Dubai · DIEZ Authority · Est. 2005
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a integrated technology park managed under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). Packages start from AED 18,500, supporting up to 15 visa allocations with moderate corporate banking access. DSO provides startup coworking spaces (Dtec), commercial offices, and light industrial facilities, making it an accessible option for tech startups and engineering firms seeking scale within Dubai.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: DIEZ Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 18,500
Year 1
Quick facts
Dtec Service License + Flexi Desk (0 visas)
AED 18,500
Service License · Flexi Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 18,500
Dtec Service License + Flexi Desk (2 visas)
AED 28,700
Service License · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 22,500
Dtec Trade License + Fixed Desk (3 visas)
AED 35,800
Trade License · Dedicated Desk · 3 visas
Renews at AED 26,400
DSO Commercial Office License + 1 Visa
AED 32,100
Commercial Office License · Private Office · 1 visa
Renews at AED 28,900
Estimated
Advisory Estimate
AED 20,600
— · 0 visas
Renews at AED 13,000
Estimated
Visa eligibility is tied to workspace type: flexi desk supports up to 2 visas, fixed desk up to 3, and private office scales with floor space (larger offices can support 10-15+ visas).
DSO suits trading, tech and media businesses. Confirm your exact activity is on the zone's list before you apply.
Comparing with a mainland licence? Trading & Services · Transport, Storage & Logistics · IT & Media · Professional & Technical Services
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
High
Audit risk
Standard
Forensic ease
7/10
Medium-Substance Tech Node; High Risk of Community Tainting.
DSO is a government-owned technology hub designed for high-tech industries. The primary challenge for entities here is the integrated 'Community Structure'—the seamless blend of residential, retail, and commercial zones increases the risk of 'Mainland Tainting.' For technology firms, maintaining a 0% Corporate Tax rate is strictly contingent on the technical R&D classification of their revenue streams and localized substance.
Wholly owned by the Dubai Government, DSO's status as a Qualifying Free Zone hinges on Article 18 compliance. Qualifying income is predominantly tied to technical R&D and software development activities as defined by Ministerial Decision No. 229.
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Tax and compliance
DSO tax status and QFZP rules →
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Activities
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How much does it cost to set up in DSO?
The cheapest published package for Dubai Silicon Oasis is Dtec Service License + Flexi Desk (0 visas) at AED 18,500 for Year 1, renewing at AED 18,500. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does DSO setup take?
Typical processing time is 7–7 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a DSO licence?
Banking difficulty for DSO is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Mashreq Bank (NeoBiz).
How many visas can I get with a DSO licence, and what do they cost?
DSO allows 3 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 3 visas (Dtec Trade License + Fixed Desk (3 visas), AED 35,800 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 4,500.
How much is the DSO licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 10,000 to AED 18,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in DSO?
DSO sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in DSO?
Visa eligibility is tied to workspace type: flexi desk supports up to 2 visas, fixed desk up to 3, and private office scales with floor space (larger offices can support 10-15+ visas). The smallest office we hold for DSO is 18 sq m.
Can a DSO company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A DSO company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.