Compare Dubai South Free Zone vs Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Dubai South Free Zone
The Verdict
Starts from AED 12,500 (Mid-Range) — best for Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port..
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
The Verdict
Starts from AED 38,120 (Premium) — best for Logistics, manufacturing, and international trading companies requiring access to a major port and extensive warehousing facilities..
Dubai South Free Zone
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Feature Comparison
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Cost Scenarios
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
License Packages
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Dubai South Free Zone
2 PackagesBusiness 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.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
2 PackagesTrading 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.
Who Wins Where?
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Budget Priorities
Dubai South Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12,500
Setup Speed
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~2 days
Visa Capacity
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Tax Optimization
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Brand Prestige
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority carries a premium market perception and positioning
Lean Startups
Mixed results — each jurisdiction has specific cost vs speed trade-offs
Detailed Feature Breakdown
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
About Each Zone
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai South Free Zone
Dubai South is an integrated economic zone targeting logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, and residential businesses. 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. The primary investor profile includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups in the logistics, MRO, aviation, e-commerce, and related services sectors.
Key Advantages
Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
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
Logistics, manufacturing, and international trading companies requiring access to a major port and extensive warehousing facilities.
Ask The Experts
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.
Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.
Logistics, manufacturing, and international trading companies requiring access to a major port and extensive warehousing facilities.