Dubai Free Zone
Dubai South Freezone Company Formation
Your gateway to a world-class logistics, aviation, and trade hub — with direct access to Jebel Ali Sea Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, 100% ownership, and setup in 7 to 10 working days.
Get Started on WhatsAppWhy Choose Dubai South?
Dubai South is the UAE\'s most ambitious master-planned economic zone, spanning 145 square kilometres and built around Al Maktoum International Airport — designed to become the world\'s largest airport. Strategically located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi with direct connections to Jebel Ali Port, Dubai South offers businesses in logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trade an unmatched combination of infrastructure, connectivity, and cost-efficiency.
Key Benefits of Dubai South Registration
Strategic Global Connectivity
Dubai South sits between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with direct links to Jebel Ali Sea Port and Al Maktoum International Airport. Goods can move from ship to plane in as little as 20 minutes, significantly cutting transit times and logistics costs.
100% Foreign Ownership & Repatriation
Entrepreneurs can own their companies outright and remit all profits abroad without restriction. The free zone guarantees zero personal income tax and allows complete repatriation of all capital.
Cost-Effective & Flexible Setup
Dubai South offers some of the most affordable setup packages in Dubai. There is no corporate tax on profits up to AED 375,000. Entrepreneurs can start with a flexi-desk and obtain up to three visas without leasing a full office.
Diverse Business Districts
The free zone encompasses seven dedicated districts — Logistics, Aviation, Humanitarian, Exhibition, Residential, Golf, and Commercial — each with purpose-built infrastructure for its target sectors.
Fast Registration & Minimal Bureaucracy
Company setup typically takes 7 to 10 working days. Pre-approval, signature verification, and licensing are streamlined. No share capital deposit is required for most businesses, and on-site licence and visa issuance minimises delays.
Robust Infrastructure & Community Living
Dubai South's Business Park offers fitted offices, warehouses, and build-to-suit facilities. Residential districts, schools, and leisure amenities ensure employees and families can live and work within a self-contained community.
Business Activities & Districts
Dubai South\'s seven dedicated districts each offer purpose-built infrastructure for their target sectors.
Logistics & Supply Chain Services
The 18-sq-km Logistics District allows goods to move from port to airport in as little as 20 minutes. Freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, order management, inventory management, sorting, and customs clearing are all supported.
Aviation & Aerospace
The MBR Aerospace Hub supports MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), aircraft leasing, flight training, and manufacturing. Charter operations, ground handling, and aerospace engineering benefit from immediate proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and purpose-built hangars.
E-Commerce & Technology
EZDubai — a 920,000-sq-m zone within the Logistics District — supports e-commerce firms and technology startups with last-mile centres, fulfilment hubs, repair and return facilities, and office solutions. IT companies can also licence software development and IT consulting.
Trading & Commercial Activities
General trading, specialised trading, and import/export across multiple product categories. The Commercial District offers offices, retail spaces, and showrooms for wholesale distributors, retailers, and commodity traders.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Light industrial activities including blending, mixing, purifying, assembling, forming, repacking, and wrapping. Warehouse facilities and build-to-suit plots with direct transport links support manufacturers operating within the free zone.
Consultancy & Professional Services
IT consulting, management consulting, marketing, HR, and advisory services. A service licence allows professional service delivery within the free zone and throughout the UAE. Freelancers in creative, media, and technology fields can also operate under a freelance permit.
Education & Training
Educational institutions, vocational training centres, and educational consultancy services. The Education Licence covers both academic programmes and professional development courses.
Humanitarian & Exhibition Activities
A dedicated Humanitarian District supports relief operations and emergency response organisations. The Exhibition District hosts trade shows, conferences, and international events, capitalising on Dubai South's legacy as the Expo 2020 site.
Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
Residential and Golf Districts include retail outlets, hotels, and leisure facilities. Businesses in hospitality, food and beverage, recreation, and real estate can operate across these districts.
Legal Entity Types
Free Zone LLC (DWC-LLC)
A distinct legal entity where liability is limited to share capital. Can have individual or corporate shareholders — up to 50 in some configurations. Authorised share capital is typically AED 300,000 though no deposit is required unless capital exceeds AED 1 million.
Branch Office
An extension of an existing UAE or foreign company operating under the same name and activities. Not a separate legal entity — it derives authority from the parent and must appoint a general manager. Ideal for corporations testing the market without forming a new entity.
Types of Licences Available
General Trading Licence
Authorises import, export, distribution, storage, and sale of multiple unrelated product categories — ideal for businesses with diverse product portfolios.
Trading Licence
Covers import, export, and sale of specific similar goods. Focuses on a defined product range, reducing regulatory complexity and often lowering annual fees.
Service Licence
For professional and consultancy businesses including IT, marketing, legal advisory, HR, repairs, catering, and software development, both within the free zone and across the UAE.
Industrial Licence
For light manufacturing including blending, mixing, assembling, forming, repacking, or wrapping. Activities must occur within approved warehouse or industrial facilities.
Logistics Licence
Covers warehousing, storage, transportation, distribution, sorting, forwarding, clearing, order management, and inventory management for supply chain and 3PL operators.
Aviation Licence
For MRO operations, flight schools, charter services, ground handling, and aviation support businesses adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport.
Education Licence
For schools, language institutes, vocational academies, and professional training centres.
Freelance Permit
For independent professionals in creative, media, tech, or consultancy fields. Enables invoicing, residency visa eligibility, and flex-desk access without forming a company.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Define Activities & Choose Licence
Determine your core business activities and select the appropriate licence — trading, service, industrial, logistics, aviation, or education. Careful selection avoids complications with banking or visa issuance.
Select Legal Structure & Office Option
Decide between a DWC-LLC or branch. Then choose your workspace — flexi-desk, dedicated desk, furnished office, warehouse, or land plot — depending on your visa quota and operational needs.
Reserve Trade Name & Obtain Pre-Approval
Submit company name options and outline your activities for review by Dubai South authority. Pre-approval confirms your proposed activities are permissible under the free zone regulations.
Prepare & Submit Documentation
Complete application forms, draft MOA and AOA, and collect personal documents. Corporate shareholders must supply incorporation certificates, board resolutions, and UBO declarations. Pay initial government fees.
Sign Lease Agreement & Collect Incorporation Documents
Sign your facility lease agreement. Dubai South issues your certificate of incorporation, trade licence, share certificate, establishment card, and lease contract.
Apply for Entry Permit & Residence Visas
Submit entry permit applications for shareholders and employees. After entry, complete medical tests, biometrics, and Emirates ID registration. Residence visas are valid for two or three years.
Open a Corporate Bank Account
Present incorporation documents and your residence visa to open a corporate bank account. A personal visit is usually required to meet bank KYC compliance standards.
Commence Operations & Renew Annually
Begin trading once your bank account is active. Renew your licence and lease annually. Audits are generally required from the second licence renewal onwards.
Documents Required
Passport & Visa Copy
Copies of passports and UAE entry stamps for all shareholders, directors, and the appointed manager.
Emirates ID / National ID
Proof of UAE residency for local shareholders and managers currently residing in the country.
Contact Details & Residential Addresses
Phone number, email address, and full correspondence and residential addresses for each shareholder.
Shareholding Structure
Shareholding ratios and details of all individuals or corporate entities involved in ownership.
Proposed Company Names & Activities
At least three preferred company name options and a detailed description of the intended business activities.
MOA & AOA / Board Resolutions
Notarised and attested constitutional documents. For corporate shareholders, include certificate of incorporation and certificate of good standing.
Additional Documents
A business plan for certain service activities, bank statements, or letters of undertaking may be requested depending on the licence type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does company registration in Dubai South take?
Most standard setups are completed within 7 to 10 working days from initial document submission. The process is streamlined and largely digital with on-site licence and visa issuance.
Do I need to be physically present in the UAE during setup?
No. Most of the formation process can be completed remotely. Physical presence is typically required only for visa stamping and bank account opening.
What are the minimum capital requirements?
There is no requirement to deposit share capital for most businesses. For a DWC-LLC, the authorised share capital is typically AED 300,000 but does not need to be deposited unless it exceeds AED 1 million.
Can a Dubai South company do business outside the free zone?
Service licence holders can often serve clients across the UAE. Trading and industrial licence holders typically need a mainland distributor for onshore trade, though some activities may qualify for broader access depending on the licence.
What visas are available and how long are they valid?
Investor, employee, and dependent visas are available. Residence visas are valid for two or three years depending on the chosen package. Flexi-desk setups typically support up to three visas.
What ongoing compliance requirements apply?
Annual licence and lease renewals are mandatory. Audits are generally required from the second renewal. VAT registration applies once annual turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold of AED 375,000.
Can I upgrade my facility or add new activities later?
Yes. Dubai South allows businesses to upgrade office or warehouse facilities and add or amend activities through a formal amendment process as the business evolves.
Ready to Set Up in Dubai South?
Speak with an ElevateBiz360 advisor today. We\'ll guide you through the right district, licence, and setup process for your Dubai South company.
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