Traditionally, entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of Dubai’s incredible business environment would need to relocate to the UAE.
Thanks to the Dubai virtual company license, entrepreneurs can now realise the benefits of Dubai company ownership from anywhere in the world.
The Dubai virtual business license allows entrepreneurs to do business in Dubai digitally – without the need to reside in the emirate. License holders can carry out a range of business-related activities, such as signing and submitting documents, electronically. These electronic signatures will be accepted as legally binding within the UAE.
If you’ve always wanted to do business in Dubai without the hassle of relocation, here’s your opportunity to do so.
Understanding the Dubai virtual company license
Before making your application for a Dubai virtual company license, it’s important that you understand exactly what it offers.
First things first, to be eligible for a virtual license you must reside outside of the UAE and be a national or tax resident in an approved country.
Eligible countries include:
Brazil
Cameroon
Canada
China
India
Nigeria
Pakistan
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Uganda
UK
USA
Non-eligible countries include:
Afghanistan
Belarus
Egypt
Iran
Oman
Serbia
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Venezuela
You will also need to undergo all of the same checks and processes as you would when applying for a standard UAE company license.
It is also important to note that Dubai virtual companies remain subject to corporate, individual income and social taxation in the country of incorporation and/or residence, depending on the location of economic activities and international tax agreements.
If you understand the license and feel that it fits the needs of you and your business, you’ll find that, with the right guidance, the application process is incredibly straightforward.
Applying for a Dubai virtual company license
The process of applying for a Dubai virtual business license consists of three simple steps:
Step 1: Your business activity
The first step before making your UAE virtual license application is to decide on your business activities. The full list of permitted activities under a virtual license is as follows:
Computer Systems & Communication Equipment Software Design
Electronic Chips Programming
Web-Design
Social Media Applications Development & Management
Cyber Security Architecture
Public Networking Services
Cyber Risk Management Services
Auditing, Reviewing and Testing Cyber Risks
Managed Cyber Security Services Provider
Marketing Services Via Social Media
Fashion Design
Jewellery Design
Design Services (Interior Design, Garden Design)
Calligraphers & Painters
Product Design
Books Binding
Typesetting Services
Color Separation Services
Design & Artwork Services
Greeting Cards Production & Distribution Services
Promotional Gifts Preparing
Step 2: Your company name
Next you’ll need to decide on your company name. There are a few things to keep in mind when making this decision. You must abide by a strict, yet easy to follow, set of naming conventions. Once again, a company setup expert can help you with this step.
In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Tom Smith Consulting, rather than T Smith Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Your license application
With these formalities out of the way, you can now make your virtual license application. As part of the application process you will be required to provide:
- Passport copy (with more than 3 months till expiry)
- Proof of address (any utility bill or official letter, not more than 3 months old)
- Proof of tax residency (if you are not from the approved countries)
- A recent photo on white background (not more than 3 months old)
- Completed application including your name in Arabic script (if your current or past nationality is that of an Arab country, information on your experience with Dubai (have you visited or lived in UAE before? Have you owned a UAE company? Or acted as director at a UAE company?)
Although the process is straightforward, as with any UAE license application, it does require some understanding of business practices in the region. For that reason, it is a good idea to work with an expert in UAE company formation who can manage the whole process for you.
Licenses are usually issued in around
Dubai virtual business license benefits
The Dubai virtual company license allows entrepreneurs to access the vibrant economy and business landscape of Dubai without a physical presence of any kind within the emirate.
As well as offering easy access to such a lucrative region, the virtual license offers a low-cost way to set up in Dubai, with low fees and no minimal overheads.
The license is also a good option for freelancers, offering access to Dubai companies without the need to apply for a residency visa and freelancer permit.
Dubai virtual company license cost
Applying for a Dubai virtual company license is one of the most affordable ways to do business in within the UAE.
The Dubai virtual business license cost is broken down into several components including:
- AED 200 for trade name reservation
- AED 680 per year for the virtual license
- AED 300 for identification and validation
Setting up a virtual business in Dubai
If you’re armed with the right knowledge, applying for a virtual business license in Dubai doesn’t have to be overly complex.
That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.
To help you to ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a company formation specialist such as Set Hub when establishing a new company in the UAE.
We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.
As well as handling your Dubai virtual license application, Set Hub can also assist with the formation of UAE free zone and mainland companies, the opening of corporate bank accounts, and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.
We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits and visas applications that are required to trade in the UAE.
In short, Our experts can help you open your company in Dubai or the UAE, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.
