Calen Voss 
26.09.2025 Why Choose Dubai Science Park Free Zone for Business Setup?
Dubai Science Park is conveniently located on the border between the residential area of Al Barsha and the business district of Dubai Investment Park, making it the perfect combination of urban infrastructure and business activity. This free economic cluster attracts companies in the fields of science, technology, and medicine, offering them a reputation and prestige that cannot be ignored.
Why choose Dubai Science Park to start a business? First of all, it offers flexible licensing schemes, allowing startups and large companies to adapt their structure to their current tasks. The center allows you to save money - affordable rental rates, simplified capital requirements, and a favorable tax regime (0% for QFZP status holders). In addition, remote registration is possible. The entire process can be completed online, without visits or unnecessary bureaucratic formalities. This park is truly about freedom: you get instant access to specialized laboratories, coworking spaces, residential infrastructure, and logistics connections - coupled with scalability and the possibility of expansion.
About Dubai Science Park Free Zone
Dubai Science Park (DSP) was established in 2015 as part of the TECOM Group, which guaranteed it government support and strategic importance. The free zone was conceived as a specialized cluster for companies in the fields of science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Unlike universal free zones, DSP is positioned as a niche platform that brings together research centers, laboratories, and production facilities. Thanks to the modern approach and support from the UAE government, the park quickly established a strong position in Dubai's innovation ecosystem. It fits organically into the city's infrastructure and complements the region's network of free economic and logistics hubs.
Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Science Park Free Zone
Dubai Science Park is geared toward companies working in science, healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Organizations involved in scientific research, drug development and manufacturing, laboratory services, and innovations in nutrition, energy, and environmental technologies can register here. Projects related to medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical distribution are particularly popular. Certain areas, such as clinical research, medical practice, or drug distribution, require prior approval from the relevant authorities, in particular the UAE Ministry of Health or the Dubai Health Authority. DSP's specialization makes it unique: not every free zone offers opportunities for certified laboratories and research centers, as well as for the development of startups in the field of life sciences and sustainable technologies.
Step-by-Step Dubai Science Park Free Zone Company Formation and Registration
Registering a company in Dubai Science Park Free Zone is a streamlined process that allows entrepreneurs and investors to quickly enter the UAE's science, biotechnology, and medical markets. The zone offers transparent conditions, modern infrastructure, and flexibility for startups and international corporations. Thanks to the possibility of remote registration and government support, starting a business here is a convenient option for those who seek to develop innovations in a stable and dynamic environment.
Required Documents and Timeline
To register a company in Dubai Science Park Free Zone, you will need to prepare a set of documents. Depending on the type of activity and legal form, the list may vary, but the basic requirements include:
- Passports of founders and shareholders (copies of all main pages).
- Passport-size photo for each participant.
- Visa or entry permit.
- Proof of address.
- Resume or brief description of professional experience (when registering specialized companies in the scientific or medical field).
- Company incorporation documents of the new entity and, if the founder is a legal entity, its own constituent documents and board resolution.
In terms of timing, the process is fairly quick. It usually takes 7 to 14 business days from the submission of a complete set of documents to the receipt of a license. Additional time may be required if prior approval from regulators is required (e.g., for pharmaceutical or medical activities).
Thus, entrepreneurs can count on a quick start to their business, provided that the package of documents is correctly prepared and the application is submitted on time.
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Remote Registration Option
One of the key advantages of Dubai Science Park Free Zone is the possibility of fully remote company registration. This means that entrepreneurs do not have to come to the UAE to start a business - all stages can be completed online.
The process usually includes the following steps:
- Submitting an application through the free zone's electronic portal with all the necessary papers uploaded.
- Identity verification via video link: DSP representatives organize an online interview to verify the passport details and identity of the founders.
- Signing documents electronically using secure platforms.
- Support from an accredited registration agent who acts as an intermediary, verifies that the forms are filled out correctly and interacts with the free zone authorities.
The remote procedure greatly simplifies the process and makes it convenient for foreign investors. All documents and licenses are issued in electronic format, allowing you to start working almost immediately after approval. If necessary, our agents can assist with visas, bank accounts, and office rentals.
Thus, DSP provides flexibility and accessibility for businesses by removing barriers related to travel and bureaucracy.
Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai Science Park Free Zone
Dubai Science Park offers some categories of licenses tailored to different areas of activity. The most popular are:
- Commercial license. Suitable for trading in pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and related goods.
- Service license. For consulting and research services, including laboratory analysis and scientific development.
- Industrial license. Allows for the light manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products.
- Freelance license. Aimed at individual specialists in the fields of science, medicine, and technology.
The cost of the DSP license depends on the package: basic options with a workspace or virtual office.
Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown
Dubai Science Park Free Zone offers entrepreneurs flexible packages that include workspaces (flexi-desks) and a certain number of visas. The approach allows you to optimize costs and choose a solution that suits the scale of your business.
Basic packages in Dubai Science Park Free Zone:
- 1 visa + flexi-desk starts from AED 15,000–17,000 every year. Suitable for freelancers and individual consultants.
- 2–3 visas + flexi-desk costs on average AED 20,000–23,000 per year. Optimal for small startups or family businesses.
- 4–6 visas + office/workspace is from AED 25,000–30,000 per year, depending on the office format selected.
- Large packages (10+ visas). Cost is calculated individually, often exceeding AED 40,000 per year, especially when renting specialized laboratories or production space.
Additional costs you can spend via company registration in the DSP Free Zone:
- Each additional visa is subject to a fee of AED 3,000–5,000 (including medical tests and Emirates ID).
- E-channel registration is mandatory for all companies and costs around AED 2,000–2,500 annually.
Thus, Dubai Science Park offers entrepreneurs clear and flexible terms: you can start with a basic package and gradually expand your office space and add visas for employees as your business grows, without incurring excessive costs.
Dubai Science Park Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?
Dubai Science Park is a specialized platform for companies in the fields of science, healthcare and biotechnology. It is not universal, which is why it is worth understanding who it is suitable for and who it is not.
Dubai Science Park company formation is suitable for:
- Freelancers and consultants in the fields of medicine, research, and laboratory services.
- Startups in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and environmental technologies.
- Manufacturers of medical devices and innovative products.
- International companies, looking for a science cluster with ready-made infrastructure.
Not suitable for:
- Trading business, working with a wide range of goods outside the medical or scientific fields.
- Traditional retailers focused on the mass consumer market.
- High-risk nationalities (subject to additional verification).
- Businesses that require VAT registration. DSP does not always provide this option.
Thus, the zone is designed specifically for those who develop innovations and scientific projects, but not for all types of commerce.
Conclusion
Dubai Science Park Free Zone stands out among other zones in the UAE for its narrow specialization and clear focus on companies working in science, medicine, and biotechnology. It is a convenient place to start for both small startups and international structures that need a ready-made infrastructure, from laboratories to modern office solutions.
The advantages are obvious: remote registration without traveling to Dubai, transparent license packages with the possibility of scaling, reasonable prices for the initial stage, and most importantly, a unique ecosystem of specialists and companies where ideas are easily turned into projects.
This zone is suitable for researchers, consultants, manufacturers of innovative products, and those looking for an environment for technology development. But it is not for everyone: traditional trade and mass retail will be limited here.
If you are considering setting up your business in Dubai, consult with our specialists. Our professionals will help you choose the fitting license, avoid bureaucratic delays and bring your project to market faster.
Can I register a company in Dubai Science Park Free Zone without visiting the UAE?
Registration can be done entirely remotely. DSP allows for the completion of the process online: documents are submitted via the portal, and identity is verified via video link. Agreements are also signed electronically. This is good for investors who want to save time and get started without traveling to the Emirates.
Does Dubai Science Park Free Zone offer installment payment options?
Licenses are usually paid for annually, but in some cases, it is possible to arrange installment payments through accredited agents or directly with the zone administration. Everything depends on the package you choose and the number of visas. Therefore, it is worth clarifying the terms in advance, as flexible payment options are not always available.
Can I use a Dubai Science Park Free Zone license for trading outside the UAE?
The DSP license is primarily intended for activities within the free zone and services in the scientific field. For trade outside the UAE, universal free zones such as DMCC are more commonly used. However, a company in the DSP may enter into international contracts if this is consistent with its license and activities.
What activities require pre-approval in Dubai Science Park Free Zone?
Some areas related to medicine and pharmaceuticals require additional approval. For example, clinical trials, drug manufacturing, or the distribution of medical products must be approved by the Dubai Health Authority or the Ministry of Health. Without such approvals, it is impossible to register a company in these areas. Other services are processed faster and more easily.
How does Dubai Science Park Free Zone compare to other zones like DMCC or IFZA?
