When embarking on your entrepreneurial journey in the UAE, a crucial step on your checklist is to familiarize yourself with business setup in UAE Free Zone.
Across the Emirates, free zones present entrepreneurs with a unique array of advantages that are simply unmatched.
Enjoy the advantages of 0% personal and corporate income tax, along with a complete exemption from customs tax. Additionally, in contrast to numerous other nations, owning a business in a UAE free zone allows you to fully repatriate all invested capital and profits. No foreign exchange controls or currency restrictions exist here.
Explore the details of each free zone, and you will discover a distinct array of benefits that sets them apart.
Consider Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Freezone as a prime example. This free zone provides an extensive array of business support services, startup incubation opportunities, and venture capital funding programs.
The DSO free zone boasts cutting-edge residences, modern office and warehouse spaces, as well as vibrant industrial and commercial areas. The location is truly exceptional, just a quick drive to central Dubai and conveniently close to the emirate’s air and seaports.
Doing Business in Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
DSO is part of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), which encompasses additional developments like Silicon Park. This raises a common question: Is Dubai Silicon Oasis classified as a free zone? Yes, DSO operates as a standalone free zone. It provides all the advantages you would anticipate from business setup in UAE Free Zone and even beyond.
Silicon Oasis Free Zone License
Conducting business in this location is a breeze. DSO offers a trio of license types:
Service License
The registered entity is permitted to perform only designated services.
Business License
The registered entity is granted the authority to engage in activities associated with the import, export, and distribution of items and goods as outlined in the license.
In addition to its exceptional services and inviting entry requirements, DSO provides a wide range of business services for its residents. These include support with visas, customs clearance, and essential municipal services like building permits and No Objection Certificates (NOC).
Clients at DSO enjoy the advantages of onsite collaborations with government entities and private companies, such as Emirates Post, Etisalat, the Dubai Health Authority, and the CID.
Industrial License
The registered entity is empowered to import raw materials, manufacture, process, assemble, package, and export the finished product.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone Activities
DSO establishes itself as the cutting-edge ecosystem of the emirate. This unique technology park in the region offers an exceptional blend of living, working, and leisure spaces.
While technology certainly takes center stage at DSO, the free zone warmly welcomes a diverse array of other industries as well. At present, DSO welcomes all business activities recognized by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). There are more than 2,000 approved business setup in UAE Free Zone.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone Company Setup Costs
With a diverse range of company types and sizes operating within the free zone, pinpointing an exact cost for setting up a business in Dubai Silicon Oasis can be quite challenging. Nonetheless, expenses in this area are quite similar to those found in numerous other free zones throughout the region.
DSO provides a variety of office space solutions, in addition to warehousing and land for development, all of which can significantly influence pricing. One thing is clear: whether you are navigating your journey alone or leading a team of hundreds, there’s almost certainly a DSO package tailored to fit both your requirements and your budget.
Setting Up a Company in Dubai Silicon Oasis Freezone
Establishing your presence within the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority involves a streamlined six-step process:
1. Complete and submit the application form
At this point, you will need to sign up on DSOA’s customer portal.
2. Pre-approval of DSOA documents
Initial approval and invoice issuance are contingent upon document review, including activity and security checks.
3. Payment of fees and submission of legal documents
It is necessary to remit the associated fees and submit the required legal documents.
4. DSOA e-agreement issue
You will receive both the lease agreement and a digital agreement sent directly to your registered email.
5. The e-agreement and share capital letter are applicable exclusively for FZE/FZCO
Please ensure that you sign the lease agreement and return it to DSOA, accompanied by a bank share capital letter.
6. The e-licence has been issued.
The obtaining of e-registration and e-license follows.
Typically, licenses are granted within a week. Omissions or errors in your application may result in delays. That is why partnering with a company formation expert is a smart move—they can handle every detail of your application seamlessly.
Business Setup in UAE Free Zone Made It Easy
Business setup in UAE Free Zone involves specific steps that will vary based on your business activities and the setup you select. In many instances, in addition to the documentation mentioned earlier, you will also need to supply:
- Form for application
- Statement of purpose
- Copies of passports
- Only available for UAE residents
- Financial documentation such as a bank statement, reference letter, or audited financial report
- Strategic blueprint for the company
The DSO company formation process typically takes just seven to ten days, assuming your application is complete and accurate. It is crucial to remember that mistakes in your application can result in delays or even rejection.
Partnering with a company formation expert like ExpressPRO is a smart move when launching a new business in the UAE. Our dedicated free zone business setup consultants in UAE are committed to transforming the aspirations of budding entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises into reality.
Let our experts handle the establishment of your company, manage your license and visa applications, and take care of all the essential administrative tasks, simplifying the process of business setup in UAE Free Zone.
Abdul Basit 
Spero Agency