Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Free Zone

Dubai Silicon Oasis was established by the Government of Dubai in 2004 and is a one-of-its-kind Free Zone reputed for world-class innovation, design, and development in the field of photovoltaic, nanotechnology, electronics optoelectronic technology, and supporting industries providing equipment and materials for the production of information and communications technologies using semiconductors. It is the only technology park in the UAE to provide an integrated living and working community.

Spread across 7.2 square kilometers, DSO is superbly governed by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and enjoys advanced public, industrial, living & residential, commercial, and education facilities. This zone attracts companies engaged in Semiconductor Manufacturing, Electronic Manufacturing Systems, Microelectronics, Fabless IC Design, Test & Assembly, and optoelectronics-related enterprises.

Strategically located in Dubai at the trade junction of Europe & Asia, DSO is easily accessible from Dubai's International Airport, Jebel Ali Port & Port Rashid, and the central business district making it a popular investment destination. It has lived up to its economic diversification strategy. It has successfully transformed UAE into a knowledge-based economy by positively impacting almost all economic sectors, including trade and services, finance, employment, banking, etc.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone

Companies operating within the Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone avail of various incentives and additional benefits, like 100 percent ownership, an advanced IT network, and a business-friendly environment specifically designed for the technology industry.

Therefore, company formation here is a dream come true for anyone in the technology domain. Business setup in DSO has also received a substantial boost due to its dynamic commercial and social environment, advanced industrial zones, office towers, villas & apartments, R&D units, educational institutions, and healthcare units. 

The facilities include:

  • "Plug and Play" offices and R&D centers

  • Advanced logistics facilities, including light industrial units, operational warehouse units, high-bay warehouses, and industrial spaces

  • Shovel-ready industrial land plots of varying sizes

  • Excellent conference facilities, including meeting rooms and lecture facility for executive presentations

  • Shops, amenities, and restaurants. 

Types of Licenses Issued

Based on the type of business activity to be performed, three types of business licenses are issued in Dubai Silicon Oasis by the DSOA:

  • Service License - Allows the registered entities (like accounting firms, business consultants, and lawyers) to carry out services specified by the authority

  • Industrial License - Allows the registered entity to import raw material, manufacture, process, assemble, package, and export the finished product.

  • Trade License – This allows the registered entity to import, export, and distribute the items specified in the license. 

A special license is also provided:

  • Entrepreneurial Business Licence (EBL): EBL is a low-cost license that offers a lesser business stake and is designed to offer a wide range of support resources and services to budding entrepreneurs who are members of the DSO incubator program.

The Procedure of Business Setup in Dubai Silicon Oasis

The steps to start a company in Silicon Oasis comprises the following steps. They are-

  1. Be Clear Regarding the Business Activity

Dubai Silicon Oasis is the hub for companies belonging to the semiconductor sector, both regionally and internationally. You can choose your activity related to the companies belonging to any of the following hi-tech sectors:

  • Aerospace

  • Alternative Energy

  • Automobile

  • Biotechnology

  • Consultancy & Business Development

  • Consultants

  • Data Centre

  • EDA Tools

  • Electrical Appliances & Equipment

  • Engineering Related to Technology

  • Finance Institutions

  • General Activities

  • IC Design

  • Information Technology and Localization of Technologies

  • Internet

  • IP Protection

  • IT Security

  • Law Firms

  • Logistics

  • Microelectronics

  • Mobile Technologies

  • Oil and Gas

  • Pharmaceutical

  • Semiconductor

  • Software Development & Solutions or Software-as-a-Service (SAAS)

  • Talent Development and Recruitment

  • Telecommunications Equipment.

  1. Select a Corporate Entity

DSO offers a lucrative value chain to investors in the form of multiple incentives and allows an individual or a corporate entity to register a business in any of the following legal forms:

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – FZE is an entity with a single shareholder (an individual or a corporate), which can be set up with a minimum capital investment of AED 100,000

  • Free Zone Company (FZC/FZCO) – FZC is an entity with 2 to 5 shareholders (individual or corporate) and needs a minimum capital investment of AED 100,000 for company formation.

  • Branch of a Foreign Company- Any UAE or foreign-based company can register its branch in the DSO without any capital investment on the condition that it conducts the same business activity as the parent company

  • Branch of a Local Company.

  1. Finalize a Trade Name

Choose a suitable business name following the government guidelines.

  1. Clear the Company Documents

Register on DSOA’s customer portal. Subject to the document review (activity and security check), initial approval and invoices are issued.

The documents required to start a business in DSO are as follows-

  • Application form

  • Letter of intent

  • Passport copy/copies

  • NOC for UAE residents only

  • Bank statement/reference letter or audited financial report

  • Company business plan.

  1. Make the Payment

You are required to pay the related fees along with the submission of the legal documents.

  1. Collect and Sign the Documents

An e-agreement is issued, including the lease agreement and a digital agreement sent to your registered email id. Sign the lease agreement and return that to the authority along with a bank share capital letter.

  1. Obtain the Specific Business License

The e-license and the e-registration will be issued.

  1. Open a Company Bank Account

Open a free zone company bank account to make your business transactions easy.

In most cases, the DSO business incorporation process takes only seven to ten days, provided that your application is complete and correct. It is vitally important to remember that errors in your application can lead to delays or even rejection.

Our advisors have years of experience in this field and can help you with your venture. Contact us today- we’d be glad to assist you.

FAQs

Which are the Top IT Companies in Dubai Silicon Oasis?

These are the top IT companies in Silicon Oasis -

  • Fme Extensions
  • Acuity Infotech
  • Spiderfrogs
  • Ezmartech
  • Telelogix IT Services
  • Annet Technologies ME FZE
  • ePillars Systems L.L.C

What documents are required for setting up a company in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone?

The documents for your Dubai Silicon Oasis company setup -

  • Copies of your passport
  • Your photo
  • Visa

How long does it take for a Dubai Silicon Oasis license to get completed?

Approximately 1 week.

Is it possible to renew a license without being in Dubai?

Yes, it is possible. 

You’ll require the help of a registered agent with renewal fees & the authorization letter. That’s how you can renew your Dubai free zone license.