Dubai South is a large free zone and urban district in Dubai, built around Al Maktoum International Airport and linked to Jebel Ali Port. Companies in the free zone are licensed and regulated by Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), set up under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2006. Dubai South suits logistics, e-commerce, aviation, trading and service companies, as well as start-ups that want a flexi-desk licence. We help you choose the right licence, company type and space, prepare your documents and handle the application, visas and corporate bank account.
- Location: Dubai South, around Al Maktoum International Airport
- Regulator: Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC)
- Company types: DWC-LLC, DWC Branch
- Licence categories: commercial, service, professional and industrial, plus aviation activities
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
- Districts: Logistics District (with EZDubai), Business Park, MBR Aerospace Hub
- Space: warehouses, built-to-suit facilities, offices, business centre desks, retail units and flexi-desks
Who Dubai South Suits
- Freight forwarders and air cargo businesses that need access to Al Maktoum International Airport cargo terminals
- Sea-air logistics and contract logistics companies working with Jebel Ali Port
- E-commerce sellers and fulfilment businesses (EZDubai e-commerce zone)
- Aviation, aerospace and aircraft support companies
- Trading, consulting and service companies that want offices in the Business Park
- Start-ups and solo founders who want a low-entry licence with a flexi-desk
- Freelancers who want a professional licence
Licence Types in Dubai South
Dubai South licenses companies under commercial, service, professional and industrial categories. The activities available follow the Dubai economic activity list, with extra aviation activities on top. We check that your exact activity is on the list before you apply.
Commercial licence
For buying, selling, importing, exporting and distributing goods, including logistics-linked trading.
Service licence
For companies that provide services, such as logistics support, consulting or business services.
Professional licence
For professional and consulting activities carried out by qualified individuals or firms.
Industrial licence
For manufacturing, assembly and processing activities, usually paired with a warehouse or built-to-suit unit.
Aviation activities
Dubai South offers aviation-related activities in addition to the standard Dubai list, which suits companies at the MBR Aerospace Hub and around the airport.
Freelancer licence
A professional licence that lets an individual work as a freelancer in Dubai South.
Dubai South Business Hub licence
A free zone business licence that comes with a visa option and flexi-desk access, aimed at start-ups and small companies that do not need a full office yet.
Choosing between the Business Hub and a DWC-LLC
Pick the Business Hub route if you are starting small, mainly need a licence, a registered address and a visa, and do not hold stock. Pick a DWC-LLC with your own space if you need a warehouse near the airport cargo terminals, a showroom, an office for a growing team, or a licence category the Business Hub package does not cover. We compare both options for your activity before you apply.
Company Types in Dubai South
DWC-LLC
The main company type in the Dubai South free zone. It is a limited liability company, set up with a memorandum and articles of association, a chairman of the board and a director. The company can be fully foreign owned.
DWC Branch
An existing company can register a DWC Branch in Dubai South instead of forming a new company. We confirm the parent company documents Dubai South needs for your case.
Office, Warehouse and Logistics Space
Dubai South has an 18-kilometre Logistics District with several zones. The Freight Forwarding Zone has direct access to the Al Maktoum International Airport cargo terminals. The Contract Logistics Zone suits sea freight users, with access to Jebel Ali Port through a customs-bonded logistics corridor; Dubai South puts the port about 10 minutes away. EZDubai is a dedicated e-commerce zone. Warehouses, built-to-suit facilities and office solutions are available in the district.
For office users, the Business Park has offices and a Business Centre for start-ups and SMEs, and Dubai South also leases retail units. The Dubai South Business Hub offers a licence with flexi-desk access. The space you choose affects how many visas you can apply for, so we match space and visas before you sign. Our PRO services team then handles visas, Emirates IDs and access cards.
How to Set Up a Company in Dubai South
- Free consultation: we confirm your activity, licence category, company type and the right district for your operations.
- Activity check: some activities need approval from another government department; we tell you up front.
- Register on the Dubai South customer portal and reserve your trade name.
- Submit the registration application, memorandum and articles of association, passport copies and beneficial owner details. Dubai South sends the file for security approval.
- Choose your space and sign the lease, or select a Business Hub flexi-desk package.
- Receive your licence, then apply for investor and employee visas, Emirates IDs and access cards.
- Open your corporate bank account and register for corporate tax.
Documents You Need
For individual shareholders: passport copy, passport photo, and UAE visa or Emirates ID if you already live in the UAE. Passport copies are also needed for the chairman of the board and the director.
For a company shareholder or a branch: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association and a board resolution from the parent company, usually attested.
For all applications: the Dubai South registration application, the memorandum and articles of association of the new company, and details of the ultimate beneficial owners. The investor may need to confirm the signatures of the chairman and directors with Dubai South. We send you the exact checklist for your activity.
Dubai South Setup Costs
The cost of a Business Hub licence with flexi-desk access depends on your business activity groups, visas and extra services. For a DWC-LLC or branch with an office, warehouse or land, the cost depends on the licence category, the type and size of space and the number of visas. Tell us your activity and visa needs and we send you a written, itemised quote.
Corporate Tax for Dubai South Companies
Every Dubai South company must register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority, whether or not it qualifies for the free zone rate. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on its qualifying income if it meets the conditions, such as having adequate substance in the free zone and earning income from qualifying activities. Income that is not qualifying income is taxed at 9%. A free zone company that does not qualify is taxed like any other UAE business: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Our group's tax agency can check if you qualify and handle registration and filing.
Why Set Up in Dubai South With Jitendra Business Consultants
Company formation in the UAE since 2001, with 5,500+ companies formed. One group for setup, accounting, VAT, corporate tax and trademarks. Offices in Dubai and Sharjah, with advice in English, Arabic and Hindi.
Dubai South Company Setup FAQs
Why do Dubai South companies use the name DWC?
Companies in the Dubai South free zone are registered as a DWC-LLC or a DWC Branch, so you will see the DWC name on licences and company names. The free zone is regulated by Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC).
Who regulates companies in Dubai South?
Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), set up under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2006. Its Free Zone Management team issues licences, visas, NOC letters, access cards and work permits.
What company types can I set up in Dubai South?
A DWC-LLC, which is a limited liability company, or a DWC Branch of an existing company.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai South company?
Yes. Dubai South free zone companies can be fully foreign owned.
Do I need an office to set up in Dubai South?
Not always. The Dubai South Business Hub offers a licence with flexi-desk access. If you need more visas, a warehouse or a showroom, you lease space in the Business Park or Logistics District.
Can I get a freelancer licence in Dubai South?
Yes. Dubai South offers a professional licence for individuals who want to work as freelancers.
Is Dubai South good for logistics and e-commerce companies?
It is built for them. The Logistics District has direct access to the airport cargo terminals, a customs-bonded corridor to Jebel Ali Port and the EZDubai e-commerce zone.
Do Dubai South companies pay corporate tax?
Every Dubai South company must register for corporate tax. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income if it meets the conditions; other income is taxed at 9%.