BLOGS Business Setup

Business Setup in Dubai South Free Zone | Start Your Company Today

by Shethana Mar 02, 2025 6 MIN READ

Banner image of business setup in Dubai South Free Zone

Dubai South Free Zone is one of the UAE’s most strategic business districts, with a perfect setting for startups, SMEs, and multinational companies. Sited close to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, it has unbeatable access to markets worldwide.

With investor-friendly policies, 100% foreign ownership, zero personal and corporate tax, and a hassle-free business setup procedure, Dubai South remains a favored choice among entrepreneurs looking for a low-cost business setup in Dubai or a new business setup in Dubai.

This guide provides a step-by-step process for business setup in Dubai South Free Zone, detailing the benefits, types of licenses, and operational procedures. Whether you’re interested in web3 business setup in Dubai, ecommerce business setup in Dubai, or even real estate business setup in Dubai, Dubai South is a top contender.

What is Dubai South Free Zone?

Strategic Importance

Dubai South Free Zone is an economic free zone aimed at facilitating major industries like aviation, logistics, trade, and e-commerce.

It covers an area of 145 square kilometers and aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to create a global business hub.

It is part of the broader ecosystem, including business setup in Dubai Mainland, business setup in Dubai Free Zone, and specialized zones like business setup in DMCC Dubai, business setup in Dubai Silicon Oasis, and business setup in Dubai Media City.

Key Sectors and Industries in Dubai South

Dubai South caters to various industries, including:

Aviation
Logistics
Trade
Real Estate
E-commerce

It is home to aviation city and logistics zones, positioning it as a hub for online business setup in Dubai, manufacturing business setup in Dubai, technical services business setup in Dubai, and blockchain business setup in Dubai.

Why Choose Dubai South Free Zone for Business Setup?

Dubai South Free Zone might be an ideal choice if you’re exploring how to setup business in Dubai as a foreigner, or comparing options like business setup in SPC Free Zone Dubai or RAKEZ Free Zone company setup.

Key Advantages:

100% Foreign Ownership and Tax Advantages – Offers benefits similar to those of IFZA Free Zone license cost and RAKEZ trade license setups.
100% Repatriation of Capital and Profits – Like other zones offering business setup in Dubai from India, Dubai South provides freedom to move capital freely.
Global Connectivity and Strategic Location – Especially useful for companies exploring a trading business setup in Dubai or an import-export business license in Dubai.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – Tailored for small business setup in Dubai, including sole proprietorship business setup in Dubai.
Business-Friendly Environment and Government Support – Comparable to the services of business setup consultants in Dubai and new business setup consultants in Dubai.

Types of Licenses Available in Dubai South Free Zone

Industrial License
Logistics License
Trading and General Trading License (Also available as RAKEZ General Trading License, IFZA General Trading License Cost)
Service License
Education License
Freelance Permit (like RAKEZ Freelance Permit, Ajman Free Zone Freelance Visa)

Also applicable to:

Business Activities Permitted in Dubai South Free Zone

Aerospace and Aviation
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
E-commerce and Retail
Information Technology and Data Centers
Financial Services and Banking (including Web3 Business with RAK DAO Free Zone)
Health Care and Medical Services (relevant to Business Setup in Dubai Healthcare City)
Education and Training
Manufacturing and Industrial Production
Real Estate Development and Management
Business Services and Consulting

These activities also fall under types permitted in zones like DIFC License, RAKEZ License Types, Ajman Free Zone, and Umm Al Quwain Free Zone.

Cost and Fees Involved in Setting Up a Business in Dubai South Free Zone

The business setup cost in Dubai can vary. For Dubai South:

Minimum capital requirement: AED 5,000
Office space: Flexi-desk starts from AED 16,000/year; private offices range AED 25,000–100,000+
Licensing Fees: AED 10,000–50,000 depending on activity (E-commerce license cost in Dubai may vary)
Registration Fees: AED 9,000–12,000
Installments: Dubai South offers options for business setup in Dubai installments

Other considerations:

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Business in Dubai South Free Zone

This guide is applicable across other zones like RAKEZ, SPC, and IFZA Free Zone, whether you’re launching a restaurant, fitness, AI, gold trading, technical, or ecommerce business setup in Dubai.

Step-by-Step Process:

Select Your Business Activity and License Type – Consider your sector, e.g., scrap metal business setup in Dubai, trading, or healthcare.
Choose a Trade Name – Ensure it complies with Dubai South naming rules.
Submit Required Documents and Apply for Initial Approval
Secure Office Space and Lease Agreement
Obtain the Trade License – Understand how to get a trade license in Dubai, renew it, cancel it, or verify it.
Apply for Visas and Immigration Permits – Whether 2 years employment visa Dubai price or Dubai Golden Visa Requirements, visa processes matter.
Open a Corporate Bank Account – Some ask, how to open a business bank account in Dubai without trade license—most zones will still require one.
Comply with Regulatory and Tax Requirements – Includes VAT, auditing, and municipal approvals.

Conclusion

Dubai South Free Zone offers a business-friendly ecosystem with global connectivity, modern infrastructure, and flexible licensing options. Whether you’re planning a new business setup in Dubai, web3 business, or a real estate venture, this zone is among the most progressive free zones in the UAE. It rivals other zones like RAKEZ Free Zone, DIFC, IFZA, and Ajman Free Zone with competitive business setup packages in Dubai and world-class support. This guide also complements entrepreneurs exploring how to setup small business in Dubai, how to get real estate license in Dubai, or even how to get a food business license in Dubai.

About Arnifi

Arnifi is a digital corporate service provider helping companies enter the Middle East region, including business setup in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and RAK DAO Crypto License support. The team, with roots in Amazon, Souq, and more, understands the ins and outs of how to setup business in Dubai—be it a micro business permit, sole proprietorship, or corporate business setup in Dubai. Whether you’re launching a trading company, blockchain business, or pursuing golden visa UAE eligibility, Arnifi ensures a seamless and fully digital setup experience.