Dubai · Dubai Development Authority · Est. 2015
Dubai Science Park (DSP) is a sector-specific free zone designed for life sciences, biotechnology, energy, and environmental technology sectors. Packages start from AED 18,540, supporting up to 3 visa allocations with moderate corporate banking access. DSP provides purpose-built scientific infrastructure, including high-tech laboratories, R&D spaces, and commercial offices, offering cost-effective overheads compared to general central Dubai zones.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: Dubai Development Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 18,540
Year 1 (estimated)
Eligibility restricted
Primarily suited to science, biotech, healthtech, and R&D companies; more limited fit for other industries.
Quick facts
0 Visa License Package
AED 18,540
License · None · 0 visas
Renews at AED 18,540
Estimated
1 Visa Flexi Desk Package
AED 27,740
License · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 22,890
2 Visa Private Office Package
AED 33,940
License · Private Office · 2 visas
Renews at AED 31,540
3+ Visa Private Office Package
AED 43,140
License · Private Office · 3 visas
Renews at AED 40,790
Estimated
Office or flexi desk required to sponsor visas; visa quota depends on office size (typically 3 visas for a medium office). Costs run roughly 30-40% below premium zones like DMCC due to TECOM subsidization.
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
High
Audit risk
Moderate
Forensic ease
7/10
The Scientific Sovereign; High-Stakes R&D and IP Localization.
DSP is the UAE's premier hub for the life sciences. For 2026, the primary forensic challenge is the 'Modified Nexus Approach' (Action 5). For a pharma or biotech firm to claim 0% on royalties or patent income, they must prove the R&D wasn't just 'managed' here, but 'executed' here. This requires a granular link between laboratory bench-time, scientist payroll, and the resulting IP revenue.
Non-Designated Zone. QFZP status is strictly applied to 'Qualifying Intellectual Property' and specialized scientific research. Compliance centers on Article 18 and MD 229, requiring a clear audit trail of localized R&D expenditure.
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Tax and compliance
DSP tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in DSP?
The cheapest published package for Dubai Science Park is 0 Visa License Package at AED 18,540 for Year 1, renewing at AED 18,540. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does DSP setup take?
Typical processing time is 7–14 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a DSP licence?
Banking difficulty for DSP is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, RAKBANK.
How many visas can I get with a DSP licence, and what do they cost?
DSP allows 3 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 3 visas (3+ Visa Private Office Package, AED 43,140 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 2,500.
How much is the DSP licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in DSP?
DSP 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 DSP?
Office or flexi desk required to sponsor visas; visa quota depends on office size (typically 3 visas for a medium office). Costs run roughly 30-40% below premium zones like DMCC due to TECOM subsidization. The smallest office we hold for DSP is 18 sq m.
Can a DSP company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A DSP company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.