Want to launch and manage a business from any location in the world using your laptop?
Local economic departments in the UAE have recently introduced virtual business licences that enable residents and foreign business owners to create online ventures without the need for a physical office location. In some cases, you can even launch a business without being physically present in the United Arab Emirates.
Here is everything you need to know about virtual licences in the UAE if you’re an aspiring business owner on a limited budget or a foreign investor looking to diversify your investments to the UAE.
Four licences that do not require office space
- Dubai Virtual Company licence
- Abu Dhabi Virtual licence
- Abu Dhabi Tajeer eCommerce licence
1. Dubai Virtual Company Licence
‘Tax residents’ from 112 different nations have the option to choose the Dubai Virtual Company Licence.
The licence enables investors and business owners to carry out location-independent business operations like internet marketing or designing clothing and jewellery.
Even if you are not a resident of the UAE or physically present there, the licence enables you to launch and run a registered internet business in Dubai. You can set up the firm without having to rent space in the UAE because it is not required to have a physical presence there.
2. Abu Dhabi Virtual Licence
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) introduced the “Virtual Licence” in 2021 to allow overseas investors who are not Abu Dhabi residents to apply for a business licence from any location in the world.
The virtual licence, which is said to cover 13 economic sectors, can be applied for as either a sole proprietorship or an LLC (Limited Liability Company), giving you the option of having 100% ownership of the business.
3. Abu Dhabi’s Tajer eCommerce licence
If you live in the UAE and wish to start an online store or sell things on social media, you must apply for the Tajer eCommerce licence through ADDED.
With the use of this licence, you are able to start a business without a physical location for three years and choose from more than 1,000 ADDED-approved business activities.
Dubai’s Estidama Licence
In addition to the business licences previously mentioned, many companies in Dubai now have the option to apply for a “virtual lease,” which once more would allow you to establish your business without an actual office space. The Estidama licence is a virtual lease option that is appropriate for smaller businesses with fewer employees.
With this permit, you can rent virtual office space from a Dubai business centre that has been granted a licence and utilise all the amenities and operational services of a real office without having to pay rent or other related costs. Employees can essentially work from anywhere, but the business will have a P.O. Box, a physical address, and a reception area and conference room because business centres in Dubai offer these services.
