JAFZA's premium is justified by its established infrastructure and direct port access.
Dubai South offers a lower entry point, especially for e-commerce and smaller logistics setups.
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 17,225
Annual Renewal
AED 12,500
Year 1 Total
AED 38,120
Annual Renewal
AED 25,500
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Business Hub License Package (Flexi-Desk)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,500
NoteThis is often the entry-level package for startups and solo entrepreneurs. Visa and establishment card costs are additional.
Commercial/Service License + Small Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 35,000
NoteEstimated cost. Office rent for a small 250 sqft space is around AED 56,825, but packages often provide a bundled discount. License fee is approx AED 12,500-13,500.
Trading License Package (Flexi-Desk)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 45,000
NoteThis is an estimated package cost based on combining the lowest-tier license, registration, and facility costs. JAFZA's model is primarily à la carte rather than pre-bundled packages. Total cost can range from AED 40,000 to 60,000.
Service License Package (Small Office)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 60,000
NoteThis is an estimated package cost combining a service license with the smallest available office space (approx 26.88 sqm). Office rent starts from AED 53,670 per year.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai South Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12500
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~2 days
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority carries a premium market perception and positioning
Mixed results — each jurisdiction has specific cost vs speed trade-offs
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai South is a 145 sq km integrated economic zone comprising eight specialized districts, targeting logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, and residential businesses. Home to over 4,200 companies (2025), it is designed for businesses involved in air transport, freight, and global supply chain management, leveraging its direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor. The primary investor profile includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups in the logistics, MRO, aviation, e-commerce, and related services sectors.
Key Advantages
Dubai South is the definitive choice for forward-looking businesses in logistics, aviation, and e-commerce that require a large-scale, multimodal platform (air-sea-land) built for future growth around Al Maktoum International Airport.
Businesses seeking a central downtown address, companies in the cryptocurrency/virtual assets sector (license not offered), or firms requiring a small, high-end corporate office near the current DXB airport.
JAFZA primarily targets businesses in the logistics, manufacturing, trading, and E-commerce sectors. Its ideal investor profile ranges from Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations requiring extensive logistics and industrial facilities to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in global trade. It is the undisputed hub for supply chain, logistics, and heavy industrial activities in the region.
Key Advantages
JAFZA is the undisputed leader for established businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and trading that rely on sea freight and multimodal transport, offering unparalleled access to Jebel Ali Port and a vast, powerful business ecosystem.
Freelancers, crypto-asset companies, or small service-based startups requiring only a virtual office, as JAFZA does not offer freelance permits, virtual asset licenses, or non-physical office packages.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai South Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 12,500. In the broader market context, Dubai South Free Zone is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai South Free Zone: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.
Dubai South Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Dubai South is the definitive choice for forward-looking businesses in logistics, aviation, and e-commerce that require a large-scale, multimodal platform (air-sea-land) built for future growth around Al Maktoum International Airport.
JAFZA is the undisputed leader for established businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and trading that rely on sea freight and multimodal transport, offering unparalleled access to Jebel Ali Port and a vast, powerful business ecosystem.
