Calen Voss 
04.08.2025 Why Choose Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone for Business Setup?
Dubai Silicon Oasis is a state-of-the-art technology free zone located in a strategic part of Dubai with convenient access to major motorways and airports. The zone specialises in supporting IT companies, start-ups, and innovative enterprises, offering technologically advanced infrastructure and a supportive business environment.
Business registration in DSO Free Zone is so popular due to its flexible licensing terms, 100% foreign ownership, low corporate and income taxes, and the ability to remotely register a business without a personal visit to the UAE. Both office space and co-working spaces are available here, as well as an incubation programme for startups.
With its focus on innovation, DSO offers high-speed internet, technology parks, research centres and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. This makes DSO an ideal choice for companies looking to grow, develop technologically, and expand into international markets.
About Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
Dubai Silicon Oasis is a free economic zone established in 2004 and managed by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). DSO was established as a specialised technology park with a focus on the development of information technology, electronics, robotics and innovation.
Located in a strategic neighbourhood in Dubai, the zone is part of the emirate's wider technology ecosystem and is actively supported by the government. DSO is positioned as a centre of digital transformation, offering world-class infrastructure and an environment for the sustainable growth of technology companies and startups.
Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
A variety of activities are permitted for businesses in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone, including IT, electronics, software, research and development, and technology and engineering services. Companies can engage in manufacturing high-tech products, developing intelligent solutions, and providing consultancy services.
Some activities require prior approval: telecommunication services, data exchange, financial technologies, and development using drones or robotics - these areas are subject to a separate review.
A special feature for companies in DSO Free Zone is the support programmes for accelerators and incubators for startups, as well as access to specialised R&D centres, which are not available in many other UAE zones.
Step-by-Step Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone Company Formation and Registration
Starting a company in the Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone is a structured and fast process, particularly beneficial for IT and innovative businesses. Thanks to government support and digital services, registration can be done completely remotely. Below are the key steps to forming a company in the DSO, including selecting a licence, submitting documents and timelines.
Required Documents and Timeline
To register a company in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone, you will need the following documents:
- Passports of all shareholders and the directors.
- Colour photo of the applicant on a white background.
- Visa/entry permit (if applicable).
- Proof of residential address (e.g. utility bill no older than 3 months).
- CV (for certain types of business).
- Business plan (if registering a start-up or for a specific licence).
- Constituent documents (if the authorised capital is contributed on behalf of a legal entity).
The registration period depends on the chosen structure and type of licence. Usually, the whole process of Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone registration, from application to obtaining a licence, takes from 5 to 15 working days.
Certain activities may require prior approval from regulatory authorities, which may extend the process by several days. However, for standard licences in the DSO free zone, especially in the IT sector, the processing is quite fast, including the issuance of a resident visa.
Remote Registration Option
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone offers fully remote company registration, without the need for a personal visit to the UAE. This is especially convenient for foreign entrepreneurs and start-ups who want to save time and resources.
The process begins with the submission of an online application through an authorised registration agent or directly through the DSO portal. All the required documents can be sent electronically. Once pre-approved, a video verification of the founder's identity is conducted, in Zoom or a similar platform, to confirm the authenticity of the data.
A trusted person (agent) can represent the client's interests at all stages, including signing documents, opening a bank account and obtaining a licence.
Courier delivery of original documents and the option to receive an electronic version of the licence via a secure cabinet are also available. This flexible model makes DSO one of the most convenient free zones for remote business start-up, especially in the technology and innovation segment.
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Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
Several types of licences are available in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone, tailored to different business models, from technology start-ups to manufacturing companies. The cost and range of services depends on the licence selected and the scale of operations. Below you can find the main types of licences and their approximate costs.
Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown
To set up a company in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone, you can obtain one of the following licenses:
- Service Licence: allows the registered person to perform the authorised services.
- Trade Licence: permits registered persons to carry out activities related to the export, import, and distribution of goods and items specified in the licence.
- Industrial Licence: the registered person is authorised to manufacture, collect, process, import raw materials, and export finished products and packaging.
The Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone offers several packages for company registration with different numbers of visas and levels of office infrastructure. The most basic is Flexi-Desk, which includes one resident visa and access to a flexible workplace. This is an ideal solution for individual entrepreneurs and early-stage start-ups. The cost of such a package starts at AED 11,900 per year, and includes mandatory e-channel connectivity and agent services, approximately AED 13,000-14,000.
The next level is Smart-Office, which implies the availability of a fixed workplace and the possibility to apply for two resident visas. This format is highly suitable for small teams and companies that need an office presence and basic IT infrastructure. The annual cost is around AED 20,000-23,000.
Additional costs include each additional visa (AED 3,200-4,800 on average), e-channel (~AED 1,200), and medical exams and ID cards.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?
The Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone is primarily aimed at technology companies, start-ups, and consultants in the IT and innovation sector. However, it is not fit for everybody.
Who DSO is suitable for:
- Freelancers and individual entrepreneurs, especially in the fields of software development, design, cybersecurity.
- Consulting companies (business, IT, marketing)
- Startups that need a flexible registration model and access to accelerators
- R&D and technology companies that need infrastructure and lab facilities
- Online services, including SaaS and digital distribution.
Who DSO is totally not suitable for:
- Trading companies with physical goods - logistics infrastructure is limited, and warehouse space is not a priority.
- Manufacturers - the zone is not oriented towards heavy production
- Those who work with high-risk jurisdictions - citizens of certain countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Iran, Syria) may be refused account opening or registration.
- Companies that need VAT registration - DSO may have VAT restrictions (you need to check specifically for the type of activity).
It is also worth considering that prices are higher than in less technologically advanced zones, and the requirements for business plan and qualifications are higher. However, Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone remains one of the most promising hubs in the region for innovative and flexible businesses.
Conclusion
Dubai Silicon Oasis is one of the UAE's most technologically advanced free zones, offering an ideal environment for IT companies, startups, consultants and innovation professionals. Key benefits include remote registration, flexible visa packages, accelerators and a well-designed R&D infrastructure.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone company registration is particularly suited to those looking for an intellectual environment, a modern approach to business and a transparent operating environment. Registration is quick, with no need for a personal visit, and access to office solutions, from flexi-desk to executive offices, allows costs to be tailored to the specific stage of business development.
However, the zone is not suitable for heavy manufacturing, large-scale logistics and physical goods trading. If your business requires warehouses or a focus on B2C retail, other zones are worth considering.
If you are planning to launch a technology project, start a freelance business, or open a consulting company, Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone business setup is a smart and efficient choice. The next step is to contact professional consultants who will help you choose the optimal package, collect documents, and pass registration without unnecessary time and mistakes.
Our legal and administrative support at the start allows you to concentrate on the main thing - business development, market entry, and scaling up.
Can I register a company in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone without visiting the UAE?
Yes, it is possible to register a company in the Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone completely remotely. After submitting the online application, a video verification of identity is carried out. All documents are sent electronically and originals are sent by courier. A representative in the UAE can sign and interact with the authorities on your behalf.
Does Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone offer installment payment options?
The DSO does not provide formal installment schemes directly, but some licensed registration agents do offer installment payments to clients, especially for start-up packages. This depends on the specific provider and type of licence, so it is advisable to check the schemes available before starting registration.
Can I use a Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone license for trading outside the UAE?
Yes, the Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone licence allows international trade, especially in the case of e-commerce, services and IT products. However, physical import/export of goods through the UAE may require additional agreements with logistics operators or registration in another zone with access to warehouses.
What activities require pre-approval in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone?
Prior approval is required for activities related to telecommunications, fintech, drone development, medical technology and cybersecurity. Approval is also required for educational initiatives and R&D projects, especially when attracting foreign investment or grant programmes.
How does Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone compare to other zones like DMCC or IFZA?
