As taxes rise and business becomes more complicated back home, many entrepreneurs are asking: Should I move my business to the UAE?
Having relocated to Dubai myself, I’ve been in your shoes. I played a key role in relocating Skybound Wealth’s finance function and ensuring everything was set up for long-term success. Moving your business internationally requires more than just basic advice, you need someone who understands the challenges you’ll face. That’s where I come in.
The UAE offers a wealth of opportunities for business growth. Whether you're coming from the UK, Europe, or beyond, it’s one of the best places to scale your business, and we’re here to help you make it happen from day one.
Relocating to the UAE offers significant advantages for businesses seeking a more tax-efficient, stable, and globally connected environment. The UAE boasts one of the most attractive tax regimes in the world with 0% personal income tax, low corporate tax at just 9% on profits above AED 375,000, and no capital gains tax on personal investments. These features allow you to retain more of your earnings and invest without the usual tax burdens.
Additionally, the UAE offers 100% foreign business ownership in many Free Zones, giving you full control of your business. It serves as an ideal launchpad for global expansion, with easy access to the GCC, Asia, and Africa. Political and economic stability provides a secure foundation for growth, while its high quality of life, including world-class healthcare, education, and safety, makes the UAE a destination for tech founders, entrepreneurs, and family businesses looking to scale.
Relocating your business to the UAE requires more than just grabbing a business license. It demands strategic planning to ensure your business thrives. Here's a checklist to guide your process:
The decision between Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore affects key factors such as visa eligibility, tax treatment, client access, and regulatory compliance. The right structure will depend on your business model, industry, and plans for growth.
The decision between salary and dividends has a direct impact on your tax liability. Additionally, director fees or management charges can be strategic tools to reduce your tax burden. You'll also need to decide between retaining profits or reinvesting them, with each choice shaping the financial trajectory of your business.
Your tax residency status will determine whether your home country still considers you a tax resident. It's important to consider exit charges and capital gains, as well as any ongoing filing obligations, such as the UK's SA109 form, to ensure compliance.
Pro Tip: Engaging with a cross-border financial expert can save you headaches in the long run.
You’ll need to decide whether your home-country business will remain active, become dormant, or be closed. This decision impacts your tax obligations and compliance requirements.
A business license alone doesn’t grant residency. Structuring your business correctly is crucial for securing visa sponsorship for both you and your family, and ensuring your banking and legal status in the UAE are properly established.
When moving your business internationally, you need more than just basic advice. You need someone who’s walked the path and understands the practical challenges you’ll face. As your Personal CFO, I take the same strategic thinking I used for Skybound Wealth’s own relocation and apply it to helping business owners like you.
This isn’t just about tax efficiency in the UAE; it’s about aligning your global assets, investments, and wealth strategies with your bigger life goals.
Setting up a business in the UAE is just the beginning. Structuring it for long-term success requires expert guidance. Here's how we can help:
Whether you're new to the UAE or in the process of setting up, let's ensure your business is structured for success.
If you're thinking about moving your business to the UAE, now is the time to act. Let us help you make this transition as smooth and tax-efficient as possible, while securing both your business and personal financial future.
Contact us today to explore how Skybound Wealth can make your move to the UAE successful.
With over a decade of experience in international finance, Joshua Burton blends the analytical precision of a Chartered Accountant with the strategic insight of a qualified Financial Adviser. Based in the UAE, Josh specialises in helping high-achieving professionals and business owners master their finances -from structuring complex cross-border assets to building disciplined, tax-efficient wealth strategies.
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