Global entrepreneurship and advancements in digital infrastructure have led to a substantial increase in demand for remote-friendly business jurisdictions in recent years. In response, the UAE has taken steps to implement new procedures that enable foreign entrepreneurs to secure a business license without a UAE visit, enabling them to run their operations fully remotely.
It is possible to launch a business in the UAE without physically visiting the country. Thanks to the UAE’s pro-business ecosystem and digital transformation efforts, remote entrepreneurs can now establish fully licensed entities without being physically present in the country. This shift is largely why so many are choosing to start a business in the UAE remotely, particularly in innovation-led cities like Dubai.
The Dubai South Business Hub is a forward-thinking free zone that provides a remote-friendly setup model for foreign investors within Dubai South. As a networked ecosystem, it facilitates flexible infrastructure, affordable licensing, and digital registration.
Dubai South Business Hub provides tailored licensing solutions for remote founders, including cost-efficient virtual options, making it easier than ever to establish your presence.
For broader insight into the city’s rapid diversification and openness to foreign investment, the overview of Dubai’s economy offers useful context.
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The UAE continues to roll out policies that facilitate quick, inexpensive, and investor-friendly company formation. The government now permits 100% foreign ownership in many sectors and offers streamlined digital government services, enabling registration, licensing, and compliance processes to be completed online.
Driven by the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, the nation is digitising key processes such as licensing, notarisation, and remote identity verification. This transformation has made UAE company formation without residency a viable and sustainable option for global entrepreneurs.
Several business types are ideal for a remote setup in the UAE:
Business setup online in the UAE is a straightforward, digitised process. Here’s a basic overview:
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Dubai South Business Hub offers remote entrepreneurs a range of flexible license types designed to suit different business models and growth stages. Options include the UAE Virtual Company License for operating fully online, the No Visa Business License for ventures that do not require residency, and customised UAE company formation packages without residency. All options come with access to our future-focused free zone’s support services, ensuring a smooth setup process and seamless integration into Dubai South’s connected business community.
Dubai South Business Hub is a smart-growth free zone that enables entrepreneurs to open a company in Dubai from abroad, offering special benefits like same-day license issuance and flexible workspaces that satisfy compliance standards without requiring a full office commitment. Along with being part of a connected community with access to healthcare, retail, lifestyle amenities, and educational institutions, entrepreneurs also enjoy end-to-end setup support, which includes bank account assistance, visa processing, and PRO services.
All identity verification, Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, and document submissions are completed digitally. The UAE now permits the use of e-signatures and electronic MOAs (Memorandum of Association), supported by secure notarisation platforms.
Businesses registered in UAE free zones may be exempt from corporate tax if annual revenue is below AED 375,000. Moreover, physical residency is not mandatory for all business entities.
The type of license, number of shareholders, and optional services like office space or visas all affect the total cost.
Other services that our free zone offers include:
Use our business license calculator to explore pricing.
Have the following documents ready:
Before applying, confirm that your chosen business activity is permitted and ensure you have clearly defined your shareholder structure along with nominating an authorised signatory.
Ideal candidates for a remote setup include:
Ready to begin?
Setting up a UAE business without stepping foot in the country is no longer a future concept – it’s a reality. With digital-first platforms and free zones like Dubai South Business Hub, entrepreneurs around the world can tap into the UAE’s economic potential quickly and efficiently. The region’s commitment to digitisation, investor support, and legal flexibility make it one of the most attractive destinations for remote business formation today.
Yes, you can apply entirely online with digital documents.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in free zones.
Not always. Depending on the business activity and free zone requirements, some licenses only require a flexi-desk solution.
Licenses are issued within the same day.
Consultancy, e-commerce, tech, holding companies, and more.
No, a visa is optional for remote business models.
Free zones support remote setups better; mainland often requires physical presence.
Yes, you can scale your setup when ready.
Yes, all documents are provided digitally.
Some banks allow remote onboarding with an approved license.
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