Licenses for all business needs

The type of license allows you to conduct certain activities in Dubai Silicon Oasis

Companies looking to set up within Dubai Silicon Oasis can choose from three types of licenses, which can be selected according to the company’s operational requirements.

Please note: branch entities are only entitled to conduct an activity within the parent company’s activities.

Please refer to the Legislation page for more information.

Operating Licences

Service Licence

This license allows the registered entity to carry out only specified services. Each license is assigned with a number of business activities.

Trade Licence

This license allows the registered entity to practice activities which are related to import, export, and distribution of items and goods as specified in the licence.

Industrial Licence

This license allows the registered entity to import raw material, manufacture, and process, assemble, package and export the finished products.

Key Entity Types & Terms (DIEZA Regulations 2023)

Free Zone Company (FZCO)

A limited liability company incorporated in the Free Zone under the Regulations, with its own legal personality and shareholders whose liability is limited to their share capital. Must obtain a Licence and may only conduct activities stated in its Licence.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE) (no longer in use)

Previously a company form for single shareholders. Under the 2023 Regulations, all existing FZEs are automatically treated as FZCOs.

Branch

A branch of a company incorporated outside the Free Zone (local or foreign). It has no separate legal personality or share capital; it is legally dependent on its parent company, which remains fully liable for its contracts and obligations.

Special Licences

Business Operation Permit / Business Permit

This type of license is a special permit for companies operating in the The Administrative Zone of Dubai Silicon Oasis (areas within Dubai Silicon Oasis operated by private developers) using a licence issued by Dubai Economic Department (DED). This licence is issued based on the licence of Dubai Economic Department. No share capital is required for this type of licence.

Transfer from Free Zone (Continuation / Redomiciliation)

A regulated process by which:

A foreign or UAE company may transfer its incorporation into the Free Zone and continue as an FZCO; or
A Free Zone company may transfer out of DIEZA to another jurisdiction.
This involves issuance of a Certificate of Continuation in the new jurisdiction and a Certificate of Cancellation in the Free Zone.

Registering businesses in The Administrative Zone in DSO

If you wish to operate from a property that is not directly owned by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority but by a private developer/owner in a private development which are found within the freehold/leasehold areas of DSO then you will need to apply to DSOA’s Freehold Licensing Section and follow the Business Set Up Process for The Administrative Zone in DSO.

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