How to Get a Virtual Company License in Dubai

by Elaine E. Traditional Chinese Medical Center

In the past, if you wanted to start a business in the UAE, you were required to move into the country. However, now it’s easier to start a business in Dubai. The launch of the Virtual Company License allows foreign investors and business owners to set up businesses in Dubai without living in the city. This license allows you to conduct your business digitally.

Although applying for a virtual company license is convenient because you don’t have to move to the city, you ought to understand how it works. You should confirm whether you’re eligible for this license. To qualify, you should reside out of the UAE and be a tax or national residence of any of the approved countries. Eligible countries include the USA, UK, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, India, etc.

Benefits and Costs of Getting Dubai Virtual Company License

The first benefit is quite obvious; you don’t have to move from your country of residence to start a business in the city. You can access the benefits of being an entrepreneur in Dubai without your physical presence.

Apart from giving you easy access to start a business in such a lucrative city, the license is easy to start with low fees. It is also an ideal venture for freelancers because they can access the city’s companies and don’t have to apply for freelancer permits and residence visas.

A Dubai virtual company license is one of the most affordable ways to establish your business in the city. It costs AED 200 to reserve a trade name; you will pay AED 680 annually for the virtual license and AED 300 for identification and validation.

Getting a Virtual Company License

(Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-gray-dress-shirt-using-macbook-3799115/)

Before setting up your virtual business in Dubai, you need to apply for the license. The procedure is quite easy if you follow these steps.

Registering Your Company

The first step is to register your company, access the official site of the Dubai Virtual Commercial City to begin registration. Here, you will find an online registration form to fill out. Vital information like your name, date of birth, contacts, and passport details have to be filled. You also have to include the trade license name of your enterprise and define the business activities you intend to carry out.

These are the permitted businesses you can register in Dubai;

Web design
Cyber security architecture
Electronic chips programing
Social media applications, development, and management
Public networking services
Auditing, reviewing, and testing cyber risks
Fashion design
Computer systems and communication equipment software design
Managed cyber security services provider
Jewelry making
Calligraphers and painters
Typesetting services
Bookbinding
Products design
Design services
Promotional gifts preparing.

Upload Your Documents

If you’re not sure which documents are required, you can engage legal consultants in Dubai to help you pick relevant documents. To register for a Virtual Company License in Dubai, you need to upload a copy of your passport with 3 months until expiry, proof of address (any utility bill or official letter, less than 3 months old), if you are not from the approved countries you need proof of tax residency, and a recent photo on white background (less than 3months).

You also need to provide a completed application with your name in Arabic script if you are from an Arabic nation; your experience in Dubai (if you have visited before, lived, or owned a company).

Tracking the Status of Your Application

When you submit your application details, this information is sent for approval. The Dubai Government officials carry out this process by running background checks and authentication. Hiring legal consultants in Dubai is vital because this process can take a month and you are required to provide accurate details. After the process, you will get an email notifying you of your approval or rejection.

Visit the VFS Global to Confirm Your Identification

When your business is approved, you have to take a trip to VFS Global for passport verification and identification. However, you have to first book an appointment by sending them an email on or by booking an appointment on their site. You are also required to pay AED 300 and applicable taxes from your country of residence. These act as the fees for this process.

Pay for Your Virtual Company License

After completing the above process at VFS Global, you have to pay for the cost of your Virtual Company License. You can pay this fee through ePay; this is the official VCC’s payment platform. The fee for your virtual company license is calculated based on its validity you provided the online application form.

Starting a business is always a good idea because of the successful economy and spending culture. In the previous years, foreign investors and businessmen had to move to the city, but now starting a business in Dubai is easy. You only need to apply for a Dubai Virtual Company License.