Dubai South Free Zone: Company Setup, Licence Cost and Activities
8 min readUpdated 2026-10-26Editorial policyHow we verify
Quick answer
Dubai South Free Zone licence cost depends on the district (logistics, aviation or business park), licence type, office or warehouse size and number of visas. Request a written quote from Dubai South or a listed provider that separates licence, registration, facility and visa costs; we do not publish a single price because packages vary.
Dubai South Free Zone licence cost is driven by where in Dubai South you set up and what you lease. This guide explains the districts, typical activities, setup steps and when DAFZA or JAFZA may suit you better.
Quick answer: Your cost combines the licence, registration, facility (desk, office, warehouse or land) and visas. Dubai South's Business Park and logistics districts price these differently, so compare like-for-like quotes.
What Dubai South is
Dubai South is a master-planned area in Dubai built around Al Maktoum International Airport and close to Jebel Ali Port. Its free zone is regulated by the Dubai South authority and serves logistics, aviation, e-commerce and general business. Official information is available at Dubai South.
Districts and who they suit
| District | Typical activities | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Logistics District | Freight forwarding, warehousing, e-commerce fulfilment | Warehouses, land |
| Aviation District | Aircraft maintenance, aviation services | Hangars, specialised units |
| Business Park | Trading, services, consulting | Desks and offices |
Licence types and activities
- Commercial / trading — import, export and distribution of named goods.
- Service — consulting, logistics services and professional services.
- Logistics and e-commerce — storage and fulfilment activities.
Check your exact activity wording with the authority. Our UAE activity directory helps you find the names to ask about.
What drives the cost
- Licence and registration — set by the authority per licence type.
- Facility — desk, office or warehouse; this usually determines visa quota.
- Visas — entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and insurance per person.
- Extras — attestation, bank-account support, customs registration for goods.
Use our cost calculator to model these components and compare free zone packages from listed providers.
Step-by-step setup
- Choose activities and legal form (FZE or FZCO).
- Reserve a trade name and submit the application.
- Receive initial approval and sign the facility lease.
- Submit shareholder documents and pay fees.
- Collect the licence and establishment card.
- Apply for visas and open a bank account.
The UAE Government's guide to starting a free zone business explains the general free zone steps.
Dubai South vs DAFZA vs JAFZA
| Factor | Dubai South | DAFZA | JAFZA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Near Al Maktoum Airport | Dubai International Airport | Jebel Ali Port |
| Strength | Logistics, aviation, e-commerce | Premium airport-adjacent offices | Large-scale trading and industry |
| Best for | Fulfilment and aviation services | High-value trading and services | Port-linked distribution |
For a wider Dubai overview see business setup in Dubai.
Next step
Decide whether you need a desk, office or warehouse, then compare free zone packages and request itemised quotes.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Dubai South Free Zone licence cost?
- It depends on district, licence type, facility and visas. Ask for a written, itemised quote; packages vary, so we do not publish a single price.
- What activities are allowed in Dubai South?
- Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, trading and many service activities. Confirm your exact activity with the authority.
- Is Dubai South the same as DAFZA?
- No. DAFZA is next to Dubai International Airport. Dubai South is a separate area around Al Maktoum International Airport.
- Can I get visas through a Dubai South company?
- Yes, subject to the visa allocation linked to your facility and authority approval.
Sources and further reading
This guide links to official and primary sources where available. Rules, forms and online services can change, so confirm your case through the relevant official service.
About the author
Sherwin Jesuraj
Business Setup Industry Expert
Sherwin Jesuraj writes about UAE company formation, mainland and free zone options, business setup costs, and entrepreneurship. His content for BusinessSetup.ae helps readers understand their options, compare practical requirements, and make informed decisions before starting a business.
Connect with Sherwin on LinkedInCompare real packages, not estimates
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