IT & Software Development
Software houses, app development, SaaS, and IT service providers.
Tech
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
Launch your tech, research, or industrial business in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a leading integrated free zone and smart city. We handle licensing, leasing, documentation, and visa processing to get your company operational quickly. DSO offers 100% ownership, 50-year tax exemptions, and a prime location near Dubai Airport.
Excellent
License selection & activity guide
Complete document prep support
Office or industrial land lease
Trade license & incorporation
Visa processing & bank setup
Excellent
About DSO
Dubai's Tech and Industrial Hub
Founded in 2004, Dubai Silicon Oasis free zone covers 7.2 million square metres near Dubai International Airport as a state-of-the-art technology park. DSO integrates a residential community, administrative zone, and industrial ecosystem, hosting over 3,000 companies specializing in modern technology, IT, electronics, biotechnology, and e-commerce.
The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership with no personal or corporate taxes for 50 years, full capital repatriation, and streamlined setup processes, attracting startups and multinational corporations alike.
Why DSO
Why Choose Dubai Silicon Oasis
DSO combines a strategic location with world-class infrastructure, making it ideal for tech startups, research firms, and light industrial manufacturers.
100% Foreign Ownership
Own your company outright with limited liability and no local sponsor requirement.
50-Year Tax Exemption
A 50-year exemption on personal and corporate income tax on all earnings.
Strategic Location
A prime location near Dubai International Airport with easy regional access.
Advanced Tech & R&D Facilities
Access modern technology, laboratories, and research and development infrastructure.
Flexible License Options
A range of licenses suited to tech, industrial, service, and trading businesses.
Full Capital Repatriation
Repatriate 100% of your capital and profits with no currency restrictions.
Sectors
Key Sectors at Dubai Silicon Oasis
DSO supports technology, research, industrial, and digital business activities.
Electronics Manufacturing
Electronics assembly, hardware production, and component manufacturing.
Industrial
Biotechnology & Life Sciences
Biotech research, life sciences, and laboratory-based ventures.
Biotech
Research & Innovation Labs
R&D centres, innovation labs, and technology research facilities.
R&D
E-commerce & Digital Services
Online retail, digital platforms, and technology-enabled services.
Digital
Light Industrial Production
Light manufacturing, packaging, and processing operations.
Industry
License Types
DSO License Types
DSO offers licenses tailored to trading, industrial, service, and branch operations.
Trading License
Permits trading, import, export, distribution, and e-commerce activities within the free zone and internationally.
- Import & export
- Distribution
- E-commerce activities
Service License
Covers professional services including consultancy, IT support, research and development, education, and business solutions.
- Consultancy & IT support
- Research & development
- Education & business solutions
Branch License
Allows branches of foreign or UAE companies to operate under parent company ownership without separate incorporation requirements.
- Foreign or UAE parent
- Parent company ownership
- No separate incorporation
Trading License
Permits trading, import, export, distribution, and e-commerce activities within the free zone and internationally.
- Import & export
- Distribution
- E-commerce activities
Service License
Covers professional services including consultancy, IT support, research and development, education, and business solutions.
- Consultancy & IT support
- Research & development
- Education & business solutions
Branch License
Allows branches of foreign or UAE companies to operate under parent company ownership without separate incorporation requirements.
- Foreign or UAE parent
- Parent company ownership
- No separate incorporation
Legal Forms
Legal Forms in DSO
The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority provides flexible business structures for solo entrepreneurs, partnerships, and corporate entities. Choose the setup that matches your ownership needs and operational scale.
Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC)
- LLC with 1 to 50 shareholders
- 100% foreign ownership
- Minimum share capital of AED 100,000
- Shares issued in multiples of AED 10,000 for FZCO
Branch of a Company
- Legal extension of a UAE or foreign parent company
- Operates under the DSO license
- Tied to the parent entity for legal and financial matters
- No new incorporation required
Requirements
Required Documents for DSO Setup
Submitting complete and accurate documents helps ensure smooth processing within DSO. Requirements vary based on shareholder type and activity.
Shareholder Documents
- Individual: passport and Emirates ID copy, proof of address, CV or qualifications
- Corporate: certificate of incorporation
- Corporate: Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Corporate: board resolution for setup
- Corporate: passport of representatives
Common Documents
- Completed application forms
- Business plan summary
- Trade name reservation proof
- Signed lease agreement
Full setup
12-15
Working days
Timelines are indicative; visa processing and medical tests add 1-2 weeks.
Good to know Facility choice and visa quota are confirmed during leasing, based on the square footage you select.
Timeline
DSO Business Setup Timeline
Follow this general timeline to understand how the Dubai Silicon Oasis setup process typically progresses.
- Day 1-3: Submit application with KYC documents
- Day 4-7: Approval and trade name secured
- Day 8-12: Sign lease and pay licensing fees
- Day 13-15: Receive license and certificate
Setup Process
Steps to Company Formation in Dubai Silicon Oasis
Setting up in Dubai Silicon Oasis involves a streamlined process designed for tech and industrial businesses. Follow these steps with expert guidance to launch your company efficiently and in full compliance with DSO regulations.
Step 1
Business Consultation
Discuss your industry sector, business activities, and licensing requirements with our specialists to identify the optimal setup structure for your company.
Step 2
Trade Name Reservation
Select and reserve an approved trade name that complies with DSO naming regulations and accurately reflects your business activities and brand identity.
Step 3
Document Preparation
Gather all required documents including passports, proof of address, shareholder KYC, business plans, and lease agreements suitable for your license type.
Step 4
Application Submission
Submit your completed application and supporting documents through the DSO portal and respond promptly to any additional information requests from authorities.
Step 5
Facility Lease
Choose and lease office space, a laboratory, or industrial land that matches your operational needs and meets visa quota requirements based on square footage.
Step 6
Payment and Licensing
Pay all required registration and licensing fees, complete final approvals, and receive your official business license and incorporation certificate from DSO.
Step 7
Establishment Card and Visas
Apply for your establishment card, which is required for sponsoring UAE residency visas for investors, managers, and employees working in your company.
Step 8
Medical Fitness and Biometrics
Complete mandatory medical fitness tests and biometric registration at approved centres for visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance within the UAE.
Step 9
Bank Account Opening
Use your trade license and legal incorporation documents to open a corporate bank account with local or international banks to facilitate business operations.
Visas
Visa Allocation and Costs in Dubai Silicon Oasis
Visa quota is based on leased space, typically one visa per 100 square feet of office or industrial area.
- Investor, employee, and manager visas available
- Family sponsorship options for spouses and dependent children
- Entry permit processing within 5 to 7 business days; visa stamping 1 to 2 weeks after medical tests
- Establishment card mandatory annually for visa sponsorship and must be renewed to maintain legal authority
Pricing
Cost of Dubai Silicon Oasis Setup
Setup costs vary based on license type, facility size, and visa requirements. Basic packages start around AED 40,000 for the first year. Office rentals begin at AED 30,000 annually, while industrial land leasing depends on plot size and location within DSO.
Basic Package
From AED 40,000/year
An entry package covering license and a DSO base, suited to startups and lean service activities.
Office Setup
Rentals from AED 30,000/year
A license with a dedicated office and visas, suited to tech and service teams on the ground.
Industrial Land Setup
Plot & location based
Industrial land leasing and higher visa quotas for manufacturing and light industrial operations.
Our guidance covers
License & facility comparison
Comparing license types and facility options to fit your activity.
Registration & licensing fees
Calculating registration and annual licensing fees.
Visa & establishment card
Calculating visa and establishment card costs per quota.
Bundled packages
Identifying bundled packages and flexible plans.
Tailored breakdown
Providing a tailored cost breakdown per activity.
Note
All figures are indicative. Contact Riz & Mona to get your full Dubai Silicon Oasis business setup estimate.
Get Started
Launch Your Company in Dubai Silicon Oasis
From license and facility selection to DSO approvals, visas, and banking, we handle your Dubai Silicon Oasis setup end to end. Book a free 30-minute consultation and get a clear, costed plan.
License & activity selection•Office or industrial land•Trade license & incorporation•Visas & bank account
