Dubai South Free Zone
Company Formation with RAG Holdings
Dubai South is one of the UAE’s most ambitious and strategically significant economic developments — a purpose-built, master-planned business city designed to serve as the country’s primary hub for aviation, logistics, trade, and commerce. Anchored by Al Maktoum International Airport, which is on course to become the largest airport in the world upon full completion, Dubai South offers businesses an unmatched gateway to regional and global markets.
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RAG Holdings delivers end-to-end company formation services for entrepreneurs and corporations looking to establish a presence in Dubai South Free Zone. From selecting the right licence and legal structure to document preparation, visa processing, and office space coordination, our team manages every stage of your setup with precision and care — so you can focus entirely on your business.
Why Choose Dubai South for Your Business?
Dubai South is not just a free zone — it is a fully integrated economic city built around the infrastructure of the future. Here is why businesses across industries are choosing it as their base of operations:
Unrivalled Connectivity and Location
Strategically positioned between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Dubai South sits at the intersection of two of the UAE’s most powerful commercial corridors. Businesses here enjoy direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Sea Port — the largest seaport in the region — and the UAE’s major highway networks, making it one of the most connected business addresses in the Middle East.
A City Designed Around Business
Dubai South spans seven distinct operational districts, each designed to serve a specific sector and business need. Whether you operate in aviation, logistics, commerce, or professional services, there is a dedicated district built to accommodate and accelerate your operations.
Investor-Friendly Regulatory Environment
Dubai South offers a transparent, open, and business-forward regulatory framework that gives both local and international investors the confidence to establish and grow their companies with minimal friction:
- 100% foreign ownership — no local partner or sponsor required
- Unrestricted repatriation of profits and capital
- No personal income tax on salaries or earnings
- No currency exchange controls or restrictions
- Competitive 9% corporate income tax rate where applicable
- Standard 5% VAT rate in line with UAE federal law
- Flexible commercial leasing arrangements to suit businesses of all sizes
Seven Business Districts to Choose From Dubai South’s master plan is built around seven specialised districts, giving businesses the flexibility to locate within the most relevant environment for their sector:
Aviation District
purpose-built for airlines, MRO operators, aerospace businesses, and aviation service providers
Logistics District
designed for supply chain, warehousing, freight, and distribution companies with direct port and airport access
Commercial District
a vibrant hub for professional services, trading companies, and corporate offices
Residential District
providing quality living accommodation for the Dubai South workforce community
Humanitarian District
home to humanitarian organisations and NGOs operating across the region
Golf District
an integrated lifestyle and business community within a premium residential setting
Dubai South Exhibition City
a world-class venue for international trade exhibitions and major commercial events
Comprehensive Business Support Services Dubai South is recognised for the quality and efficiency of its client services. Businesses operating within the free zone benefit from streamlined registration processes, responsive government services, and a range of workspace solutions including co-working spaces, private offices, and full-scale warehousing and industrial facilities.
Licence Types Available in Dubai South
RAG Holdings will guide you in selecting the licence category that best aligns with your business activity. Dubai South currently offers six licence types:
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Industrial Licence
Designed for businesses engaged in general trading combined with light manufacturing activities such as blending, mixing, assembling, repacking, purifying, or reforming products. Ideal for manufacturers and product-based businesses seeking a free zone base. -
Aviation Licence
Issued to companies operating within the aviation ecosystem — including aircraft maintenance, ground handling, aviation consultancy, training, and related support services. Dubai South's Aviation District is purpose-built to accommodate the full spectrum of aviation industry operators. -
Trading Licence
Granted to businesses involved in the import, export, and domestic distribution of goods. Companies holding a trading licence may also sell goods within the UAE through appointed local distributors, giving them access to both free zone and onshore markets. -
Logistics Licence
Tailored for businesses providing logistics and supply chain services including warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearing, transportation, inventory management, order processing, and distribution — all from one of the most connected logistics destinations in the world. -
Service Licence
Awarded to professional service providers operating across a defined range of sectors. This licence is suited to consultants, advisors, technology firms, marketing agencies, and other service-oriented businesses seeking a free zone presence. -
Education Licence
Available to institutions and organisations delivering educational services, professional training programmes, skills development, and educational consultancy — supporting Dubai South's ambition to build a fully integrated, self-sufficient business city.
Business Structure Options in Dubai South
Businesses incorporating in Dubai South can choose from two primary legal entity structures:
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Limited Liability Company (LLC) The most widely adopted entity structure across the UAE, an LLC limits each shareholder’s financial liability to the value of their shareholding in the company. This structure is well suited to businesses with multiple founders or investors seeking a clearly defined ownership and governance framework.
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Branch of a Foreign Company International companies may register a branch in Dubai South without the need for a separate capital investment. The branch operates as a legal extension of its parent company and must conduct activities that are consistent with those of the parent entity in its home jurisdiction.
Documents Required for Dubai South Company Setup
RAG Holdings will compile and manage all documentation on your behalf. The standard documents required for Dubai South company formation include:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- UAE entry stamp or visa copy
- Active contact number and email address
- Residential and correspondence address details
- Agreed shareholding ratio between partners
- Proposed company name (with alternatives)
Additional documents may be required depending on your chosen licence type and business activity. RAG Holdings will provide a complete and personalised document checklist following your initial consultation.
