Dubai South Freezone Company Formation

What is Dubai South Freezone Company Formation in Dubai?

Dubai South Free Zone, formerly known as Dubai World Central, is a 145-sq-km master-planned city built around Al Maktoum International Airport. It hosts specialized districts for logistics, aviation, e-commerce and exhibitions, all seamlessly linked by land, sea and air. The free zone’s pro-business policies, modern infrastructure and access to Jebel Ali Port make it an ideal base for global trade. Company registration is straightforward, with minimal documentation and setup times as fast as two weeks.

Benefits of Dubai South Freezone Company Formation in Dubai

Strategic Global Connectivity

Dubai South sits between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing direct links to Jebel Ali Sea Port and Al Maktoum International Airport. This geographic advantage means your goods can move from ship to plane in hours, cutting transit times and logistics costs.

100% Foreign Ownership & Repatriation

Entrepreneurs can own their companies outright and remit all profits abroad without restrictions. The free zone also guarantees zero personal income tax and allows complete repatriation of capital.

Cost-Effective & Flexible Setup

Dubai South offers one of the most affordable packages in the emirate. There are no corporate taxes for profits up to AED 375,000 and only 9% above that. Entrepreneurs can start with a flex-desk and obtain up to three visas without leasing a full office.

Diverse Business Activities & Districts

The free zone welcomes logistics, aviation, trading, e-commerce, consulting, industrial, educational and IT ventures. Seven dedicated districts—including Logistics, Aviation, Humanitarian and Exhibition—cater to specialized sectors.

Fast Registration & Minimal Bureaucracy

Company setup can take 7-10 working days. Pre-approval, signature verification and licensing are streamlined into clear steps. There is no requirement to deposit share capital for most businesses, and on-site license and visa issuance minimises delays.

Robust Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Dubai South’s Business Park offers fitted offices, warehouses and build-to-suit facilities. Residential districts, schools and leisure amenities ensure that employees and families live and work within a self-contained community.

Dubai South Freezone Business Activities

Dubai South is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of industries, and its master plan subdivides the city into distinct districts that cater to different economic sectors. Each district offers dedicated infrastructure to support its target activities.

Because Dubai South operates on a “related activities” model, companies can include up to five closely related activities under one license, but mixing unrelated sectors or combining commercial and service activities on the same license is not permitted.

Types of Legal Structures/ Entities

Dubai South recognizes two main entity types.

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (DWC-LLC)

A distinct legal entity where liability is limited to share capital. The DWC-LLC can have individual or corporate shareholders (up to 50 in some cases). Capital requirements are minimal—typically AED 300,000 share capital is authorised but not required to be deposited unless the capital exceeds AED 1 million.

Branch Office

An extension of an existing UAE or foreign company that operates under the same name and activities. A branch is not a separate legal entity; it derives authority from the parent company and must appoint a general manager. Branches are ideal for corporations looking to test the market without forming a new entity.

Types of Licenses Available – In-Depth Explanation

Dubai South Free Zone offers a range of license categories tailored to specific business models.

General Trading License

This license authorizes the import, export, distribution, storage and sale of multiple unrelated products. It is ideal for businesses dealing in a wide assortment of goods, such as consumer electronics, household goods or industrial supplies.

Trading License

A trading license permits import, export and sale of specific goods that are similar in nature, such as electronics, automotive parts or clothing. Unlike the general trading license, it focuses on a defined product range, reducing regulatory complexity and often lowering annual fees.

Service License

Companies providing professional or consultancy services—such as IT solutions, marketing, legal advisory, HR, repairs, catering, training or software development—must obtain a service license. The license allows the provision of services both inside the free zone and, where relevant approvals exist, across the UAE.

Industrial License

Businesses involved in light manufacturing activities like blending, mixing, purifying, assembling, forming, repacking or wrapping products need an industrial license. These activities must occur within approved warehouse or industrial facilities and comply with environmental and safety standards.

Logistics License

A logistics license covers specialised activities such as warehousing, storage, transportation, distribution, sorting, forwarding, clearing, order management and inventory management. It is tailored for companies operating across supply-chain services, third-party logistics, courier operations and freight forwarding.

Aviation License

Designed for businesses in the aviation sector, this license permits operations related to aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), flight schools, charter services, ground handling and aviation support services. Facilities near the MBR Aerospace Hub provide direct access to runways and hangars.

Education License

Education licenses allow entities to offer educational and social services, training programmes and educational consultancy. Investors can establish schools, language institutes, vocational academies or professional training centres.

Freelance Permit

Individuals wishing to operate as independent contractors in creative, media, tech or consultancy fields can apply for a freelance permit. It grants the holder the ability to work from a flexi-desk, invoice clients and obtain a residence visa without forming a company.

Additional Speciality Licenses

Dubai South also supports niche licenses such as e-commerce, IT, audit & accounting, project management, consultancy, cafeteria and foodstuff trading licenses. These category-specific permits enable entrepreneurs to target precise markets.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Define Activities & Choose License

Determine your core business activities and select the appropriate license (trading, service, industrial, logistics, aviation or education). Careful selection avoids future complications with banking or visa issuance.

2. Select Legal Structure & Office Option

Decide between a DWC-LLC or branch. Then choose your workspace—flexi-desk, dedicated desk, furnished office, warehouse or plot of land—depending on your visa quotas and operational needs.

3. Reserve Trade Name & Obtain Pre-Approval

Submit several company name options and outline your activities for approval by the Dubai South authority. Pre-approval confirms that your proposed activities are permissible.

4. Prepare & Submit Documentation

Complete application forms, draft the MOA, AOA and collect personal documents. For corporate shareholders, supply incorporation certificates, board resolutions and UBO declarations. Pay the initial government fees to proceed.

5. Sign Lease Agreement & Collect Incorporation Documents

Once pre-approved, sign your facility lease agreement. The free zone will then issue your certificate of incorporation, trade license, share certificate, establishment card and lease contract.

6. Apply for Entry Permit & Residence Visas

Submit an entry permit application for shareholders and employees. After entry, complete medical tests, biometrics and Emirates ID registration. Residence visas are valid for two or three years depending on the package.

7. Open Corporate Bank Account

With your incorporation documents and visa in hand, open a corporate bank account in the UAE. A personal visit is usually required to meet bank compliance standards.

8. Commence Operations & Renew Annually

Start trading once your bank account is active. Renew your license and lease annually; audits are generally required from the second renewal.

Documents Required

Passport & Visa Copy
Copies of the passports and UAE entry stamps for all shareholders, directors and the appointed manager.
Emirates ID / National ID (if applicable)
Proof of UAE residency for local shareholders and managers.
Contact Details & Addresses
Phone number, email address, and residential and correspondence addresses for each shareholder.
Shareholding Structure
Shareholding ratios and details of individuals or corporate entities involved.

Proposed Company Name & Business Activities
At least three preferred names and a detailed description of intended activities.
MOA & AOA / Board Resolutions
Notarized and attested constitutional documents (for corporate shareholders, include certificate of incorporation and good standing).
Additional Documents
A business plan for some services, bank statements or letters of undertaking may be requested depending on the activity.

How DSA Helps

Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey from initial planning to long-term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on-ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.

Business Planning & Jurisdiction Comparison

Trade Name Reservation & Licensing Approvals

Legal Documentation, Drafting & Translation

Workspace & Tenancy Solutions

Bank Account Opening & Compliance Setup

Visa & Immigration Processing

PRO & Legal Documentation Services

Post-Incorporation Support & Growth Enablement

Why Choose Us?

At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates.

Extensive Experience

End-to-End Service

Transparent Pricing

Global Perspective

Personalized Approach

Comprehensive Network

Frequently Asked Question - FAQs

With pre-approval and complete documentation, incorporation usually takes 7–10 working days. Complex activities or incomplete documents can extend the timeline.

Personal presence is typically required for signature verification and bank account opening. If you cannot visit, a notarized Power of Attorney may allow a representative to act on your behalf.

Dubai South does not require proof of capital deposit for most licenses. However, an authorized capital of AED 300,000 is standard for a DWC-LLC; proof is only needed if the capital exceeds AED 1 million.

Yes. Free-zone entities may trade internationally and, with a local distributor, within the UAE. However, combining unrelated activities under one license is not permitted.

Shareholders and employees can obtain residence visas valid for two or three years. Visa quotas depend on your office type—flex-desks allow up to three visas.

Annual license and lease renewal is mandatory. From the second renewal, companies must submit audited financial statements. Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) and Economic Substance Regulation (ESR) filings also apply to certain activities.

Yes. Dubai South permits amendments such as changing the company name, adding activities, altering shareholding or upgrading offices. Some amendments require personal visits or additional approvals.

Dubai South Freezone Company Formation