Dubai is continuously becoming one of the most popular spots for corporate and business setups as it provides a strategic location. This busy city of the UAE is easily accessible from every corner of the world, and the atmosphere it provides makes it a perfect choice for all kinds of established and prospective businesses. In recent times, businesses of all sizes are finding business laws in Dubai very welcoming, hence seeing it as a very rewarding destination for their business. Moreover, there are some other attractive features as well, like the ability to rent a virtual office in Dubai, instead of a real office.
Startups are becoming increasingly popular around the world and Dubai, is no exception in this regard. Besides, there has been a tremendous increase in the outsourcing and freelance markets globally. Startups and freelancers are the primary consumers of virtual offices in both Dubai and everywhere else. Therefore, in recent years, virtual offices in Dubai free zones are gaining popularity. The opportunity to get a regional presence and spend a minimum amount of funds with a virtual office in Dubai is an excellent prospect for beginning entrepreneurs.
What is a Virtual Office?
A virtual office is your local address, in one of the business centers of Dubai, which is used for contacts with local authorities and customers. It can be used for business setup; it is indicated in your trade (or other) license. Your mail (both electronic and regular) will be posted on this address. A number of people who want to set up a company in Dubai want to use a virtual office as a means to help them keep their costs as low as possible. These types of offices are a good option for those who need to have access to certain types of business services, and it is common for those working from home as well as for businesses that are planning to relocate, or that are in the middle of relocating now. A virtual office will allow the owner the ability to operate their business, get their UAE residence visa, and open a corporate bank account.
Setting Up a Virtual Office in Dubai
Quite often, those who use Dubai virtual offices are those with small companies and even freelancers who do not have large space requirements for staffing. It provides the owner with a business address, but they do not have to worry about the cost of leasing a traditional space. When you have a virtual office, you can work from anywhere that you might like, even from home. However, your home address cannot be the location of your business as stated on business cards or your website, since it is against the law.
In Dubai, virtual offices can be established in Mainland and Free Zones. The procedure of mainland and free zone places are different, so the document and administrative bodies are also different. The cost of a virtual office depends on the type of business activity you’re performing in the region. The virtual office for marketers only provides a business address with the name “Dubai” at the time of marketing. Apart from this, physical workspace, bank account, and residence visa are not provided. A dormant virtual office provides some additional facilities, like employees, telephone, and fax numbers. This type of office space is usually used by web-based businesses.
Once you’ve set up your virtual office, you will be able to sponsor your family to bring them to Dubai with you. However, you will have to make at least Dh. 5000 a month. You will also have to follow all the other rules and requirements for bringing your family into the emirate, including providing notarized marriage and birth certificates. You will need to have your residency in Dubai in order first, naturally.
Advantages of Having a Virtual Office in Dubai
The main and most apparent advantage of this solution is its cost. In any case, renting a virtual office space in Dubai will cost you less than the smallest premises in any of the local office centers. You get the following perks with it:
Professional Image and Reputation for Your Business
If you and your workers are working from home, then it’s not at all a good idea to organize business meetings there. On the contrary, virtual offices offer the best solution to use a conference room that is equipped with all the important supplies. It also offers reception service so that your clients and business partners get a professional image of your business and feel welcomed.
Low Overhead Costs
From a financial standpoint, we all know setting up a brick and mortar office is more expensive. You have to lease or buy a commercial space. For virtual offices, you’re just paying for a fraction of what you would actually pay. You can save a lot of investment by using a virtual office. The cost of furniture, tech equipment, internet services, electronics, etc. is not required in a virtual office. Although you can appoint some services like a local telephone number that is really helpful for foreign business.
Flexibility
Virtual offices are the most flexible type of office space. Here, you have the business hours at your own hand. You can run your business 24/7 without any restrictions. On the other hand, moving or expanding your office is also relatively easier than physical space.
Prime Location
Location plays a very important role when you’re doing foreign business. It is important that you reach out to clients where they are mostly located. Renting office space at their location gives you a power of choice. Having a perfect business spot will help you to reach out to your employees and customers fast. Get a professional business address located at well-known corporate buildings. This can give your business a great first impression.
Other than the above-mentioned benefits, virtual offices in Dubai allow to provide a developing business with the following advantages as well:
- complete business license for carrying out business activities;
- residence visa for the founder of the company and members of his family;
- ability to open a corporate or personal bank account in the UAE;
- to carry out commercial activities in the UAE or via online banking.
Why Dubai is the Best Option for Setting Up a Virtual Office?
Dubai’s diverse, stable, and thriving economy, Free economic zones, investor-friendly procedures, excellent infrastructure, and high-class living standards. Above all, Dubai ranks first in the world when it comes to customer’s confidence. Furthermore, Dubai free economic zones can provide you with:
- Furnished office space that will give you a competitive advantage
- A good reputation with a minimum financial burden
- Investor friendly policies of the Dubai government will further save entrepreneurs from the inconvenience caused by leasing and taxation
For freelancers, a virtual office in Dubai is preferable in any case, since a real one will not give any advantages for their work, but only additional costs. A virtual office in Dubai will provide everything you need: a real address (for registration and obtaining a license), communication (phone, mail, voice mail), a place for business meetings (meeting rooms, conference rooms for presentations), secretary services (mail collection, reception calls), etc.
Obtaining a Virtual Office in Dubai
Deciding on a virtual office space instead of a traditional space is a different kind of turmoil that the foreign investors especially young entrepreneurs face at the time of setting up a business in Dubai. Both the virtual office and traditional offices pose different kinds of pros and cons that should be weighed seriously before making any final decisions.
Need guidance regarding what kind of office space is most suitable for your business? Or are you only looking for some guidance for setting up a business in Dubai? Then look no further. We at Riz and Mona Consultancy are here to help you. In case of any queries, do not hesitate to give us a call. Contact us today and book our consultation call with our experts!
