A Bird’s Eye View on Dubai South Free Zone: Dubai South Free Zone formerly Dubai World Central Free Zone is well known as “THE CITY OF YOU” is a well-planned (master planned) city based on happiness of an individual. It is termed as emirate’s flagship urban project and is adjacent to the Jabel Ali Sea Port. It covers around 145 square kilometers in terms of area and this is almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It is launched as a government project in the year 2006. In a nut shell, It is an economic platform that supports the activities such as logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, residential. It comprises 8 integrated districts namely, The Al Maktoum International Airport, Logistics, Aviation, Exhibition, Residential, Commercial, Humanitarian, and Golf districts. It is the shelter to Al Maktoum International Airport – and is host landmark events such as World Expo 2020 and the Dubai Airshow.   Q) What precisely is the Dubai South Free Zone Master Plan? Aviation: Dubai South has a world-class, integrated aviation and aerospace ecosystem that is designed to serve the holistic needs of both these industries and related sectors. Logistics: Dubai South is the city of supremely efficient Logistics solution. Business Park: The Business Park offers flexible office spaces – from start-ups to SMEs and large corporations – in diverse sectors. It also features a business center that provides office solutions operating 24/7. Real Estate: Dubai South offers wide range of housing options.   Q) What are the types of licenses available for business set up in Dubai South Free Zone? Following are the available license categories in Dubai South Free Zone:

• Industrial License
• Logistics License
• Trading and General Trading License
• Service License
• Education License

  Q) How to setup a business, what are the business types and what are the documents required for the setup in Dubai South Free Zone? Business Centre: The Business Centre at Dubai South is expertly designed to facilitate the growth of every business from start-ups to SMEs. Offering complete turnkey business services and cost-effective office solutions it is perfectly aligned to suit global business needs.

	Steps	Particulars
Step 1	Apply for Pre-Qualification and make a booking	Basic contact details
		Type of company
		Type of unit
		What is the business?
		Initial fee set up of AED 2000
Step 2	Complete the application	Add 3 choices of the company
		Share capital information
		Unit information
		Activities which the newly setup company intend to perform
		Information about the parent company
		Appointing Shareholders (If LLC)
		Appointing General Manager (For both LLC and Branch Companies)
		Appointing Director/Chairperson (If LLC)
		Upload any other documents if required by the authority
Step 3	Submit the application	Review the application
		Submit for approval
Step 4	Payment of fees and submit the original documents	Original documents either personally or through courier
Step 5	Registration complete	Registration certificate and license will be issued

  Commercial Business:   Branch: A Branch is a representative office of a legal entity which already exists outside of the Dubai South Free Zone (local or international). A Branch does not have a separate legal personality, and it derives its power and authority from the parent entity. A Branch must have a General Manager who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Branch, but it will not have a board of directors or company secretary. A Branch must retain the same name as the parent entity and end with the designation (Branch).

S.no	Particulars
1	Foreign language documents translated to English/Arabic should be done by legal translators, notarized and attested
2	Certificate of Incorporation (Notarized, attested and legalized)
3	Memorandum & Articles of Association of Parent company (Notarized, attested and legalized)
4	Board Resolution to establish a branch (Simply signed)
5	Board Resolution giving Signatory authority or Power of Attorney for 3rd Party (simply signed, attested & legalized)
6	Certificate of Good standing, Valid Trade License or equivalent (Notarized, attested and legalized)
7	Passport copy of the General Manager
8	Additional documents may be required as deemed necessary.

  Limited Liability Company (LLC): A Limited Liability Company is a new legal entity with its own legal personality. The liability of its members (shareholders) is limited to the value of the share capital they hold in the company. A limited liability company must have Shareholders, Directors, a Company Secretary and a General Manager.

S.no	Documents Needed
	Individual Shareholders
1	Passport copy of Shareholder(s) / Director(s) / Secretary & GM
2	Memorandum & Articles of Association
3	Legal document required for Registration
	Corporate Shareholders
1	Foreign language documents translated to English/Arabic should be done by legal translators, notarized and attested
2	Certificate of Incorporation (Notarized, attested and legalized)
3	Board Resolution to establish company (Simply signed)
4	Board Resolution giving Signatory authority or Power of Attorney for 3rd Party (simply signed, attested & legalized)
5	Certificate of Good standing, Valid Trade license or equivalent (Notarized, attested and legalized)
6	Passport copy of Director / Secretary / Manager
7	Additional documents may be required as deemed necessary.

  Q) What are the setting up costs in Dubai South Free Zone?

Package	Visa slots	Amount in AED
Smart desk	2	30900
Smart office	3	40900
Permanent smart desk	2	45900
Permanent smart office	3	86000
Executive office	1 visa per each 9 sq meters	1300-1600 per sq meter per year

  Note:

• Dubai south free zone offers a Flexi desk Facility that gives the investor the eligibility to obtain up to Two Visas.
• Executive office 1 visa per each 9 sq meters 1300-1600 AED per sq meter per year
• Immigration and visa related fees have to be paid separately.

  Q) How is the renewal of Dubai South Free Zone License done?

• Cost of Renewal is less expensive than that of cost of incorporation.
• Audited financials on annual basis are to be submitted.
• Payment for renewal along with the signed lease agreement for the next year to be submitted.

  Q) What is the procedure for liquidating a business in Dubai south Free Zone? Before Liquidation following steps to be made:

S.no	Particulars
1	Cancellation of the visas
2	Termination of lease agreement
3	Closure of the bank account
4	Clearance from Customs in case you had a trading activity in the license

  Q) What are the Competitive advantages of setting up business in Dubai South Free Zone?

• A simple and easy incorporation process with feasible rates.
• 100% on foreign ownership.
• 100% profits and capital repatriation.
• Top class infrastructure.
• 0% tax as well as no duty tax for imports and exports.
• No currency restrictions.
• The most cost-efficient free zone