Free Zone Licence
Ideal for consultants, digital businesses, ecommerce brands and international service companies.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Remote-first setup options
- Flexible visa allocations
- Qualifying income guidance
🇬🇧 For UK founders moving to Dubai
Get your Dubai business licence.
Keep your finances joined up.
Company formation, UK–UAE tax planning and ongoing accounting—handled by one team on the ground in Dubai Hills and in the UK.
✓ UK & UAE expertise✓ End-to-end setup✓ One accountable team
Built for ambitious founders moving between the UK and UAE
UKChartered-accounting expertise
DXBTeam based in Dubai Hills
360°Licence, tax and accounts
1Joined-up advisory team
QUICK COST ESTIMATE
Build your Dubai business licence package
Get an indicative setup range in under 60 seconds. We’ll confirm the best authority and exact fees on your free call.
01
Where will you operate?
02
How many owners?
03
How many UAE visas?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROUTE
A licence that fits the business you’re building
Mainland Licence
For businesses trading directly across the UAE, hiring locally or requiring a physical operating presence.
- Trade anywhere in the UAE
- Wide activity selection
- Flexible office options
- Government contract access
Non-Resident Setup
Establish a UAE company while remaining UK-based, with practical cross-border tax and banking support.
- Licence without immediate visa
- Remote incorporation
- Cross-border tax review
- Ongoing compliance
FROM IDEA TO LICENCE
Your Dubai company, set up properly
We coordinate the moving parts, explain every decision and stay with you after the licence is issued.
Shape the right structure
We assess activities, clients, ownership, visas and your UK position before recommending an authority.
Apply and get approved
We handle name reservation, documentation, application follow-up and licence issuance.
Bank, visa and tax setup
Get support with establishment cards, residency, banking readiness and corporate tax registration.
Run it with confidence
Bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, reporting and UK–UAE advisory remain with the same finance team.
THE RISE DIFFERENCEA licence is only step one.
A licence is only step one.
Your tax position matters too.
Moving a company—or yourself—to Dubai can affect corporate residence, personal residence, permanent establishment, VAT and how you pay yourself. Rise brings UK and UAE accounting into one joined-up conversation.
Talk to a UK–UAE specialist →Before you move
Residency scenarios, company structure, client location and practical exit planning.
As you set up
Activity selection, free-zone conditions, corporate tax, VAT and banking readiness.
Once you’re trading
Joined-up bookkeeping, filings, management accounts and proactive cross-border advice.
“The firm UK founders trust when Dubai is their next move.”Rise Accounting — UK & Dubai team
BUILT AROUND YOUR BUSINESS
Who we help launch in Dubai
Consultants & agencies
Preserve client continuity while building a compliant UAE base.
Tech & SaaS founders
Set up for global sales, investment and a clean finance operation.
Ecommerce brands
Choose the right trading activity, VAT route and operational model.
UK companies expanding
Coordinate a UAE entity with your existing UK company and team.
STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Questions UK founders ask before setting up in Dubai
Every situation is different. These are useful starting points—not personal tax advice.
Ask us your question →How much does a Dubai business licence cost?
Licence fees commonly start around AED 12,500, but the total depends on authority, activities, visas, establishment charges and office requirements. Rise provides a clear itemised quote before you commit.
Can I keep my UK company after moving to Dubai?
Yes, but the right structure depends on where management, staff, customers and value creation sit. We review both companies together so you understand UK residence and permanent-establishment risks.
Do I need to live in Dubai to own a UAE company?
Not always. Some free-zone structures can be established without immediate relocation. Banking, tax residence and operational needs should be considered separately from licence eligibility.
Will my Dubai company pay 0% corporate tax?
Zero percent is not automatic. Qualifying free-zone income is subject to conditions, while other taxable income may fall within the UAE corporate tax regime. We help you assess the position and maintain compliance.
How quickly can I get a licence?
Straightforward applications can be issued within days once documents and approvals are complete. Regulated activities, visas and banking take longer, so we plan the whole route—not just licence issuance.
READY WHEN YOU AREBuild your Dubai business
Build your Dubai business
on solid financial ground.
Tell us what you’re planning. We’ll map the licence, tax and accounting route from the UK to the UAE.
Get my free setup plan →