FAQ - Dubai Silicon Oasis
Your Dubai Unified License (DUL) authorises you to conduct economic activities across the Emirate of Dubai, not only within Dubai Silicon Oasis. Mainland operation is governed by Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025, which sets out how free zone companies can extend their activities beyond the free zone. Your advisor can confirm what this means for your specific licence and activity.
Setting up a startup in Dubai Silicon Oasis typically takes 1-2 weeks for the complete process, with the licensing process specifically taking about 7 days and company registration completed in 2-3 weeks. The application process takes a maximum of 10 working days (provided all documents are in place), and a company license and lease agreement is normally issued within 2 days from receipt of all legal documents and payment, with the entire process possible to complete remotely without requiring physical presence in Dubai.
Your business stays fully yours. Dubai Silicon Oasis has no requirement for a local sponsor or third-party co-owner at any stage.
STEP 1 | Personal Consultation
Your journey begins with a personal consultation to match real estate and licensing to your business needs. Choose between Service, Trade or Industrial licences, and confirm your activities against the ISIC and DED lists.
STEP 2 | Documentation & Approval
Your advisor confirms the documents your application needs. Once approved and licensed, you move into residency formalities and banking, introduced to partners across our network.
STEP 3 | Integration into the Community
You gain access to industry clusters, events and the Client Portal from day one. Our community team is on hand to help you get involved in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Setting up a startup in DSO typically takes 1-2 weeks for the complete process, with the licensing process specifically taking about 7 days and company registration completed in 2-3 weeks. The application process takes a maximum of 10 working days (provided all documents are in place), and a company license and lease agreement is normally issued within 2 days from receipt of all legal documents and payment, with the entire process possible to complete remotely without requiring physical presence in Dubai. 3
It is in the nature of man to strive for ever faster, higher and stronger, to make his everyday life easier and to optimize it as best as possible. Starting with the invention of the wheel more than 5,000 years ago, to the “enlightenment of man” through the printing press around 1450, to the development of the steam engine and the associated industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century, mankind has made great progress in all areas of life.
A company must file an application with the Registrar, including the company details, capital, and proposed business activcities. Please refer to Caluses 18-19
Check the Free Zone's approved activity list or contact the Call Centre on 600 595 557
To add or remove activities, submit an Activity Amendment requrest through the portal:
Services → Company Servies → Activity Amendment
You can search for the activities you wish to add using keywords within the request.
Penalties are applied afte the 30-day grace period following the licence expiry date. A penalty of AED 2,000 is applied once the grace period ends, followed by AED 1,000 for each additional month until the licence is renewed.
The meximum permitted extension is three months from the end of the company's financial year.
Your access to the portal will be blocked, and you will not be able to access our services.
Every DIEZ entity is not exempt from the UBO requirements must:
Take reasonable steps to obtain, maintain and keep accurate and up-to-date information about each of its Ultimate Beneficial Owners.
Record the required UBO information.
Provide and update the information in accordance with the applicable requirements.
An existing DIEZ entity must submit a UBO Form:
When renewing or amending its DIEZ licence
Whenever requested by DIEZA and within the specified timeframe.
Within seven business days of becoming aware of changes to its UBO information.
Submit a request through the portal:
Services → Letters → Certificates → Certified Copy of Documents
Certified copies can be requested for documents such as the MOA, company resolutions, trade licence, certificte of formation and relevant letters.
Yes. A company can add up to 10 activities per licence type. Service fees may increase if the number exceeds 10 or depending on the type of new activities being added.