United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Dubai Science Park

Dubai Science Park Free Zone (DSP / TECOM Group)

Formation Time

5–7 business days

Min. Capital

AED 50,000

Corporate Tax

0% qualifying income / 9% standard

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Dubai Science Park (DSP), a member of TECOM Group, is the region's first purpose-built commercial science community, dedicated to supporting businesses and research institutions across the life sciences, healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology, energy, and environmental science sectors. Spanning a modern master-planned district in Al Barsha South, DSP is home to over 500 multinational corporations, SMEs, and research labs, including global giants such as Pfizer, Medtronic, Olympus, and Bayer. DSP provides state-of-the-art infrastructure specifically engineered for scientific operations, including certified wet and dry Grade-A laboratories, ISO-standard cleanrooms, climate-controlled chemical storage, specialized R&D facilities, commercial office towers, and industrial warehouses. In close alignment with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), DSP offers a streamlined regulatory and commercial environment for scientific commercialization.

#1 life sciences & healthcare hub

Certified wet & dry laboratories

Host to Pfizer, Medtronic, and Bayer

10-Year Scientist Golden Visa pathway

0% QFZP corporate tax

Why Choose Dubai Science Park

The Middle East's premier commercial hub for healthcare, life sciences, and pharma

Purpose-built infrastructure including certified wet/dry laboratories and cleanrooms

Home to 500+ global science enterprises including Pfizer, Medtronic, and Bayer

Streamlined regulatory liaisons with UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

Specialized hazardous and chemical waste management and heavy-power facilities

100% foreign company ownership and 100% repatriation of capital and profits

0% personal income tax and 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) corporate tax

Proximity to Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Dubai Healthcare City

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)	100%	1 individual	AED 50,000	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	Biotech firms, pharmaceutical distributors, med-tech startups, clinical consultancies
Branch of Foreign Company	100%	1 appointed manager	None	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	Multinational healthcare, medical device, and life science corporations

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Activity Clearance & Scientific Review

2–3 days

Submit proposed medical or scientific activities to DSP technical review committee.

Initial Approval

2 days

Obtain initial regulatory clearance from TECOM Group.

Facility Lease Agreement

2–3 days

Execute lease for certified laboratory space, warehouse, or commercial office.

License Issuance

1–2 days

Pay authority fees and obtain Dubai Science Park Commercial License.

External Regulatory Approvals & Banking

2–3 weeks

Complete MOHAP / DHA registrations if applicable, and open corporate bank accounts.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	AED 16,500+
Our Service Fee	USD 4,000 – 7,500
Annual Renewal	AED 13,500+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

DSP's association with premier pharmaceutical multinationals ensures exceptional standing with leading UAE corporate banks. Tier-1 banks readily open multi-currency corporate accounts for verified life sciences and medical technology firms.

Account Opening Time

2–3 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Emirates NBDFirst Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Mashreq BankCommercial Bank of DubaiStandard Chartered UAE

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% on Qualifying Income for QFZPs; 9% on non-qualifying income exceeding AED 375,000

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

5% standard VAT rate (0% for exported research services and international pharma trade)

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) conducting international scientific research, healthcare consulting, and cross-border distribution pay 0% corporate tax.

Visa & Residency

Investor / Partner Visa

2 years (renewable)

For scientific company founders and shareholders

Specialized Scientists Golden Visa

10 years

For researchers and scientists endorsed by the Emirates Scientists Council

Employment Visa

2 years (renewable)

For lab technicians, medical researchers, and corporate executives

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 5–10 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

What sectors are eligible to establish a company in Dubai Science Park?

DSP caters specifically to companies operating in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, clinical research, healthcare consulting, renewable energy, waste management, environmental technologies, and agricultural sciences.

Does DSP offer certified laboratory spaces?

Yes. DSP is unique in providing purpose-built wet and dry core-and-shell laboratory spaces fitted with specialized exhaust systems, acid-resistant drainage, autoclave areas, and heavy power capacity, allowing firms to conduct clinical diagnostics and chemical testing.

Are approvals from the UAE Ministry of Health (MOHAP) required?

Yes, for companies directly involved in the import, distribution, manufacturing, or clinical testing of pharmaceutical products, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and medical devices. DSP provides dedicated fast-track liaisons with MOHAP and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Where is Dubai Science Park located?

Dubai Science Park is located in the Al Barsha South district of Dubai, along Umm Suqeim Road (D63), offering swift access to Al Khail Road (E44) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), within 20 minutes of Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.

Can scientists and researchers in DSP qualify for the UAE Golden Visa?

Yes. Researchers, scientists, and medical innovators operating within DSP who possess recognized academic credentials, published scientific research, or substantial industry patents can qualify for the 10-Year UAE Golden Visa under the scientists and researchers category.

Does a Dubai Science Park company pay UAE corporate tax?

A DSP entity meeting the criteria of a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP)—such as earning qualifying income from international pharmaceutical distribution or scientific research delivered outside the UAE—benefits from a 0% corporate tax rate. Revenue generated from domestic UAE healthcare supply is subject to the standard 9% rate.