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Mainland Sector

Business Setup In Dubai Virtual Commercial City (VCC)

Dubai Virtual Commercial City (VCC) is a government programme enabling non-resident entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital businesses to obtain a Dubai business license and operate globally without relocating to the UAE or holding a residence visa.

We manage your Virtual Commercial City application end to end covering eligibility checks, activity selection, document preparation, and the digital application submission to the relevant Dubai authority.

About Dubai Virtual Commercial City

Launched by the Government of Dubai, this initiative allows eligible non-residents to register a virtual company and receive a commercial license entirely online. It provides a recognized legal and commercial footprint in Dubai for digital and service-based activities without requiring residency.

Why Choose Virtual Commercial City

Remote Operation
Run a Dubai-licensed business from anywhere in the world.
No Relocation
No need to move to or reside in the UAE.
100% Ownership
Full ownership of your virtual company.
Fully Digital
Entire application and licensing process is conducted online.
Cost-Efficient
A lower-cost entry point compared to physical company setups.

Legal Structures and Ownership

Setup supports flexible company structures

Foreign ownership

Full foreign ownership is permitted, with no local shareholder or partner required.

Legal structure

The legal form available depends on the approved business activity and the licensing arrangements. Applicants should confirm the permitted entity type before proceeding with registration.

Eligible Activity Groups

The programme focuses on digital, service, and knowledge-based work:

Technology/Programming IT, software, and digital services.
Design/Creative Content, graphic design, and creative services.
Professional Services Marketing, advisory, and business services.
Knowledge-based Remotely delivered digital work.

Virtual Commercial City Business Setup Process

  • 1
    Eligibility check

    Verifying nationality and activity.

  • 2
    Documentation

    Preparing required ID documents.

  • 3
    Digital submission

    Applying to the Dubai authority.

  • 4
    Verification/issuance

    Final identity check and digital license receipt.

Setup Your Business Now

Need expert help? Contact our agents today.

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Estimated Timeline

5 to 10 Business Days

  • License Issuance: 5 to 10 business days.
  • Visas/Emirates ID: 2 to 3 additional weeks.
  • Note: Land allocation for large industrial projects requires additional planning time.

Cost Considerations

Dubai Virtual Commercial City offers competitive pricing for industrial businesses, with flexible options for warehouses, industrial land and manufacturing facilities. Costs vary based on the selected licence, facility size, visa requirements and business activity. We provide a tailored quotation based on your operational needs and setup requirements.

Why Choose Legacy Partners

Direct operational configurations aligned to your corporate rollout workflows.

✔
Direct free zone experience

We manage activity codes, approvals and notarisation daily.

✔
End to end service

Licensing, facility allocations, visas, and bank introductions under one roof.

✔
Transparent pricing

Clear, all-inclusive packages with no surprise invoices.

✔
Multilingual advisors

A single dedicated point of contact throughout your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Open to non-residents from eligible countries; current UAE residents are ineligible and should pursue mainland or free zone setups.

Because the process is fully digital, licenses are typically issued within a few business days once verification is complete.

VCC covers Technology and Programming for IT, software and digital services, Design and Creative for content and graphic design, Professional Services for marketing and advisory work, and Knowledge-based activities for remotely delivered digital work.

No. VCC provides a commercial license, 100% ownership and a legitimate virtual business presence in Dubai, but it does not include a residence visa, Emirates ID or physical office premises. It is designed purely as a remote licensing route.

Yes. VCC gives eligible non-residents full ownership of their virtual company, without requiring a local partner or physical relocation to the UAE. The entire application and licensing process is conducted online.

The process starts with verifying your nationality and eligible activity, followed by preparing the required identification documents. You then apply digitally to the Dubai authority, and after a final identity check, receive your digital license.

Yes. VCC offers a lower-cost entry point compared to physical company setups, since there is no office, visa or relocation cost involved. This makes it a practical option for remote founders who only need a recognised Dubai commercial license.

Yes. VCC is designed to let eligible non-residents run a Dubai-licensed business from anywhere in the world, without needing to move to or reside in the UAE. The entire setup and ongoing operation can be managed remotely.

The Government of Dubai launched Dubai Virtual Commercial City to let eligible non-residents register a virtual company and receive a commercial license entirely online, giving them a recognised legal and commercial footprint in Dubai for digital and service-based activities.

VCC focuses on digital, service and knowledge-based work such as technology, design, professional services and remotely delivered digital activities. It does not suit businesses that need a physical office, warehousing, or activities requiring a UAE residence visa.

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