{UPDATED OCTOBER 2024 EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT CALLING UK ENTREPRENEURS}
 

With recent budget changes, Labour has introduced significant adjustments to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Entrepreneurs Relief tax policies. These changes could have major financial implications for UK entrepreneurs, especially those with capital investments and business sales in mind. The updated CGT rates may now apply more broadly and at higher tax rates, while reductions in Entrepreneurs Relief may affect the tax savings on business sales, making it essential for UK business owners to consider their financial strategy.
 

Relocating Your Business to Dubai: Key Guidance and Resources:
 

Dubai offers tax-free business opportunities and a streamlined regulatory environment, making it an attractive alternative for UK entrepreneurs looking to safeguard their investments. Here are some valuable steps and resources for making the transition. 

 

An increasing number of UK businesses are relocating their operations to Dubai to take advantage of the wide range of benefits and incentives designed to promote business growth. If you’re considering this move, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about the steps involved, especially if you’re new to the region. To help you navigate the process smoothly, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist that covers all the essentials for moving a UK business to Dubai.
 

Relocation and Consultancy Services:

1. Creative Zone: A popular business setup consultancy in Dubai offering services to help companies establish themselves in the UAE.

   • Check if they have an affiliate program or inquire directly: Creative Zone
      

2. Virtuzone: Another prominent business setup consultancy in Dubai with a referral program.

   • Affiliate details: Virtuzone Partner Program
      

3. AGS Movers: Offers relocation services for businesses and individuals. They don’t have a visible affiliate program, but you can contact them for partnership opportunities.

   • Website: AGS Movers
      

This checklist can guide your business relocation process, ensuring you get the support needed from top-rated service providers while exploring potential affiliate opportunities to further optimize the move.
 

Travel and Accommodation

• Booking.com Business: They offer business travel services, and their affiliate program can work for companies moving to Dubai.

  • Affiliate program: Booking.com Affiliate
     

• Airbnb for Business: Provides corporate stays for employees during relocations.

  • Explore their affiliate program: Airbnb Affiliate
     

Company Structure

When moving a UK business to Dubai, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which company structure best suits your needs. There are two main options to consider:
 

1. Free Zone Company

Setting up your business in a free zone offers several financial and operational advantages, including zero tax, full foreign ownership, and a variety of government incentives designed to foster business development. Free zones are typically geared towards specific industries, and companies operating within them are allowed to trade internationally and within the free zone jurisdiction.
 

2. Mainland Company with a Corporate Sponsor

If you wish to trade within Dubai’s local market, establishing a mainland company is required. A mainland LLC (Limited Liability Company) allows you to conduct business across the UAE, but you’ll need to work with a local sponsor who holds at least 51% of the company shares. While this arrangement enables local trading, it does affect your personal control over the business and profitability. However, recent reforms have offered more flexibility in certain sectors, so it’s worth exploring how these changes might benefit you.
 

Documentation Requirements
 

To officially set up a company in Dubai, you’ll need to submit a series of documents as part of the incorporation process. These include:
 

• A company setup application form

• Passports of the shareholders, directors, and General Manager as part of the Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) requirements

• Legalised and attested copies of UK company documents (where applicable)

• A detailed business plan outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections
 

These documents are critical to getting your company established, and it’s essential to ensure they are complete and accurate to avoid delays.

Here are some services specialize in company formation services specifically for Dubai and the UAE region.

Here are some options:

Commitbiz Affiliate Program

• Specializes in UAE company formation, business licensing, and PRO services for international clients.

• Offers affiliate commissions for referrals, directly managed through their in-house program.

• Website- https://www.commitbiz.com/ 

Emirates First Business Service Affiliate Program

• Provides complete business setup services in Dubai, focusing on SMEs and international firms moving to the UAE.

• Affiliate program offers attractive referral commissions and is managed in-house.

• Website- https://efirst.ae/

FlyingColour Business Setup Affiliate Program

• Known for its personalized approach to company formation in Dubai’s Free Zones, Mainland, and Offshore areas.

• FlyingColour’s affiliate program offers incentives for referrals through their website.

• Website- https://www.flyingcolour.net/ 

Visas
 

Securing a UAE residency visa is a key step if you plan to live and work in Dubai. This process can only begin once your company is fully established and registered in the UAE. After the company owner’s visa is secured, you’ll be able to apply for visas for family members and employees who intend to live and work in Dubai as part of the business. Visa applications typically require various personal documents, including passports, medical reports, and proof of company registration.
 

Immigration and Visa Services

• VFS Global: A visa processing company that may have partnership opportunities for relocation services.

  • Explore affiliate opportunities: VFS Global
     

• Dubai Visa Services: Specializes in visa processing for business immigration to Dubai. They may offer referral programs upon direct inquiry.

  • Website: Dubai Visa Services

 

Bank Accounts
 

Once your company has been successfully registered and you’ve obtained a residency visa, you can move on to opening a corporate bank account in Dubai.

This is an essential step for managing business finances, receiving payments, and paying employees. However, all shareholders, general managers, and authorized signatories must meet with a banking representative in person to complete the necessary paperwork and sign the required forms.
 

Most Dubai banks require you to maintain a minimum balance in your corporate account, and failure to do so may result in small monthly fees. It’s a good idea to research the different banking options available to find the one that best suits your business needs.
 

To open a corporate bank account, you’ll typically need to provide the following:
 

• UK company documentation, including the Articles of Association, Companies House details, and certificate of incorporation
 

• UAE business documentation, such as your trade license, certificate of incorporation, and Chamber of Commerce registration
 

• Information about the shareholders and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO), including copies of their passports, visas, utility bills, and bank statements

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Financial Services

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): A great option for companies needing to transfer funds internationally or manage global finances.

  • Sign up for the affiliate program here: Wise Affiliate Program
     

• Revolut for Business: A popular fintech company offering international business banking. They have an affiliate program for their personal and business accounts.

  • Affiliate program: Revolut Affiliate
     

• American Express: They offer affiliate programs for both personal and business cards, which could be useful for businesses moving internationally.

  • Check affiliate opportunities: American Express Affiliate

  • Can UK Businesses Trade Locally in Dubai?
     

If your business is set up within a free zone, you’ll be allowed to operate within the jurisdiction of that free zone and conduct international trade. However, you won’t be permitted to trade directly in Dubai’s local market unless you establish a branch office or mainland company. Free zones are ideal for businesses focusing on global or regional trade, but if your goal is to engage in the local UAE market, setting up a mainland company is necessary.

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Different regulations and requirements apply depending on the type of business you’re running and where it is registered, so it’s crucial to ensure your company structure aligns with your trading goals.

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Ready to Move Your UK Business to Dubai?

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Relocating a UK business to Dubai offers a wealth of opportunities, but it also requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the local business environment. If you’re still considering the move and want expert guidance, Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our experienced team members, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth transition.
 

Real Estate and Office Space

• WeWork: For companies looking for co-working spaces or flexible office arrangements in Dubai.

  • Affiliate program available on platforms like Impact Radius: WeWork Affiliate

• Blueground: A provider of corporate housing solutions, with locations in Dubai for companies that need temporary accommodation for executives or employees.

  • Affiliate program: Blueground Affiliate

• Bayut: A leading real estate platform in Dubai offering commercial and residential spaces. You can explore affiliate opportunities by contacting them directly.

  • Website: Bayut

 

When your in Dubai you and your families lifestyle 

Relocating to Dubai as a family can be an exciting adventure filled with new opportunities and experiences. Dubai offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare facilities, and diverse educational options, making it a popular choice for expats. Families moving to Dubai will find a vibrant, multicultural community, with many neighborhoods designed to cater to expat families, featuring parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly amenities. From international schools with curriculums that suit children from various countries to numerous recreational activities like beaches, water parks, and cultural festivals, Dubai provides a dynamic lifestyle that keeps families engaged and connected.

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However, settling in Dubai also comes with practical considerations. Housing options vary, with choices from luxurious villas to more budget-friendly apartments, many within safe, gated communities. Dubai’s healthcare system is modern and efficient, though private insurance is a requirement for residents. Families should also consider their specific needs around schooling, visa requirements, and banking, as well as familiarizing themselves with local laws and customs. Moving to Dubai can be a smooth process with a bit of preparation, offering families a unique experience in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

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Here are some health and insurance for you and your family to consider: -

Insurance Providers

• Cigna Global: They provide health insurance for expats and businesses moving internationally, including Dubai.

  • Affiliate program: Cigna Affiliate

• AXA Gulf: An insurance provider offering both business and health insurance in the UAE.

  • Contact AXA Gulf for partnership opportunities: AXA Gulf