Business Setup in Dubai South Free Zone
Set up your company in the heart of Dubai’s aviation and logistics hub. Enjoy tax benefits, world-class infrastructure, and simplified licensing to expand your business in the UAE.
100% foreign ownership & tax exemptions | Strategic location near Al Maktoum Airport | Fast & easy business setup process
Dubai South Free Zone
Dubai South Free Zone, formerly known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is one of Dubai’s most promising economic hubs. Strategically located near Al Maktoum International Airport, it is designed to cater to logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trade businesses.
As part of the UAE’s vision to diversify its economy, Dubai South offers entrepreneurs, SMEs, and global corporations an ideal platform to establish and grow their business with 100% foreign ownership and zero corporate tax.
For a broader perspective on setting up your company across different emirates, you may also explore our detailed guide on Free Zone Business Setup in UAE and a Dubai-specific overview on Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai.


Why Choose Dubai South Free Zone for Business Setup?
Dubai South is not just a free zone; it is a master-planned city with a futuristic vision. It is home to the Expo 2020 site and offers a thriving ecosystem for businesses looking for long-term growth.
Key Reasons to Choose Dubai South:
- 100% foreign ownership for expatriate investors
- Zero income and corporate tax
- Full repatriation of profits and capital
- State-of-the-art logistics and infrastructure
- Strategic location connecting air, sea, and land transport
- Business-friendly government policies
Looking for alternatives? Compare this free zone with Dubai Airport Free Zone Business Setup or explore Jebel Ali Free Zone Business Setup for port-centric businesses.
Step-by-Step Process for Setting Up Your Business
Setting up a business in Dubai South Free Zone is straightforward with the right guidance. At Ideas Business Setup Expert, we make this process seamless for you.
Benefits of Dubai South Free Zone Business Setup
When you establish your company here, you gain access to unmatched advantages.
Main Benefits:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Tax-free income and profits
- Quick business setup process
- Access to world-class airports and logistics hubs
- Competitive lease rates and office solutions
- Investor-friendly visa policies
Looking for sector-specific benefits? Check our detailed guides on:


Key Licenses Available
Dubai South Free Zone offers a wide range of licenses to suit diverse business needs:
- Trading License – For import/export, distribution, and storage.
- Service License – For consultancy, IT services, or marketing agencies.
- Industrial License – For manufacturing, assembling, and packaging activities.
- E-commerce License – Ideal for online business and digital trade.
Explore other specialized free zones such as Dubai Internet City Business Setup for tech companies or Dubai Media City Business Setup for media and advertising firms.
Costs of Dubai South Free Zone Business Setup
The cost of setting up a company in Dubai South Free Zone depends on your business activity, office space requirements, and number of visas you need. While the free zone offers flexible packages, it’s essential to understand the main cost components before making a decision.
Dubai South Free Zone Business Setup Cost Table
| Cost Component | Estimated Range (AED) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation | 620 – 1,000 | Secures your business name under Dubai South Free Zone. |
| License Fee (Annual) | 12,000 – 20,000+ | Varies based on license type: trading, service, or industrial. |
| Registration Fee | 5,000 – 8,000 | One-time company registration charges. |
| Office/Flexi-desk Lease | 15,000 – 25,000+ | Depends on office size and location within the free zone. |
| Visa Allocation (per visa) | 3,500 – 5,500 | Investor or employee visa issuance cost. |
| Bank Account Setup Assistance | 1,000 – 3,000 | Optional – assistance with opening a corporate bank account. |
| Additional Approvals (if needed) | 2,000 – 5,000+ | Activity-specific approvals, if required by authorities. |

Documents Required
To establish your business, you need a few essential documents:
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Passport-size photographs
- Application form
- Business plan (for certain activities)
- Memorandum of Association (if applicable)
For a full checklist, see Documents Required for Free Zone Business Setup.
.
Visa & Bank Account Assistance
Dubai South Free Zone offers flexible visa packages and simplified bank account opening.
- Free zone visa options are available for investors, employees, and dependents – learn more in our Free Zone Visa UAE guide.
- We assist in bank account opening for free zone business with leading UAE banks – check our full process here: Bank Account Opening for Free Zone Business.
You can also explore Free Zone Investor Visa UAE for long-term investor residency.


Dubai South Free Zone is a future-ready business destination offering unmatched advantages for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations. With its strategic location, tax benefits, and simplified regulations, it is a perfect choice for anyone looking to expand in the Middle East.
At Ideas Business Setup Expert, we specialize in making your company formation process seamless – from choosing the right license to obtaining visas and opening a bank account.
Start Your Journey with Ideas Business Setup Expert
Absolutely. Dubai South offers dedicated e-commerce licenses, modern warehouses, and proximity to logistics hubs, making it one of the best locations for online businesses in the UAE.
Yes, Dubai South Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership. You can repatriate all your profits and capital without restrictions, making it an ideal choice for international entrepreneurs.
On average, it takes 7–10 working days to establish a business if all documents are in order. Delays may occur if additional approvals are required, but with professional assistance, the process is quick and efficient.
Related Free Zone Business Setup Guides
If Dubai South isn’t your only consideration, explore these other free zones to find the best fit:
- Dubai Silicon Oasis Business Setup
- Meydan Free Zone Business Setup
- Dubai Production City Business Setup
- Dubai Studio City Business Setup
- Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone Business Setup
- Dubai Outsource City Business Setup
- Dubai Maritime City Business Setup
- Dubai Logistics City Business Setup
- International Humanitarian City Business Setup
- Dubai Science Park Business Setup
- Dubai Gold & Diamond Park Business Setup
- Dubai Textile City Business Setup
- Dubai Flower Centre Business Setup
- Dubai Technopark Business Setup
- Dubai Enpark Business Setup
- Dubai Auto Zone Business Setup
And if you’re a foreigner considering your first venture, read our guide: Start Business as Foreigner in UAE.

