Dubai Silicon Oasis Company Setup in Dubai:
Licence, Office and Visas
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a Dubai government free zone and integrated technology park governed by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA). It suits technology, electronics and service businesses and offers 100% foreign ownership. Maven& checks your activity, premises and tax position first, then handles your licence, visas and bank account.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Technology park with offices and residences
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Get your free setup quote
- Dubai Silicon Oasis company setup partner
Foreign ownership
Dubai Silicon Oasis allows 100% foreign ownership.
Licence types to compare
Trading, service and industrial licences, with technology activities across them.
Team for licence, visas and bank
One consultant handles your licence, residence visas, PRO work and bank account introductions.
- Who Dubai Silicon Oasis suits
Businesses that suit a Dubai Silicon Oasis company
Technology and software companies
Software, IT and digital businesses that want a technology park setting.
Electronics and engineering businesses
Trading and light technology production linked to electronics.
Startups and innovation teams
Early-stage teams that benefit from the park’s technology ecosystem.
Service and consulting firms
Professional service firms that want a Dubai free zone address.
What are the main Dubai Silicon Oasis rules and tax points?
A Dubai Silicon Oasis licence suits many businesses, but it comes with rules on premises, approvals and tax that are worth checking before you commit.
- Authority: the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) licenses and regulates companies in the zone.
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership is available.
- Premises: companies generally need to lease office space in the zone, and the size affects the visa quota.
- IFZA is separate: IFZA is an independent authority that also operates from within Dubai Silicon Oasis, with its own licences and rules.
- Corporate tax: 0% applies only to qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Other income is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis vs mainland
Dubai Silicon Oasis vs Dubai mainland company
Choose Dubai Silicon Oasis if its location, licences and premises fit your business. Choose the mainland if you will sell directly to UAE customers.
| Feature | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Dubai mainland (DET) |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) | Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% for most activities |
| Selling in the UAE market | Not automatic: depends on the licence and approvals | Directly, anywhere in the UAE |
| Premises | Leased office space in the zone | Physical office with Ejari |
| Corporate tax | 0% only on qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person, 9% above AED 375,000 otherwise | 9% above AED 375,000 |
| Best for | Technology, electronics and service businesses | Businesses serving UAE customers directly |
See mainland company formation or read the free zone vs mainland guide.
- Company structures
Three ways to set up in Dubai Silicon Oasis
Establishment (FZE)
For solo owners
- One shareholder
- Separate legal entity in the zone
- Premises sized to your visa plan
- Trading, service and industrial licences
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
Company (FZCO)
For partners and co-founders
- Two or more shareholders
- Separate legal entity in the zone
- Shareholding set out in the MoA
- Same premises and visa rules apply
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
a Company
For existing businesses
- Extends a company incorporated elsewhere
- Parent company documents need attestation
- Licensed under the parent company name
- The parent company carries the liability
Final cost depends on your licence, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
How much does Dubai Silicon Oasis company setup cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on your licence type, activity, premises and number of visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote that lists every Dubai Silicon Oasis and service fee before you commit.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis licence package and activity fees
- Leased office space in Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Establishment card and residence visas
- Annual licence renewal
- Accounting and reporting support
- PRO, bank account and tax registration support
- How it works
How to set up a Dubai Silicon Oasis company in Dubai in 5 steps
Choose activities and licence
We match your activities to the right Dubai Silicon Oasis licence category and confirm your tax position.
Reserve your name
We reserve a compliant name and prepare the application for Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Apply and secure premises
We submit the application and arrange leased office space in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Receive your Dubai Silicon Oasis licence
After approvals and fees, Dubai Silicon Oasis issues your trade licence and incorporation documents.
Visas, bank account and launch
We process the establishment card and residence visas, then introduce you to UAE banks and set up accounting and tax registration support.
Documents required for Dubai Silicon Oasis company setup
Most setups need only a few documents to start. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing for your structure.
- Passport copy of every shareholder, director and manager
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copy, if you are a resident
- Three proposed names, in order of preference
- A short description of your business activities
- Corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MoA/AoA and board resolution, attested
- Source of funds details, where the authority or bank asks for them
- Business plan or activity description, where required
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for Dubai Silicon Oasis company setup in Dubai
One dedicated consultant
One consultant handles your trade licence, visas, Ejari and bank account introductions, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees, office, visa and service costs line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Right licence and tax position
Licence categories, premises rules and tax outcomes differ by activity. We check your licence type and your Qualifying Free Zone Person position before you pay a fee.
Licence, visas and bank in one process
Company formation, residence visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions are handled as one coordinated plan.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis FAQs
Dubai Silicon Oasis company setup in Dubai: frequently asked questions
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a Dubai government free zone and technology park run by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA). It offers 100% foreign ownership and combines business, residential and education areas. See all free zones.
Dubai Silicon Oasis allows 100% foreign ownership. Some regulated activities need extra approvals.
The cost depends on your licence type, activity, premises and number of visas, so there is no single price. It combines the licence package, your premises, the establishment card and visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote before you commit. Try the cost calculator.
Generally yes. Dubai Silicon Oasis companies need to lease office space in the zone, and the size can affect how many residence visas you can sponsor. We advise on the lowest-cost option your activity allows.
Not automatically. A Dubai Silicon Oasis licence does not give unrestricted mainland trading rights, so trading with UAE customers depends on your licence and any approvals. If most customers are in the UAE, a mainland company may fit better.
Yes, it must register. A free zone company pays 0% only on qualifying income if it is a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and 9% on other income above AED 375,000. A free zone licence does not by itself mean zero tax. See corporate tax registration and filing.
Dubai Silicon Oasis licences are grouped into trading, service and industrial categories, with technology activities covered across them. We match your activities to the right licence before applying.
The timeline depends on your activity, structure and documents, and on any approvals your activity needs. Visas and the bank account follow the licence. We give you a timeline for your case before you start. See the 5-step process.
Yes. A Dubai Silicon Oasis company can sponsor residence visas for owners and employees, with the number linked to your licence and premises. See the investor and partner visa.
Yes. Banks run Know Your Customer checks and the decision is theirs. We prepare the file and introduce you to suitable banks. See corporate bank account opening.
Reviewed by the Maven& corporate setup team. Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you commit.
Ready to set up your Dubai Silicon Oasis company?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a setup plan built around your activity. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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