Dubai South Company Setup in Dubai:
Licence, Premises and Visas
Dubai South, formerly Dubai World Central, is a Dubai free zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport and governed by the Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC). It suits logistics, aviation, e-commerce and trading businesses and offers 100% foreign ownership. Maven& checks your activity, premises and tax position first, then handles your licence, visas and bank account.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Airport and logistics corridor location
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Get your free setup quote
- Dubai South company setup partner
Foreign ownership
All Dubai South free zone entities allow 100% foreign ownership.
Licence categories to compare
Commercial, service, industrial, logistics, e-commerce and aviation licences.
Team for licence, visas and bank
One consultant handles your licence, residence visas, PRO work and bank account introductions.
- Who Dubai South suits
Businesses that suit a Dubai South company
Logistics and freight companies
Warehousing, freight forwarding and distribution businesses that benefit from the airport and the road link to Jebel Ali Port.
Aviation service providers
Aviation-related services linked to Al Maktoum International Airport.
E-commerce and fulfilment businesses
Online sellers that need storage and fast shipping close to the airport.
Trading and service companies
General trading and business-service companies that want a Dubai free zone address.
What are the main Dubai South rules and tax points?
A Dubai South licence suits many businesses, but it comes with rules on premises, approvals and tax that are worth checking before you commit.
- Regulator: Dubai South is governed by the Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), which regulates licensing and visas in the zone.
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership is available across its licence categories.
- Premises: options range from a flexi-desk to offices and warehouses, depending on the licence.
- Mainland trading: a Dubai South licence does not automatically allow unrestricted trading in mainland Dubai.
- Corporate tax: 0% applies only to qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Other income is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
- Dubai South vs mainland
Dubai South vs Dubai mainland company
Choose Dubai South if its location, licences and premises fit your business. Choose the mainland if you will sell directly to UAE customers.
| Feature | Dubai South | Dubai mainland (DET) |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) | Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% for most activities |
| Selling in the UAE market | Not automatic: depends on the licence and approvals | Directly, anywhere in the UAE |
| Premises | Flexi-desk, office or warehouse in the zone | Physical office with Ejari |
| Corporate tax | 0% only on qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person, 9% above AED 375,000 otherwise | 9% above AED 375,000 |
| Best for | Logistics, aviation and e-commerce businesses | Businesses serving UAE customers directly |
See mainland company formation or read the free zone vs mainland guide.
- Company structures
Three ways to set up in Dubai South
Establishment (FZE)
For solo owners
- One shareholder
- Separate legal entity in the zone
- Premises sized to your visa plan
- Logistics, aviation and e-commerce licences available
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
Company (FZ-LLC)
For partners and co-founders
- Two or more shareholders
- Separate legal entity in the zone
- Shareholding set out in the MoA
- Same premises and visa rules apply
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
a Company
For existing businesses
- Extends a company incorporated elsewhere
- Parent company documents need attestation
- Licensed under the parent company name
- The parent company carries the liability
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
How much does Dubai South company setup cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on your licence type, activity, premises and number of visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote that lists every Dubai South and service fee before you commit.
- Dubai South licence package and activity fees
- Flexi-desk, office or warehouse in Dubai South
- Establishment card and residence visas
- Annual licence renewal
- Accounting and reporting support
- PRO, bank account and tax registration support
- How it works
How to set up a Dubai South company in Dubai in 5 steps
Choose activities and licence
We match your activities to the right Dubai South licence category and confirm your tax position.
Reserve your name
We reserve a compliant name and prepare the application for Dubai South.
Apply and secure premises
We submit the application and arrange a flexi-desk, office or warehouse in Dubai South.
Receive your Dubai South licence
After approvals and fees, Dubai South issues your trade licence and incorporation documents.
Visas, bank account and launch
We process the establishment card and residence visas, then introduce you to UAE banks and set up accounting and tax registration support.
Documents required for Dubai South company setup
Most setups need only a few documents to start. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing for your structure.
- Passport copy of every shareholder, director and manager
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copy, if you are a resident
- Three proposed names, in order of preference
- A short description of your business activities
- Corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MoA/AoA and board resolution, attested
- Source of funds details, where the authority or bank asks for them
- Business plan or activity description, where required
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for Dubai South company setup in Dubai
One dedicated consultant
One consultant handles your trade licence, visas, Ejari and bank account introductions, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees, office, visa and service costs line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Right licence and tax position
Licence categories, premises rules and tax outcomes differ by activity. We check your licence type and your Qualifying Free Zone Person position before you pay a fee.
Licence, visas and bank in one process
Company formation, residence visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions are handled as one coordinated plan.
- Dubai South FAQs
Dubai South company setup in Dubai: frequently asked questions
Dubai South is a Dubai free zone, formerly known as Dubai World Central. It surrounds Al Maktoum International Airport and is governed by the Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC). It offers 100% foreign ownership. See all free zones.
All Dubai South free zone entities allow 100% foreign ownership. Some regulated activities need extra approvals.
The cost depends on your licence type, activity, premises and number of visas, so there is no single price. It combines the licence package, your premises, the establishment card and visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote before you commit. Try the cost calculator.
Premises depend on your licence. Options range from a flexi-desk to offices and warehouses, and logistics or industrial activities usually need warehouse or industrial space. We advise on the lowest-cost option your activity allows.
Not automatically. A Dubai South licence does not give unrestricted mainland trading rights, so trading with UAE customers depends on your licence and any approvals. If most customers are in the UAE, a mainland company may fit better.
Yes, it must register. A free zone company pays 0% only on qualifying income if it is a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and 9% on other income above AED 375,000. A free zone licence does not by itself mean zero tax. See corporate tax registration and filing.
Dubai South issues commercial, service, industrial, logistics, e-commerce and aviation licences. We match your activities to the right category before applying.
The timeline depends on your activity, structure and documents, and on any approvals your activity needs. Visas and the bank account follow the licence. We give you a timeline for your case before you start. See the 5-step process.
Yes. A Dubai South company can sponsor residence visas for owners and employees, with the number linked to your licence and premises. See the investor and partner visa.
Yes. Banks run Know Your Customer checks and the decision is theirs. We prepare the file and introduce you to suitable banks. See corporate bank account opening.
Reviewed by the Maven& corporate setup team. Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you commit.
Ready to set up your Dubai South company?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a setup plan built around your activity. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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