Business setup in Dubai Silicon Oasis

You must open a company in DSO because it provides 100% foreign ownership at zero income taxes and a specialized tech-based free zone that provides advanced infrastructure for high-tech connectivity and innovative setup.

Activities that are ideal for Dubai Silicon Oasis business setup are tech, SaaS, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, tech infrastructure, software development, IPR holding companies, group headquarters service, global trading, and investment structures.

The license type depends on your business activity; regulated activities may require additional approvals. Some key examples include fintech, real estate, legal services, food, insurance, telecom, virtual assets (VASPs), and media.

Yes, foreign founders can now fully own their companies in the Dubai Silicon Oasis free zone, meaning you don't need a local sponsor or partner to start a business venture in the FZ. Directors of any nationality can be appointed by the owner.

An estimated cost would range as follows:
AED 10,000- 20,000 for an initial setup and license

• Registration Fees: AED 2,000 to AED 5,000
• Flexi Desk or Private Office: AED 5,000 to AED 20,000
• Investor Visa: AED 3,000 to AED 6,000
• Emirates ID: AED 500 to AED 1,000

You will need a passport copy of each investor & director, a latest passport-sized photograph, a list of proposed names, business address, description of your activities, business plan, organizational structure, application form, MOA, AOA, and signatures of all shareholders.
You will need additional documents like a board resolution, certificate of incorporation, a statement of good standing from your home jurisdiction, MOA, AOA, and shareholder resolution in case the applicant is a parent company forming a branch or a corporate shareholder.

You will get the registration and license within 5 to 10 days, but the overall time for bank account setup, visa approval, related additional licensing, and document attestation will take a little longer, extending to 2 to 4 weeks.

Yes, you need a proper office address on an actual street in Dubai Silicon Oasis, meaning a PO box will not be sufficient for your company registration. As per your business needs, we will help you secure a flexi desk, shared space, virtual office, small private office, or a commercial office lease.

Yes, you can get an investor visa permit once you register a company in the DSO. At least one is issued per 9 square meters of your office. As an applicant, you will need to complete the fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics. To learn more about visas for your shareholders, contact Enterslice and get information via your free consultation.

Yes, you will be able to set up a bank account for your company by submitting your company's papers like a trade license, MOA, AOA, business plan, proof of address, KYC of all directors and shareholders, and passport copies. You can either go for traditional ones like Emirates NBD, Mashreq, or HSBC.

Yes, you don't have to visit Dubai, UAE, just to register the company. All can be handled through a professional corporate service provider and representative. They will manage all the formalities on your behalf with the authorities, from documentation to final approvals.

Yes, you can conduct or engage with companies in the mainland Dubai either through a branch office or a dual business license, depending on your activity. The 9% tax rule would apply to your income earned from the mainland in case it exceeds AED 375,000.

Absolutely, you can easily change your business activities once you have already registered your business with the authority. Companies need to file in advance and get the proposed activities approved before they start operating in the zone.

Yes, businesses can claim income tax exemptions as a qualifying free zone person, meaning you can take advantage of the 0% tax rate on your eligible income. Apart from the corporate income tax, you don't have to worry about customs duties. Additionally, there's no personal income tax in the UAE.

Not at all. You no longer have to establish your company with the help of a UAE partner or sponsor because non-residents and foreigners aren't restricted from forming their companies in the Dubai Silicon Oasis free zone.

Yes, the free zone is best for tech-focused companies and AI startups because of the tax-neutral environment- 0% corporate tax and customs duty, no personal income tax, and 100% foreign ownership with good infrastructure.

The procedure starts with you selecting a structure and company name.
Search for a name across the database to make sure you don't apply for a name that is already registered by a company or a trademark.

• Choose your business activities and prepare the required documents.
• Complete notarization, legalization, and apostille of your foreign documents, where applicable.
• Secure a suitable office in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
• File the online application and complete the required payment.
• Receive your company registration and applicable business licenses.
• Apply for the relevant tax registration, as applicable to your business.
• Open a corporate bank account for your business operations.

Take Enterslice’s Dubai Silicon Oasis free zone business setup services assistance to start your dream company now.