Free Zone Comparison
DAFZA vs Dubai South
If you need proximity to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA is worth the AED 22,040 premium. If Al Maktoum Airport works for you, Dubai South delivers similar logistics connectivity for AED 12,500 — and sits next to Expo City.
DAFZA
Dubai
AED 22,040
Year 1 from
Dubai South
Dubai
AED 12,500
Year 1 from
CheaperQuick Verdict
- ● Choose Dubai South if cost is your priority — AED 9,540 cheaper in Year 1
- ● Choose DAFZA if you need more visas — up to 20
- ● Choose DAFZA for faster setup — 10 days processing
- ● Both offer 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
Our Analysis
DAFZA at AED 22,040 costs AED 9,540 more than Dubai South's AED 12,500 entry. Both serve logistics-oriented businesses near Dubai airports — DAFZA sits beside Dubai International (DXB), Dubai South beside Al Maktoum International (DWC). DAFZA has a 30-year track record with 2,500 companies including Boeing and Rolls Royce. Dubai South launched its DSBH platform in September 2025 and is still building its ecosystem.
Banking tilts toward DAFZA with five partners versus Dubai South's three. DAFZA offers dual licensing with Dubai DED for mainland operations — a feature Dubai South approaches through Resolution No. 11 of 2025 at AED 5,000. DAFZA supports up to 20 visas; Dubai South caps at 10. DAFZA requires physical office space; Dubai South bundles a flexi desk into the base price. Dubai South offers same-day licensing and credit card instalments over 6-24 months — features DAFZA lacks. For established import-export businesses routing through DXB, DAFZA's infrastructure and reputation justify the premium. For startups needing a Dubai license near the expanding DWC airport, Dubai South delivers at 57% of the cost.
DAFZA vs Dubai South at a Glance
| Metric | DAFZA | Dubai South |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai |
| Year 1 From | AED 22,040 | AED 12,500 🏆 |
| Renewal From | AED 21,870 | AED 12,500 🏆 |
| Rating | ★ 3.9/5 🏆 | ★ 3.6/5 |
| Max Visas | 20 🏆 | 10 |
| Processing Time | 10 days 🏆 | 15 days |
| Banking | Moderate | Moderate |
| Established | 1996 | 2025 |
| Companies | 2,500+ | 4,200+ |
Year 1 From
DAFZA
AED 22,040
Dubai South
AED 12,500
Renewal From
DAFZA
AED 21,870
Dubai South
AED 12,500
Rating
DAFZA
3.9/5
Dubai South
3.6/5
Max Visas
DAFZA
20
Dubai South
10
Processing
DAFZA
10 days
Dubai South
15 days
Banking
DAFZA
Moderate
Dubai South
Moderate
Package Pricing Breakdown
DAFZA Packages
Dubai · 5 packages
Zero Visa Flexi Desk Package
No visa · Flexi Desk
AED 22,040
Year 1
Renewal: AED 21,870/yr
Smart Desk Package (1 Visa)
Up to 1 visa · Flexi Desk
AED 36,790
Year 1
Renewal: AED 32,690/yr
Smart Desk Package (2 Visas)
Up to 2 visas · Flexi Desk
AED 41,540
Year 1
Renewal: AED 33,490/yr
Private Office Package (3 Visas)
Up to 3 visas · Private Office
AED 73,290
Year 1
Renewal: AED 62,290/yr
Dubai South Packages
Dubai · 4 packages
Starter License (No Visa)
No visa · Flexi Desk
AED 12,500
Year 1
Renewal: AED 12,500/yr
1 Visa Package
Up to 1 visa · Flexi Desk
AED 19,000
Year 1
Renewal: AED 16,500/yr
2 Visa Package
Up to 2 visas · Flexi Desk
AED 25,500
Year 1
Renewal: AED 20,500/yr
3 Visa Package
Up to 3 visas · Flexi Desk
AED 37,000
Year 1
Renewal: AED 27,000/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | DAFZA | Dubai South |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland Trading | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Physical Office Required | Required | Not Required |
| Dual License | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Crypto Friendly | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Online Portal | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Co-working | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Audit Required | Required | Required |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose DAFZA if you...
- ✓ Want trading & import/export
- ✓ Want aviation & aerospace
- ✓ Want pharmaceuticals
- ✓ Want logistics
- ✓ Want e-commerce
Choose Dubai South if you...
- ✓ Want e-commerce
- ✓ Want logistics
- ✓ Want trading
- ✓ Want startups
- ✓ Want freelancers
- ✓ Want the lowest cost option (AED 9,540 less)
Pros & Cons
DAFZA
Pros
- ✓ Strategic location next to Dubai International Airport with 24-hour customs and logistics services
- ✓ Strong brand signal — home to Boeing, Rolls Royce, Roche, Chanel, and 2,500+ companies from 20+ sectors
- ✓ 190,000 sqm of office, warehouse, and event space within a self-contained business campus
- ✓ Dual licensing with Dubai DED — operate in both the free zone and mainland from a single location
Cons
- ✗ Higher setup costs than budget free zones — minimum AED 23,000+ for a zero-visa package, AED 41,790+ with 1 visa
- ✗ Physical office or smart desk mandatory — no virtual office option available
- ✗ General trading license requires 50 sqm office and AED 500,000 share capital — a significant commitment
- ✗ Annual audit mandatory for all companies with 90-day submission deadline after financial year-end
Dubai South
Pros
- ✓ Competitive entry pricing — license from AED 12,500 including flexi desk and registered Dubai address
- ✓ Same-day licensing for eligible applications via fully digital Beyond Hub portal
- ✓ Strategic location near Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port
- ✓ No physical office required — flexi desk included with every license
Cons
- ✗ Very new platform (September 2025 launch) — limited track record and community ecosystem
- ✗ AED 300,000 minimum share capital stated for FZCO, though no bank deposit required
- ✗ Banking relationships still developing — fewer dedicated partnerships than DMCC or IFZA
- ✗ Limited international brand recognition compared to established free zones
Still not sure?
Try our calculator to find the cheapest free zone for your specific requirements, or get a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAFZA or Dubai South?
Dubai South is cheaper by AED 9,540 in Year 1. Dubai South starts from AED 12,500 while DAFZA starts from AED 22,040. However, the cheaper option may not include the same features — check the full comparison above for details.
What is the main difference between DAFZA and Dubai South?
DAFZA is based in Dubai and is best for Trading & Import/Export, Aviation & Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals. Dubai South is based in Dubai and is best for E-commerce, Logistics, Trading. DAFZA starts from AED 22,040 while Dubai South starts from AED 12,500.
Which has easier banking, DAFZA or Dubai South?
Both DAFZA and Dubai South are rated "Moderate" for banking difficulty, meaning there is no significant difference in how easily you can open a corporate bank account.
How many visas can I get with DAFZA vs Dubai South?
DAFZA supports up to 20 visas, while Dubai South supports up to 10 visas. DAFZA offers more visa capacity.
Is DAFZA or Dubai South better for my business?
It depends on your priorities. Choose DAFZA if you want trading & import/export focus and a Dubai address. Choose Dubai South if you need e-commerce support and lower costs. Use our calculator to find the best match for your specific requirements.