Dubai · Dubai Aviation City Corp · Est. 2006
Centered around Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, Dubai South is a logistics and aviation hub. Through its digital-first Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH) platform, initial setup packages start from AED 12,500, supporting up to 10 visa allocations with moderate banking access. Its proximity to sea-to-air transport links and the Expo district makes it suited for logistics, light assembly, e-commerce, and commercial trade.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: Dubai Aviation City Corp. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 12,500
Year 1 (estimated)
Quick facts
Starter License (No Visa)
AED 12,500
— · Flexi Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 12,500
Estimated
1 Visa Package
AED 19,000
— · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 16,500
Estimated
2 Visa Package
AED 25,500
— · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 20,500
Estimated
3 Visa Package
AED 37,000
— · Flexi Desk · 3 visas
Renews at AED 27,000
Estimated
Advisory Estimate
AED 18,350
— · 0 visas
Renews at AED 11,000
Estimated
Flexi desk included with every licence; no separate physical office lease required. Warehouse/industrial facilities need separate Dubai South logistics zone setup. Visa renewal cost shown recurs every 2 years.
DWC suits trading, industrial and logistics businesses. Confirm your exact activity is on the zone's list before you apply.
Comparing with a mainland licence? Trading & Services · Transport, Storage & Logistics · Manufacturing · Construction & Contracting · Mining & Quarrying · Utilities & Energy
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
Medium
Audit risk
Standard
Forensic ease
7/10
Strategic Aviation Hub; High-Substance Logistics Node.
Dubai South functions as a critical multi-modal hub, anchored by the Al Maktoum International Airport. For 2026, the primary statutory challenge is the 'Designated Zone' boundary logic. While logistics services within the DZ are typically qualifying, any spillover into retail, consumer sales, or non-designated zone activities requires forensic ring-fencing to protect the 0% Corporate Tax standing.
As a Designated Zone, Dubai South falls under specific Article 18 protocols where 'Qualifying Income' is strictly defined by Cabinet Decision No. 55. Compliance centers on the physical movement of goods and the localization of CIGA within the airport-adjacent logistics district.
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Tax and compliance
DWC tax status and QFZP rules →
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Activities
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How much does it cost to set up in DWC?
The cheapest published package for Dubai South is Starter License (No Visa) at AED 12,500 for Year 1, renewing at AED 12,500. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
Is banking easy to set up with a DWC licence?
Banking difficulty for DWC is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Mashreq Bank, Emirates NBD, Wio Business.
How many visas can I get with a DWC licence, and what do they cost?
DWC allows 5 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 3 visas (3 Visa Package, AED 37,000 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 4,500. Visa renewal cost shown recurs every 2 years.
How much is the DWC licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 9,000 to AED 17,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in DWC?
DWC sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in DWC?
Flexi desk included with every licence; no separate physical office lease required. Warehouse/industrial facilities need separate Dubai South logistics zone setup. The smallest office we hold for DWC is 18 sq m.
Can a DWC company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A DWC company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.