The Dubai Silicon Oasis company formation is now the go-to choice for technology start-ups, small to medium enterprises, and even subdivisions of global corporations looking for a live-work-play ecosystem. DSO is only 25 minutes away from Dubai downtown. It offers a cutting-edge business park as well as residential, educational, and recreational spaces, all created within a nurturing free zone authority environment. This is a thorough guide for all the processes of setting up your business in Dubai Silicon Oasis and startup processes, for licensing, office space, and even permit quota compliance, construction, and future planning.
What Is Dubai Silicon Oasis and Why Is It the Free Zone Everyone Chooses?
The Dubai Government created Dubai Silicon Oasis in 2004. It consists of 7.2 square kilometers of carefully zoned mixed-use land with a technology park, residential parts, and even schools. DSO is overseen by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA). It also offers:
Prime Location: DSO is situated at Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road and is 15 kilometers away from Dubai International Airport. This makes it a 15-minute drive to the Airport as well as a connector to Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Completely Integrated Ecosystem: Dubai Silicon Oasis has more than 4,000 active businesses, including start-ups in the DTEC incubator and multinationals’ research and development centers. To enhance synergetic cooperation, DSO provides shared innovation labs and venture capital, as well as collaboration with universities.
Master-Planned Community: Dubai Silicon Oasis is home to over 60,000 residents who have access to serviced residences alongside apartments and villas. In addition to these amenities, residents have access to GEMS International and North London Collegiate, several health clinics, the Oasis Centre mall, and multiple sports centers to promote healthy living.
Fully Licensed Free Zone Authority: As a licensed free zone authority under the UAE Federal Law and DIFC regulations, DSOA offers 100% foreign business ownership. Investors are provided with 0% personal and corporate taxes as well as streamlined and expedited customs processes.
Why DSO is more Attractive than Other Free Zones?
The most remarkable feature of DSO is the integration of light manufacturing with education, ICT, research, and e-commerce, all located within one zone. The region also has a modern e-services portal, fiber broadband, and eco-friendly LEED-certified buildings, which create a sustainable environment where entrepreneurs can live, work, and network within the community.
Top Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai Silicon Oasis
- 100% Foreign Ownership & Capital Repatriation
Under DSOA, foreign investors are not mandated to have a local partner, which permits total ownership and capital repatriation. DSOA investors have full control over their profits and can access them instantly.
- No Taxation & Exemption from Customs Duties
Companies within the zone have the benefits of no corporate tax and personal income tax, no tax on the import and export of goods and services, and no VAT on intra-zone trading.
- Plug-And-Play Infrastructure
Light industrial units and basic offices that are pre-furnished, as well as workstations, flexi-desks, and executive suites, are outfitted with basic utilities like water, electricity, and waste. Because of this, companies are able to function within days of registration.
- Accelerated Processing of Visas
The layout of the workspace affects the number of visas we can issue—an investor or employee visa can only be processed per 9 m² of office space. Through the online systems and concierge services of DSOA, we can issue visas in 5 to 7 business days.
- Integrated Community and Lifestyle
Residents can access retail shops, schools, housing, and clinics, dramatically reducing commuting time and encouraging physical activity. This helps to enhance the quality of life for the residents and improves employee retention.
- Sector Specific Support
The DSO has specific zones for ICT, light manufacturing, e-commerce, and R&D. Among the clusters, we provide specialized labs and testing as well as mentorship through DTEC and partner universities.
- Packages That Provide Value-for-Money
Our business and residency visa packages are priced at AED 12,000 for a service license and 2 visas. DSO is one of the most competitively priced premium free zones in the region, as the flexi-desk package of 13.5 m² is priced at AED 28,392 annually.
Types of Licenses Available for Company Formation in DSO
Dubai Silicon Oasis license types have grouped business activities within 4 license types and offer one of four main licenses to a specialized business.
- Service License
Professional services covered under the service license include IT, software engineering, and even legal and financial advisory services. Companies have both physical and remote working options.
- Trade License
This trade license permits the import and export of goods alongside distribution and wholesale activities listed under DSOA. It is ideal for e-commerce, electronics wholesale, and spare part distribution.
- Industrial License
This license is best suited for light industrial and assembly activities, as well as value-added processing. It works best for the manufacturing, lab-scale prototyping, and 3D printing and packaging of electronics. There are no duties on importing raw materials, and finished goods can be exported to any destination without restrictions.
- Entrepreneurial Business License (EBL)
This license is best suited for solo founders and small, newly established companies registered with DTEC. It includes hot desks and shared offices. The entrepreneurs benefit from not having to pay the full DSOA fees for incorporating.
- Company Operation Licence
This applies to DED-licensed businesses based in the mainland region. These businesses are allowed to establish branches in the DSOA zones governed by private managers. This license only applies to DED-registered businesses. It permits the holders to enjoy free zone incentives while gaining the benefits of the mainland.
Which Business Activities Are Allowed in DSO?
For the DED’s 350 permitted activities, DSO draws from the list, which includes:
- Information & Communication: Development of software, data processing, AI, blockchain analytics, IoT services.
- Research & Development: Evaluation of products, prototypes, biotech, and university spinouts.
- E-commerce & Online Services: Advanced digital marketing, marketplace, and digital wallets.
- Light Industrial & Assembly: Electronics, 3D printing, assembly of medical devices, light fabrication.
- Professional Services: Management, marketing, consultancy, HR, and legal and accounting services.
What You Can’t Do
Unless one also holds DSOA’s Company Operation Licence, excluded activities cannot include heavy manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, pharmacy manufacturing, and retail activities on the mainland.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Company Registration in Dubai Silicon Oasis
Step 1: Business Name Registration
- Register for an Appointment: Visit DSOA’s e-service portal at www.dsoa.ae to log in.
- Search: Look up “Trade Name Wizard.” Ensure that all suggested names are checked for uniqueness, offensiveness, and inclusion of purpose, for example, “Acme Tech Solutions FZ-LLC.”
- Reservation: “The name can be reserved for 90 days for a fee of AED 620.”
Step 2: Select License Type and Activity Code
- No more than 7 subactivities can be issued under a primary license based on the DED activity directory.
- Check the industrial, service, and trade codes to ensure they are appropriate for the business structure and the number of visas available.
Step 3: Register Company Address and Schedule Virtual Office Meetings
- Flexi-Desk: 13.5 m² for service start-ups. This includes a hot desk, a meeting room, and mail services.
- Executive Suite: These are private furnished offices, 20-40 m², that come with dedicated network ports.
- Light Industrial Unit: These are furnished warehouses with mezzanine floors of 100-500 m² with enhanced power supply.
- Check DSOA’s floorplans, confirm, and e-sign the lease.
Step 4: Submission of Documents, Payment, and Application Submission
- Company: copies of shareholders’ and directors’ passports, a corporate application form, MoA, AoTA, CoI, and a corporate application form.
- Individuals: A passport, for non-residents, a UAE entry permit, and proof of residence.
- Fee: license 12,000, lease X, admin 500. The estimated total of all registration services is 15,000 to 40,000.
- Payments can either be made through their websites, by bank transfer, or by uploading proof of payment.
Step 5: E-License Issuance
- You will receive the e-license in 2-3 business days after the DSOA computes and accepts the documents.
- As soon as you receive the e-license, get it printed and display it in your office.
Step 6: Issuance of Establishment Card and Company Stamp
- Apply for the UAE establishment card through the e-services portal. The card facilitates the stamping of visas and company stamps.
- DSOA-approved vendors can be commissioned for company and logo stamps as well.
Required Documents for Dubai Silicon Oasis Company Setup
| Document | Applicant Type | Notes |
| Trade Name Reservation Certificate | All | Valid for 90 days |
| Initial Approval from DSOA | All | Generated after name reservation |
| Copy of Passport and Visa (if UAE resident) | Shareholders/Directors | Attested copy for foreign nationals |
| Copy of Shareholder’s Passport & Visa (if any) | Shareholders | For corporate entities: Certificate of Incorporation & MoA/AoA |
| Board Resolution or Power of Attorney | Corporate Shareholders | Authorizing signatory for DSOA dealings |
| Tenancy Contract (Ejari) or E‑Lease Agreement | All | Must match office space booking |
| NOC from Current Sponsor (for UAE‑residents) | Resident Investors | Only if changing visa status |
| Bank Reference Letter (for MVLs/Industrial) | Industrial Applicants | Some banks require minimum deposit proof for industrial units |
Office Space Options and Eligibility for Visa in DSO
Flexi-Desk and Co-Working
- High-speed wifi, printing, and meeting rooms.
- Starting from AED 28,392 for 13.5 m².
- Visa Quota: 1 for 9 m². Great for solo founders and small teams.
Executive Suites
- Private furnished offices with a phone line.
- AED 50,000-80,000/year depending on the tower and its view.
- Visa Quota: 4 visas for 36 m².
Light Industrial Units
- Facilities: Assembly, warehousing, and prototyping for 100-500 m².
- Price: AED 150-300/m² per annum, plus utilities and security deposit.
- Other facilities: 24/7 access, freight elevators, higher security, and increased electrical supply.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Visa Process for Business Owners and Employees
- For the Establishment Card Applications: They can submit applications on the DSOA portal, which also acts as a visa stamping.
- Entry Permit: Our overseas applicants must note that Dubai visa processing will take a maximum of 60 days.
- Medical Fitness: The UAE requires a blood sample collection and also x-ray imaging of the chest and waist for the Zero Treatment Surgery Certificate.
- Collection of Biometric Data: Collection of biometric data involves Dubai Typing Centers.
- Visa Collection: Residency Visas are issued by the Dubai Health Authority.
- Family and Staff Sponsors: Sponsors of the residency visa can also register 2 dependents and employees. The medical and ID do incur additional costs over AED 4860.
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Dubai Silicon Oasis?
| Trade/Service License (2 visas) | 12,000 |
| Flexi‑Desk (13.5 m²) Lease | 28,392 |
| Office Security Deposit (10%) | 2,704 |
| Establishment Card | 500 |
| Registration & Administrative Fees | 620 |
| Visa Application (per visa) | 4,860 (in‑UAE) |
| Emirates ID & Medical | 970 |
| Corporate Bank Account Setup | Bank‑dependent (~0) |
| Accountant & PRO Services (annual) | 8,000–12,000 |
| Total Approx. First-Year Burn | ~58,000–75,000 |
Cost Optimization:
- Zone fees are fully waived for 1-2 years with a DTEC Entrepreneurial License.
- Up to 10% off for long-term lease.
- Multi-user corporate visa packages are available for corporate accounts.
Compliance Requirements After Setting Up in DSO
- Payment of License Fee: Pay Ejari lease grant, audited statements, and licensed resumes.
- Auditing: Companies with revenues exceeding 50 million AED are required to have audited accounts and intragroup borrowing; business with simpler structures qualifies for simplified GAAP.
- Economic Substance Regulations: These regulations require that companies have a tangible core profit-generating business activity within the UAE.
- VAT Registration and Filing: Registration and filing only become necessary when the yearly taxable supply surpasses AED 375,000; quarterly returns are submitted via the FTA portal.
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Registry: Changes to UBOs are to be lodged within a six-month timeframe from the date of alteration through DSOA’s portal.
- Renewal Deadlines: Trade licenses are renewed on the anniversary date with bi-annual renewals.
