Differences between Flexi Desk and Virtual Desk
The United Arab Emirates occupies a top spot in the list of the top investment hubs in the world. A number of policies it introduced in the last few decades has made the UAE one of the most conducive atmospheres to invest and carry out business setup.
As one might know, in order to carry out a new business setup in Dubai, you’d have to procure a mainland or free zone license. With over 45 free zones to choose from, the UAE has become a global leader in providing space for blistering business growth.
Policy introductions such as 100% business ownership for foreign investors have fostered a rapid business growth in recent years. Before the policy was enacted, the investor was required to allot 51% shares of their company to a local sponsor, accruing additional costs.
Budding entrepreneurs and solopreneurs are inhibited by funds, and are always on the lookout for cost-effective ways to establish their company in the UAE. To compensate for that problem, the UAE govt. has provided with the option of going with either flexi desk or a virtual office, which is a mandatory step in registering a company in UAE.
Flexi Desk
Typically, flexi desks are found in business centers in free zones. This option is great for those looking to setup business without profligate spending on minutiae. A flexi desk is a dedicated chair and a desk in a business center. It is a physical space that you can operate from.
The rules and regulations regarding the use of the flexi desk depend on the free zone. Some free zones also offer shared office facilities like phone connection, video conference rooms, etc. The charges for using the flexi desk facility are time-dependent. Flexi desks often have a dedicate P.O. Box number that you will get after the registration process is complete.
Virtual Office
A virtual office, like the name implies, is not a physical space but just a registered address. This registered address appears only in paperwork, and cannot be used as an actual physical office to operate from. Along with the registered address, you will also get a telephone number.
Virtual offices are popular with SMEs, entrepreneurs and start-ups because of their efficiency and ease of working from.
Advantages of Virtual Office
There are many benefits that can be attributed to virtual offices:
- There is no need of renting or buying equipment, as necessary equipment is already included
- A virtual office is cheaper than a physical office space
- The packages available are highly customizable
- There is no need of hiring special staff to carry out work, as the service providers will manage all of the services required
- No maintenance costs
Advantages of Flexi Desk
One of the biggest advantages of using a flexi desk is the low starting cost. Although it costs more than a registered address, it has a lot of incentives. It saves you from renting prime real estate, buying office furniture, and other trivialities associated with renting an office space. Another advantage is the facilities that are included, like internet access, video conferencing rooms, etc. One may choose to further mitigate charges by renting a flexi desk away from popular residential areas or renting it in one of the northern Emirates in UAE.
To sum it up, the choice is open-ended and the decision is hugely dependent on the requirements of the individual. If your job entails a registered address, then a flexi desk is your go-to. If that’s not a requirement, then a virtual office is best suited for you.
There are other options like registered address, actual physical office space in a free zone, and more. However, these options are more suited to medium-to-large enterprises as they come with higher charges.
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If you are dreaming of starting your own company and carrying it forward with a team of employees under your wing, then consider that dream accomplished. We, Cross Link International, will start your company for you, so you don’t have to! Carry out your new business setup in Dubai with us and realize your dreams!
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