Can I open a company in Dubai with a virtual office?

As a leading business city in the world, Dubai has made company incorporation easy for any investor or entrepreneur who wants to start a business in Dubai. Earlier, opening a company in Dubai required a physical business location. This means that in order to practice your business, whether it is servicing, consulting, trading, e-commerce, etc., you have to obtain a physical location such as a shop, office, or warehouse.

However, with the world’s changes in terms of business operations, especially Dubai as a fast-growing economic city in the world, it has made it easy and facilitated the business incorporation process (no need for actual space for your business). Hence, companies can be incorporated whether in the free zone or mainland under a virtual office without a physical existence. In simple words, any businessman can operate his company in Dubai without the physical existence of a lease agreement or location.

So, the virtual office in Dubai is called Ejari. It is an official document issued from the Dubai Land Department that allows you to incorporate your company and have a virtual address. This location allows you to operate from anywhere in the world. Besides, this virtual office will help you open a business bank account, as all the banks in Dubai/UAE require a physical address for any business. Whereas, while opening a company in Dubai, your bank will ask for a site visit, and this virtual office will be used for bank inspection approval.

What are the steps to get a virtual office/Ejari in Dubai?

The Ejari is the 3^rd step in company incorporation, as stated below:

• Initial Approval.
• Trade Name Reservation.
• External approvals if required.
• Signing MOA.
• Issuing the trade license.

So, after getting the initial approval and trade name reservation, you need to obtain the Ejari so you can complete the external approvals and issue the license.

Setting up a business in Dubai comes with several strategic advantages—from tax efficiency to global connectivity. You can explore these in our detailed guide on key benefits of company formation in Dubai.

Note: Some business activities cannot be incorporated under a virtual office, such as coffee shops, bakeries, car maintenance activities, or manufacturing activities.

Furthermore, the virtual office is required for investor visa applications, employee visa quota approval, and Ministry of Labour inspection. For instance, if you want to hire employees and you request a quota amendment/addition, the Ministry of Labour (MOHRE) might ask for a physical inspection and a site visit to your office. This virtual office will allow you to get the approval easily and operate smoothly in Dubai. Hence, it is an official document that allows you to open a new company in Dubai, renew a trade license, get an investor visa, and open a business bank account.

To round off, the answer to the question “Can I open a company in Dubai under a virtual office or without an office in Dubai?” is YES. Any type of business can be incorporated in Dubai without a physical address, such as car rental. Business activity, real estate brokerage activity, foodstuff trading, e-commerce business information technology, etc. Except for some activities, such as those mentioned above.

Once you understand how virtual offices fit into Dubai’s business ecosystem, the next step is knowing the exact process to register your company. You can follow our step-by-step guide on how to open a company in Dubai to ensure a smooth formation process.

If you need assistance to obtain a virtual office, whether for new license issuance or renewal, you may contact us: inquire@assertivezone.ae / ‪+971506129267.