Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Setup
Set up your tech company in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) — Dubai's integrated technology park hosting startups, R&D centres, and tech SMEs. 100% foreign ownership, free zone + mainland operations in one location.
Description
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a government-owned technology park established in 2004 and managed by Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). DSO is unique among Dubai free zones — it operates as both a free zone and a mainland-style technology district with residential, retail, and education components within the same master-planned community. DSO houses over 5,000 companies across software, electronics, semiconductors, technology services, R&D, and tech-adjacent businesses, alongside the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai campus.
DSO offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full profit repatriation, and competitive licensing packages targeted at technology businesses — particularly software development, IT services, electronics, semiconductors, hardware, R&D, technology trading, and tech consultancy. The free zone offers a wide range of facility options from flexi-desk to dedicated offices, technology labs, light industrial units, and warehouses. DSO is well-suited for tech businesses wanting an integrated location with on-site residential and amenities for staff.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete Dubai Silicon Oasis setup — activity selection from the DSO-approved tech list, package selection (flexi-desk to lab to industrial unit), trade name reservation, KYC submission, MOA drafting, license issuance, Establishment Card, visa processing, and corporate bank account introduction. Standard DSO setup completes in 10 to 14 working days from KYC submission.
What's Included
- DSO Trade License (Free Zone)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Integrated Technology Park Address
- Flexi-Desk / Office / Lab / Light Industrial Options
- Up to 5 Related Tech Activities Under Single License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1-2 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- On-Site Amenities and Residential Vicinity for Staff
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
- Free UAE Corporate Tax Consultation
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Technology-related business activity from DSO approved list
- Trade name following DSO naming rules
- Flexi-desk minimum, upgrade for more visa capacity
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
- Annual license renewal
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- CV or Company Profile
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Tech Activities
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For corporate shareholder: attested parent documents
Our Process
- Consultation on DSO activity and package selection
- Trade name reservation with DSO
- Submit KYC application and shareholder documents
- DSO review and initial approval
- Facility selection and lease agreement
- Pay DSO license and facility fees
- MOA signing and corporate documents
- Receive DSO Trade License
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 15,000
- Service Fee: AED 3,500
- VAT (5%): AED 925
- Total: AED 19,425
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Dubai Silicon Oasis over Dubai Internet City?
DSO and DIC both serve technology businesses but suit different stages. DIC offers premium positioning alongside Microsoft, Google, and Meta with higher costs. DSO is more cost-effective with similar 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits, plus the unique integrated park with on-site residential, schools, and amenities — better for tech founders building teams who want everything in one location. DIC suits enterprise-credibility focus; DSO suits operational efficiency and cost focus.
What activities are available at DSO?
Software development, IT services and consulting, electronics design and manufacturing, semiconductors, hardware development, R&D, technology trading, tech-adjacent professional services, cloud and data services, AI and emerging technology, and other DSO-approved tech activities.
How much does DSO company setup cost?
DSO license packages typically start at approximately AED 15,000-20,000 in government fees including a flexi-desk. Lab and light industrial units increase the total based on space and specification. Service fees and visa processing are additional. Substantially cheaper than DIC for comparable tech licensing.
How long does DSO setup take?
Standard DSO setup completes in 10 to 14 working days from KYC submission. DSO's review process is efficient for standard tech activities.
Can DSO companies serve UAE mainland clients?
Tech services and B2B consultancy from DSO can serve mainland clients as professional services. Physical electronics trading and similar physical goods require distributor arrangements for direct mainland sales. We structure the license to match your sales model.
Does DSO have laboratory and R&D infrastructure?
Yes. DSO offers technology labs, R&D facilities, light industrial units suitable for prototyping and small-scale electronics manufacturing, alongside standard offices. The park is purpose-built for technology operations rather than pure office work.
How many visas can I get with a DSO license?
Flexi-desk packages support 2-3 visas. Office packages support 5-12 visas based on space (~1 visa per 9 sqm). Labs and industrial units support additional visas for technical and production staff.