I
United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis (Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority - DIEZ)

Formation Time
3–5 business days
Min. Capital
AED 10,000
Corporate Tax
0% qualifying income / 9% standard
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), now unified under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) alongside DAFZA and Dubai CommerCity, is a 7.2-square-kilometer technology park and integrated smart city community. DSO is engineered specifically for tech hardware manufacturing, semiconductor research, electronics assembly, AI development, and software engineering. DSO combines high-tech industrial manufacturing zones, light industrial units (LIUs), high-end tech office parks, and residential villas into a single self-contained technology ecosystem.

Part of DIEZ alongside DAFZA
Home to Dtec (1,000+ startups)
Industrial manufacturing units
Low AED 10,000 capital
0% QFZP tax potential

Why Choose Dubai Silicon Oasis

1

Integrated tech park with dedicated light industrial units, advanced labs, and manufacturing facilities

2

Part of DIEZ alongside DAFZA, offering streamlined cross-zone regulatory governance

3

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

4

Silicon Park smart city infrastructure with 5G, EV charging, and automated services

5

Access to Dtec (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus) — MENA's largest tech hub with 1,000+ startups

6

Lower office rental and residential costs compared to central Dubai financial districts

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
FZCO (Free Zone Company)100%1AED 10,0000% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT above AED 375,000Tech startups, electronics distributors, hardware manufacturers, IT consultancies
Branch of Foreign or UAE Company100%1 managerNoneSubject to UAE Corporate Tax Law and PE rulesInternational electronics manufacturers, global hardware brands

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Initial Approval & Name Reservation

1–2 days

Submit application on the DIEZ/DSO customer portal.

2

Facility Lease Selection

1–2 days

Select Dtec co-working pass, private office, or industrial manufacturing unit.

3

Digital Signing & License Issuance

1–2 days

Sign constitutional documents electronically and receive trade license.

4

Establishment Card & Visas

7–10 days

Issue immigration establishment card and process employee residence visas.

5

Bank Account Opening

2–3 weeks

Open multi-currency corporate bank account with UAE partner bank.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeAED 13,500+
Our Service FeeUSD 2,800 – 4,200
Annual RenewalAED 11,000+

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

DSO is backed by DIEZ, giving its companies excellent standing with all major UAE commercial banks. Startups in Dtec benefit from streamlined digital bank onboarding via Wio and Mashreq NeoBiz.

Account Opening Time
1–3 weeks
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Emirates NBDMashreq BankWio BusinessCommercial Bank of DubaiFirst Abu Dhabi Bank

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
0% on Qualifying Income; 9% on Non-Qualifying Income above AED 375,000
Personal Income Tax
0%
VAT / Sales Tax
5% standard VAT rate (exports of tech services zero-rated)
Capital Gains Tax
0%
Withholding Tax
0%
Double Tax Treaties
137 countries

DSO entities qualifying as QFZPs maintain 0% corporate tax on qualifying trading, manufacturing, and tech services. Must maintain audited financial records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dtec at Dubai Silicon Oasis?
Dtec (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus) is the largest tech hub of its kind in the MENA region, spanning over 10,000 square meters within DSO. It houses over 1,000 tech startups, venture capital firms, corporate accelerators, and hot-desking facilities, providing affordable setup packages for software and digital entrepreneurs.
What is the minimum capital required for a company in Dubai Silicon Oasis?
The minimum registered share capital for an FZCO in Dubai Silicon Oasis is AED 10,000 (divided into shares of AED 1,000 each). Branch offices require no minimum capital.
Can I manufacture electronics or assemble hardware in DSO?
Yes. DSO is one of the few free zones in Dubai that provides specialized light industrial units (LIUs) and high-power manufacturing plots specifically designed for electronics assembly, hardware fabrication, robotics testing, and data hosting.
How does UAE Corporate Tax apply to DSO companies?
DSO is a recognized Free Zone under UAE Corporate Tax Law. An entity that registers as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP), maintains adequate substance in DSO, and derives income from qualifying activities pays 0% corporate tax. Any non-qualifying income is taxed at 9% on net profits exceeding AED 375,000.
Can a foreign national own 100% of a company in Dubai Silicon Oasis?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is fully guaranteed with zero requirement for an Emirati shareholder, sponsor, or local agent.
How fast can I get a company formed in DSO?
Standard formation in DSO takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are submitted. For startups registering through Dtec with standard digital packages, approvals can be completed in as little as 48 hours.