UK to Dubai Business Setup From £999
Add a 2-year UAE residency visa package with indicative pricing from £2,422. We assist with licensing paperwork, visa application steps, and bank account introductions, confirmed by transparent written quotations.
Explore specialised licence categories in Ajman Free Zone, including Gold Trading, HR Consultancy, and General Trading, with indicative licence fees from £1,110. Explore 9 activity categories→
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Compare UK and UAE business tax considerations
A side-by-side comparison between the UAE and the United Kingdom.
Discuss your business model with our UK desk to assess the optimal structure.
The UAE does not levy personal income tax. UK residents normally remain liable for UK tax on worldwide income and gains, including income from a UAE company. Your personal tax position depends on your circumstances and tax residence. Standard corporate tax benchmarks shown.
Pick the setup that fits you
What each route costs and who it suits best, with full transparent pricing.
Your written quotation will confirm the selected jurisdiction, licensed activities, included services and any additional charges.
Business License
Trade licence registration in an eligible UAE Free Zone. Best for remote operations without residency visa requirements.
- Eligible Freezone activity options
- Suited for remote service providers
- Activity selection on licence
- Trade licence & lease agreement
- Banking application assistance
- Flexi-desk facility included
Specialised Free Zone Activities
Explore specialised licence options in Ajman Free Zone. Approvals, scope, and total setup cost depend on activity.
- Licence & incorporation certificate
- Commercial registry certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Office lease agreement
- Banking application assistance
Business License + 1 Visa
Company licence plus 2-year renewable residence visa application support (medical and biometrics require attendance in the UAE).
- UAE Free Zone company & licence
- Virtual / flexi-office lease
- 1 residence visa allocation (2-year renewable)
- Medical fitness & Emirates ID support
- Licence, MOA & establishment card
- Certificate of incorporation
- e-Channel registration support
- Immigration pre-approval assistance
Mainland Company
Dubai DED mainland commercial formation; local commercial trading subject to licensed activities and required approvals.
Offshore Formation
International business company for asset or IP holding. No local office or residence visas available.
Want the exact figures for your case?
We will itemize license fees, visa costs and bank support line by line, with nothing hidden.
Corporate & Shareholder Tax Overview
Understanding corporate taxation, central management and control, and cross-border commercial administration.
Structural & Tax Considerations
Corporate entity and individual shareholder considerations across UK and UAE jurisdictions
| Tax / Corporate Factor | 🇬🇧 UK Resident Entity / Individual | 🇦🇪 UAE Free Zone Entity |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Tax | 25% standard rate (19% for profits up to £50,000; marginal relief up to £250,000) | Standard: 0% up to AED 375,000; 9% above. QFZPs: 0% on qualifying income, 9% on non-qualifying income* |
| Dividend / Extraction Tax (Shareholder) | Up to 39.35% for UK residents (10.75% basic, 35.75% higher, 39.35% additional) | UAE: 0% withholding tax. UK residents remain liable for UK tax on dividends received* |
| Capital Gains Tax (CGT) | Generally 18% / 24% for individuals; company disposals fall under Corporation Tax | Treatment depends on ownership: business disposals may fall under UAE CT; UK residents face UK CGT* |
| Public Register Information | Public register on Companies House (director names, PSC register, public service address) | Public access varies by Free Zone; entities remain subject to UAE beneficial-ownership disclosure |
| Annual Tax Filing & Relief | Mandatory annual accounts to Companies House & CT600 return to HMRC | Annual UAE corporate tax return required; eligible businesses with revenue ≤ AED 3M may elect for Small Business Relief* |
| Multi-Currency & Banking | UK clearing rails; multi-currency accounts available depending on provider | Eligible UAE business accounts support multi-currency balances (GBP, USD, EUR, AED) |
Critical Guidance for UK Residents & Expatriates
Transparent, practical advice on corporate management, banking operations, and international tax treaties.
A company incorporated outside the UK can still be UK tax resident if its central management and control is exercised in the UK. The location of genuine high-level decision-making matters. A UAE licence, office lease or bank account does not by itself establish that the company is managed outside the UK. Where both countries regard a company as resident, the applicable treaty provisions also need consideration.
Easy Setup assists with genuine UAE commercial setup: trade licence registration, registered office lease agreements, local establishment cards, corporate administration, and introductions to UAE banking institutions.
Relocating to the UAE does not automatically end UK tax residence. Your position must be assessed under the UK Statutory Residence Test and, where relevant, the UK–UAE tax treaty.
If you return to the UK after a period abroad, temporary non-residence rules can bring certain income and gains into UK tax. The rules depend on your residence history, the length of your absence and the income or gains involved.
Have Questions About Your UK Setup?
Speak directly with our UK cross-border advisory desk. We evaluate your current company structure and outline the exact roadmap to launch in Dubai.
We stay on after launch
Banking, tax and ongoing government paperwork, all handled as your business grows.
Banking Solutions
We introduce you to banks, prepare your application documentation and assist you throughout the process.
Tax & Accounting
Corporate tax registration, VAT filings and bookkeeping assistance to support your business compliance.
PRO & Visa Services
Assistance with government documentation, visa renewals, Emirates ID steps and authority procedures.
Six reasons founders stay with us
We help you incorporate your company, then support your day-to-day operations.
Real advisors
Dedicated setup specialists who know the regulations inside and out.
Every Emirate
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK and other leading jurisdictions.
Honest prices
Itemized written quotes with zero hidden fees or surprise invoices.
Quick approvals
Fast-tracked government documentation and authority registrations.
Registered agent
Directly licensed with major Free Zones and economic departments.
Your language
Multilingual support in English, Arabic, Russian, Hindi, and Urdu.
Five steps, that's it
A structured step-by-step pathway from initial consultation to active commercial operations.
Free consultation
Our experts explain the options and design a structure tailored to your plans.
Company selection
We compare Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore to choose the optimal jurisdiction.
Licence issuance
We prepare and submit documentation to the chosen jurisdiction for trade licence issuance.
Visa & Emirates ID
Entry permit application, medical fitness test and Emirates ID processing with in-person attendance in the UAE.
Bank account support
Application dossier preparation and introductions to UAE banking institutions.
Things people ask us
Straight answers to common questions about setting up in the UAE.
Still not sure which route fits you?
Ask us anything. A licensed advisor will answer, with no sales script.
Let's get your company open
One consultation, transparent pricing, and our experienced team handles all the documentation.