A courier and logistics business license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts at AED 12,500. Dubai handles over USD 400 billion in annual trade flows. Its logistics infrastructure, anchored by Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the Dubai Logistics Corridor, makes it one of the most commercially active hubs for freight, logistics, and customs advisory businesses in the world. Dubai South sits at the centre of this ecosystem, physically adjacent to the airport and connected directly to port and rail networks. 

Understanding how Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone activity codes map to a courier and logistics business is important before you apply. The activity list covers the advisory, consultancy, equipment supply, and business support dimensions of the logistics sector. Physical last-mile courier operations using delivery vehicles are typically licensed through a mainland operational structure. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the right platform for logistics consultancy, customs advisory, equipment trading, and business support services within the logistics industry. 

For a full overview of business setup costs in Dubai, read the cost of starting a business in Dubai guide. 

Get Your Courier and Logistics License 

Licenses start at AED 12,500. Use the Cost Calculator for a full itemised estimate or contact the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone team for a guided consultation. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone licenses support the advisory and facilitation side of logistics; it does not cover physical courier operations, fleet-based delivery, or freight handling. 

Here is all the relevant list of business activities that come under courier and logistic license: 

Key Business Activity Codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

• 7020.15   Logistics Consultancy 

• 7020.93   Customs Consultant 

• 4773.66   Handling, Loading and Lifting Equipment Trading 

• 7110.53   Vertical and Horizontal Transportation Systems Consultant 

Logistics Consultancy License - 7020.15 

Logistics Consultancy (7020.15) is the dedicated consultancy code for logistics advisory businesses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. It covers professional advisory on logistics operations, supply chain management, distribution strategy, freight management, and logistics network design. This is the most directly relevant code for consultants and advisory businesses operating in the logistics and supply chain sector. No pre-approval is required. 

You could own a logistics consultant advising UAE importers and distributors on supply chain optimisation, freight sourcing, warehouse network design, and logistics cost reduction. Or a logistics management consultant helping international brands entering the UAE market design their regional distribution model across the GCC from Dubai South. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Customs Consultant License- 7020.93 

Customs Consultant (7020.93) covers professional advisory on UAE customs procedures, import and export compliance, tariff classification, duty optimisation, and trade regulation. For businesses advising importers, exporters, and logistics operators on how to navigate Dubai customs and UAE trade regulations, this is the code you need to select. No pre-approval is required. 

You could also be a customs advisory firm serving UAE importers with guidance on HS code classification, free zone customs procedures, and duty suspension structures. Your advisory fees are billed against the commercial savings you generate for clients, making this a high-value professional service. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Handling, Loading and Lifting Equipment Trading License - 4773.66 

Handling, Loading and Lifting Equipment Trading (4773.66) covers the wholesale trading of warehouse and logistics handling equipment, including forklifts, pallet trucks, loading platforms, conveyor systems, and material handling machinery. For businesses that supply equipment to warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics hubs, this code provides the commercial trading basis. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Transportation Systems Consultant License - 7110.53 

Vertical and Horizontal Transportation Systems Consultant (7110.53) covers engineering consultancy on transportation infrastructure systems, including material handling systems, conveyor networks, and logistics facility design. For consultants who design and advise on logistics facility infrastructure, this professional code provides the regulatory basis for charging advisory and design fees. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

What This License Does Not Cover 

A Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone logistics license covers customs advisory, logistics equipment trading, transportation systems consultancy, and business support services. It does not cover operating physical courier vehicles for last-mile delivery, or operating as a formally licensed customs broker requiring registrations from customs authority. Remember that physical courier delivery operations require a mainland operational license. 

Setting Up at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

Browse the business activities list to confirm your codes, check your company name, and apply digitally with a passport copy. All logistics advisory and support codes carry no pre-approval requirements. Eligible applications are licensed within one business day. Beyond Hub handles post-licensing needs including UAE residence visas, corporate bank account introductions, and VAT registration. 

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero paid-up capital, zero personal income tax, and a location inside Dubai South, a 145 km2 master-planned city adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How much does a courier and logistics business license cost in Dubai? 

From AED 12,500 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. No pre-approvals are required for customs consultancy, equipment trading, or business support service codes. Use the Cost Calculator to get a fully itemised estimate including visa fees and workspace options. 

Q2. What activity codes are available for a logistics business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

The activity codes most relevant to logistics businesses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone are Customs Consultant (7020.93) for trade advisory, Handling and Loading Equipment Trading (4773.66) for equipment supply, Transportation Systems Consultant (7110.53) for facility design advisory, and Business Support Services (8290.00, 8299.00) for operational coordination and facilitation services. 

Q3. Can I provide customs advisory services from a Dubai free zone? 

Yes. Customs Consultant (7020.93) is available at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone with no pre-approval requirement. This covers professional advisory on UAE customs procedures, import and export compliance, tariff classification, and duty planning. Dubai South's adjacency to Al Maktoum Airport and the Dubai Logistics Corridor makes it a strategically positioned base for customs advisory businesses. 

Q4. Can a foreigner own 100% of a logistics business in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national partner, local sponsor, or service agent required. This applies to all logistics, customs advisory, and equipment trading activities available. 

Q5. Can I trade logistics handling equipment with a Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license? 

Yes. Handling, Loading and Lifting Equipment Trading (4773.66) allows you to import and wholesale trade forklifts, pallet trucks, loading platforms, and material handling machinery to UAE warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics operators. No pre-approval is required for this activity code. 

Q6. How long does a logistics business license take? 

All logistics advisory, equipment trading, and business support codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone carry no pre-approval requirements. Eligible applications are typically licensed within one business day of a complete digital submission. The application requires only a passport copy. 

Q7. Do I need a warehouse for a logistics business license? 

No. A physical warehouse is not required to obtain a Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone logistics license. Customs advisory and business support service operations do not involve physical goods handling. If your business model requires physical storage facilities, warehouse space is available within Dubai South through separate facility providers. 

Q8. Can I combine customs advisory with equipment trading on one license? 

Yes. Customs Consultant (7020.93) and Handling Equipment Trading (4773.66) can be combined on a single DWC-LLC license. This gives your business both the professional advisory scope and the product trading dimension under one license along with one bank account 

Q9. Is VAT applicable to logistics advisory and equipment trading? 

Yes. Customs consultancy service fees and equipment trading revenue are subject to 5% VAT above AED 375,000 in annual taxable income. Once your business exceeds this threshold, VAT registration with the FTA is mandatory. The Beyond Hub team assists with FTA registration post-licensing. 

Q10. How do I start a courier and logistics business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

Start by selecting your business activities, use the name check tool to confirm your preferred company name is compliant, available, and ready to reserve. Then use the Cost Calculator to estimate your setup cost, and submit your application digitally. Eligible applications are licensed in as little as one business day.