In an interview with Imran Rashid, Founder of Virtue Corporate Services, shared insights into his extensive experience in private banking and wealth management, which spans over 16 years across the UAE and India. Observing a need for reliable, transparent corporate services, he founded Virtue in Dubai to support businesses in navigating the complexities of the UAE’s regulatory landscape. Virtue offers a full range of corporate solutions, from company formation to compliance, tax advisory, and bank account setup. Rashid emphasized the importance of personalized service, robust industry knowledge, and long-term client support, which have positioned Virtue as a trusted partner in the UAE’s competitive market.
Company & Professional Background
We started the interview by asking, “Explain your background and your Company in detail.”
Imran Rashid replied, “With over 16 years of experience in private banking and wealth management across the UAE and India, I have had the privilege of working with both local and multinational banks. My focus has been on advising high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs), and corporate clients on strategic aspects of wealth growth and protection. This includes expertise in portfolio management, investments, estate planning, and offshore solutions. My journey has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape and a proven ability to offer clients tailored, results-driven advice aligned with their unique financial goals.
Alongside my extensive experience, I hold an advanced certificate in Wealth Management from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) in the UK and am a licensed financial services promoter with the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority. Observing a significant gap in the market for a transparent, affordable agency with a nuanced understanding of local laws and regulations, I was inspired to establish Virtue Corporate Services in Dubai. Virtue is a full-service corporate solutions firm dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of establishing and expanding operations in the UAE.
Virtue provides a robust suite of services—from company formation and compliance advisory to PRO services, accounting, VAT consultancy, and assistance with corporate bank accounts. What sets us apart is our deep-rooted expertise in UAE regulations, corporate structures, and compliance requirements, enabling us to craft solutions specifically tailored to each client’s needs. Whether it’s assisting a startup with licensing or supporting established corporations with VAT and bookkeeping, we aim to offer clients a seamless and transparent experience.
At Virtue, we go beyond market entry to focus on fostering long-term growth for our clients. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals with deep industry experience, committed to helping clients make informed choices about business activities and select optimal jurisdictions from both tax and compliance perspectives. Our strong industry connections and unwavering commitment to excellence allow us to be a trusted partner for companies striving to succeed in the UAE’s dynamic market.”
The Spark behind Virtue
The Arabia Times: What inspired you to establish Virtue Corporate Services?
Imran Rashid replied, “What inspired me to establish Virtue Corporate Services was a clear gap in the market for streamlined, transparent corporate services that genuinely add value. I observed that clients entering the UAE market often faced complex procedures, with crucial decisions around business activities and jurisdictions. If mishandled, these can lead to significant compliance and tax issues. While many players offer similar licensing options at comparable prices, choosing the right partner is challenging. It’s not just about the number of reviews; it’s about the ratio of satisfied to unsatisfied clients, the depth of knowledge business advisors bring, and the quality of post-sales support and service approach. Virtue was created to meet these needs—offering clarity, reliability, and a client-centric approach that truly supports businesses from the ground up.”
Why Choose Virtue?
The Arabia Times: How does Virtue Corporate Services differentiate itself in the competitive UAE corporate services market?
Imran Rashid replied, “Our commitment to personalized, end-to-end service sets us apart. We ensure our clients are guided throughout the process, from the initial setup to on-going support, with no surprises along the way. Our deep understanding of UAE regulations and the corporate environment allows us to provide insights and customized solutions that cater to individual client needs. Furthermore, we have a well-connected team and established relationships with regulatory bodies, which facilitates smoother transactions and quicker turnarounds.”
Unlocking Dubai’s Potential
The Arabia Times: What is the most significant challenge faced by companies trying to establish themselves in Dubai, and how does Virtue Corporate Services address it?
Imran Rashid replied, “The most significant challenge for companies establishing themselves in Dubai is navigating the intricate regulatory landscape, which can vary considerably based on business type and jurisdiction. Many clients come to us after facing setbacks from being advised by other firms on the wrong business activity—one that doesn’t align with their actual operations. This misalignment often leads to serious issues in banking, compliance, and taxation.
At Virtue Corporate Services, we address this by offering precise, customized guidance for each client. We handle every step, from selecting the correct business activity and jurisdiction to managing documentation, licensing, and regulatory approvals. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring compliance from the outset, we make the entry process smooth and allow our clients to focus fully on their core business goals.”
Virtue Corporate Services
The Arabia Times: Can you explain how Virtue Corporate Services assists companies with their taxation and compliance in the UAE?
Imran Rashid replied, “At Virtue Corporate Services, our support extends beyond basic corporate tax and VAT registration, deregistration, tax refunds, and filings. We partner closely with businesses to ensure they fully understand the tax implications on their operations, enabling them to make informed decisions. Our team manages accurate filings and keeps clients compliant with all regulatory requirements, helping them avoid costly penalties.
Additionally, we provide ongoing consultations to help companies adapt to regulatory changes, taking a proactive approach that helps our clients remain compliant and enhances their operational efficiency. This commitment to compliance and adaptability has been invaluable for our clients’ long-term success in the UAE market.”
Unlocking the UAE Market
The Arabia Times: In your experience, what are some key factors investors should consider before establishing a business in the UAE?
Imran Rashid replied, “Firstly, understanding the different free zones and mainland jurisdictions and how they align with your business goals is crucial. Each jurisdiction has its own set of regulations, tax implications, and business benefits. Secondly, having a clear picture of the costs involved with the break-up of charges, including regulatory fees, operational expenses, and potential taxation obligations, is essential for budgeting and planning. Lastly, working with a knowledgeable partner like Virtue can help investors avoid costly mistakes by ensuring all documentation and regulatory requirements are met from the start.”
Virtue’s Tailored Services
The Arabia Times: What services does Virtue Corporate Services offer to streamline the company formation process in Dubai?
Imran Rashid replied, “We provide a comprehensive suite of services, including company formation across various free zones and mainland options, PRO services for document clearance, visa assistance, corporate bank account setup, accounting and bookkeeping, liquidation, audit, and Power of attorney. Our goal is to cover all aspects of setup, ensuring that clients have everything they need to operate legally and efficiently in Dubai. This approach allows our clients to enter the market with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that all procedural elements are handled.”
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Lastly we asked, “What do you consider your biggest achievement since founding Virtue Corporate Services?”
“One of my proudest achievements has been the growth and reputation Virtue has gained in such a competitive market. Building a company that clients trust and rely on has been incredibly rewarding. Every time we help a business overcome regulatory challenges and succeed in establishing its operations here, it reinforces the value of our services. We’ve also successfully expanded our offerings, like compliance and corporate tax consultation which has allowed us to serve clients in more holistic ways as their needs evolve.” Imran Rashid Concluded
Connect Imran Rashid on LinkedIn
Visit Virtue Biz Setup to learn more about it
Also Read:
Harnessing Global Expertise with Modesto N Peña Y Gorrin
Am I Tech Enough Redefines You Are Tech Enough: Tan Ting (Grace) Tang
Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir Aka. LadyLava: How Witnessing a Lavafall Sparked the Creation of LAVA SHOW
