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Dubai free zone · Technology & innovation park

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a technology-focused free zone and integrated community, home to start-ups, software and hardware companies. It combines competitively priced licences with incubator support and on-site offices and residences.

Indicative from about AED 11,900 (unconfirmed — quote required) Indicative — not a quote
Get a written quote → Official DSO website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationDubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup time1–2 weeks
Visa quotaLinked to package
Banking easeGood
RenewalAnnual licence and office renewals

DSO company setup cost (2026)

Headline: Indicative from about AED 11,900 (unconfirmed — quote required) — indicative, not a quote.

Year-one budget: Depends on package and office.

This is an indicative market band compiled from published guides, not the zone’s price list. Treat it as a planning range and confirm before you pay.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the DSO licence

  • Technology-focused community and start-up support
  • Competitive pricing relative to the TECOM-cluster zones
  • Integrated live-work community
  • Flexi-desk and office options
  • Suits software, AI and blockchain ventures

Who is DSO best for?

  • Software and AI start-ups
  • Hardware and IoT companies
  • Technology consultancies

Typical permitted activities

  • Software development
  • AI and data services
  • Electronics and hardware
  • Technology consulting

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • Outside Dubai’s central business districts
  • Check that your activity is on DSO’s permitted list before you commit

How to set up a company in DSO

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

DSO compared with similar UAE free zones

DSOIFZADICMeydan
EmirateDubaiDubaiDubaiDubai
Best forTechnology & innovation parkSME, startup & holding companiesTechnology & softwareDigital, e-commerce & SME
Licence costIndicative from about AED 11,900 (unconfirmed — quote required)From AED 12,900 (zero-visa) · about AED 21,450 with one visaSector band about AED 25,000–50,000 in year one (quote required)From AED 12,500 (zero-visa) · about AED 20,670 with one visa
Setup time1–2 weeks3–7 working days1–3 weeksWithin days; fully digital
Banking easeGoodGoodGoodGood
Fee dataIndicative bandPublishedIndicative bandPublished

FAQs: Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) company formation

Is Dubai Silicon Oasis only for tech companies?

It is tech-focused, but licences also cover trading and service activities. Confirm your activity against the permitted list; a quote will show what your package includes.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)?

Indicative cost: Indicative from about AED 11,900 (unconfirmed — quote required). This is a market price band, not a quote; Year-one totals: Depends on package and office. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does DSO company setup take?

Typically 1–2 weeks once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in DSO?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in DSO trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in DSO?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are DSO companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in DSO?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for DSO is “Good”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in DSO?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is DSO best for?

Software and AI start-ups; Hardware and IoT companies; Technology consultancies.

Get a written quote for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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