Thinking of moving your UK-based business to Dubai? You’re not alone. Many British entrepreneurs are choosing Dubai as their new home for expansion, and for good reason. The city has become one of the most attractive global business hubs with zero barriers to ownership, modern infrastructure, and access to worldwide markets. Isn’t that exciting?
In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through everything you need to know to successfully move your company from the UK to Dubai.
Dubai offers a tax-friendly environment, simplified company laws, and 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. It is strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, which makes it a perfect gateway for international trade. Unlike the UK, where compliance and corporate taxes are often heavier, Dubai gives you lighter regulations and direct access to high-growth markets.
The first big decision is where to register your company.
Ideal if you want to sell directly within the UAE, work with government contracts, or open physical shops.
Best suited for international trade, e-commerce, and service-based companies. Free zones often give you 100% ownership, simplified visa processes, and in some cases tax benefits.
The choice depends on your business activity and where your customers are located.
You can set up your business in three main ways:
Register a new UAE company – either in mainland or a free zone.
Open a branch of your UK company – operate under the same name with fewer steps, though parent liability remains.
Create a subsidiary – a new entity that separates risks and allows you to adapt to local rules.
For most UK entrepreneurs, a new company or a subsidiary is the easiest and cleanest way forward.
Every activity in Dubai requires a license. You’ll need to:
Reserve your business name.
Get initial approval from the licensing authority (Dubai DED for mainland, or your chosen free zone).
Sign incorporation documents.
Lease an office or desk space (mandatory for most setups).
Approvals are usually quick, and many free zones complete the process in 7–10 working days.
This is a key step, and banks in Dubai take compliance very seriously. Be ready with:
Trade license
Ownership documents
Passport copies of all shareholders
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices, website)
Choose a bank that understands international businesses, and be prepared for KYC checks.
Once your company is set up, you can sponsor your own visa and apply for employee visas. As a business owner, you may also qualify for the UAE’s Golden Visa if you meet investment criteria. Isn’t that amazing? A 10-year residency without a sponsor.
Dubai introduced corporate tax in 2023, but at only 9% above AED 375,000 profit, it’s still among the lowest globally. VAT applies at 5% if your turnover crosses AED 375,000 per year. Make sure you plan ahead for compliance, accounting, and tax filings.
This part is often overlooked. If you are moving control of your company to Dubai, you need to manage UK tax residency rules. Speak with a tax advisor in both countries to avoid double taxation and unexpected liabilities.
Free Zone setup: Often 1–2 weeks.
Mainland setup: Usually 2–4 weeks depending on approvals.
Visa processing: Around 2–3 weeks.
Costs: Starting from AED 15,000–35,000 depending on activity, location, and visa quota.
Moving your UK business to Dubai is not complicated, but it requires the right steps in the right order. Decide on the location, secure your license, open a bank account, and manage compliance both in Dubai and the UK.
At CSPzone, we specialise in guiding UK entrepreneurs through this entire journey. From choosing the best license to handling visas and bank accounts, we make the transition smooth and stress-free.
Are you ready to explore Dubai for your business? Let’s go through it together.
