Dubai South Free Zone Business Setup

Dubai South is known to be the largest single urban master development focusing on an aviation and logistics ecosystem in Dubai. It is also known for housing the world’s largest airport when completely functional. The facilities are to be further complemented by a multi-modal transport infrastructure connecting air, land, and sea.

The Dubai South Free Zone is one of the most preferred free zones for foreigners who wish to start their own businesses in Dubai. Launched as a Government of Dubai project in 2006, it has become an innovative free zone promoting and enabling growth for businesses.

Just like all other free zones, if you successfully acquire a business license and start your business here, you get to leverage tax-free income!

A glimpse of Dubai South Free Zone through facts and figures

5000+ companies operate across Dubai South
5000+ residents belonging to 150 nationalities call Dubai South their home
Cargo of 12 million tons is dealt with annually
Multimodal logistics hub covering 18 sq. km
Master-planned city covering 145 sq. km
By 2025 Dubai South alone is expected to contribute 35% of Dubai’s GDP

Impressive facts and figures lead to a trail of opportunities to seize. Continue reading to know how Dubai South is all about opportunities.

Dubai South Free Zone Districts

This specific free zone is known for having three unique districts. Each district is tailored to a specific section.

The three districts are categorized as follows:

Logistics
Aviation
Business Park

1. Logistics District:

This specific district was formed as part of Dubai South’s key offerings to bring forth top-notch solutions to the worldwide supply chain system. Covering 18 sq. km, the logistics district is known for its relevant and efficient movement of goods through the logistics corridor. 20 minutes is all it takes to allow cargo to be moved from port to airport.

There are additional features of this district, with a purpose-built e-commerce zone EZDubai. Covering 920,000 square meters, this zone is committed to enhancing e-commerce facilities and the entire region with enabling business solutions for multinationals and SMEs based in the UAE. Six areas are dedicated to providing the needful services for the setups such as e-fulfillment centers, supply centers, last mile centers, repair & return centers, and office solutions.

2. Aviation District:

This district is completely tailored to aeronautical needs. A worthy platform to mention that comes under this district is the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. Designed for ultimate contribution toward the economic growth of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, it has enabled investors to succeed. Dubai South’s multimodal logistics platform lets investors reach anywhere across the globe. A variety of landslide and air-side solutions is available for SMEs and multinationals.

3. Business Park:

Purposely situated at the doorway of Dubai South, flexibility and innovation are the prime components of the Business Park. It is an environment built to provide tailored solutions for businesses in the form of commercial buildings, completely furnished business compounds, and smart office equipment.

License options in Dubai South Free Zone

This unique platform offers 8 different business licenses so everyone can take advantage and make their way to success at Dubai South.

1. Freelance Permit:

This is one of the most sought-after permits in Dubai South and the United Arab Emirates. With this permit, you get to start your own independent journey and make a difference.

2. Service License:

With this specific type of license, you get to provide the specified service mentioned on the license within the chosen free zone or across other areas (if the license allows, or in some cases additional licenses are needed). Services in which this license may be availed include software, repair, catering, and consulting.

3. Logistic License:

The logistic license enables you to execute logistic-related services such as transportation, storage, sorting, distribution, order and inventory management, and clearing activities.

4. General Trading:

This is a more stretched-out choice. This is where commercial firms engaged in activities such as trading, importing, and re-exporting of permissible goods can pursue this option.

5. Trading License:

Here you get to sell, import, distribute, export or even store items specified in the license. It is important to note that for free zone enterprises holding a trading license there is a slightly different situation. They may only sell completed products in the UAE market by a local distributor or a commercial agent officially registered in the UAE.

6. Industrial License:

The holder gets to carry out a specified light manufacturing activity such as mixing, blending, purifying, forming, repacking, assembling or wrapping of products.

7. Aviation License:

Aviation-related activities are licensed here.

8. Education License:

This license enables a holder to carry out educational consultancy services, educational and training, and educational and social services.

It is important to know that each license carries its own set of prerequisites in the form of documentation, fees, and time duration to complete the necessary formalities.

Company Formation in Dubai South Free Zone: Pros & Cons

With the endless options to choose from when picking a free zone, each free zone comes with its own pros and cons.

Pros:

Great cost-effective solution for budget-oriented entrepreneurs.
Better tailored for high-risk passport holders.
Very accommodating for cargo trading through nearby locations such as Al Maktoum Airport.

Con’s

Confinement. Since it’s a free zone you do not get to stretch your business activities outside this free zone’s radius.
Business activity limitation. You can only set up a business that fits in the conducted activities in this specific free zone.

Dubai South Free Zone: Requirements for Business Setup

At Dubai South Free Zone, the following type of companies can be set up:

Dubai South Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Branch of a UAE-registered or overseas company

Leasing options in the Aviation City and Dubai Logistics City part of Dubai South are available.

When it comes to applying for a business license to start your business at the Dubai South Free Zone here are the basic documents and information you need to provide:

Company name
Residence and correspondence address
Valid passport copy
Phone number
Email address
Shareholding ratio
UAE entry stamp/visa copy

*Note: the above-mentioned are basic requirements. Case-to-case variations depending on the type of business activity and business license require tailored documents. To know exactly which documents you may need to submit, contact us.

Company Formation in Dubai South Free Zone:

Submit your application with the required documents
Activity and name approval process
Official company registration
Clear dues and payments
Collect final registration certificate, license, and lease agreement

Impressed with the types of licenses and the chance to sow the seeds of success?

Great, to know more about what you need to start off your business at Dubai South free zone fill out your preferences at Airzone Explorer.

Alternatives UAE Free Zone for Starting a Business in UAE

Dubai South Free Zone Fee Structure

The basic fees that are incurred if you wish to be part of the Dubai South free zone are as follows:

Smart Desk: License cost: 39,900 AED
Smart Office: License cost: 49,900 AED
Permanent Smart Desk: License cost: 54,900 AED
Permanent Smart Office: License cost: 95,000 AED

*Note: these are basic costs that are subject to change without notice. Also, costs are not limited to the above-mentioned. To know more about various types of fees and costs that may be incurred, contact us.

How Airzone can help you setup business in Dubai South Free Zone?

We want to help you move from thoughts into action. It is certain that tailored situations demand tailored approaches, this is where Airzone comes from. When it comes to setting up your business in the UAE, there is a list of documents and fees that may come as a surprise to you. We take away the surprises. All you need to do is submit the needed documents, we handle the rest.

Book your free zone consultation today and start your much-awaited dream business swiftly and smoothly, only with Airzone.

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