Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone Company Setup
If you’re considering starting a business in the UAE, one of the first things you should do is familiarize yourself with the country’s free zones.
Spread across the Emirates, these free zones offer entrepreneurs numerous advantages that are not available elsewhere.
Some of the key benefits include 0% personal and corporate income tax and 100% exemption from customs duties. Additionally, unlike in many other countries, as a UAE free zone business owner, you can repatriate all invested capital and profits. There are also no foreign exchange controls or currency restrictions.
Each free zone has its own unique set of advantages, and exploring these specifics can help you choose the best location for your business.
Take Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Free Zone, for example. This free zone offers a variety of business support services, startup incubation, and venture capital funding opportunities.
In addition to cutting-edge residential, office, and warehouse spaces, DSO features industrial and commercial areas. Its strategic location is hard to beat, being a short drive from central Dubai and easily accessible to the city’s airports and seaports.
Doing Business in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
DSO operates under the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), which also manages other developments like Silicon Park. A common question is whether Dubai Silicon Oasis is a free zone. The answer is yes—DSO is a standalone free zone, offering all the typical benefits of such zones and more.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone Licenses
Conducting business in DSO is straightforward. The free zone issues three types of licenses:
- Service License: Allows businesses to provide specific services.
- Trade License: Permits businesses to engage in importing, exporting, and distributing goods as outlined in the license.
- Industrial License: Enables businesses to import raw materials, manufacture products, and export the final goods.
In addition to world-class services and flexible entry criteria, DSO offers a range of support services, including assistance with visas, customs clearance, and municipal services like building permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
DSO clients also benefit from on-site partnerships with government bodies and private companies such as Emirates Post, Etisalat, the Dubai Health Authority, and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone Business Activities
DSO is known as Dubai’s hub for high-tech industries. It is the only technology park in the region that offers integrated living, working, and leisure spaces.
While technology is a major focus, DSO welcomes businesses across a wide range of industries. Currently, it supports all business activities recognized by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), which includes over 2,000 permissible activities.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone Company Setup Costs
With its broad appeal to various business types and sizes, determining the exact cost of setting up a company in DSO can be challenging. However, costs are generally comparable to other free zones in the UAE.
DSO provides diverse office space options, as well as warehousing and land for development, which can significantly impact pricing. Whether you’re starting a solo venture or a large operation, DSO likely has a package that fits your budget and requirements.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone Company Setup Process
The process for establishing a company in DSO involves six main steps:
- Submit application form
You’ll also need to register on DSOA’s customer portal at this stage. - DSOA documents pre-approval
After reviewing the documents (activity and security checks), initial approval is granted and invoices are issued. - Fee payment and legal document submission
You’ll need to pay the fees and submit all required legal documents. - DSOA issues e-agreement
This includes the lease agreement and a digital agreement, which will be sent to your registered email. - Sign e-agreement and provide share capital letter (for FZE/FZCO only)
You’ll sign the lease agreement and return it to DSOA, along with a bank share capital letter if applicable. - E-license issuance
After completing e-registration, your e-license will be issued.
In most cases, licenses are issued within a week, though errors or omissions in the application can cause delays. This is why working with a company formation expert can be highly beneficial, as they can manage every aspect of the application process for you.
Simplified DSO Company Formation
The exact steps for setting up your company in DSO will depend on your business activities and structure. In most cases, you’ll need the following documents in addition to those listed above:
- Application form
- Letter of intent
- Passport copy
- NOC (for UAE residents only)
- Bank statement or reference letter/audited financial report
- Business plan
The process typically takes seven to ten days, provided the application is complete and correct. As errors can lead to delays or even rejection, it’s advisable to work with a company formation specialist.