Dubai South Free Zone Setup
Set up your company in Dubai South Free Zone — strategic free zone hosting Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai. Ideal for aviation, logistics, e-commerce, and exhibition businesses.
Description
Dubai South Free Zone is a strategically located free zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport (the world's largest planned airport) and Expo City Dubai (the legacy site of Expo 2020). It is positioned as Dubai's future logistics, aviation, and trade hub, with a master-planned development designed to handle the next generation of Dubai's commercial growth. Particularly relevant for aviation, e-commerce, exhibition, logistics, and businesses connected to Al Maktoum airport cargo operations.
Dubai South offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full repatriation of profits, and competitive licensing packages. License types include Trading, Service, Industrial, E-commerce, and Educational. Facility options range from flexi-desk for small service businesses to large warehouse and logistics facilities for major distributors. The free zone is connected directly to Al Maktoum airport cargo terminals and is a key partner in Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete Dubai South Free Zone setup — package selection, activity confirmation, trade name reservation, KYC submission, MOA drafting, license issuance, visa processing, and corporate bank account introduction. Standard Dubai South setup completes in 7 to 12 working days from KYC submission.
What's Included
- Dubai South Trade License (Trading / Service / Industrial / E-commerce)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Al Maktoum International Airport Access
- Expo City Dubai Vicinity
- Up to 5 Related Activities Under Single License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Flexi-Desk / Office / Warehouse / Logistics Facility Options
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- Customs Code Registration
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
- Free UAE Corporate Tax Consultation
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Trade name following Dubai South naming rules
- Activity from Dubai South approved list
- Flexi-desk minimum, upgrade for more visa capacity
- Industrial activities require MoIAT additional approval
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
- Annual license renewal
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- CV or Business Profile
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Business Activities
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For corporate shareholder: attested parent documents
Our Process
- Consultation on Dubai South package and activity
- Trade name reservation
- Submit KYC application
- Dubai South review and initial approval
- Facility lease agreement
- Pay license and facility fees
- MOA drafting and notarisation
- Receive Dubai South Trade License
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Customs Code registration (if trading)
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 13,500
- Service Fee: AED 3,500
- VAT (5%): AED 850
- Total: AED 17,850
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Dubai South Free Zone?
Dubai South is positioned for the future of Dubai trade — Al Maktoum airport is being expanded as the world's largest passenger airport, and Expo City Dubai is becoming a major business district. Best for aviation, logistics, e-commerce fulfilment, and businesses aligned with Dubai's long-term growth strategy.
How much does Dubai South Free Zone setup cost?
Dubai South base trade license starts at approximately AED 13,500-17,000 in government fees including flexi-desk. Warehouse and logistics facilities start at AED 50,000+ depending on size. Service fees, visa processing, and Customs Code are additional.
How long does Dubai South setup take?
Standard Dubai South setup typically completes in 7 to 12 working days from KYC submission. Industrial setups with MoIAT approvals can extend to 4-6 weeks.
What activities is Dubai South best for?
Dubai South is particularly strong for: aviation services, air cargo, e-commerce fulfilment, logistics, exhibition and events businesses (Expo City vicinity), educational services, and businesses needing Al Maktoum airport access. Also strong for trading and general commercial activities.
Can Dubai South companies sell to UAE mainland?
Dubai South companies cannot sell directly to UAE mainland customers without a local distributor. Best suited for international trade, B2B services, and e-commerce operations targeting global rather than mainland customers.
Does Dubai South support e-commerce businesses?
Yes, Dubai South has a dedicated E-commerce license category and excellent logistics infrastructure for fulfilment operations. The location near Al Maktoum airport makes it ideal for cross-border e-commerce and international shipping.
How many visas can I get with Dubai South?
Flexi-desk packages support 2-3 visas. Office packages support 5-12 visas based on space (standard rule: ~1 visa per 9 sqm). Warehouse and industrial facilities support unlimited visas based on facility size and activity.