Topic Summary
1. What the License Bundles
The Dubai South Business Hub licence is the official permit authorising a company to operate, granting 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national sponsor required.
2. Available License Types
Professional and e-commerce licences start from AED 5,750, alongside trading/commercial, ICT and financial services licences matched to specific business models.
3. ISIC Activity Classification
Approved activities are drawn from a standardised list, and your selection determines both your licence type and fee tier at the application stage.
4. Digital License and Validity
It carries your trade name, approved activities, shareholder details and registered address, is issued in e-licence format, and follows a clear annual renewal pathway.
5. Visa Entitlements
The number of visas available scales with the package chosen, linking your headcount capacity to the licence structure you select.
In 2026, over 25,000 businesses operate through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, with trade licenses starting from AED 12,500 and same-day issuance on the digital platform (Dubai South Business Hub, 2026). The zone covers 145 square kilometres. Al Maktoum International Airport sits inside it. Jebel Ali Port is nearby. Up to 5 business activities sit on one license at no extra cost. Corporate tax registration is mandatory from day one, whatever your turnover (Federal Tax Authority, 2026). This guide covers what a Dubai South Business Hub License is, what it lets you do, how to get one, what it costs, and what rules you must follow once you are set up.
What Is a Dubai South Business Hub License
A Dubai South Business Hub License is a free zone trade license issued by DSBH, a master-planned zone near Al Maktoum International Airport. It lets you run a business in the UAE with 100% foreign ownership, no currency controls, and access to over 3,500 approved business activities from AED 12,500.
What the License Covers
A DSBH license is a legal permit to trade, provide services, or carry out approved activities inside the free zone. Over 3,500 activities are on the approved list. Up to 5 sit on a single license at no extra cost. Same-day issuance is available through the DSBH digital platform.
License types include:
Trading: import, export, general trading
Services: consulting, ICT, education, professional services
Industrial: light manufacturing and processing
Who Can Apply
Any foreign national or UAE resident can apply. The free zone permits 100% foreign ownership. Sole proprietors, small teams, and larger firms all qualify. You do not need prior UAE business history. You must not be on a UAE travel ban or carry outstanding government debts.
Key Benefits of a Dubai South Business Hub License
A DSBH license gives you 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, a fast digital setup, and a location next to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. Licenses start from AED 12,500. Residency visas link directly to your license, and 5 business activities are included at no extra cost.
Financial and Tax Advantages
No personal income tax in the UAE
0% corporate tax is possible if you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions the FTA sets
No currency controls: move money in and out freely
100% profit repatriation is permitted
Location and Infrastructure
Dubai South covers 145 square kilometres. Al Maktoum International Airport sits inside the zone. DHL Express and Cargoz on-demand warehousing operate inside the same district. Jebel Ali Port is nearby, giving sea freight access.
Visa and Residency Options
A DSBH license links directly to UAE residency visa packages. Your visa quota depends on the license package and office space you choose. You can sponsor family members once your own visa is active. Emirates ID is issued as part of the residency process.
How to Get Your Dubai South Business Hub License
Getting a DSBH license takes 5 steps: check your business name, pick your activity code, choose a license package, send your documents, and receive your license. Same-day issuance is available on the digital platform. The process can be done entirely online.
What You Need Before You Apply
Passport copy, valid for at least 6 months
Recent passport photo on a white background
Proof of home address (a utility bill or bank letter works)
Chosen trade name — check name availability before you submit
The 5 Setup Steps
Step 1, check your trade name: Use the DSBH portal to confirm it is free.
Step 2, pick your activity code: Confirm it is on the DSBH approved list.
Step 3, choose a license package: Match it to the visas and office space you need.
Step 4, upload your documents and pay: License fee starts from AED 12,500.
Step 5, receive your license: Same-day issuance is available for eligible applications.
Dubai South Business Hub License Costs and Timelines
DSBH licenses start from AED 12,500. Costs vary by license type, number of visas, and office space chosen. Same-day issuance is available. Annual renewal is required. Corporate tax registration with the FTA is needed once your company is set up, whatever your turnover.
License Fee Breakdown
Use the business setup cost calculator to get an exact total before you commit.
License type | Starting fee | Office option |
|---|---|---|
Services | From AED 12,500 | Flexi-desk available |
Trading | From AED 12,500 | Flexi-desk available |
Industrial | Contact DSBH for quote | Warehouse or unit required |
How Long Setup Takes
Same-day license issuance is available for standard applications on the digital platform. Visa processing takes longer, typically a few working days after the license is issued. Emirates ID is issued after the visa is stamped.
Free Zone (DSBH) vs Mainland (DET): Key Differences
Feature | Free Zone (DSBH) | Mainland (DET) |
|---|---|---|
Foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership permitted | 100% permitted for most activities since 2021 reforms |
UAE market access | Mainly international clients; local distributor needed for mainland sales | Open access to UAE consumers and government bodies |
Office requirement | Flexi-desk options available from setup | Physical mainland office required |
Setup speed | Same-day license issuance available online | Typically several working days; some steps in person |
Starting cost | From AED 12,500 including up to 5 activities | Varies by activity; physical office adds to cost |
Corporate tax rate | 0% if Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions are met | 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 |
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which License Suits You
A DSBH free zone license gives 100% foreign ownership and a fast digital setup, but limits direct UAE mainland trading. A mainland license from DET allows open UAE market access but needs a physical office and has different cost and ownership rules. Your target customer base decides which is right.
Free Zone License: Best For
Businesses serving international clients or other free zone companies
E-commerce businesses shipping to GCC and global buyers
Consultants and service firms with no need for a UAE retail front
Entrepreneurs who want 100% ownership and a fast setup
Mainland License: Best For
Businesses selling directly to UAE consumers or government bodies
Retail shops, restaurants, and clinics needing a physical mainland location
Companies required by law to hold a DET license for their activity
Businesses bidding on UAE government contracts directly
If you need to sell directly to UAE consumers or bid on government contracts, a mainland license from DET is the better fit. Some businesses hold both.
What You Must Comply With After You Get Your License
Once your DSBH license is active, you must register for corporate tax with the FTA, renew your license each year, keep financial records for 7 years, and follow UAE visa rules for any staff you sponsor. VAT registration is needed if your taxable turnover hits the AED 375,000 threshold.
Tax and Accounting Duties
Corporate tax
You must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority once your company exists. Your turnover does not matter. A free zone company can pay 0% corporate tax only if you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions the FTA sets.
VAT
If your taxable turnover reaches AED 375,000, you must register for VAT. Keep your books for 7 years. The FTA can ask to see them at any time.
License Renewal and Staff Rules
Your DSBH license must be renewed every year: let it lapse and your visa status is affected
Staff visas are tied to the license: if the license lapses, visas are at risk
Emiratisation rules may apply as your headcount grows: check with MOHRE
Any change to your business activities must be updated on your license before you carry out the new work
Which Business Activities Does a DSBH License Cover
A DSBH license covers over 3,500 business activities across trading, services, industrial, and logistics categories. Up to 5 activities can sit on one license at no extra cost. Check the DSBH activities list to confirm your code is approved.
Popular Activity Groups at DSBH
Trading: general trading, import and export, commodity trading
ICT: software development, IT consulting, digital marketing, app development
Professional services: management consulting, accounting, legal advisory
Education and training: e-learning, corporate training, tutoring
Real estate: property management, real estate consulting
You can browse the full business activities list on the DSBH portal before you apply.
How to Confirm Your Activity Code
Search the DSBH business activities list online before you apply
Pick the code that matches what you actually do, not the broadest one available
If your activity is not on the list, contact DSBH before you submit
Some regulated activities need extra approvals from UAE authorities: check this early
Some highly regulated activities, including clinical healthcare, financial services, and insurance brokerage, need separate authority approvals or a mainland setup. Contact DSBH directly before you submit if your activity is not on the list.
A Dubai South Business Hub License gives you 100% foreign ownership, a fast digital setup, over 3,500 approved activities, and a location at the heart of Dubai's logistics and business district. Licenses start from AED 12,500, same-day issuance is available, and your license links directly to UAE residency visas. Whether you are a solo consultant, a trading company, or a growing SME, DSBH is built to get you running fast. Use the DSBH cost calculator to work out your exact setup cost, then check your trade name is available.
References
Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)
MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae)
Frequently Asked Questions
