For UK founders and expats
Set Up Your UAE Business from the UK: Costs, Tax and Remote Formation
Compare live UAE setup packages, see how UK and UAE tax rates differ, and get your documents legalised in the right order — before you pay anyone.
AED 4,888
Lowest listed free zone package, starting from
0%
UAE personal income tax on salary
100%
Foreign ownership in free zones
UK vs UAE: headline tax rates
The UAE's 9% corporate tax applies only above AED 375,000 of taxable profit. Whether you still owe UK tax depends on your residence, not on where the company is registered.
| Item | United Kingdom | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate tax | 25% main rate (19% small profits rate) | 0% up to AED 375,000 taxable profit, 9% above; qualifying free zone income may be 0% |
| Personal income tax | Up to 45% | No personal income tax on employment income |
| VAT | 20% standard rate | 5% standard rate |
| Currency | GBP (floating) | AED, pegged to the US dollar |
Legalising UK documents: the four steps
1. UK solicitor or notary
Certifies copies of your passport, degree or UK company documents.
2. FCDO apostille
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office legalises the notarised documents.
3. UAE Embassy in London
Attests the apostilled documents for use in the UAE.
4. UAE MOFA
Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs once the documents arrive in the UAE.
Leaving the UK: residence and banking
- HMRC's Statutory Residence Test decides whether you are still UK tax resident. Count your UK days and ties before you move.
- Split-year treatment may apply in the year you leave. Ask a UK tax adviser to confirm.
- UAE banks ask for your trade licence, proof of address, source of funds and a business plan. Our bank account guide explains what helps approval.
Read the UAE business bank account guide and the UAE Golden Visa guide.
Where UK founders usually set up
Meydan Free Zone
Dubai address, digital setup, popular with consultants and online businesses.
IFZA
Broad activity list and multi-visa packages for growing teams.
DMCC
Premium JLT address for trading, commodities and tech companies.
Dubai Mainland
Trade directly with UAE customers and bid for government work.
Get a setup plan for a UK founder
Tell us your activity, visas and move date. Verified consultants send matched quotes. Your enquiry is shared only with verified providers matched to your activity.
Questions UK founders ask
Can I set up a UAE company while still living in the UK?
Does a UAE company stop me paying UK tax?
Which documents do UK founders need to attest?
How much does a UAE free zone licence cost?
Official sources
- HMRC Statutory Residence Test (GOV.UK)
- Get a document legalised — FCDO (GOV.UK)
- UAE Corporate Tax — Federal Tax Authority
- Starting a business in the UAE — u.ae
General information, not tax or legal advice. Rates checked October 2026.
