affordable prices. You can start with minimal solutions - a virtual office or co-working space - and then scale up as your company grows. Flexibility and state-of-the-art infrastructure make Dubai South Free Zone a practical choice for startups and multinational corporations focused on expanding in the region.

About Dubai South Free Zone

Dubai South Free Zone was established in 2006 as part of the emirate's strategic development programme aimed at creating a ‘city of the future’ near the new Al Maktoum International Airport. The zone is positioned as a key logistics and business hub, combining aviation, transport, cargo and trade in one cluster. It is under the direct control of the Dubai government, which guarantees a high level of reliability and government support. Today, Dubai South is seen not only as a specialised hub for logistics and aviation, but also as a platform for service, technology and innovation companies seeking global expansion.

Business Activities Allowed in Dubai South Free Zone

A wide range of activities are allowed in Dubai South Free Zone, making it a versatile platform for different industries. You can open a company in logistics, freight, warehousing, customs, aviation and airport services. Licences are also available for trading, consulting, IT services, education and creative industries.

Some business activities, such as aviation, medical services or trade in certain categories of goods, cannot do without approval from the relevant authorities. The peculiarity of this zone is that it is possible to conduct business directly related to aviation and multimodal transport. The proximity to a major airport and logistics corridor makes Dubai South a particularly attractive location for companies operating at the intersection of global trade flows.

Step-by-Step Dubai South Free Zone Company Formation and Registration

Company registration in Dubai South is predictable if you understand the sequence of actions and typical nuances in advance. Below is a step-by-step procedure: choosing the structure and name, selecting the type of activity, checking the need for preliminary approvals, preparing a package of documents, submitting an online application, paying state fees, issuing a licence and incorporation papers. We will separately discuss the requirements for passports and statutory documents, deadlines and remote identification, as well as typical mistakes that cause applications to be returned for revision. We will add checklists and practical tips, examples and templates.

Required Documents and Timeline

To successfully register a business in Dubai South Free Zone, it is important to prepare a standard package of documents in advance. Most of the paperwork can be submitted electronically, which greatly speeds up the process. As usual, the licence is issued within 5-10 working days after submission of a complete application and payment of fees.

Basic documents:

• Copy of the founder/director's passport (photo page).
• Passport size format photograph for the registration system.
• Visa or Entry Permit if the founder is already in the UAE.
• Copy of proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months).
• CV or short curriculum vitae (for some activities).
• Founding documents.
• Prior authorisation from the competent authorities for regulated areas (e.g. aviation, medicine, trade in certain goods).

Timeline:

• Preparation and submission of documents - 2-3 days.
• Review of the application and issue of the licence - 5-7 working days.

In general, with proper preparation, a company can be registered in just one to one and a half weeks.

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Remote Registration Option

One of the main advantages of Dubai South is the ability to complete the entire registration procedure remotely, without travelling to the UAE. This option is particularly convenient for foreign entrepreneurs who want to launch a project quickly and avoid additional expenses for flights and accommodation.

The process is quite transparent. After choosing the legal form and licence, the applicant submits scans of documents through the online portal of the free zone or through an accredited registration agent. All papers are checked remotely, and if necessary, additional clarifications are requested.

In addition, when filing remotely, it is possible to appoint an official representative or consultant who will interact with the zone on behalf of the client. Thus, the entrepreneur receives a licence, incorporation documents and, if necessary, an entry permit while remaining in his country. In practice, the whole procedure takes 7-10 days, and the result is no different from face-to-face registration.

Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai South Free Zone

Dubai South Free Zone offers entrepreneurs several types of licences, each of which focuses on different business areas. Service Licence is suitable for companies providing services ranging from consulting and IT to medical procedures and educational courses. Commercial Licence allows the import, export and sale of goods, as well as wholesale and retail trade, which makes it in demand by retailers and restaurants. Industrial Licence entitles you to import raw materials, manufacture and assemble products for export outside the UAE, including factories and production lines. Educational Licence is for schools, training centres and other educational institutions.

The cost of a licence depends on the type selected and additional options (number of visas, office or co-working space rental, storage space). On average, the basic package starts from an affordable level, allowing start-ups to minimise costs. For larger projects, prices increase depending on scale and infrastructure. This approach makes Dubai South a flexible platform for small and international businesses.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

Dubai South Free Zone offers several options for companies ranging from freelancers to fast-growing projects.

• Freelance Permit - from AED 5,000. Ideal for individual professionals who want to work officially while maintaining flexibility.
• Licence Fee - from AED 10,000 per annum for registering a company with a chosen line of business.
• Smart Desk Package - from AED 20,000, includes workspace and visa, a convenient option for startups.
• Small Office - from AED 1,200 per m². Suitable for small teams who need their own space.
• Large Office - from AED 700 per m². A more affordable solution for medium-sized companies with expanding staff.
• Shell and Core Office - from AED 600 per m² for those who want to fully customise their space.

Additional costs include e-channel registration (approximately AED 2,000-2,500) and visas: health checks, Emirates ID and insurance cost on average AED 3,000-4,000 per person.

Dubai South Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?

Dubai South Free Zone is a modern business cluster that, thanks to its proximity to Al Maktoum Airport and logistics corridors, is suitable for different categories of entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, the zone has both obvious advantages and certain limitations that are worth considering in advance.

Dubai South Free Zone is suitable for the following groups of people:

• Freelancers and consultants who value affordable registration and remote filing.
• Trading companies involved in import, export and distribution.
• Manufacturers who need access to warehouses, production sites and export channels.
• Logistics operators and aviation services.
• Startups looking for flexible solutions with scalability.

Not suitable for:

• Representatives of high-risk nationalities (restrictions depend on inspection rules).
• Companies that require immediate VAT registration.
• Activities related to licences outside the zone's competence (e.g. finance or insurance).

Dubai South is therefore ideal for those, who value flexibility, strategic location and modern infrastructure, but require careful compliance checks.

Conclusion

The Dubai South Free Zone is one of the most promising business locations in the Emirates. Its main advantages are its strategic location near the international airport, developed logistics infrastructure and a wide range of licences for trade, services, manufacturing and education. For entrepreneurs, this means not just access to the local market, but the opportunity to access global routes with minimal barriers.

This zone is particularly attractive for trading and manufacturing companies, logistics operators, as well as consultants and start-ups that need flexible conditions and clear rules. The possibility of remote registration, transparent packages and start-up with minimal investment make Dubai South a convenient choice for those who want to launch their project quickly.

The next step may be to turn to specialised consultants who will help you to draw up the right documents, assess the risks and choose the best package. This will allow you to concentrate on business development, entrusting the bureaucracy to professionals.