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UAE Free Zone (Dubai South) · via Dubai South Authority·🇹🇷Founder profile

Incorporating a Dubai South Free Zone LLC for Turkish E-commerce Sellers

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$5,750

Dubai South offers a specialized Free Zone environment for e-commerce businesses requiring logistics integration near Al Maktoum International Airport. Turkish founders can establish a Free Zone LLC to manage regional trade operations under the UAE federal tax framework.

This structure requires adherence to both UAE corporate tax regulations and Turkish tax obligations regarding cross-border marketplace sales.

§ 01Cost of ownership

Model the full outlay, not just the setup fee

Renewal costs sneak up on non-resident founders. Compare year-1 filing against a 3-year total to see the real bill.
Currency · USD (live FX)
2-year cost of ownership
$11,500
$479.17/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupDubai South Authority setup
    $5,750
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $5,750
Total$11,500
§ 02Tax residency · Turkish E-commerce Sellers

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

UAE Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 Article 3 imposes a 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 for Free Zone Persons.

Home-country rule

KVK Article 3; Etsy/Amazon marketplace withholding rules apply

Editorial verdict

Leverage Dubai South's proximity to DWC airport for logistics-heavy e-commerce; ensure Turkish KVK compliance regarding permanent establishment risks.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Turkish KVK Article 3 permanent establishment risk
  • 02Economic substance requirements for tax residency
  • 03Marketplace withholding tax reconciliation
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
21–45days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d11
d23
d34
d45
01FilingDubai South Authority submits formation docs
d0–d16
02Tax ID / EINLocal tax authority registration
d14–d34
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d27–d45
§ 04Head-to-head

UAE Free Zone (Dubai South) vs US LLC (Wyoming)

UAE Free Zone (Dubai South)
Free Zone LLC
US LLC (Wyoming)
LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
LLC
Setup cost
$1,020
$102.00
Annual
$1,020
$60.00
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
9% CT above AED 375k; aviation/logistics near DWC airport
0% state tax; federal only on US-source income
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

The 9% tax applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from 0% tax on 'Qualifying Income' under specific conditions, though most e-commerce retail activities are subject to the standard 9% rate.
Next step

Start filing with Dubai South Authority

Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.