What Is the License Cost for a Courier and Logistics Business in Dubai
Topic Summary
Courier License Starts at AED 12,500
A courier and logistics business license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone begins at AED 12,500. Use the Cost Calculator for a full itemised breakdown of your setup expenses.
Dubai's Trade Volume Justifies the Investment
Dubai handles over USD 400 billion in annual trade flows, making it one of the world's most active logistics hubs. Its infrastructure includes Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the Dubai Logistics Corridor.
Free Zone Covers Advisory, Not Physical Delivery
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone licenses support the consultancy and facilitation side of logistics, not fleet-based courier or freight handling operations. Physical last-mile delivery businesses typically require a mainland operational structure.
Logistics Consultancy Is the Core Activity Code
Activity code 7020.15 covers supply chain advisory, freight management, distribution strategy, and logistics network design. No third-party pre-approval is required, and the activity is exempt from AML/DNFBP obligations.
Customs Advisory Is a High-Value License Option
Code 7020.93 allows businesses to advise clients on UAE customs procedures, HS code classification, duty optimisation, and import/export compliance. Advisory fees can be structured around the commercial savings generated for clients.
Equipment Trading Adds a Commercial Revenue Stream
Code 4773.66 covers the trading of handling, loading, and lifting equipment used across logistics and warehousing operations. This activity complements consultancy-focused licenses for businesses serving the broader logistics sector.
Transportation Systems Consulting Rounds Out the Offering
Code 7110.53 supports advisory on vertical and horizontal transportation systems, relevant for businesses consulting on warehouse automation or distribution infrastructure. Like other codes here, it requires no third-party approval.
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
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
