Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Dubai South Business Hub fits founders who want a structured planning flow with a published starter package. Validate activity fit and visa/office assumptions, and remember it is separate from Dubai South Free Zone (DWC).
Should you choose Dubai South Business Hub?
Dubai South Business Hub fits founders who want a structured planning flow with a published starter package. Validate activity fit and visa/office assumptions, and remember it is separate from Dubai South Free Zone (DWC).
Who this is for: Startups, SMEs, service-led businesses wanting a structured planning flow with the Dubai South Business Hub package
Key caution: Always verify current pricing, activity suitability, and banking realities before committing.
Best for
Startups
Starting from
From AED 12,500
Visas
Up to 6 visas per licence
Office
Flexi-desk included in most packages
Timeline
3–5 business days
Banking
Smoother KYC
Overview
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is a separate operating entity that sits within the wider Dubai South development. It is not the same as Dubai South Free Zone (DWC) — the Business Hub publishes its own packages and tariff, with a transparent, tool-led setup experience built on a cost calculator and side-by-side package comparison. Like other UAE free zones, it allows 100% foreign ownership and access to the standard free-zone tax framework, where 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. Most starter packages are built around a flexi-desk rather than a physical office, which keeps entry costs lower and is generally sufficient for visa processing and correspondence on service activities. The Business Hub tends to suit founders who value an estimate-first planning flow and a structured roadmap as they scale, particularly in consulting, services and lighter operating models. Banking onboarding is generally described as smoother, but outcomes still depend on documentation quality, a clear transaction narrative and your underlying business model rather than the zone label alone. Compare carefully against Meydan, IFZA and DMCC across brand, speed, activity breadth and total cost stack rather than the headline starter figure. As with any zone, confirm current pricing, activity availability and visa allocations directly with the authority before committing.
Who it suits
This may apply when
- •Consultants and solo founders
- •Agencies and service businesses
- •Digital and remote-first operators
- •Early-stage founders entering the UAE market
May not be the best fit when
- •Your activity needs a more specialised ecosystem
- •You need licensing flexibility outside the published packages
- •You are comparing on long-term scale rather than entry simplicity
Business activities
Activity availability may vary. Confirm with the authority for your specific activity.
Pricing & Packages
Starter
AED 12,500 /yr
Includes
- 1 visa allocation
- Flexi-desk
- Trade licence
- Establishment card
Not included
- Registration
- Workspace/facility upgrades
- Visa processing fees
- Emirates ID
- Medical fitness test
- Insurance
- Value-added services
Business
AED 17,500 /yr
Includes
- 3 visa allocations
- Flexi-desk
- Trade licence
- Establishment card
- 1 activity included
Not included
- Visa processing fees
- Emirates ID
- Medical fitness test
Pricing is indicative. Last checked: June 2026. Always confirm current fees and inclusions directly.
Pricing source & verification
- Pricing status
- Verified
- Source type
- Official authority
- Source
- Dubai South Business Hub
- Last checked
- 2026-06-20
- Confidence
- high
Final cost depends on activity, package, registration, workspace/facility, visas, establishment card, immigration file and current offer validity.
Visa & office considerations
Visas
Up to 6 visa allocations per licence depending on your package. Visa processing typically takes 5–10 additional business days after licence issuance.
Office
Most packages include a flexi-desk, which is sufficient for visa processing and correspondence. No physical office is required for most service activities.
Banking & KYC realities
Business Hub licence holders generally experience smoother banking onboarding. Banking/KYC depends heavily on documentation and transaction narrative. Set renewal reminders and a compliance baseline on day one.
Setup process
- 1Choose your business activity and package
- 2Submit application with passport copies and business plan
- 3Receive initial approval (1–2 days)
- 4Pay licence fees
- 5Receive trade licence and establishment card
- 6Apply for visa (if needed)
- 7Complete medical and Emirates ID
- 8Open corporate bank account
Common requirements
- Passport copy (valid for 6+ months)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Business plan or activity description
- Proof of residential address
Common mistakes to avoid
Compare Dubai South Business Hub with alternatives
| Criteria | Dubai South Business Hub | Meydan | IFZA | Shams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting cost | From AED 12,500 | AED 12,500 | Request quote | Media package from AED 5,750 |
| Ideal for | 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 | SMEs, consultants, holding structures, flexible partner-driven company formation in Dubai | Media, content, freelancer, consulting, SME and startup formations in Sharjah |
| Visas | Up to 6 visas per licence | Up to 6 visas per licence | Up to 6 visas per licence | Up to 6 visas per licence |
| Office | Flexi-desk included in most packages | Flexi-desk included | Flexi-desk included in most packages | No physical office required |
| Timeline | 3–5 business days | 3–5 business days | 3–5 business days | 2–5 business days |
| Banking | Generally smoother banking onboarding | Banking readiness depends on file quality, not marketing claims | Generally smoother KYC process | Banking can be slower; plan for additional KYC steps |
| Remote-first | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Sources & methodology
- Dubai South Business Hub[R67BH]
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.
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