Your free-zone setup, considered

Dubai South Free Zone company formation
Plan your company with a clear direction

Assess your business activity, location and operational requirements before you commit

Virtue is an independent consultancy
Approvals, eligibility and final charges are confirmed by the relevant institution
Dubai South Free Zone company formation
Plan your company with a clear direction

Expert Dubai south Free Zone company formation with Virtue Corporate Services

Dubai South Free Zone, formerly known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is a strategic government initiative that supports the vision of a diversified, innovation-driven UAE economy. Situated around Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai South spans over 145 square kilometres, making it the largest single urban master-planned development in the UAE.

Launched in 2006, Dubai South is designed as an aerotropolis, ideal for businesses in aviation, logistics, trade, e-commerce, real estate, and light manufacturing. It is home to the Dubai Expo 2020 site, giving it an edge for future growth and international connectivity.

Business activity impact
Expected to create 500,000 jobs in the next decade
Prime location
Located near Jebel Ali Port, providing unmatched connectivity
Business
Over 5,000 registered companies
Free Zone spread
Covers 145 sq km of residential, commercial, & logistics zones
Vicinity
Part of the world’s largest airport project (Al Maktoum International)

Key benefits of setting up a business in Dubai south Free Zone

Ownership

100% foreign ownership and full capital repatriation

Location access

Strategic location near seaport, airport, and logistics corridors

Warehousing facility

State-of-the-art infrastructure with scalable office and warehouse options

Profit handling

Full repatriation of capital and profits

Licensing ease

Fast-track company registration and license issuance

Tax

0% personal and corporate income tax (Subject to corporate tax law conditions)

Business setup

Business-friendly environment for startups and global corporations

Business type

Ideal for logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and tech sectors

Dubai south Free Zone business setup cost (2026)

Dubai South offers flexible and competitive pricing, making it a preferred choice for entrepreneurs and multinational firms alike.

License Packages & Pricing

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone new licence package references. Confirm current availability, activity eligibility, tax treatment and the complete service scope in an itemised written quote.

Dubai South Business Hub licence packages (AED)
Package component0 visa package1 visa allocation package2 visa allocation package
Company formation: new licence12,12512,12512,125
Flexi-desk: new375375375
Additional visa allocationNot listed1,8503,700
Establishment card: newNot listed2,0002,000
Package total12,50016,35018,200

Visa allocation is not the same as visa issuance. These totals cover the listed new licence package components; they do not establish that visa processing, medical tests, Emirates ID, insurance, renewal or Virtue professional services are included. Confirm inclusions and any additional costs in your written quote.

Virtue Corporate Services ensures you choose the most cost-effective package for your business activity, with complete transparency and end-to-end setup assistance.

Types of licenses in Dubai south Free Zone

Dubai South caters to a wide range of industries through its diverse licensing structure:

License Type Purpose

Commercial License

For buying, selling, and trading goods

Service License

For professional services, consultancy, and tech solutions

Industrial License

For manufacturing, packaging, and light production

Logistics License

For warehousing, supply chain, and freight businesses

Education License

For training centers, institutes, and academic entities

Freelancer Permit

For individuals operating independently in creative or professional sectors

General Trading License

For trading in a wide range of goods

Required documents for Dubai south company formation

Company Type Required Documents

FZE (Single Shareholder)

  • Passport copy of the shareholder
  • Entry stamp or UAE visa copy
  • Business activity description
  • Passport-size photo

FZCO (Shareholders)

  • Passport copies of all the shareholders
  • Entry stamp/visa copies
  • MOA & AOA (we assist with drafting)
  • Passport Photos

Branch Office

  • Parent company license copy
  • Parent MOA
  • Board resolution
  • Passport of Branch Manager

Why partner with Virtue Corporate Services?

With years of expertise in UAE company formation, Virtue Corporate Services simplifies your Dubai South Free Zone setup — from documentation to licensing, visas, and corporate banking.

Clarity before commitment

Know who you are working with.

Talk to the Virtue team about your requirements, agree the service scope and ask what is included before you proceed.

Meet Virtue

Learn about our company and the people behind the service.

About Virtue

Understand decisions

Bank and authority approvals are determined by the relevant institution. Ask about the steps and dependencies.

Ask the team

Frequently asked questions

Dubai South, formerly known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is a strategic free zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport. It is part of a government-led development plan to create an integrated economic platform, making it ideal for logistics, aviation, e-commerce, trade, and light manufacturing businesses.

Dubai South Free Zone offers numerous advantages, including:

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Full repatriation of capital and profits
  • Access to Dubai’s global logistics and aviation infrastructure
  • Flexible office, warehouse, and land options
  • Fast-track company registration process
  • Residency visa eligibility
  • Ideal location near Jebel Ali Port and Expo City Dubai
  • Business-friendly regulatory environment

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone new licence package references are AED 12,500 for the 0 visa package, AED 16,350 for the 1 visa allocation package and AED 18,200 for the 2 visa allocation package. All three list a new licence at AED 12,125 and a new flexi-desk at AED 375. The 1 and 2 visa allocation packages list an establishment card at AED 2,000 and allocation charges of AED 1,850 and AED 3,700 respectively. Allocation does not mean visa issuance costs are included. Confirm current eligibility, package availability, tax treatment, any visa processing or renewal charges and Virtue fees in an itemised written quote.

Dubai South Free Zone offers several license categories:

  • Commercial License – For general trading, import/export, and wholesale
  • Service License – For consulting, IT, marketing, and other professional services
  • Industrial License – For manufacturing, assembly, and packaging
  • Logistics License – For freight forwarding, warehousing, and distribution
  • Education License – For training centers and educational institutions
  • Freelancer Permit – For individuals providing specialized professional services

Yes. Businesses registered in Dubai South Free Zone are eligible to apply for residency visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents. The number of visas depends on your selected package and facility size.

No, a physical office is not always required. Dubai South offers flexi-desk options for startups and solo entrepreneurs. As your company grows, you can upgrade to private offices, warehouses, or customized industrial units.

Yes. A Dubai South license qualifies you to open a corporate bank account in the UAE. Virtue Corporate Services assists with preparing the necessary documents and liaising with trusted banking partners.

Dubai South companies can trade internationally and with other free zones in the UAE. If you wish to do business within the UAE mainland, you’ll need to work with a local distributor or obtain the required mainland permits.

Company formation in Dubai South typically takes 3 to 5 working days, assuming all documents are ready and government approvals are secured.

We offer:

  • Expert guidance on the most suitable license and facility
  • Assistance with business registration, visa processing, and banking
  • Transparent pricing and tailored packages
  • Support with document preparation and government approvals
  • Ongoing compliance and renewal services

Our goal is to make your Dubai South company setup simple, compliant, and cost-effective.

Plan your next step

Explore Dubai South against your business plans

Use the existing Dubai South guide above and clarify the practical requirements.

Activity

What exact activity should the authority confirm?

Workspace

What space, team and operating needs should the proposal address?

Quote

Which inclusions, exclusions and renewal costs should be stated?

WhatsApp enquiry
LET’S TALK

Your business starts here.

Share a few details with the Virtue team.

Your details are used to respond to this enquiry.