Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup

Dubai South Free Zone
Beyond Borders Business

Why Dubai South Free Zone Is Your Gateway to Global Growth

Dubai South Free Zone is among the most strategically located and future-focused business locations in the UAE, making it one of the best places for company formation in Dubai. The free zone is located next to Al Maktoum International Airport, and the Expo 2020 site was developed to support high growth areas of logistics, aviation, e-commerce and global trade. The benefits of Dubai South Free Zone to entrepreneurs and companies looking for inexpensive business setup costs in the UAE include quick license issuance, 100% ownership for foreign owned enterprises, and quality infrastructure. Dubai South Free Zone helps businesses to scale up long-term with private office solutions, registration for licensing and operating, and a complete ecosystem to help businesses have a successful launch, growth and development to thrive as their business grows in the logistics corridor of Dubai.

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Smart Growth Zone

Dubai South Free Zone Explained

Dubai South Free Zone is a fully government-supported economic area located in the southern end of Dubai, next to the world’s largest airport. Dubai South Free Zone offers a simplified legal and regulatory framework for local and international businesses. Entrepreneurs are given full repatriation of profits, no income and corporate taxes, and flexible packages for start-ups, SMEs, and multinational corporations.

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Dubai South Free Zone

The advantages of setting up a business in Dubai South Free Zone are too long to list. Dubai South Free Zone allows for 100% foreign ownership, thus international investors are in full control of their company. You will also not need to find a local sponsor, which is very appealing for entrepreneurs who want to be independent.

Dubai South Free Zone has zero personal and corporate income tax so maximum profits can be achieved for companies. Dubai South Free Zone allows for quick registration, which is completed in a few days generally. The free zone also accommodates a variety of business activities listing all activities you can apply for, which includes: logistics, aviation services, e-commerce, trade, consulting, IT, and more. The complete list can be found on their official Dubai South Free Zone website.

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Built for Expansion

How to Set Up Your Company in Dubai South Free Zone

Identify Your Business Activity

The first step is to choose your business activity from the list provided by the Dubai South Free Zone authority. Depending on your business model, you can select one licensed activity or a combination of licensed activities. The most popular business activities are logistics, trading, consultancy, e-commerce, provision of IT services and provision of digital platforms. It is also important to choose an activity that is consistent with your main business activity to avoid issues when you seek a license or when an employee applies for a visa. Dubai South facilitates scalable activities that suit start-ups and multinational corporations, so it is a suitable choice for both new and developing businesses.

Choosing Your Legal Structure

Choosing the correct company structure is an important step in setting up in the Dubai South Free Zone. If you will be a single shareholder, you can set up as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), or if you will have more than one shareholder, you can establish a Free Zone Company (FZCO). Branch Offices are allowed if you are an existing UAE company or an overseas company. The structure you set up will have an associated legal framework, share capital requirements, management procedures and good governance practices. Choosing the optimal legal form will ensure that you comply with the regulations, have a legally defensible ownership arrangement, and clarity in the distribution of profits and liability.

Reserve Your Trade Name

After confirming the structure, the next step is to reserve your trade name. The name must adhere to the naming guidelines based on the UAE law, which means it must not have religious, political, or offensive terms, and it cannot closely resemble an existing trademark or registered name. Prior to officially reserving your name, check that it is not being used by searching their online platform, which varies depending on the structure you chose. While a unique name is important for branding purposes, having a distinctive name will also make getting approvals easier. Once your name is approved, it will be printed on all legal, commercial, and advertising materials you will use in your business.

Lodge Application with Supporting Documents

Once the company name has been determined, it is time to collect and submit all the important documents. The documents generally include each shareholder’s passport copy and address proof, a digital passport photo of each shareholder, and the application form completed. Depending on the type of business the application may also require a business plan or NOC (No Objection Certificate). Make sure that the supporting documents are all valid, clear, scanned properly, and in order. Once you submit your application documents, the Dubai South Free Zone authority will process your application. Once again, get it right the first time, will make approvals quicker, and minimize the chances of any delays requiring back and forth.

Get your Business License Issued and Approved

Once your documents have been verified, you will receive a business license based on your selected activity type. Dubai South offers different license types including Commercial, Service, and Industrial Licenses. The type of license issued will depend on the selected activity type and it will determine how many visas you can apply for and how much office/micro workspace you need (flexi desks or private offices for example). Issuance of these licenses is typically a speedy and hassle free process that could be done in a few business days. After the licenses are issued, you have your business legal identity and your permission to operate in the UAE and beyond.

Apply for the Visas and Open a Bank Account

Once you profit from a new business license, you can now start to apply for visas for you and your employees. Your visa quotas will be based on your office size and type. Dubai South has tailor-made different visa packages based on businesses requirements. After that, you need to open a corporate bank account with a bank in the UAE, this will be the account you use to settle operational costs, payroll, and client transactions. With your visas and bank account setup, your company will be official and ready to launch and scale in the Dubai South Free Zone.
Built for Expansion

How to Set Up Your Company in Dubai South Free Zone

Identify Your Business Activity

The first step is to choose your business activity from the list provided by the Dubai South Free Zone authority. Depending on your business model, you can select one licensed activity or a combination of licensed activities. The most popular business activities are logistics, trading, consultancy, e-commerce, provision of IT services and provision of digital platforms. It is also important to choose an activity that is consistent with your main business activity to avoid issues when you seek a license or when an employee applies for a visa. Dubai South facilitates scalable activities that suit start-ups and multinational corporations, so it is a suitable choice for both new and developing businesses.

Choosing Your Legal Structure

Choosing the correct company structure is an important step in setting up in the Dubai South Free Zone. If you will be a single shareholder, you can set up as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), or if you will have more than one shareholder, you can establish a Free Zone Company (FZCO). Branch Offices are allowed if you are an existing UAE company or an overseas company. The structure you set up will have an associated legal framework, share capital requirements, management procedures and good governance practices. Choosing the optimal legal form will ensure that you comply with the regulations, have a legally defensible ownership arrangement, and clarity in the distribution of profits and liability.

Reserve Your Trade Name

After confirming the structure, the next step is to reserve your trade name. The name must adhere to the naming guidelines based on the UAE law, which means it must not have religious, political, or offensive terms, and it cannot closely resemble an existing trademark or registered name. Prior to officially reserving your name, check that it is not being used by searching their online platform, which varies depending on the structure you chose. While a unique name is important for branding purposes, having a distinctive name will also make getting approvals easier. Once your name is approved, it will be printed on all legal, commercial, and advertising materials you will use in your business.

Lodge Application with Supporting Documents

Once the company name has been determined, it is time to collect and submit all the important documents. The documents generally include each shareholder’s passport copy and address proof, a digital passport photo of each shareholder, and the application form completed. Depending on the type of business the application may also require a business plan or NOC (No Objection Certificate). Make sure that the supporting documents are all valid, clear, scanned properly, and in order. Once you submit your application documents, the Dubai South Free Zone authority will process your application. Once again, get it right the first time, will make approvals quicker, and minimize the chances of any delays requiring back and forth.

Get your Business License Issued and Approved

Once your documents have been verified, you will receive a business license based on your selected activity type. Dubai South offers different license types including Commercial, Service, and Industrial Licenses. The type of license issued will depend on the selected activity type and it will determine how many visas you can apply for and how much office/micro workspace you need (flexi desks or private offices for example). Issuance of these licenses is typically a speedy and hassle free process that could be done in a few business days. After the licenses are issued, you have your business legal identity and your permission to operate in the UAE and beyond.

Apply for the Visas and Open a Bank Account

Once you profit from a new business license, you can now start to apply for visas for you and your employees. Your visa quotas will be based on your office size and type. Dubai South has tailor-made different visa packages based on businesses requirements. After that, you need to open a corporate bank account with a bank in the UAE, this will be the account you use to settle operational costs, payroll, and client transactions. With your visas and bank account setup, your company will be official and ready to launch and scale in the Dubai South Free Zone.
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Future-Proof Your Business

Why Dubai South Free Zone is Ideal for the modern entrepreneur

  • Flexible & Affordable Business Packages - Affordable license packages with amazing options for startups and independent entrepreneurs
  • Strategic Global Connectivity - Near Al Maktoum International Airport and major ports means global trade has never been easier!
  • 100% Foreign Ownership - Entrepreneurs do not need a local sponsor, meaning they can own it all.
  • Startup Ecosystem - Encourages startups by offering networking, co-working spaces and exposure to business accelerators
  • Fast Setup and Licensing - Setting up a new business with Dubai South Free Zone takes days, not weeks, to register and license!
  • Future-Ready Infrastructure - Built perfectly for the needs of digital, e-commerce and technology focused businesses that want to grow!
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Easy Company Setup

Who Should Establish in Dubai South Free Zone?

Dubai South is perfect for:

  • Logistic and freight forwarding companies
  • E-commerce businesses with fulfillment centers
  • Aviation service providers
  • Trading companies for GCC and beyond
  • Consultancies and service-based startup
  • Technology and software development companies

Given its location to Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, and with direct access to road, air, and sea, it is a zone built for companies needing speed, access, and operational efficiency.

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Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support

What is Dubai South Free Zone and why is it ideal for company formation in the UAE?

Dubai South Free Zone is a government-backed economic zone adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, and Expo 2020. It facilitates businesses operating in high-growth sectors like logistics, e-commerce, aviation, and trade. Investors also receive 100% foreign-owned enterprise, zero personal or corporate taxes, and top-class infrastructure. Dubai South Free Zone is one of the best free zones to set-up business in Dubai..

What are the key benefits of setting up a business in Dubai South Free Zone?

Dubai South company formation offers a wide range of benefits including 100% foreign ownership, 100% profit repatriation, 0% corporate and personal tax, and speedy business registration. Along with these advantages, the Dubai South Free Zone provides advanced office spaces, inclusive visa packages, and less regulatory hurdles for start ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and international companies

Which business activities are allowed in Dubai South Free Zone?

Dubai South Free Zone allows a large variety of licensed activities including logistics, freight forwarding, aviation services, e-commerce, consulting, IT solutions, and digital services. Investors will be able to trade under one or more of the available 'business categories' based on their business model and strategic goals.

Do I need a local sponsor to start a company in Dubai South Free Zone?

No, one of the biggest benefits of establishing a company in Dubai South Free Zone is that you do not require a local sponsor. In fact, as a foreign investor you can own 100% of your own company, making it a very independent and investor-friendly free zone in the UAE.

What types of licenses are available in Dubai South Free Zone?

Dubai South issues several types of licenses, including:

  • Commercial License for Trading activities
  • Service License for professional and consulting Services
  • Industrial License for light manufacturing and production

These licenses correspond to different operational needs and determine your visa and office requirements

What legal structures are allowed when forming a company in Dubai South Free Zone?

Dubai South Free Zone offers three main types of legal structures:

  • FZE (Free Zone Establishment): single shareholder entity
  • FZCO (Free Zone Company): multi-shareholder entity
  • Branch Office: extension of a UAE or foreign company

Each structure provides for different ownership models and business strategies.

Can I set up a Dubai South Free Zone company remotely?

Yes, Dubai South Free Zone allows remote company formation through websites and virtual meetings. This is especially useful for overseas entrepreneurs that wish to establish a business presence in Dubai without the immediate need to travel.

What are the visa options after setting up in Dubai South Free Zone?

After receiving your business license, you can apply for:

  • Investor visas
  • Employee visas
  • Dependent/family visas Visa quotas are based on your license and office space.

Dubai South Free Zone offers flexible visa packages for small business startups to large corporations.

Who should consider starting a business in Dubai South Free Zone?

Dubai South is great for:

  • Logistics companies
  • E-commerce companies
  • Aviation companies
  • Technology companies
  • Consulting agencies

Given that Dubai South Free Zone is located near Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, it is the best free zone in Dubai for businesses that require speed and access to global trade routes and are looking to increase operational efficiency

Ready to Launch in Dubai South Free Zone

Start Your Dubai South Free Zone Business the Right Way

Dubai South Free Zone offers a unique blend of cost-efficiency, connectivity, and government support. Whether you’re launching an e-commerce platform, logistics firm, or consulting business, Dubai South provides everything you need to scale quickly and compliantly.

With its strategic location, fast setup process, and investor-friendly ecosystem, now is the best time to start a company in Dubai South Free Zone and tap into the heart of global business.

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