Pricing For – (DMC) Dubai Media City Free Zone
About Dubai South(DS) FREE ZONE
Dubai South is a free zone that offers a variety of specialized trading and logistics activities.
Its strategic location is one of its biggest advantages, as it is directly connected to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport. This makes it the perfect hub for international trade, logistics, and travel.
Dubai South is also the location of the upcoming Expo 2024, which is expected to draw in 25 million visitors to the UAE and 1 million residents to Dubai South.
Prices starting from AED 32,000
Average business setup time: 2 weeks
Benefits of setting up a company in Dubai South(DS) FREE ZONE
100% Business Ownership And Capital Repatriation
- As an expatriate, you have the freedom to fully own your company and repatriate all profits to your home country.
Strategic Location
- Dubai South is in close proximity to major international ports and airports and is situated near the site of Expo 2020.
Licensing Options
- Dubai South issues licenses for trading, commercial activities, services, logistics, and trading.
Simple Setup
- It is possible to set up a business in Dubai South within a timeframe of 2 weeks.
Leasing Options
- Dubai South provides leasing options for both warehousing and residential units.
Goods Handling
- Dubai South allows for the seamless transportation of goods from ships to planes in just four hours.
Dubai South Business Activities
Dubai South(DS) Free Zone caters to a variety of financial and professional services. Here are the most popular options available:
Logistics
Storage
Marketing
Agriculture
Transport
Hospitality
All Trading Activities
Food and Beverage Trading
Aviation
Education
IT Consultancy
Management Consultancy
Physical Presence Requirement
You don’t need to be physically present to set up your company.
Dubai South Free Zone: Business Formation
In Dubai, there has been a significant increase in the number of new businesses being set up, with over 70,000 business licenses issued last year. This number has almost doubled compared to the previous year, indicating that the number of businesses being set up in Dubai Free Zones is on the rise.
One of the popular free zones in Dubai where many people choose to start a company is the Dubai South Free Zone. This free zone offers multiple benefits and makes it easy for individuals to start a business.
If you’re interested in being one of the many businesses in Dubai South, this guide is for you. Here’s what you need to know about Dubai South Free Zone business formation.
What Is the Dubai South Free Zone?
Let’s start by understanding what the Dubai South Free Zone is before we delve into the details of Dubai South’s business formation. This Free Zone was established in 2006 and is a popular choice for Dubai Free Zone company setups. It’s one of the newest and rapidly developing areas.
Dubai South Free Zone is a preferred location for setting up businesses due to its easy access to Abu Dhabi and Dubai mainland. It is situated near the Al Maktoum airport, which makes transportation of goods and products convenient for business owners.
Additionally, there are several roadways throughout the free zone, and a metro line runs through the area, making transportation even more accessible.
What Business Activities Are Allowed in Dubai South?
Each free zone has its own set of regulations regarding the types of business activities that company owners can undertake. To establish a business in a specific free zone, you must comply with the local requirements for business activities.
In Dubai South, there are various activities in which you can participate. The permitted groups of activities in this zone include:
- Commercial activities
- Service or consulting activities
- E-commerce business
- Manufacturing businesses
- Freelance permits
If you’re planning to establish a business, you may be required to demonstrate your expertise in the relevant field. In such cases, you will usually need to hold a degree before you can start your company. It’s important to note that you cannot combine unrelated activities under the same license. Additionally, you cannot combine service and commercial activities in the same license.
Company Structure in Dubai South Free Zone
In Dubai South Free Zone, there are several company structures that you can choose from to set up your business. These structures are dependent on the size of the organization and the nature of the business. If you plan to start a business in Dubai, you have various options available to you.
- One shareholder
- Two or more shareholders
- Local branches of companies already present in the UAE
- Foreign branches of companies outside the UAE
Benefits of Starting a Dubai South Free Zone Company
Starting a business in the Dubai South Free Zone has numerous benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider launching your company in this area.
Hub for Business
The Dubai South Free Zone is an ideal business hub with easy access to neighbouring countries and other areas in Dubai.
100% Ownership
When you open a business in the Dubai South Free Zone, you get 100% ownership and 0% tax requirements, eliminating the possibility of being double-taxed.
Flexible Office Solutions
Businesses in Dubai South Free Zone have access to a variety of office solutions that cater to their specific needs.
Fewer Nationality Restrictions
Several countries have strict regulations regarding obtaining a visa and starting a business.
However, the Dubai South Free Zone has fewer limitations for obtaining a visa or sponsoring dependents. Also, the restrictions for company ownership are lesser.
The Dubai South Business Set-Up Process
Before we dive into the process of setting up a business in the Dubai South Free Zone, it’s important to know that the owner of the company must be physically present to sign the necessary documents.
However, if the owner is unable to travel, they can appoint someone with power of attorney to represent them. It’s important to note that the appointed person must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy. Whether you go to Dubai in person or send someone in your place, there are a few steps you need to follow for the business setup process.
Pre-Approval
Before opening your business, obtain pre-approval to ensure legal compliance.
Visit the UAE
After getting pre-approval, visit the free zone to verify signatures and sign your new lease agreement.
Pay Your Business Fees
After setting up your business in the UAE, you need to make a payment to the government to get your license approved.
What Documents are Required to Set Up a Business in Dubai South Free Zone?
When starting the process of setting up your business in Dubai, there are a few documents that you need to gather.
- Submit a business license application form.
- Include a business plan if your business is service-related.
- Provide visas and passports of managers and shareholders.
- Include a photocopy of your Emirates ID.
- Sign and submit a copy of DWCBC terms and conditions.
- Complete a specimen signature form.
- Submit a memorandum of articles of association.
Once you have collected the required documents, you can submit them for pre-approval. The pre-approval process takes about fifteen days.
After you receive pre-approval, you will need to wait for about ten more days to receive your license. However, the timeline may vary slightly depending on how quickly you gather your documents and begin the process.
Cost Involved in Setting Up a Business in Dubai South Free Zone
Although we would like to believe that starting a business in Dubai South is free of charge, there are certain costs involved. These costs include immigration expenses and the costs of establishing your business.
You should be aware of the business establishment costs, which consist of:
- Registration fee: 2,000 AED
- License fee: 10,000 AED
- Flexi-desk: 16,900 AED
- Establishment card: 1,000 AED
In addition to the costs of setting up your business, you’ll also need to pay for immigration and visa documents.
- Company immigration card: 1,000 AED
- Domestic residence visa: 4,100 AED
- Foreign residence visa: 2,500 AED
- Enirates ID card: 370 AED
- Medical tests: 880 AED
If you decide to use a representative to process your immigration status and set up your company, it is important to be aware of any fees that the business may charge you. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that the process is handled correctly.
What to Know About Dubai South Residence Visas
Getting a residence visa is necessary to set up your business in Dubai. Fortunately, the cost for a Dubai residence visa is reasonably low.
However, the cost may be slightly higher if you were already in the UAE when you submitted your visa application. It’s important to note that you will also need to have basic medical insurance to obtain your visa.
Once you’ve been granted your visa, it will be valid for three years. You don’t need to have investor designations for shareholders within your business to obtain your visa.
Making Amendments to a Dubai South Business License
Once you’ve filed and received your Dubai South Business License, It’s important to know that there are certain situations that might require you to make changes to your business license.
One reason for an amendment could be a name change. For instance, if you decide to change the name of your company or if your own legal name changes, it’s necessary to update your business documents accordingly.
Another reason for an amendment could be a change in the activity your business is involved in. For example, if you run a hair salon that starts selling hair products, you’ll need to update your business activity since you have introduced a new product line.
If any changes to the personnel occur, such as managers, secretaries, directors, or shareholders, it is necessary to amend your business license. Additionally, if you upgrade your facility, you’ll need to update your business license.
Keep in mind that depending on the type of amendment you’re making, you may need to personally visit the Free Zone. However, some activities can be carried out through power of attorney.
Renewing Your Dubai South Business License
After setting up your business in Dubai, you might assume that all the paperwork is done. But, your business license is only valid for a certain period of time. So, you need to renew it to keep your company active.
The good news is that renewing your Dubai South business license is a cost-effective process. Additionally, you can hire an agent to renew your business license, so you don’t have to be physically present in the United Arab Emirates to keep your company running.
To renew your business license, you only need to pay the government fee and submit a copy of your signed lease agreement for the upcoming year, along with the payment receipt.
One important thing you should keep in mind is that from the second renewal of your business license onward, you must provide audit reports. You must submit these reports to the government once a year.
How to Liquidate a Dubai South Business
If you ever decide to close your business in Dubai South, it is a simple process. The reason for closure could be any, but the process is straightforward.
In Dubai South, you don’t have to be physically present to dissolve your company. You can appoint a representative to handle all the necessary steps on your behalf.
To dissolve your company in the Dubai South Free Zone, you must cancel all your visas, including your visa and any dependent visas attached to it.
Next, you will need to cancel your lease agreement with your landlord and close your business bank account.
If your business license includes trading activity, you will also need to obtain a clearance from Customs. Once you have completed all these steps, you are ready to close your business.
Please note that you will need to pay a government fee of approximately 4,000 AED. After you have paid the fee and completed all the necessary steps, the company liquidation process is expected to take around one month.
Launch a Business in the Dubai South Free Zone
If you’re looking to establish a business in the Dubai South Free Zone, then this guide on company formation is exactly what you need. It provides all the necessary information to help you take advantage of the opportunities available in the region and start earning substantial profits.
So, what are you waiting for? Feel free to contact Gulf Gateway CSP to benefit from our services and launch your new Dubai business without any hassle.
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United Arab Emirates
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