Dubai Virtual Company License 2026: Cost & Setup Guide
A Dubai virtual company licence is a low-cost mainland business registration enabling non-residents and entrepreneurs to operate remotely in UAE. Administered by the Dubai eGovernance & Smart Services Division (DET), it costs AED 750–1,200 per year with minimal compliance overhead. Perfect for consultants, traders, and service providers who don't need a physical presence.
What Is a Dubai Virtual Company Licence?
A Dubai virtual company licence allows entrepreneurs—including non-residents and remote operators—to establish a legitimate mainland business without renting physical office space. Issued by DET (Dubai eGovernance & Smart Services Division), this licence is ideal for freelancers, consultants, and small traders. Unlike traditional mainland setup, you get regulatory compliance and tax clarity at a fraction of the cost. Explore more in our guide to Dubai business setup options.
Compare virtual licences against free-zone and traditional mainland structures with DBS. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
2026 Cost Breakdown: Virtual Licence Fees
The annual cost for a DET virtual company licence ranges from AED 750 to AED 1,200, depending on activity classification and any add-on services. This covers the licence renewal for 12 months. Additional costs include:
| Item | Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Virtual Company Licence (annual) | 750–1,200 |
| DBS Consultancy & Application (optional) | 500–800 |
| Document Attestation & Notarisation | 200–400 |
| Bank Account Setup Support | 300–600 |
Exact fees depend on your activity code and regulatory requirements. Get a tailored quote from Dubai Business Services.
Eligibility & Non-Resident Visa Status
Non-residents can apply for a virtual company licence without requiring UAE residence. However, the licence itself does not grant a residence visa—you remain on a tourist or visit visa. If visa sponsorship is critical, consider a traditional mainland company (requiring a physical office and minimum investment) or a free-zone licence, both of which may qualify for employment visas depending on structure and MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) approvals.
Key eligibility criteria:
- Minimum age 18 years (or 21 for some sectors)
- Valid passport and proof of address
- No criminal convictions
- Activity must comply with UAE law
Not sure if you qualify? Our consultants at DBS can review your profile in a 20-minute call—WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Approved Activities & Restrictions
DET permits a wide range of virtual activities including:
- Business consultancy & advisory
- IT services & software development
- Digital marketing & social media management
- Translation & writing services
- Design & creative work
- Financial advisory (non-regulated)
- E-commerce & online retail (non-physical goods)
Prohibited activities include retail from a physical location, manufacturing, import/export (without a proper free-zone or mainland setup), and any regulated sector requiring specialised licensing (finance, healthcare, real estate). Your activity code is assigned at approval and determines renewal fees and compliance obligations.
Virtual vs. Mainland vs. Free Zone: Key Differences
| Feature | Virtual Licence (DET) | Mainland Licence | Free Zone Licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost (AED) | 750–1,200 | 3,000–5,000+ | 1,500–3,500+ |
| Physical Office Required | No | Yes | Free-zone premises only |
| Non-Resident Eligible | Yes | Yes (limited visa benefits) | Yes (limited visa benefits) |
| Visa Sponsorship | No | Possible (with MOHRE) | Possible (with MOHRE) |
| Setup Timeline | 1–2 weeks | 3–4 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| Authority | DET | DED / DMCC | Individual free zone (e.g., JAFZA, RAK FZ) |
Virtual licences are best for remote, knowledge-based services with no local footprint. Mainland and free-zone setups suit businesses needing office space, visa sponsorship, or higher-volume operations.
Unsure which structure fits your business? Talk to our Dubai business setup consultants—see our expert team.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline & Documents
Typical approval timeframe: 1–2 weeks from DET submission.
Required documents:
- Valid passport copy (pages 1–3)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or tenancy contract, not older than 6 months)
- Email address and mobile number
- Business activity description (500 words max)
- Bank reference letter (if already UAE-banked) or notarised proof of funds (AED 5,000–10,000 recommended)
DBS handles DET submission, document attestation, and follow-ups. Most clients receive approval and can access their online dashboard within 10–14 business days. Once approved, you pay the annual licence fee and begin trading.
Why Choose DBS for Your Virtual Licence Setup?
Dubai Business Services has served 80,000+ entrepreneurs since 2009. We provide radical cost transparency—no hidden fees, no inflated quotes. Our team guides you through DET approvals, ensures your activity code is optimised for tax efficiency, and connects you with banks and auditors if needed. We're based in Dubai and available on WhatsApp for instant support.
Ready to launch? WhatsApp us now: +971 54 332 2846, or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Dubai virtual company licence and who can apply?
A Dubai virtual company licence is a DET-issued mainland business registration for remote operators. It's open to non-residents, freelancers, and entrepreneurs worldwide. You don't need physical office space, and setup takes 1–2 weeks. Costs AED 750–1,200 per year. Ideal for consultants, digital professionals, and traders offering services online or internationally.
Can non-residents get a virtual company licence in Dubai?
Yes. Non-residents can apply for a virtual licence without UAE residence. You'll need a valid passport, proof of address (from your home country), and business details. The licence doesn't grant a residence visa, so you'll remain on your existing visa status. If visa sponsorship matters, consider a traditional mainland or free-zone setup instead.
How much does a Dubai Virtual Commercial City licence cost in 2026?
DET virtual company licences cost AED 750–1,200 per year, depending on your activity code. Setup consultancy (optional) runs AED 500–800. Document attestation and notarisation add AED 200–400. Total first-year cost typically ranges from AED 1,450–2,400 including all supporting services. No hidden fees with DBS.
Does a virtual company licence grant a UAE residence visa?
No. A virtual licence does not sponsor a residence visa. You remain on whatever visa you hold (tourist, visit, or existing sponsorship). If you need visa sponsorship, you must set up a traditional mainland company or free-zone entity with physical premises and meet MOHRE employment requirements. DBS can advise which structure suits your visa goals.
Which activities are permitted under a virtual company licence?
Permitted activities include IT services, consultancy, digital marketing, translation, design, e-commerce (non-physical goods), and financial advisory. Prohibited: retail shops, manufacturing, import/export, and regulated sectors (finance, healthcare, real estate) without specialist licensing. Your activity code is set at approval and must match your business model.
How is a virtual company licence different from a free zone licence?
Virtual licences (DET) cost AED 750–1,200/year, require no office, and suit remote work. Free-zone licences (JAFZA, RAK FZ, etc.) cost AED 1,500–3,500+/year, require free-zone premises, and allow more trading flexibility. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and customs benefits; virtual suits pure digital services. Both avoid visa sponsorship; mainland licences are best if you need employment visas.
What is the approval timeline and what documents do I need?
Approval typically takes 1–2 weeks from DET submission. Required documents: valid passport, residential address proof (utility bill, tenancy contract), business description (500 words), and proof of funds (AED 5,000–10,000 recommended). DBS handles all DET submissions, attestations, and follow-ups. Most clients receive approval and online access within 10–14 business days.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.