# Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

> DSO publishes a licence fee from AED 5,000 but no full package price, offers up to 3 visas in a published package and requires at least a flexi-desk (checked 2026-10-24).

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a technology and industrial free zone in Dubai, licensed by Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA / DIEZ), established in 2005.

- Emirate: Dubai
- Licensing authority: Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA / DIEZ)
- Official website: https://www.dso.ae
- Also known as: Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Last checked: 2026-10-24
- Page: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/dubai/dso

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Solo, no visa (year 1): one founder, no residence visa, no office beyond a desk or virtual address, one activity | Not published |
| Founder + 1 visa (year 1): one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office | Not published |
| Team, 3 visas (year 1): three residence visas, flexi-desk or small office | Not published |
| Lowest package of any size, without stated conditions (year 1) | Not published |
| Lowest licence fee | AED 5,000 |
| Largest visa quota in a package | 3 |
| Minimum office | Flexi-desk |
| Licence types | Services / consultancy, Trading, Industrial, Other |
| Minimum share capital | AED 1 |
| Incorporation time (stated) | — |
| On the FTA VAT Designated Zone list | No |

## Packages

| Package | Year 1 | Renewal | Visa quota | Office | Includes | Excludes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dtec Flexi Desk | — | — | 2 | Flexi-desk | Company setup; Workspace in Dtec common areas; High-speed WiFi; Parking; Tea, coffee and water; 24/7 key card access; Access to printing, bookable meeting spaces, lockers, advice and events |  |
| Dtec Fixed Desk | — | — | 3 | Flexi-desk | Company setup; Own fixed workstation in a shared area with lockable storage; High-speed WiFi; Parking; 24/7 key card access; Access to landline telephone |  |
| Dtec Private Office (12-50 sqm) | — | — | — | Private office | Company setup; Furnished or unfurnished private office 12-50 sqm; Utilities; WiFi or wired internet; 24/7 key card access; Parking |  |
| Dtec Service Licence (Dtec-approved activities) | — | — | — | — | Service licence for activities on the Dtec approved list |  |
| Dtec Trade Licence (Dtec-approved activities) | — | — | — | — | Trade licence for electronic and technical equipment trading activities on the Dtec approved list |  |

## Identity and legal basis

- Official name (Arabic): واحة دبي للسيليكون
- Former, merged or alternative names: Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Licensing / regulating authority: Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA / DIEZ)
- Parent group / government body: Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD)
- Zone type: Technology, Industrial
- Year established: 2005
- Official website: https://www.dso.ae
- Online application portal: https://eservices.dso.ae/
- Listed on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism register of free-zone company registrars: Yes

Physical locations / campuses: Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai (single 7.2 sq km site bounded by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Dubai-Al Ain Road): DSO HQ, Dtec (Technohub 1 and A5 Dubai Digital Park), Techno Hub, Dubai Digital Park, High Bay building, light industrial units and warehouses. [1] Public contact email: hello@dso.ae. [2] Public contact phone: +971 600 59 55 57. [2] Number of registered companies: 28,000. [3]

Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/dubai-silicon-oasis-investor-guide-2026_v01) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/en/contact) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/en/home)

## Business activities

- Official approved activity list: https://www.dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/dtec-list-of-approved-activities_2023-pdf
- Licence types offered: Services / consultancy, Trading, Industrial, Other

Activity categories offered: IT, Computer and Network Services; Digital, Media, and Web Services; Consultancy and Advisory Services; Cybersecurity and Risk Management; Electronic and Technical Equipment Services; Electronic and Technical Equipment Trading. [1] Restricted activities: Spoiled commodities; Commodities violating intellectual property protection laws; Commodities prohibited by the UAE or the Government; Commodities with inscriptions or figures conflicting with heavenly revealed religions or breaching public order or morality; Military commodities and ammunition, except under a permit from the competent authority; Commodities, services and products whose trading is prohibited in the UAE. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/dtec-list-of-approved-activities_2023-pdf) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dlp.dubai.gov.ae/Legislation%20Reference/2021/Law%20No.%20(16)%20of%202021.html)

## Cost - year one

- Lowest licence fee (zero-visa): AED 5,000

Extras included: Company setup included in Dtec desk and office packages; Access to Dtec events, mentorship and acceleration programmes; Introductions to banking and service partners by setup advisor. [1]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://connect.dso.ae/coworking)

## Visas and residency

Visa quota rule: Dtec flexi desk: up to 2 visas per desk; fixed desk: up to 3 visas per desk; furnished private office: 2 visas per desk; unfurnished private office: allocation based on space taken. No sqm-per-visa formula published. [1] Max visas without dedicated office: 3. [1] How to increase quota and cost: Not set out by DSO; quotas are tied to the workspace taken (per desk, or by space for unfurnished offices). [1] Employee visa available: yes. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://connect.dso.ae/coworking) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/en/business-services-support)

## Office and facilities

- Minimum facility requirement: Flexi-desk
- Office / facility types: Flexi-desk, Private office, Warehouse, Light industrial unit, Land plot, Retail unit
- Warehouse available: Yes

Flexi-desk access terms: 24/7 key card access. [1] Warehouse sizes: Operational warehouse units approx. 3,228-5,380 sq ft with 214 sq ft office, 12 m racking height; LIUs 3,868 sq ft (2,307 sq ft warehouse + 1,560 sq ft two-storey office); High Bay building 172,000 sq ft in total. [2] Land plots for build-to-suit: yes. [3] Meeting rooms, co-working, amenities: Bookable meeting rooms; Conference facilities; Café; Games room; Private phone booths; Storage lockers; P.O. boxes; Showers; Printing and shredding; Partner labs. [1]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://connect.dso.ae/coworking) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/en/warehouse) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/en/land-for-development)

## Legal structure and ownership

- Entity types available: FZCO (several shareholders), Branch of a foreign company, Branch of a UAE company, Other
- Legal system: UAE civil law
- Minimum share capital: AED 1

Minimum shareholders: 1. [1] Corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [2] Foreign corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [2] Share capital must be paid in: yes. [1] UAE-resident manager required: yes. [1] Courts and arbitration: Courts of Dubai. [1]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/dieza_implementing_regs_2023-pdf) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/companyregistrationrequirements_dubaisiliconoasis)

## Market access and customs

- Physical operations on the mainland allowed without an extra licence: No

Dual licence cost: AED 10,000. [1] Can open mainland branch: yes. [1] Customs duty in the zone: Goods brought into, made in, stored in or used in the Free Zone are exempt from customs duty; no duty on export outside the UAE; goods moved from the Free Zone into the UAE customs area are treated as imports and dutiable. [2] Customs duty exemption details: Customs duty exemption for goods brought into, produced, stored or used in the Free Zone and for exports outside the UAE; duty applies when goods enter the UAE customs area. [2]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/executive-council-resolution-no-11-of-2025-regulating-the-conduct-of-free-zone-establishments-activities) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dlp.dubai.gov.ae/Legislation%20Reference/2021/Law%20No.%20(16)%20of%202021.html)

## Tax status

- VAT Designated Zone (per the FTA list): No

The zone states that it is a Free Zone for UAE corporate-tax purposes: yes. [1] The zone states that its companies can qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person: yes. [1] Corporate-tax statements above come from the zone or from general FTA guidance. The schedule of Free Zones under Cabinet Resolution 54/2023 was not available to this research, and the FTA advises taxpayers to confirm their Free Zone or Designated Zone status with the Free Zone authority. The 0% rate applies only to the Qualifying Income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person that meets all conditions; other income is taxed at the standard rate.

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/en/legislations)

## Compliance and reporting

- Annual audited financial statements required by the zone: Yes
- Beneficial-owner register filing required: Yes

Audit exemption threshold or conditions: No audit exemption threshold found in the DIEZA Implementing Regulations 2023; every FZCO and PLC must have accounts audited. [1] Audit submission deadline: FZCO: accounts prepared and audited within 30 days after the financial year end (Reg 67.5) and filed with the Registrar within 30 days after the audit report (Reg 67.6(b)); auditor appointed within 6 months after year end (Reg 65.3(b)). PLC: within 6 months after year end. [1] Annual return and renewal documents: Audited accounts and auditor's report filed with the Registrar; Notice of changes in ultimate beneficial owners; Valid lease for licence renewal. [1]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/dieza_implementing_regs_2023-pdf)

## Banking

- Zone offers bank-account facilitation: Yes

## Setup process and speed

- Direct application without an agent: Yes

Documents for an individual shareholder: Online Application Form; Company Profile / Brochure; Business Plan; Audited Financial Report (upon request); Six Months Personal Bank Statement (upon request); Passport Copy, Emirates ID, Visa (if applicable) of Shareholders; Passport Copy, Emirates ID, Visa (if applicable) of Manager; Passport Copy, Emirates ID, Visa (if applicable) of Director & Company Secretary; No Objection Letter for Manager from Sponsor (if UAE resident); Ultimate Beneficial Owner Passport; Ultimate Beneficial Owner Proof of Address; Shareholders resolution (attested by Dubai Silicon Oasis for FZCO-individual). [1] Attestation requirements for corporate shareholders: Parent/shareholder company certificate of incorporation or registration (or trade licence for GCC companies), MoA/AoA, parent or shareholder resolutions, powers of attorney and certificate of incumbency must be notarised and attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin; documents in Arabic or English. [1] Trade name rules: Names approved by the Registrar at its discretion; must not infringe UAE intellectual property or other laws; a Branch uses the parent company's name followed by 'Branch'. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/companyregistrationrequirements_dubaisiliconoasis) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/dieza_implementing_regs_2023-pdf)

## Operations, ecosystem and flexibility

Moving to larger premises: Dtec flexi desk, fixed desk and private office (12-50 sqm), then plug-and-play offices at DSO HQ and Techno Hub, boutique buildings in Dubai Digital Park; warehouses, light industrial units and development land for industrial growth. [1] Moving a company in or out (re-domiciliation): yes. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/en/office-space) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.dso.ae/en/license-types)

## Freelancer and solo founder

- Freelancer permit available: No

## Notes and history

- **Legal basis (2005):** Dubai Silicon Oasis was established by Dubai Law No. 16 of 2005. Until the end of 2021 it was regulated by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA). [source](https://www.dso.ae/en/about) [source](https://dlp.dubai.gov.ae/Legislation%20Reference/2021/Law%20No.%20(16)%20of%202021.html)
- **History (2022-01-01):** Dubai Law No. 16 of 2021, issued on 14 September 2021 and in force from 1 January 2022, placed Dubai Silicon Oasis under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA), made DIEZA the legal successor of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and repealed the 2005 law. DIEZA also oversees Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai CommerCity. [source](https://dlp.dubai.gov.ae/Legislation%20Reference/2021/Law%20No.%20(16)%20of%202021.html) [source](https://www.dso.ae/en/dubai-integrated-economic-zones)
- **Good to know (2022-01-01):** Under Dubai Resolution No. 1 of 2022, in force from 1 January 2022, the Dubai Silicon Oasis free zone is located on Plot No. 600-1137. [source](https://dlp.dubai.gov.ae/Legislation%20Reference/2022/Resolution%20No.%20(1)%20of%202022%20Approving%20the%20Names,%20Locations,%20Area,%20and%20Boundaries%20of%20Free%20Zone.html)
- **History (2020-10):** In October 2020 the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority signed an agreement under which new and existing IFZA companies can work from Dubai Silicon Oasis, according to the Dubai Media Office. IFZA has its own page on this site. [source](https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2020/october/24-10/dubai-silicon-oasis-authority-signs-agreement-with--international-free-zone-authority-ifza)
- **History (2023-01-27):** The DIEZA Implementing Regulations 2023, issued on 27 January 2023, set the company rules for the zone. The Free Zone Establishment (FZE) form is no longer used, and existing FZEs are treated as FZCOs. [source](https://www.dso.ae/en/legislations) [source](https://www.dso.ae/en/license-types) [source](https://www.dso.ae/documents/d/dubai-silicon-oasis/dieza_implementing_regs_2023-pdf)
- **Good to know:** Parts of Dubai Silicon Oasis built by private developers form the "Administrative Zone". Businesses there operate with a licence issued by the Dubai Economic Department (DED) together with a DSO Business Operation Permit, and apply through the DSO Freehold Licensing Section. [source](https://www.dso.ae/en/license-types)
- **Good to know:** The zone states that Dubai Silicon Oasis will have one of the 14 new stations on the planned Dubai Metro Blue Line. [source](https://www.dso.ae/en/land-for-development)

## FAQ

### How much does a DSO licence cost?

DSO publishes a licence fee from AED 5,000. Visa, office and registration costs are extra.

### Does DSO require a physical office?

The minimum facility DSO states is: flexi-desk. Facility types offered: flexi-desk, private office, warehouse, light industrial unit, land plot, retail unit.

### How many visas come with a DSO package?

The largest visa quota in a package DSO publishes is 3. Larger quotas usually need more office space; ask the zone for the rule that applies to you.

### Is DSO a VAT Designated Zone?

DSO does not appear on the Federal Tax Authority's list of VAT Designated Zones.

### What is the minimum share capital in DSO?

DSO states a minimum share capital of AED 1.

## Compare with

- [DSO vs DAFZ](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dafza&z=dso)
- [DSO vs DCC](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dso&z=dubai-commercity)
- [DSO vs Jafza](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dso&z=jafza)

Rules that apply to every zone: [corporate tax](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/qualifying-free-zone-person-corporate-tax.md), [VAT Designated Zones](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/vat-designated-zones.md), [mainland access](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/free-zone-vs-mainland.md)

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Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.
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Source: FreezoneGuide (https://freezoneguide.com/). AED, as published by each zone on its official channels. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.