Yes — and in 2025 it’s easier, faster, and 100 % legal. A fully remote business setup consultant in Dubai can now deliver your trade license, open your corporate bank account, and even get your first residence visa stamped without you ever boarding a flight (until you decide to visit for leisure). Here’s exactly how it works and the few remaining steps that still need your physical presence (or smart work-arounds).
What Can Be 100 % Remote in 2025
| Step | Remote Possible? | Method in 2025 |
| Trade name reservation | Yes | Instant online |
| Initial & final approval | Yes | Basher platform + UAE Pass |
| MOA / LSA signing | Yes | Digital signature via UAE Pass or notary-authorized remote video |
| Ejari & office contract | Yes | Serviced office providers send digital Ejari |
| License issuance | Yes | Delivered by email |
| Corporate bank account | Yes (95 % cases) | Video KYC + courier of documents |
| Establishment card & e-channel | Yes | Consultant with power of attorney |
| VAT registration | Yes | Fully online |
The Only Two Steps That Still Require Physical Presence (and the 2025 Work-Arounds)
1. Emirates ID Biometrics & Medical Test
Required for every shareholder and employee who wants a residence visa.
2025 work-arounds:
Option A: Fly in for 48–72 hours, do VIP medical + biometrics, fly out same week
Option B: Defer completely — set up the company 100 % remotely, visit later when convenient (no deadline)
Option C: Use “visa-on-arrival + change status” trick (citizens of 70+ countries)
2. Original Passport Courier for Bank Account
Some banks still want the original passport couriered for final compliance.
2025 reality: Wio Bank, Liv. Business, Mashreq Neo Biz, and HSBC Jade accept scanned notarised copies + video KYC for most free-zone companies.
The Fastest Fully Remote Path (18–28 Days Total)
Day 1–3 → Send passport scans + photos to consultant
Day 4–8 → Trade name + initial approval + digital MOA
Day 9–12 → Ejari issued + license payment
Day 13–15 → E-license delivered
Day 16–25 → Video bank interview + courier originals (if needed) → IBAN active
Day 26–28 → Optional: entry permit issued (you can enter later and convert)
Who Achieves 100 % Remote Most Often
- Single-shareholder companies
- Meydan, IFZA, SPC, RAKEZ, or DMCC packages
- Consultants with in-house PRO and direct bank relationships
- Shareholders from visa-on-arrival eligible countries (EU, UK, USA, Australia, etc.)
Real 2025 Success Rate
Top-tier licensed consultants now achieve:
- 98 % remote license issuance
- 92 % remote bank account opening
- 100 % remote for clients who don’t need residence visa immediately
The Golden Visa Remote Trick
Set up the company remotely → transfer AED 1 million paid-up capital (or buy qualifying property remotely) → apply for 10-year Golden Visa from abroad → biometrics can be done at UAE embassy/consulate in your home country or on first visit.
Bottom line: If someone tells you in 2025 that you “must visit Dubai three times” to set up a company, they are either outdated or trying to sell you an overpriced package. With the right consultant and free zone, you can be trading profitably from your couch in London, Mumbai, or New York — and only fly in when you feel like enjoying the beach.