What documents does a British national need to start a spa & wellness business in the UAE?

You will need a valid United Kingdom passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United Kingdom, attested documents via Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and a business plan for your spa & wellness venture.

How long does it take for a British citizen to set up a spa & wellness 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 Spa & Wellness licence in DSO?

The typical processing time for a spa & wellness 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 Spa & Wellness 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 are the tax implications for a Spa & Wellness business in Dubai Silicon Oasis?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in DSO may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Can I get a residence visa with my Spa & Wellness licence from DSO?

Yes, your spa & wellness licence from DSO entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 4 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 4,500.

What business activities can I include on my DSO licence?

Your DSO licence can include spa & wellness as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Spa & Wellness in Dubai Silicon Oasis for British nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Spa & Wellness in DSO

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

4 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Spa & Wellness

Setting up a Spa & Wellness business in Dubai Silicon Oasis as a British citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to United Kingdom-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of British business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at DSO has been streamlined significantly, with most services 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 spa & wellness 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 Spa & Wellness?

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

The jurisdiction offers technology-focused ecosystem, which is particularly valuable for spa & wellness 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 spa & wellness professionals. Furthermore, smartcity infrastructure positions your spa & wellness 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 services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Technology-focused ecosystem

Integrated tech park

100% foreign ownership

SmartCity infrastructure

Innovation facilities

Visa Requirements for British Nationals

British nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your spa & wellness 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 British Business Owners

British nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. UK-regulated banking history is viewed favourably by UAE banks. For your spa & wellness business in DSO, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving British business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United Kingdom-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for British Nationals

British nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for spa & wellness), 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 United Kingdom passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Detailed business plan or activity description

8Signed application form from DSO authority

Regulatory Note: Spa & Wellness 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 spa & wellness business plan and the best DSO licence options for British nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United Kingdom through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the spa & wellness 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. British nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your spa & wellness 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 British nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Spa & Wellness in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000