The Dubai Business Starter Pack: What You Need to Know Before You Move
 

Relocating your business to Dubai is not just a change of address. It is a strategic upgrade. With zero personal income tax, world-class infrastructure, and streamlined company setup, Dubai offers UK entrepreneurs a rare blend of profitability, lifestyle, and global reach. This starter pack outlines the key legal, financial, lifestyle, and operational factors you need to understand before making the move.

Legal Foundations: Structure, Ownership, and Compliance.

•             Free Zone vs Mainland:

•             Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, simplified licensing, and sector-specific benefits.

•             Mainland companies now also allow full foreign ownership in most sectors, with access to the broader UAE market.

•             Business Licensing:

•             Choose from commercial, professional, or industrial licences.

•             Licensing can be completed in as little as 48 hours via platforms like DubaiNow.

•             Trade Name Approval:

•             Must comply with DED guidelines—no religious, political, or duplicate names.

•             Reflect legal structure (e.g., LLC, Sole Establishment).

•             Legal Partners:

•             Consider working with firms like Charles Russell Speechlys – Dubai for UK–UAE structuring.

Financial Planning: Costs, Tax, and Capital Movement

•             Setup Costs:

•             Free zone setup from AED 5,750 (~£1,250); mainland from AED 15,000–30,000 (~£3,250–£6,500).

•             Tax Efficiency:

•             No personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and 0–9% corporate tax depending on structure and profit level.

•             Banking:

•             Multi-currency accounts available with Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and WIO.

•             Remote account opening possible with pre-approval.

•             Profit Repatriation:

•             No restrictions on moving capital abroad ideal for UK founders seeking global flexibility.

Lifestyle & Relocation: Living, Schooling, and Safety

•             Residency Options:

•             Golden Visa available for property investors (AED 2M+), entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.

•             Includes family sponsorship and no minimum stay requirement.

•             Education:

•             British curriculum schools like JESS, Kings, and Repton offer world-class education.

•             Fees range from AED 40,000–100,000/year (~£8,500–£21,000).

•             Healthcare:

•             Private healthcare is high-quality and affordable, with mandatory insurance for residents.

•             Safety & Quality of Life:

•             Dubai ranks among the safest cities globally, with low crime and high infrastructure standards.

Operational Setup: Talent, Tech, and Scale

•             Talent Access:

•             Over 85% of Dubai’s population is expatriate creating a diverse, skilled workforce.

•             English is the dominant business language.

•             Visa Flexibility:

•             Green Visas, Remote Work Visas, and Job Seeker Visas support agile hiring and team building.

•             Coworking & Innovation Hubs:

•             Spaces like AstroLabs and The Co-Dubai foster collaboration, mentorship, and startup acceleration.

•             Digital Infrastructure:

•             City-wide 5G, smart government services, and AI-ready platforms support scalable operations.

Final Thought: Dubai Is Built for Velocity

Whether you are investing in off-plan property, launching a consultancy, or building a hybrid sales team, Dubai offers the legal clarity, financial efficiency, lifestyle appeal, and operational infrastructure to thrive. This is not just a move, it is a multiplier.

Call Paul Leppard now on 07725224929 paul.leppard@successmoves.co.uk