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Why Are So Many UK Entrepreneurs Choosing Dubai? If you’re a UK entrepreneur or business owner looking to expand globally, there’s never been a better time to register your company in Dubai. With 0% personal income tax, full foreign ownership, and a fast, streamlined registration process, Dubai has become the go-to destination for Brits who want to tap into the Middle East’s booming economy. And here’s the best part — you can get your company registered in as little as 7 days.

Whether you're launching a tech startup, offering consulting services, or opening an import/export firm, Dubai offers unmatched incentives and infrastructure to help your business grow quickly and tax-efficiently.

Understand Your Legal Options First

Before diving into the setup process, you must choose the right business structure — this decision will define your legal obligations, taxation, and trading rights in the UAE.

1. Mainland Company

Governed by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) Allows you to trade directly with customers across the UAE As of recent reforms, UK citizens can now own 100% of a mainland business (no local sponsor required for most activities) Ideal for businesses targeting the local market or bidding for government contracts

2. Free Zone Company

Set up within one of Dubai’s 30+ free zones (e.g., DMCC, IFZA) Offers 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, and full repatriation of profits Best suited for companies dealing with international clients or digital services Often includes cost-effective shared workspaces and fast-track visa options

3. Offshore Company

Cannot trade within the UAE but perfect for holding companies, international assets, or tax planning Offers privacy, low setup cost, and flexible regulations Popular choices: JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC

Your 7-Day Business Setup Plan (Step-by-Step)

Now that you understand the structures, let’s walk through how you can get your company registered in Dubai within 7 working days, including required documents, costs, and key actions.

Day 1: Choose Your Business Activity and Legal Structure

Dubai allows over 2,000 approved business activities across all sectors. You’ll need to: Select your activity (consulting, trading, marketing, e-commerce, etc.) Decide on your company type: Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore Choose your legal structure (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, Branch, etc.)

✔️ Pro Tip: It's important to ensure the activity aligns with your long-term tax and visa plans.

Day 2: Reserve Your Trade Name and Get Initial Approval

Submit 3 name options that follow UAE naming guidelines (no religious or political terms, must reflect business activity) Get Initial Approval from DED or the free zone authority — this shows the government is okay with your business plan and name

Day 3: Prepare and Submit Legal Documents

To avoid delays, make sure you have:

• Passport copies of all shareholders

• Your business plan Application forms for the selected zone

• MOA (Memorandum of Association) — your company’s constitution

• Tenancy contract

✔️ If the shareholder is an institution incorporated in the UK, all documents must be attested:

• Certified by a UK solicitor

• Apostilled by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

• Legalized by the UAE Embassy in London

• Final stamp by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)

Day 4: Lease Your Office or Workspace

All businesses in Dubai must have a physical address. Options include:

• Shared workspaces / flexi-desks (Free Zones)

• Dedicated offices (Mainland or Free Zones)

• Virtual office (for some consulting or digital services)

✔️ Tip: Free Zones offer lease packages bundled with visa quotas and utilities to simplify things.

Day 5: Receive Your Trade License

Once the documents are approved and the lease is finalized: You’ll receive your trade license, the official document that legally permits you to operate in Dubai Depending on your activity, this will be a Commercial, Professional, or Industrial license.

Day 6: Open Your Corporate Bank Account

While you can start operations once you have the license, you’ll need a UAE corporate bank account for transactions. Be ready with:

• Trade license

• Shareholder passports and visas

• Attested MOA

• Utility bills or address proof (sometimes requested)

• Business plan

⏱️ Bank account approvals can take 2–4 weeks, but starting the process early helps. Popular options for expats include Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, and international banks like HSBC UAE.

Day 7: Apply for UAE Residence Visa

As the business owner, you’re entitled to an Investor Visa or even a Golden Visa (for higher investments). The visa process involves:

• Entry permit (issued within 48–72 hours)

• Medical fitness test and biometric scan in Dubai

• Emirates ID registration

Once complete, you’ll be a legal resident of the UAE, eligible to sponsor your spouse and children.

Cost Comparison: Free Zone vs. Mainland

Here’s a typical breakdown for a Free Zone or Mainland setup:

Final Checklist to Launch in 7 Days

✅ Choose structure (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore)

✅ Reserve trade name

✅ Get initial approval

✅ Lease office/flexi-desk

✅ Submit documents (make sure UK ones are attested)

✅ Collect trade license

✅ Apply for visa & Emirates ID

✅ Open business bank account

Taxation Tips for UK Citizens

Thanks to the UK-UAE Double Taxation Treaty, you won’t be taxed twice on the same income. But be aware of:

Permanent Establishment:

If you manage your UAE company from within the UK, HMRC may treat it as a UK-based business, making it subject to UK corporation tax.

Residency Status:

Under the Statutory Residence Test (SRT), spending over 183 days in the UK may make you a tax resident. If you remain UK-resident, your worldwide income (including UAE profits) could be taxed in the UK.

✔️ Tip: Run your operations from the UAE and consult a cross-border tax advisor to optimize your liability.

Ready to Register Your Company in Dubai?

Thousands of UK citizens have already made the move — and for good reason. Dubai offers a fast, transparent, and rewarding ecosystem for entrepreneurs ready to expand globally. Want to know the best structure, license, and setup path for your specific business goals? Schedule an appointment with us today for a free consultation — we’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and provide tailored guidance based on your business activity and future plans. After the consultation, we’ll send you a detailed proposal with a clear cost breakdown, so you fully understand the scope, process, and investment required to launch your business in Dubai. Let’s simplify your setup — start your Dubai journey with clarity and confidence.