Dubai South Business Hub: Complete Guide

In 2026, over 25,000 businesses operate through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, making it one of the UAE's fastest-growing free zones (Dubai South Business Hub, 2026). Licenses start from AED 12,500. Same-day issuance is available on the DSBH digital platform. Over 3,500 business activities are approved, with five included at no extra cost. Foreign investors keep 100% ownership. No local sponsor is needed. This guide covers what DSBH is, who it suits, how to set up, what it costs, and what rules apply.

What Is Dubai South Business Hub and Why It Matters

Dubai South Business Hub is a UAE free zone at Dubai South, next to Al Maktoum International Airport. It lets foreign investors own 100% of their company, get a trade license from AED 12,500, and access over 3,500 approved business activities with same-day license issuance available.

The Free Zone Defined

DSBH sits inside the 145 km² Dubai South district, directly next to Al Maktoum International Airport. It is a licensed free zone authority. Companies formed here are separate legal entities from the UAE mainland.

100% foreign ownership: Foreign nationals can own their DSBH company outright. No local sponsor is needed (u.ae, 2026).

A note worth flagging: "designated zone" is a VAT term only. It does not apply to DSBH.

Who DSBH Is Built For

Over 25,000 businesses operate through DSBH in 2026. Five business activities are included at no extra cost. The zone suits:

• Startups and SMEs seeking a low-cost UAE entry

• International firms wanting a Gulf hub near air and sea routes

• Entrepreneurs in trading, ICT, professional services, and logistics

• Investors who need a UAE residency visa tied to a company license

You can explore all business activities at DSBH before you apply.

Location and Infrastructure at Dubai South

Dubai South spans 145 square kilometres beside Al Maktoum International Airport and near Jebel Ali Port. The zone offers warehousing, flexi-desk offices, and co-working space.

Why the Location Helps Your Business

• Al Maktoum International Airport sits on the zone's boundary — air freight moves fast

• Jebel Ali Port is within close range, giving sea freight access

• Road links connect to Dubai city, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE

Office and Workspace Options

DSBH bundles workspace into the license fee:

• Flexi-desk packages suit small teams and solo founders

• Physical office space is available for larger operations

• Warehouse and light industrial units are on offer for trading and logistics firms

• All workspace types satisfy UAE physical presence rules for visa issuance

5 Steps to Set Up at Dubai South Business Hub

Setting up at DSBH takes 5 steps: check your trade name, choose your business activities, pick a license and workspace package, submit your documents, and collect your license. Same-day issuance is available on the DSBH digital platform.

Steps 1 to 3: Name, Activities, Package

• Step 1, check your trade name: Use the DSBH name-check tool before you apply.

• Step 2, choose your activities: Pick from over 3,500 options — up to five are included at no extra cost.

• Step 3, pick your package: Choose your license type (trading, professional, or services) and workspace (flexi-desk, office, or warehouse).

Steps 4 to 5: Documents and License

• Step 4, submit your papers: Upload your passport copy, a passport photo, and proof of address via the DSBH digital platform.

• Step 5, receive your license: Same-day issuance is available on the platform.

• After the license is issued, apply for your UAE residency visa through DSBH's residency services.

• Open a UAE bank account once your Emirates ID is in hand.

License Types and Business Activities at DSBH

DSBH offers trading, professional, and services licenses. Over 3,500 activities are approved, and up to five are included in the base license fee.

Trading and Professional Licenses

Trading license: Covers buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods. Up to five activities at no extra cost.

Professional license: Covers advisory, consulting, and skilled service work. Same five-activity rule applies.

See the full list of business activities in Dubai on the DSBH platform.

DSBH Free Zone vs UAE Mainland: Key Differences

Services License and Restricted Activities

Services license: Covers facility management, cleaning, maintenance, and related work.

Worth flagging: financial services, insurance brokerage, real estate brokerage, travel agency work, recruitment, and clinical healthcare are not available through DSBH. Check the full activity list on the DSBH platform before you apply.

Costs and Timelines at Dubai South Business Hub

DSBH licenses start from AED 12,500. Costs vary by license type, number of visas, and workspace choice. Same-day license issuance is available. Most companies are fully running within one week of submitting their papers.

License and Visa Fees

Use the DSBH cost calculator to work out your full first-year cost. Always confirm the current figure there before you quote it.

Visa packages are priced separately. Annual renewal fees apply to both the license and each visa. The number of visas you can sponsor depends on the workspace type you choose.

How Long Setup Takes

• License: same-day issuance available on the DSBH digital platform

• Visa: processed through ICP, typically several working days after the license is issued

• Emirates ID: arrives after the visa medical and biometrics are done

• Bank account: follows Emirates ID, allow extra time for bank due diligence

What You Must Comply With at DSBH

DSBH companies must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority once set up, regardless of turnover. VAT registration is needed once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per year. Companies must keep financial records for seven years and renew their trade license and visas annually.

Corporate Tax and VAT Rules

Corporate tax: Every DSBH company must register with the FTA once it is set up. Free zone companies can pay 0% corporate tax, but only if they meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions the FTA sets (Federal Tax Authority, 2026).

VAT: VAT applies at 9% on taxable supplies above AED 375,000 per year. Late registration carries a penalty of AED 10,000.

Record Keeping and Annual Renewal

• Keep financial records for 7 years — the FTA can ask to see them

• Renew your trade license every year before it expires

• Renew each employee and investor visa before it lapses

• Check your Emiratisation duties directly with DSBH

You can find full details on banking and taxation services at DSBH.

Residency Visas and Banking at Dubai South Business Hub

DSBH company owners can apply for a UAE investor residency visa tied to their trade license. The number of visas depends on the workspace package chosen. Once the Emirates ID is issued, founders can open a UAE bank account.

Investor Visa Process

• Your DSBH trade license is the base document for an investor visa application

• Apply through ICP after the license is issued

• You will need a medical test, biometrics, and health insurance before the visa is stamped

• Your Emirates ID is issued after biometrics are complete

The DSBH residency services team handles the paperwork on your behalf.

Opening a UAE Bank Account

• You need your Emirates ID, trade license, and company documents

• Banks carry out their own checks — allow extra time for approval

• DSBH's beyond-hub support helps you prepare the papers banks ask for

• A UAE bank account lets you pay staff, collect payments, and meet FTA filing needs

Find out more about opening a UAE bank account through DSBH's beyond-hub services.

Dubai South Business Hub gives founders a fast, low-cost route into the UAE. Licenses start from AED 12,500, same-day issuance is available, and over 3,500 activities are covered. If you want to start your business in Dubai with full foreign ownership and a clear compliance path, DSBH is worth a close look.

References

• u.ae (u.ae)

• ICP (icp.gov.ae)

• Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)