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..
Starts from AED 5,750 (Budget) — best for Publishing, media, e-commerce, and consultancy startups seeking the lowest possible setup cost..
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 8,250
Annual Renewal
AED 5,750
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.
Publishing Package (0 Visa)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 5,750
NoteThis is the most affordable entry package, suitable for freelancers and startups not requiring a residence visa.
Standard Package (0 Visa)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 8,050
NoteFor non-publishing activities, this is the entry-level package without visa eligibility.
Publishing Package (1 Visa)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 9,250
NoteCost-effective package for a solo entrepreneur requiring a residence visa. The listed cost is for the license only; visa processing fees are separate.
Standard Package (4 Visas)
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 15,103
NoteA package suitable for a small team. The listed cost is for the license only; visa processing fees are separate.
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
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Both offer highly competitive, standard market 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.
SPC Free Zone targets businesses and entrepreneurs in the publishing, printing, creative, and allied services sectors. The primary investor profile includes book publishers, educational content providers, e-publishing companies, creative agencies, and freelancers. It offers a tax-free environment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and streamlined business setup processes to attract both local and international players in the knowledge and creative economy.
Key Advantages
SPC is ideal for businesses in the publishing, printing, and creative industries seeking a complete ecosystem. It is also one of the best choices for entrepreneurs, consultants, and traders looking for the fastest, most affordable, and flexible business setup in the UAE, especially if they value the option for mainland market access.
Businesses requiring heavy industrial facilities like LIUs or land plots, companies in the crypto/virtual assets sector, or firms that absolutely require a premium Dubai-based address for branding purposes.
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".
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, 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. Sharjah Publishing City 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.
Dubai South Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone: 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.
SPC is ideal for businesses in the publishing, printing, and creative industries seeking a complete ecosystem. It is also one of the best choices for entrepreneurs, consultants, and traders looking for the fastest, most affordable, and flexible business setup in the UAE, especially if they value the option for mainland market access.
