Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is Dubai's technology-focused economic zone and free zone under DIEZ, offering startup-friendly co-working (Dtec) and scalable commercial/industrial real estate. It suits founders who want a Dubai address, tech ecosystem, and visa eligibility tied to desk/office packages — often at a lower operating cost than premium financial zones like DIFC.
From
AED 18,500
Established
2005
Companies
28,000
Max Visas
15
Banking
Moderate
DSO Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dtec Service License + Flexi Desk (0 visas) | AED 5,000 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 18,500 | AED 18,500 |
| Dtec Service License + Flexi Desk (2 visas) | AED 5,000 | 2 | Flexi Desk | AED 28,700 | AED 22,500 |
| Dtec Trade License + Fixed Desk (3 visas) | AED 8,000 | 3 | Dedicated Desk | AED 35,800 | AED 26,400 |
| DSO Commercial Office License + 1 Visa | AED 12,000 | 1 | Private Office | AED 32,100 | AED 28,900 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Low entry point — Dtec service license from AED 5,000/year plus AED 13,500 annual rent
- Commercial office license base fee of AED 12,000/year, with rent priced per sqm
- Visa eligibility scales with workspace: flexi desk up to 2 visas, fixed desk up to 3, private office based on space
- Large ecosystem with 28,000+ company members and 90,000+ community residents
- Strong tech/innovation positioning with 11 future industry clusters including AI, IoT, robotics, and Web 3.0
- Mashreq NeoBiz banking partnership via Dtec for startup business banking support
- Fast licensing: license and lease issued within 2 days of full documents; overall process ~7 days
Watch out for
- Published fees are labeled indicative — real invoices may vary after contacting DSO sales
- Share capital requirement has conflicting documentation (AED 100,000 vs AED 1 for FZCO) — confirm with DSO
- Mainland trading restrictions apply — may require a local agent/distributor for UAE-wide trade
- Visa costs not itemized in a single official fee schedule; budgeting relies on estimates
- Bank account opening timelines vary (2-6+ weeks) depending on shareholder nationality and business model
- Higher visa quotas require larger office space — private office allowances are not fixed
Visa Information
Max Quota
15 visas
Flexi desk: up to 2, fixed desk: up to 3, private office: scales with space. Larger offices can support 10-15+ visas.
Processing Time
7 days
Renewal Cost
AED 3,200
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 4,500
Dependent visa costs vary by authority and validity period.
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,200
Investor Visa
AED 3,200
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical V I P
AED 850
Emirates Id Typing
AED 390
License and lease issued within 2 days of full documents. Overall application process ~7 days.
Banking
Partner Banks
Expect 2-6+ weeks for corporate account opening depending on shareholder nationality and business model. DSO has a Mashreq/NeoBiz pathway via Dtec and a broader partner network introduction after licensing.
Features
Mainland Trading
UAE-wide trading may require a local agent/distributor for mainland trade.
Physical Office Required
Visa eligibility tied to workspace type — co-working desk or private office required.
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
DSO promotes a Web 3.0 cluster but crypto licensing requires separate regulatory approval.
Shared Ownership
100% foreign ownership allowed.
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
DSOA customer portal for document submission and license processing.
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Audit obligations depend on legal form and activity.
Share Capital Requirement
AED 100,000 minimum for FZE/FZCO, though FZCO may be as low as AED 1 — confirm with DSO
Special Ecosystems
Recent Developments
- Jan 2026: Dubai leadership launched AED 12.8bn expansion (District IO and Block 14), phase 1 starting 2026
- Feb 2024: Dubai Metro Blue Line expansion to connect directly to DSO
- Oct 2023: DSO recognized in global free zone awards for SMEs and R&D
- Dec 2022: MBRIF partnership with Dtec included discounted lease rates and first-year fee waivers for startups
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) license cost in 2026?
DSO Dtec license fees start at AED 5,000/year (service) and AED 8,000/year (trade), plus annual rent of AED 13,500 and establishment card fee of ~AED 2,000 in Year 1.
How many visas can I get with a DSO flexi desk?
A DSO flexi desk package allows up to 2 residency visas per desk. This is the most affordable entry point for founders who need UAE residency.
How many visas can I get with a DSO fixed desk?
A DSO fixed desk package allows up to 3 residency visas per desk. Upgrading to a private office unlocks higher quotas based on office size.
Is DSO a good free zone for tech startups?
DSO is a dedicated Knowledge & Innovation economic zone with 11 future industry clusters including AI, IoT, robotics, and Web 3.0. It has 28,000+ company members and an on-site startup campus (Dtec) with co-working, mentorship, and banking partnerships.
What is the DSO business setup timeline?
DSO's application process takes approximately 7 days. License and lease agreement can be issued within 2 days after receiving all documents and payment.
What share capital is required for a DSO free zone company?
DSO states a minimum startup capital of AED 100,000 for FZE/FZCO. Some sources indicate minimum share capital as low as AED 1 for FZCO. Confirm the latest requirement directly with DSO.
Can a DSO free zone company trade in Dubai mainland?
DSO free zone entities can trade within the free zone and internationally. Trading in the UAE mainland typically requires a local agent or distributor depending on your business structure.
Ready to set up with DSO?
Get a personalised quote for your DSO business setup. Compare packages and find the best deal.
Starting From
AED 18,500 /yr