Dubai South Free Zone
Dubai South Free Zone (DWC) fits aviation, logistics and infrastructure-adjacent businesses. Pricing is quote-based; do not rely on Business Hub package prices.
Should you choose Dubai South?
Dubai South Free Zone (DWC) fits aviation, logistics and infrastructure-adjacent businesses. Pricing is quote-based; do not rely on Business Hub package prices.
Who this is for: Aviation, logistics, light industry and businesses needing Dubai South ecosystem proximity around Al Maktoum International Airport
Key caution: Always verify current pricing, activity suitability, and banking realities before committing.
Best for
Aviation
Starting from
Request quote
Visas
Visas available; quota depends on licence and facility
Office
Office, warehouse and land options across the wider Dubai South development
Timeline
Authority quote-dependent
Banking
Smoother KYC
Overview
Dubai South Free Zone — also known as Dubai World Central (DWC) — is the official Dubai South authority free zone that sits around Al Maktoum International Airport. It serves aviation, logistics, light industry and businesses that benefit from proximity to the Dubai South development and its associated infrastructure. As a UAE free zone it allows 100% foreign ownership and access to the standard free-zone tax framework: qualifying income earned by a Qualifying Free Zone Person may fall under the 0% Corporate Tax rate subject to economic substance and the conditions set by the Federal Tax Authority. It is a separate entity from Dubai South Business Hub, which operates its own packages and tariff. The authority does not publish a single fixed public starting tariff that fits all activities, so pricing depends on your specific licence type, facility footprint and visa allocation. Confirm current fees, activity availability and visa quotas directly with the Dubai South authority or an authorised channel before committing.
Who it suits
This may apply when
- •Aviation, freight and logistics operators
- •Light industrial and warehousing businesses
- •Companies wanting Dubai South development positioning
May not be the best fit when
- •Service-only consulting where a flexi-desk fee zone is cheaper
- •You need a simple published tariff before talking to the authority
Business activities
Activity availability may vary. Confirm with the authority for your specific activity.
Pricing & Packages
Pricing is indicative. Last checked: June 2026. Always confirm current fees and inclusions directly.
Pricing source & verification
- Pricing status
- Request quote
- Source type
- Official authority
- Source
- Dubai South
- Last checked
- 2026-06-20
- Confidence
- medium
Pricing must be confirmed with Dubai South authority or authorised channel.
Visa & office considerations
Visas
Visa allocations depend on licence, facility and authority approval.
Office
Office, warehouse and land options around the Dubai South / DWC development.
Banking & KYC realities
Banking outcomes depend on documentation, ownership clarity and underlying business model — not on the zone label.
Setup process
- 1Define activity and facility need
- 2Request quote from Dubai South authority or authorised channel
- 3Submit application and supporting documents
- 4Receive approval and pay fees
- 5Collect trade licence and establishment card
- 6Apply for visas and open corporate bank account
Common requirements
- Passport copy (valid for 6+ months)
- Business plan
- Activity-specific documentation
Common mistakes to avoid
Compare Dubai South with alternatives
| Criteria | Dubai South | Dubai South Business Hub | Meydan | JAFZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting cost | Request quote | From AED 12,500 | AED 12,500 | Licence fee from AED 5,000 |
| Ideal for | Aviation, logistics, light industry and businesses needing Dubai South ecosystem proximity around Al Maktoum International Airport | Startups, SMEs, service-led businesses wanting a structured planning flow with the Dubai South Business Hub package | Fast digital setup in Dubai, multi-activity founder businesses, consulting, e-commerce, light trading, startup teams | Large-scale trade, re-export, manufacturing, warehousing, port linkage, foreign branches, selected offshore structures |
| Visas | Visas available; quota depends on licence and facility | Up to 6 visas per licence | Up to 6 visas per licence | High visa quotas with warehouse/office |
| Office | Office, warehouse and land options across the wider Dubai South development | Flexi-desk included in most packages | Flexi-desk included | Office or warehouse required |
| Timeline | Authority quote-dependent | 3–5 business days | 3–5 business days | 7–14 business days |
| Banking | Banking depends on documentation and transaction narrative | Generally smoother banking onboarding | Banking readiness depends on file quality, not marketing claims | Established zone; good banking track record |
| Remote-first | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Frequently asked questions
Sources & methodology
Last checked: June 2026
This page is educational and not legal or tax advice. Fees, requirements, and authority policies can change. Always confirm the latest official requirements and get qualified advice for your specific situation.
Ready to explore Dubai South?
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