Can I Start a Business in the UAE While Living in Another Country?

Setting up a business in the UAE, without relocating to the country, is a strategic move. Investors can explore benefits such as tax rebates, seamless connectivity, hassle-free business, and advanced infrastructure. All of these without relocating to the UAE. Moreover, they can simultaneously manage the business in the home country.

The key takeaways of a remote business setup in the UAE are:

• Tax benefits
• A prestigious business address
• Strategically advantageous location that connects Asia, Africa, and Europe. Aiding seamless cargo movement.
• Systematically derived online approval processes
• Streamlined business setup procedure
• State-of-the-art infrastructure
• Diverse packages offering flexibility in company formation
• A well-framed banking structure with access to international banking
• Credibility

Quality of life in the UAE has been exceptionally high, and that has led to a phenomenal foreign population in the country. However, you can start a company remotely without shifting your base to the UAE.

The legal aspects of a remote business setup in the UAE include:

• Companies can be set up in any of the free zones in the country without a residency visa.
• Earlier rules regarding mainland business setup have also been revised. Consequently, foreigners are permitted to acquire 100% ownership in mainland jurisdictions for most business activities.
• Documentation or the business setup can be handled online or by a trusted business setup service in the UAE.
• No local sponsor or partner is mandatory for the remote business setup.
• 100% repatriation of profit is allowed.

Nonetheless, it would be better to obtain a residency visa if your long-term presence is required for the business.

A wide variety of business activities can be performed in the UAE while living in another country. The licenses permitted and business activities are:

More than a thousand business activities are permitted for remote businesses. Ensuring optimal business possibilities for global investors.

You can start a business in the UAE without entering the country even once. UAE is a fully digitised country, and all business setup processes can be completed online. Alternately, you can hire Kiltons to handle all the business setup activities. Hiring us would help with a quick, efficient business setup within a predefined budget. Guidance from our specialists will provide detailed insights to help you with decision-making.

The company structures available for a business setup without residence in the UAE are:

• UAE Mainland Company – A company formed in the mainland jurisdiction can explore both the local UAE market and global markets. The country allows mainland business setup in almost all sectors. Only a few sensitive sectors are excluded. Entrepreneurs planning to scale in the UAE market may consider this jurisdiction.

The key features of a mainland business are:

o Wider business scope than other jurisdictions

o Explore potential UAE markets

o 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors

o Increasing market demand is beneficial for the company

o The company can bid for government projects

o A flexi-desk or physical office is necessary to operate in this jurisdiction

• Free Zone Company – Free zones act as catalysts for business growth. Investors can choose to set up their business in a free zone dedicated to specific sectors or in a multi-business zone. Entrepreneurs in marketing, management, consultancy, and e-commerce sectors may opt for a remote business in a free zone.

o Trade within the free zone and internationally

o 100% foreign ownership

o Virtual offices permitted

o Setting up quicker than a mainland business

o Budget-friendly company formation options

o No local sponsor/partner required

• UAE Offshore Company – An offshore company is specifically for international business operations. The company will have its base in the UAE. This is a tax-efficient, budget-friendly, and cost-effective jurisdiction if the company is being set up solely for global business.

o Nil UAE tax liability

o No local trading

o Trade globally by basing in the UAE

o Ideal option for asset holding entities

The steps to start a company in the UAE without a residence visa are:

• Choose the business activity
• Register the trade name (the name should adhere to the naming regulations in the UAE)
• Obtain initial approval
• Prepare the documents. Get the foreign documents attested by the Embassy of the UAE in the country of origin
• Obtain additional approvals (depends on the business sector)
• Lease an office space. Flexi-desk or virtual office is also permitted, depending on the jurisdiction chosen
• Apply for the trade license
• Pay the license fee
• Obtain visas (if required, for the employees)
• Open a corporate bank account

No need to search for a sponsor or local partner if the company is in any of the free zones. Most mainland business activities can also be started with 100% foreign ownership. 

Talk to us to learn which business sectors require a local sponsor or partner. 

UAE has been registering unmatched growth for decades. The success stories of expat entrepreneurs underscore why the land has been chosen for business setup. The key benefits of starting a business in the UAE while staying in another country include:

• Simple and streamlined business setup process. No unwanted bureaucratic hurdles or complications. Investors can even set up the business online.
• Cost-effective business setup
• Connectivity with global markets
• Opportunity to explore the rapidly growing UAE markets
• Tap into the growth potential of the country
• Availability of talented international manpower at reasonable rates
• Business-friendly regulations
• Vibrant business environment
• Collaborate with acclaimed global firms
• Optimal scalability

A majority of business operations can be conducted remotely. Living in the world of AI, IoT, and advanced digital connectivity, a person can manage, administer, and command business from anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, some business models are found to be more suitable for remote operations than others. Such business activities are:

• SaaS – Many firms already provide SaaS remotely. A physical office is not necessary for SaaS, as everything is discussed and managed online.
• Digital Marketing – Digital services explore the virtual world for business promotions, support, and marketing. Such activities are fully deliverable online.
• E-commerce – Explore the online platforms to sell products online. The UAE entity will handle the payment and invoicing activities.
• Professional Services – Activities such as client relationship management, marketing guidance, and financial consultation can be undertaken online.
• Software/Web Development – Companies can offer software and web development to UAE firms. The service provider’s location does not affect the performance.

You can handle the entire business setup process online. However, guidance and support regarding business setup would help in avoiding errors and possible dilemmas. You can consult us if you still have doubts concerning the activities that can be handled online, without local support. We have been providing trusted business setup support for more than two and a half decades.

Kiltons Business Setup Service was established in 1999 and has been a client-oriented and dedicated service since then. Our team will assist you in starting a business in the UAE while living in another country.

Still having doubts?

Do contact us to discuss the company formation in the UAE.