Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
A technology 'city within a city' for IT, electronics and R&D.
Overview
Dubai Silicon Oasis is a technology-focused free zone and integrated community combining business, residential, education and R&D facilities. It's built for tech startups, IT, electronics, R&D and light-tech manufacturing, with incubation and mentorship support — mid-priced and popular with knowledge-based SMEs.
Key benefits
- 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation, 0% tax on qualifying income
- Technology ecosystem with incubation and mentorship
- Integrated 'city within a city' — offices, housing, schools, R&D
- Modern tech infrastructure and a data-friendly environment
- Competitive pricing with flexi-desk and office options
- Supports light industrial / assembly alongside services and trading
Business activities & licenses
DSO supports a range of license types and activities, including:
- IT & software
- Electronics & engineering
- Service & professional (IT, consulting)
- Light-tech manufacturing / assembly
- R&D and innovation
Ownership & visas
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
Visa allocation scales with workspace (flexi-desk vs dedicated office).
Cost & timeline
Licenses from ~AED 11,900 (typical AED 12,000–20,000/yr). Flexi-desk ~AED 10,000–25,000; dedicated office ~AED 35,000–60,000/yr.
~1–2 weeks.
Prices are indicative starting points, not quotes. Government and free-zone fees change frequently — we confirm current, all-in figures before you commit.
Is DSO right for you?
Tech startups, software / IT firms, electronics and engineering companies and R&D-driven businesses that want an affordable, technology-centric ecosystem with a 'tech address' below DIFC-level cost.
What makes DSO different
- A fully integrated technology park and live-work community.
- Startup incubation and accelerator infrastructure on-site.
Compare alternatives
How DSO compares
| Free zone | Emirate | License from* | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSO This page | Dubai | AED 11,900/yr | ~1–2 weeks | IT & software · Electronics |
| IFZA → | Dubai | AED 12,900/yr | License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available) | Consultants · E-commerce |
| Meydan → | Dubai | AED 12,500/yr | A few days to ~1 week (digital process) | Agencies · Consultants |
| DMCC → | Dubai | AED 20,000/yr | ~1–4 weeks depending on activity and workspace | Commodities · General trading |
* Indicative license-only starting points for budgeting — not quotes. Compare all 17 zones
DSO — frequently asked questions
01How much does it cost to set up in DSO?＋
Licenses from ~AED 11,900 (typical AED 12,000–20,000/yr). Flexi-desk ~AED 10,000–25,000; dedicated office ~AED 35,000–60,000/yr. These are indicative figures for budgeting — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in pricing for your activity and visa needs.
02Can I own 100% of my DSO company?＋
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
03How many visas can I get with DSO?＋
Visa allocation scales with workspace (flexi-desk vs dedicated office).
04How long does DSO setup take?＋
~1–2 weeks. Timelines depend on document readiness, visa processing and bank onboarding.
05Who is DSO best for?＋
Tech startups, software / IT firms, electronics and engineering companies and R&D-driven businesses that want an affordable, technology-centric ecosystem with a 'tech address' below DIFC-level cost.