Compare Dubai South Free Zone and JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority for Aviation & Aerospace setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
Dubai South Free Zone vs JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority for Aviation & Aerospace: Dubai South Free Zone starts at AED 12,500 (88% bank approval) and JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority at AED 40,211 (91%). On Year-1 cost, Dubai South Free Zone is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 12,500 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Aviation hub, logistics near Al Maktoum Airport, affordable Dubai option | |
| AED 40,211 | 3-5 days | Easy | Largest free zone, logistics hub, port access, trading and industrial activities |
Aviation hub, logistics near Al Maktoum Airport, affordable Dubai option
Aviation licences are restricted to specific free zones with aviation infrastructure such as Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA), Skycity, and specialised aerospace zones. General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approval is required for most aviation activities. Activities may include aircraft management, MRO services, aviation training, and charter operations.
Aviation transport services qualify as a qualifying free zone activity. International air passenger and cargo transport are zero-rated for VAT. Domestic air transport and ancillary services may attract 5% VAT.
Aviation companies should expect banks to request GCAA certification, aircraft registration documents, and insurance certificates. High-value transactions in this sector trigger additional compliance checks. Banks with specialised aviation finance desks can offer tailored products.
Sep 2025: DSBH digital-first platform launched
Sep 2025: Beyond Hub portal introduced
Ongoing: Al Maktoum Airport expansion
Company setup in Dubai South Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year.
Dubai South Free Zone processes company registrations in 2-4 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 88%. Banking difficulty is rated Moderate.
Most UAE free zones including Dubai South Free Zone allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
Dubai South Free Zone does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
Both zones are evenly matched. Choose Dubai South Free Zone if: Aviation hub, logistics near Al Maktoum Airport, affordable Dubai option. Choose JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority if: Largest free zone, logistics hub, port access, trading and industrial activities.
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