Dubai’s vibrant economy and business-friendly environment continue to attract entrepreneurs and investors from across the globe—including a growing number of UK citizens looking to set up companies in the UAE. Whether you’re a digital entrepreneur, a startup founder, or expanding an existing business, a virtual office in Dubai offers an affordable and flexible solution to establish a legal presence. How UK Citizens Can Register Ejari for Virtual Offices in Dubai
However, one critical step often misunderstood in the business setup process is obtaining the Ejari certificate—even for virtual offices. In this blog, we explain what Ejari is, why it’s essential, and how MAF Businessmen Services simplifies the process for UK citizens.
What is Ejari?
Ejari, meaning “my rent” in Arabic, is an official system initiated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It registers tenancy contracts in Dubai to ensure they are transparent, standardized, and legally binding.
An Ejari certificate serves as proof that your business has a registered address in Dubai—even if it’s a virtual one. Without it, many essential activities are not possible, such as:
- Applying for or renewing a Dubai trade license
- Issuing residence visas for owners or employees
- Opening a corporate bank account
- Complying with DED (Department of Economic Development) regulations
Why UK Entrepreneurs Choose Virtual Offices in Dubai
A virtual office provides a professional address without the need to rent a physical workspace. It is especially appealing to UK entrepreneurs who want to:
- Enter the UAE market at a low cost
- Maintain a Dubai presence while operating from the UK
- Start remotely before moving to the UAE
- Gain access to business licenses, visas, and government services
Benefits of a virtual office in Dubai:
- Prestigious business address in Dubai
- Call answering and mail handling services
- Access to meeting rooms when required
- No long-term lease or large upfront investment
Despite the “virtual” nature of the office, the Ejari certificate is mandatory to legalize the use of the address for business activities.
Can UK Citizens Register Ejari Remotely?
Yes. UK citizens can register Ejari for a virtual office in Dubai without being physically present. MAF Businessmen Services facilitates the entire process from documentation to final certification, all managed remotely through secure digital communication.
Step-by-Step Guide: How MAF Businessmen Services Helps UK Citizens Register Ejari
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We begin with a consultation to understand your business goals. Based on your needs, we help you select a virtual office that is Ejari-compliant and suitable for DED licensing.
Step 2: Documentation Collection
We’ll request basic documents from you:
- Copy of passport
- Visa and Emirates ID (if you already have UAE residency; if not, we’ll proceed accordingly)
- Trade license or initial approval (we can help with this too)
- Virtual office agreement
If any documents are in English only, we offer legal translation services as per RERA requirements.
Step 3: Liaising with Property Provider
We handle all coordination with the virtual office provider to obtain the tenancy contract and property documents needed for Ejari.
Step 4: Ejari Registration Submission
MAF submits your application to the RERA Ejari system, monitors progress, and follows up with authorities to avoid delays.
Step 5: Ejari Certificate Issuance
Once approved, your Ejari certificate is issued and delivered to you digitally. This document is now your legal proof of address for business setup, visa, and licensing needs.
How Long Does It Take?
Typically, 2–5 working days from submission to issuance—depending on document readiness and property provider responsiveness. With MAF’s proactive service, we often complete the process faster.
What Are the Costs?
Costs are transparent and include:
- Government Ejari fee
- MAF service charge (fixed or bundled with other services)
- Optional: Translation or document attestation, if required
We provide an all-inclusive quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
Why Use MAF Businessmen Services?
MAF Businessmen Services specializes in helping international clients—including UK citizens—set up businesses in Dubai with ease. Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Remote assistance—register Ejari from the UK
✅ Bilingual support—English and Arabic
✅ Fast turnaround time
✅ 100% compliance with Dubai regulations
✅ Tailored business setup packages
We don’t just handle Ejari. We offer complete solutions—from virtual office setup to trade license assistance, PRO services, visa support, and more.
Common Questions from UK Citizens
Q: Is Ejari needed if I don’t live in Dubai yet?
Yes. Even non-residents require Ejari to complete trade license registration and visa issuance.
Q: Can I register Ejari with a PO Box address?
No. Ejari must be tied to a real property. Virtual offices must be RERA-approved and have a physical business address.
Q: What if I want to move from virtual to physical office later?
MAF can help upgrade your office and update your Ejari and trade license accordingly.
For UK citizens looking to start or expand a business in Dubai, understanding and securing an Ejari certificate for a virtual office is a crucial step. It ensures your business is legally compliant and ready to access the UAE’s robust ecosystem of financial and operational benefits.
With MAF Businessmen Services, the process becomes smooth, efficient, and entirely manageable—even from abroad. Whether you’re launching a brand-new startup or establishing a branch of your UK company, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.