What documents does an Italian national need to start a general contracting business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Italy, attested documents via Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, and a business plan for your general contracting venture.

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a general contracting company in DSO?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How long does it take to get a General Contracting licence in DSO?

The typical processing time for a general contracting licence at DSO is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Dubai Municipality approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a General Contracting company in Dubai Silicon Oasis?

Yes, DSO allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What documents do I need to set up a General Contracting business in DSO?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Dubai Municipality. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my DSO General Contracting licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from DSO, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What are the annual renewal costs for a General Contracting business in Dubai Silicon Oasis?

The annual licence renewal for a General Contracting DSO company costs approximately AED 12,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

General Contracting in Dubai Silicon Oasis for Italian nationals

Free ZoneConstructionRegulated Activity

General Contracting in DSO

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

4 Visas

Location

Dubai

About General Contracting

Setting up a General Contracting business in Dubai Silicon Oasis as an Italian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Italy-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Italian business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at DSO has been streamlined significantly, with most construction licences processed within 3 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 12,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your general contracting business in Dubai Silicon Oasis. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why DSO for General Contracting?

Dubai Silicon Oasis is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for construction businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers technology-focused ecosystem, which is particularly valuable for general contracting operations. Additionally, integrated tech park ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 6,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 4 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of DSO for general contracting professionals. Furthermore, smartcity infrastructure positions your general contracting business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DSO remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established construction enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Italian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Italian business community.

Technology-focused ecosystem

Integrated tech park

100% foreign ownership

SmartCity infrastructure

Innovation facilities

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your general contracting licence is issued by DSO, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Italian Business Owners

Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your general contracting business in DSO, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Italian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Italy-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for general contracting), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DSO.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

8Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

Regulatory Note: General Contracting is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Municipality is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,500
Flexi Desk	6,000
Shared Office	12,000
Private Office	25,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 22,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your general contracting business plan and the best DSO licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the general contracting licence application to DSO. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DSO trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your general contracting business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DSO allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Italian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

General Contracting in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750