DET: 4791001 Low Risk
E-Commerce & Online Retail
Flexi-Desk eligible
Dubai South (DWC)
Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central / DWC) is a 145 sq.km master-planned hub hosting Al Maktoum International Airport and dedicated aviation, logistics, and commercial zones.
✓ 3–6 day license turnaround✓ Digital Bank 98% Approval✓ CBUAE framework
1. Key Freezone Specifications
- Licensing Authority
- Dubai South (DWC) (DWC)
- Emirate
- DUBAI
- License Issuance Timeline
- 3–6 working days
- Residence Visa Timeline
- 7–14 working days
- Virtual Desk / Flexi-Desk
- Available (no lease required)
- Office Threshold
- Required only for 4+ visas
- Warehouses & Industrial Units
- Available on-site
- Paid-Up Share Capital
- Not required on bank deposit (0 AED)
- Annual Audit Requirement
- Mandatory
- Physical Presence Required
- 100% remote company incorporation. 1-day UAE visit required only for Emirates ID biometrics.
2. Cost Breakdown & Tariffs
No Hidden Fees| Cost Item | Purpose | Official Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Company Trade License | Corporate registration & 1-year Flexi desk lease | 13,900 AED |
| Establishment Card (Immigration Card) | Company immigration file registration with GDRFA/ICP for visas | 1,950 AED |
| Residence Visa (Entry Permit + Visa Stamping) | UAE 2-year residence visa government quota & approval | ~3,500 AED / visa |
| VIP Medical & Emirates ID | VIP Medical fitness test + Emirates ID card issuance (2 yrs) | ~1,200 AED / person |
Turnkey Package Estimates:
0 Visas
13,900 AED
Pure license for tax residency or remote contracts
1 Investor Visa
20,550 AED
License + Est. Card + 1 Visa + VIP Medical & EID
2 Residence Visas
25,250 AED
For 2 partners or founder + key employee
3. Banking Assessment & Onboarding
Digital Banking (Digital Bank) 98% Approval
Tier 1: Instant remote digital approval
- • Timeline: opened in 3–7 working days
- • Multi-currency accounts (AED, USD, EUR, GBP) with zero minimum balance
- • Automated KYC verification via official freezone API
Traditional Tier-1 UAE Banks High Rating
Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB, ADCB
- • Opening timeline: from 1 weeks
- • Requires personal banker meeting and proof of residential address
- • Typical average balance requirement: 25,000–50,000 AED
4. Pros & Considerations
✓ Key Advantages
- • Strategic hub around Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Expo City Dubai
- • Premier ecosystem for aerospace, aviation services, and international supply chain
- • Cost-effective smart desk options with generous visa allocations
- • Direct link to logistics corridors connecting air and sea freight
! Important Considerations
- • Annual audit submission required
- • Distance from old downtown Dubai if physical meetings are needed
5. Compatible Activities
Top business activities approved for licensing under Dubai South (DWC)
DET: 4690001 Medium Risk
General Trading
Flexi-Desk eligible
DET: 5229002 Medium Risk
Freight Forwarding & Logistics
Physical office required
DET: 5610001 Medium Risk
Restaurant, Cafe & Cloud Kitchen
Physical office required
DET: 2599001 Medium Risk
Light Manufacturing & Assembly
Physical office required
Looking for another activity? Dubai South (DWC) supports over 2,000 commercial and professional activities from the official DET classification. Contact us via WhatsApp for a tailored activity code confirmation.
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