Set Up a Company in Dubai South Free Zone
Master-planned city around Al Maktoum International Airport. Home to Expo 2020 site. Logistics and aviation hub.
Dubai South Free Zone
Dubai South
- Dubai South (near Al Maktoum Airport), Dubai
- Regulated by Dubai South
- Established 2006
- Official website
Best for:
Why Choose Dubai South?
Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central) is a master-planned city built around Al Maktoum International Airport. The zone was home to Expo 2020 and is positioned as Dubai's future economic hub. Dubai South is particularly suited to logistics, aviation, and e-commerce businesses benefiting from its airport connectivity.
Al Maktoum Airport Access
Located around Al Maktoum International Airport — Dubai's future main airport.
Expo 2020 Legacy
Benefits from Expo 2020 infrastructure and development.
Competitive Pricing
More affordable than central Dubai free zones.
E-commerce Friendly
Dedicated logistics district for e-commerce fulfilment.
Future Growth
Positioned as Dubai's next major business district.
Industrial Options
Warehousing and light industrial facilities available.
Important: What Dubai South companies cannot do
- Located 40+ minutes from central Dubai
- Still developing — less established than central zones
- Limited retail and lifestyle amenities currently
Dubai South Setup Costs — 2026 Pricing
Prices shown are indicative of 2026 market rates. Exact costs depend on your chosen activities, visa quota, and office package. Get an exact quote →
Year 1 total: ~AED 15,000+ |Annual renewal: From AED 9,750. Year 2 onwards is typically 30–40% less as registration fees are one-off.
How to Register a Company in Dubai South
Choose Your Activities
Select up to 1-3 business activities from Dubai South's approved list.
Reserve Your Company Name
Choose a unique company name following UAE naming rules. Must include FZE or FZCO suffix.
Submit Documents
Passport copy, photo, proof of address. Can be processed 100% remotely.
Receive Initial Approval
Dubai South reviews your application. Initial approval typically takes 3 business days.
Pay & Receive Your Licence
After payment, your trade licence is issued within 3-7 working days.
Apply for Visas
With your licence, apply for UAE residence visas. Process takes 3-5 weeks with in-person medical and biometrics.
UAE Residence Visas Through Dubai South
Visa Quota
With a Dubai South licence you can sponsor up to 50 residence visas depending on your office package. Flexi desk packages typically allow 1 visas.
Visa Cost
Each UAE residence visa through Dubai South costs approximately AED 3,500 – 5,500 including entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping fees.
Visa Validity
UAE free zone residence visas are valid for 2–3 years and can be renewed. Your visa is tied to your company — if the licence lapses, visas must be renewed or cancelled.