Between its year-round sunshine, low taxes and cutting-edge digital and financial infrastructure, it isn’t hard to see why so many businesses moved from the UK to Dubai, particularly given the current economic climate. But while Dubai has put measures into place to streamline the transfer and setup of companies in the region, business owners will still need to understand the necessary legal requirements, licensing considerations and laws to ensure their business is a success. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of moving a business from the UK to Dubai, taking a deep dive into:
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of moving your business from the UK to Dubai:
If you’re considering moving your business from the UK to Dubai, there are several structures to choose from, but Mainland and Free Zone company setups are two of the most popular options.
Free zone companies are best for startups, small to medium-sized businesses and import/export businesses. There are two types of free zone setups: Free Zone Company (FZC) and Free Zone Establishment (FZE). The latter is for a single shareholder, whereas an FZC is more suitable for two or more shareholders.
They offer:
However, Free Zone companies are typically restricted to operating within the Free Zone or internationally, and they may require a local distributor to sell to the UAE market.
Mainland companies are best for businesses looking to trade directly within the UAE market and leverage government contracts. They offer:
However, mainland companies typically require a physical office space for registration.
If you’re interested in finding out more about these two business structures, or other structures such as offshore and branch offices, our expert team of advisors will be happy to help.
Unsure about what to expect from the process of moving your business from the UK to Dubai. Here’s a step-by-step guide broken down into five simple stages:
Evaluate your business needs, goals and requirements. Do you need access to local UAE markets? Will you need to provide visas for multiple employees? Seek professional advice if possible to ensure you choose the best structure for your business.
Once you have chosen a mainland or free zone structure, you need to register. A reputable consultancy like Charterhouse Lombard will be able to help with this. You will need to register your business name too. Ensure it adheres to UAE naming guidelines and accurately reflects your business.
Mainland and some free zones require a physical address to operate, which might range from co-working spaces to private offices.
All businesses in Dubai require the correct license to legally operate. It will need to be specific to your business (for instance, trading, professional, industrial). You may also need additional permits from regulatory bodies, depending on the sector you work in.
You will need to open a business bank account to handle transactions. To do this, you will need an Emirates ID and a selection of documents, such as a copy of your license, passports, proof of address and a partnership agreement if applicable.
Transferring a business from the UK to Dubai is easier than you may assume, but it still requires local knowledge and expertise. For guidance tailored to your specific needs and requirements, Charterhouse Lombard can help.
To move your business from the UK to Dubai, you will need to provide a series of documents, including:
However, the documents required may vary depending on your circumstances. To ensure you have the right documents prepared and to avoid any unnecessary holdups, get in touch with one of the Charterhouse Lombard team members who will be able to assist you.
Living costs can vary significantly depending on personal lifestyle choices, but generally speaking, at the time of writing (2025), the cost of living in Dubai is lower than in the UK, particularly compared to major cities like London. Housing and utilities are generally lower than in the UK, and transport (including petrol) is cheaper. Residents in Dubai need to pay for healthcare and education, whereas these services are publicly funded in the UK. Private healthcare varies in price. However, residents in Dubai do not need to pay income tax, which means more disposable income.
At Charterhouse Lombard, we specialise in helping investors and entrepreneurs thrive in the UAE. With over 18 years of experience, we have helped countless investors transfer and set up their businesses in Dubai. We offer a range of services, from company formation to residency to opening corporate bank accounts. We also offer fiduciary services to help company management.
If you’re considering moving your business from the UK to Dubai, get in touch with our team of experts today to find out how we can help.
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