Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup
Start your business in Dubai’s fastest-growing district, next to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City. Aspira handles your Dubai South free zone company setup from license to visas.
What Is Dubai South Free Zone?
Dubai South free zone company setup is a strong choice for logistics, aviation, e-commerce and service companies that want to grow with Dubai’s newest business district. Dubai South is a large economic zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport, which is planned to become one of the biggest airports in the world, and next to Expo City Dubai.
The Dubai South free zone has several business areas, including a Business Park for offices and service companies, a Logistics District for trading and freight, and an Aviation District for aviation-related businesses. It is close to Jebel Ali Port, which makes it ideal for companies that move goods by sea and air.
At Aspira Business Setup Services, we handle your Dubai South free zone company setup from start to finish. Our team has 12+ years of experience and has formed 5,000+ companies for 4,500+ clients across all UAE free zones. We choose the right license and facility, prepare your documents, follow up with Dubai South and arrange your visas and bank account help.
Benefits of Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup
A Dubai South free zone company setup puts your business at the centre of Dubai’s future growth:
100% foreign ownership
No local partner or sponsor needed.
Dubai address
A respected Dubai location for your clients and partners.
Next to Al Maktoum Airport
Fast access to air freight and travel.
Close to Jebel Ali Port
Easy sea and air logistics.
Near Expo City Dubai
A growing hub for business, events and innovation.
Flexible facilities
Flexi-desks, offices, warehouses and land.
Digital setup
Licenses are issued as e-licenses.
Room to grow
A large, planned district with space for expansion.
Types of Dubai South Licenses
Trading License
For import, export, distribution and general trading.
Service License
For consultancy, IT, marketing and other professional services.
Logistics License
For freight forwarding, warehousing and logistics companies.
Aviation and Industrial
For aviation services, light manufacturing and industrial activities.
Our team will recommend the right license for your Dubai South free zone company setup.
Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup Cost in 2026
Dubai South offers packages for different business sizes. Your cost is made up of:
| Cost item | What it covers |
|---|---|
| License and package fee | Depends on license type, activities and number of visas |
| Facility | A flexi-desk, dedicated desk, office or warehouse |
| Establishment card | Needed before you can apply for visas |
| Visas | Government visa, medical test and Emirates ID per person |
| Health insurance | Required for every visa holder |
Dubai South prices depend on your package and facility and can change. Contact Aspira for an exact, up-to-date quote.
Your final Dubai South free zone company setup cost depends on:
- Your license type and activities
- Your facility type and size
- The number of visas you need
If your budget is the main priority, other free zones start from AED 5,565. Compare prices with our business setup cost calculator.
Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup Process: Step by Step
Here is how a Dubai South free zone company setup works with Aspira:
- Free consultation: we discuss your business, activities, facility needs and budget.
- Choose your license and package: the right license, activities and visa count.
- Reserve your company name: we check your name against the naming rules and reserve it.
- Submit your application: we prepare and submit your application and documents.
- Choose your facility: flexi-desk, office or warehouse.
- Pay and sign: you pay the fees and sign your documents.
- Receive your e-license: Dubai South issues your license.
- Establishment card and visas: we apply for your establishment card and residence visas.
- Bank account and tax: we help you open a corporate bank account and register for corporate tax and VAT.
Documents Required for Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup
- Passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photo with a white background
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copy, if you live in the UAE
- Proof of residential address
- Business plan, for some activities
If a company will own your Dubai South company, you will also need the parent company’s documents, such as its certificate of incorporation, articles of association and board resolution. Some may need attestation.
Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup: Visas
A Dubai South company can sponsor residence visas for its owners, employees and their families. The number of visas depends on your package and facility. Aspira manages the full visa process for you.
Business Districts in Dubai South
- Business Park: offices and flexi-desks for service companies and start-ups
- Logistics District: warehouses and logistics facilities for trading and freight companies
- Aviation District: facilities for aviation and aerospace businesses
Your district and facility affect both your Dubai South free zone company setup cost and your visa quota.
Who Should Choose Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup?
- Logistics, freight and e-commerce companies
- Aviation and aerospace businesses
- Trading companies using both sea and air freight
- Service companies that want a Dubai address
- Businesses that want to grow with Expo City and Al Maktoum Airport
If you want the lowest cost, a free zone such as RAKEZ, SHAMS or SPC may suit you better. For sea freight right at the port, JAFZA is another strong option. We will give you an honest comparison.
Dubai South vs Other Dubai Free Zones
| Feature | Dubai South | Other Dubai free zones (e.g. IFZA, Meydan) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Next to Al Maktoum Airport and Expo City | Dubai Silicon Oasis / Meydan |
| Best for | Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, services | Consultants, services, start-ups |
| Facilities | Flexi-desks, offices, warehouses, land | Mainly flexi-desks and offices |
| Logistics access | Airport and nearby Jebel Ali Port | Limited |
Opening a Bank Account for Your Dubai South Company
Once your license and establishment card are ready, you can open a corporate bank account. Banks usually ask for your license, company documents, lease agreement, shareholder passports and visas, and a description of your business and expected transactions. Some banks prefer a dedicated desk or office rather than a flexi-desk, so we help you choose a facility that supports your bank application.
Corporate Tax and VAT for Dubai South Companies
Every Dubai South company must register for UAE corporate tax. Corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the rules of a Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income, such as certain logistics and trading activities, but many service activities don’t count as qualifying income. VAT registration is required once your taxable sales pass AED 375,000 a year. Read our guide on corporate tax registration in Dubai to learn more.
Dubai South License Renewal
Your Dubai South license and facility must be renewed every year. Visas are renewed separately when they expire. Aspira reminds you before your renewal date and handles everything.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a flexi-desk when your bank wants a real office: check banking needs first.
- Choosing a package with too few visas: plan for your first two years.
- Picking the wrong district: logistics and service businesses need different facilities.
- Missing corporate tax registration: every free zone company must register.
- Selling directly to mainland customers without the right setup: you may need a distributor or mainland license.
Why Choose Aspira for Your Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup?
- 12+ years of experience in UAE business setup
- 5,000+ companies formed for 4,500+ clients
- Company setup in all UAE free zones, Dubai mainland and offshore
- Honest advice on whether Dubai South or another zone suits your business
- One team for your license, visas, PRO services, bank account help and tax registration
- Support after setup, including renewals
Related Organizations
- Dubai South: issues your free zone license
- Dubai Airports: operates Al Maktoum International Airport
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA): residence visas
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA): corporate tax and VAT registration
Frequently Asked Questions
A: It depends on your package, facility and visas. Contact Aspira for an exact, up-to-date quote.
A: Dubai South is next to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai, close to Jebel Ali Port.
A: Yes. Dubai South free zone allows 100% foreign ownership.
A: You need a facility, but a flexi-desk is available for many small companies.
A: It depends on your package and facility. Bigger facilities allow more visas.
A: Yes. Its Logistics District and location between Al Maktoum Airport and Jebel Ali Port make it ideal for logistics and trading.
A: Yes. Dubai South is in Dubai, so your company has a Dubai address.
A: Free zone companies mainly trade within the free zone and abroad. To sell on the mainland, you usually need a distributor or a mainland license. We will explain the best option.
Get Started with Your Dubai South Free Zone Company Setup
Ready to start your Dubai South free zone company setup? Contact Aspira for a free consultation and a clear quote.