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Cost of Dubai Silicon Oasis License in 2026
The DSO has been the ideal free zone for those envisioning studies and development in the advanced technical fields. A fully modernized infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities, and supportive regulations provide end-to-end support and encouragement. The license cost of DSO Freezone we mention here indicates the approximate charges for the license only.
| Package Type | Visa Allocation | Starting Price (AED) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic License | 0 | 11,900 | The basic license package is for sole entrepreneurs, professionals, and start-ups who do not require a visa immediately. Those investing on a trial basis, as well as |
| Standard License | 1-2 | 12,000 | The firms, small teams, or start-ups that require a 01 or 02 license. |
| Service/ Commercial License | As Per Office Space | 15,000 | IT firms, companies, R&D companies, etc., with multiple employees can choose this package. |
| Industrial/ Manufacturing License | As Per the Facility Size | 20,000 | Companies involved in product development, advanced R&D, light component manufacturing, innovative design programs, etc. |
How to Set Up a DSO Freezone Company
The DSO has framed a simple and streamlined business setup process. Designed to support the investors, the company formation can be completed online. Further guidance and assistance can be taken from an experienced business setup agent if required, to comply with the regulations. At the same time, you focus on business strategy, marketing, and other relevant aspects that would boost your firm. Kiltons provides end-to-end support for DSO company formation, handling licensing, approvals, and visa processing efficiently. With Kiltons managing the compliance and setup procedures, businesses can establish operations in Dubai Silicon Oasis quickly and without hassle.
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Types of Business Entities in Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone offers flexible business structures. Investors can choose the business entity according to the business goals set.
| Entity Type | Description | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Free Zone Establishment (FZE) | A company owned by a single owner, whether an individual or a corporate entity. As the DSO allows a fully foreign-owned business, no local partner is required. | 100% |
| Free Zone Company (FZCO) | A Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Freezone company owned by 02 to 50 shareholders. The shareholders could be individuals, corporates, or a mix of both. It can have local partners as well. | 100% |
| Branch of a UAE Company | A company established in the UAE mainland or any of the free zones can have its branch in the DSO. | 100% by the UAE Company. |
| Branch of a Foreign Company | A company outside the UAE can set up its branch in the Dubai Silicon Oasis free zone. | 100% by the Foreign Company. |
| Branch of an Offshore Company | An offshore company or a group of offshore companies starting their branch in the DSO Freezone. | 100% by the Offshore Parent Company. |
Documents Required for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Business Setup
For an Individual Shareholder
- Copies of Passports of Shareholders and Managers
- Copy of Visa/ Entry Stamp (if applicable)
- Copy of Emirates ID (if applicable)
- CV (if required only)
- NOC (for UAE Residents Only)
- Proof of Address
For Corporate Shareholders
- Company profile
- Business License
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Board Resolution
- UBO Declaration
- Copies of the Passports of the Shareholders/ Directors
- POA for the Representative
Timeline Breakdown for Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone Business Setup
The hassle-free company formation formalities make it easy for expats to start a business here. It may take around 02 to 03 weeks to complete the process and start full-fledged operations.
Even though you have an idea about the business to start, it would be advisable to confirm it, considering the business environment in the DSO. Moreover, the company structure must be finalized before initiating the process.
The authority will review your eligibility and approve business formation. Then, only further processing can be initiated. Obtain initial approval from the DSO Freezone Authority as the first step. Business name, according to the extant policies, can be registered simultaneously.
Prepare the documents as per the checklist, verify their accuracy, and submit them along with the trade license application. Pay the license fee. The Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone Authority will examine the documents and issue the business license and company registration documents.
Conclude the lease agreement for the office space. Ejari has to be registered with the RERA.
Receive the company business license and incorporation certificates. The company can start operations after opening a corporate account and obtaining visas for the employees.
The bank account opening timeline depends on the bank. The Visa, Establishment Card, and Emirates ID can be processed in parallel with the bank account opening process.
Key Advantages - Dubai Silicon Oasis Business Setup
Even though the world is behind AI, Robotics, and Autonomous Systems, a completely dedicated free zone for the same is a rare thing. DSO Freezone is an innovatively designed free zone with all the amenities, facilities, and modernized structure for technical innovations.
Cost-effective Business Setup
The business setup in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Freezone is smooth, streamlined, and cost-effective. With 100% foreign ownership permitted, there is no need for an Emirati sponsor or partner. The company can be formed quickly, without any regulatory complications.
Innovative Environment
A supportive hub for innovations, R&D, and technical studies, the free zone is home to DSO Technology Park and Dubai Digital Park. The productive ecosystem will boost your company’s growth profoundly. Ideal especially for businesses from AI, Web3, Metaverse Creation, Robotics, IT, Software, Fintech, and E-commerce.
Flexible and Supportive Solutions
The DSO offers in-house immigration solutions for fast and reliable visa processing. Located close to the Dubai International Airport, on the Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Road, the free zone provides exceptional connectivity with local and global markets.
Licensing
Need help?
1
Pick the Business Activities and Finalize the Company Structure
As a matter of fact, you might have a clear concept about the company to set up, legal structure, and way ahead. Nonetheless, we propose that you have a detailed look at the ecosystem in the DSO Freezone, the company structures, and growth prospects before finalizing.
2
Reserve the Trade Name with the DSO Authority
Identify a business name suitable for the company. It could be anything you want, except blasphemous, religious, or political. The owner’s name could be the business name, without abbreviations.
3
Get the Initial Approval
Passport copies of shareholders, Emirates ID (only if applicable), Business Plan, and NOC (if applicable) are to be submitted to DSO Freezone Authority for obtaining initial approval for company formation. The authority will examine the KYC details submitted and take the right decision.
4
Lease Office Space
A physical office is mandatory for the business setup in the DSO Free Zone. Flexi-desk, commercial business space, executive office, light industrial unit, or warehouse can be chosen. Finalize the office space and conclude the lease agreement.
5
Obtain the Business License
Submit the license application and documents, and pay the license fee. The DSO will review the documents and issue the business license and company registration documents.
6
Open a Corporate Bank Account
Open a corporate bank account for the company in a bank associated with the DSO free zone. The account opening timeline is around 07 to 10 business days.
7
Apply for a Visa
Apply for a resident visa through the immigration portal, as per the visa quota available in the package.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone Business Bank Account Assistance
Popular Banks
- Mashreq Bank
- Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
- Emirates NBD
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
- RAK Bank
- Emirates Islamic Bank
Required Documents
- Business License
- Certificate of Incorporation
- AOA & MOA
- Share Certificates
- Lease Agreement (Ejari)
- Business Plan
- Passport Copies of Shareholders/ Directors
- Visa and Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Address Proof
- Personal Bank Statement for the Previous 06 Months (if required)
- UBO Declaration
- Fund Source Declaration
Bank Interview
A bank interview/ meeting is a standard process before corporate bank account opening. This is for understanding the business activities, the legitimacy of the business, knowing the customer, and a briefing on banks' policies and regulations.
Account Opening Timelines
Although the corporate account opening process is similar, the timeline will depend on the bank. Ideally, the bank account opening in DSO Freezone takes about 10 working days.
Talk to an expertOffice Options Available in Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone
The free zones across the UAE are following a standard office space and visa allocation format. The differences among the free zones are minor. Shared desk or flexi-desk in free zones normally does not offer a visa quota. At the same time, free zones like Dubai Silicon Oasis provide 01 to 02 visas for shared desk/ flexi-desk. Such simple differences exist in office space aspects.
| Workspace Type | Description | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Desk/ Flexi-Desk | Shared workspace facility, with common amenities and access to a conference room. This is the basic space available that will reduce the business setup expenses in DSO. | Freelancers, Professional Service Providers, and low-budget Start-ups. |
| Executive Office | Lockable private office space with exclusive amenities, reception, and a meeting room. Storage spaces are also provided. | SMEs, entities requiring a private workspace, firms with an established identity, and professional service providers. |
| Commercial Space | Private office space larger than Executive Office. Facilities available include IT infrastructure, a meeting room, lockable storage, and a branding facility. | Well-established entities, firms looking to have an exceptional workspace, and renowned organizations with a credible identity. |
| Innovation Hub/ Technical Lab | Thoughtfully designed workspace comprising facilities and infrastructure supporting R&D, innovation, technical analysis, and in-depth studies in futuristic tech. | Start-ups focusing on new tech development, R&D firms, and Organizations developing AI-based new concepts. |
| Warehouse/ Industrial Unit | Production centers and spaces for light manufacturing, with a storage facility | Manufacturing units, product development centers, and companies involved in product manufacturing. |
DSO Freezone License Types & Sample Business Activities
Since the DSO is a tech-focused free zone, the licenses are also designed accordingly. The authority has formulated the entire concept of the Dubai Silicon Oasis, considering futuristic developments, innovations, and technical advancements.
Service License
Companies offering service-based business operations require a Service License.
Sample Activities :
- IT Services
- HR
- Marketing and Advertising
- Auditing Service
Industrial License
Light manufacturing, production, assembly, and packaging activities can be performed by the entities having an Industrial License.
Sample Activities :
- Light Components Manufacturing
- Metal Fabrication
- 3D printing
- Foodstuff Production
Commercial License/ Trade License
Export, import, trading, and distribution activities can be performed with a Commercial/ Trade License.
Sample Activities :
- Import of Electronic Appliances
- General Trading
- Export of Raw Materials
- Mobile Phone Trading
Educational License
Educational institutions, training centers, vocational coaching centers, etc., come under the purview of the Educational License issued by the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Freezone.
Sample Activities :
- Training of IT Professionals
- Vocational Training on Advanced Systems
- Digital Marketing Course Providers
- AI Coaching Center
E-commerce License
Entities and individual entrepreneurs can be involved in online trading and sales activities with the E-commerce License.
Sample Activities :
- Digital Product Sales
- Dropshipping
- Products Sales Through Social Media
Tech Startup License
Innovation, R&D, and technical development firms in DSO can obtain this license for the subject functions.
Sample Activities :
- Web3 Development Entities
- AI Solutions
- Blockchain Development
Dual License
Companies with the Dual License can operate both in the Dubai Mainland and the DSO Freezone.
Sample Activities :
- Sales of Products in the Mainland and DSO
- Marketing Activities Extending to the Mainland
Dubai Silicon Oasis Company Renewal
DSO companies have to renew their license annually. Undue delays in renewal can cause penalties, black listing of the company, and cancellation of visas related to the company. The Dubai Silicon Oasis company renewal can be done online through the DSO portal.
- Log in to the DSO Authority Portal
- Submit the License Renewal request
- Upload the documents sought
- Pay the license renewal fee
- The renewed license is issued after review of the documents by the authority
- Implement the changes in the relevant documents
License Cancellation
Exit Process, Visa Cancellation, Final audit (if applicable)
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Freezone Company Amendments
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) allows amendments to the company. The amendments, including company structure, change in shareholders/ directors, business name, relocation to another business space, and inclusion/ exclusion of business activities,s can be undertaken.
- Board Resolution Approving the Amendment
- Duly Filled Amendment Application Form
- Memorandum of Association (if required)
- Copies of Passports of Shareholders/ Directors
DSO Freezone Company Cancellation
The DSO company cancellation or company liquidation process has to be complied with meticulously. Non-compliance can lead to administrative and legal complications for the shareholders. The procedure is envisaged to affirm that all the immigration, financial, administrative, and legal obligations have been addressed.
- Online request to DSO Authority for company cancellation
- Board resolution stating the company's cancellation
- Obtain a liquidation letter from the liquidator appointed
- Cancel all the visas and resident cards associated with the company
- Pay all the utility fees and dues
- Closure of corporate account
- Submit the final liquidation report to the DSOA
- Receive the deregistration certificate and comply with the directives
Hidden Cost to be Aware of
Cost-effective business setup is the specialty of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Freezone. At the same time, an investor should be aware of all the expenses connected with the business to have a well-calculated business setup cost.
- Fee for the Establishment Card
- Visa Processing Fee
- Notarization Charges
- Translation Fee
- Document Attestation Expense
- Account Opening Charge
- Insurance Expenses
- Company Stamp
- Service Fee
Is Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone The Right Choice For You
Dubai Silicon Oasis is Ideal For
The supportive regulations and advanced infrastructure create a productive environment for firms focusing on AI, Web3, and similar technical business activities.
IT companies and start-ups involved in software development, SaaS, app development, web development, etc., can choose DSO Freezone for setting up their business.
Investors planning to set up a business in Dubai, at an affordable rate, can select DSO right away. Flexibility in business operations and regulations is another factor that makes this free zone a preferable one.
State-of-the-art infrastructure and a test bed for new technologies are unique aspects that make DSO Freezone something different. E-commerce firms can explore advanced concepts like drone delivery, as well as traditional delivery means.
Dubai Silicon Oasis May Not Be Ideal For
Although light manufacturing units can consider Dubai Silicon Oasis, the infrastructure and logistics facilities are not supportive of heavy industrial units.
Oil & Gas, Crypto, adult content, gambling, etc., are either restricted or regulated. Such business firms may not pick DSO for setting up their firm.
Logistics hubs with large capacity are not provided in the DSO. Companies from this sector may choose another suitable free zone.
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