From the UK to Dubai: Your Company Setup Guide

Are you living in the UK and looking to expand your business to Dubai? You’re not the only one - and you're definitely on the right path.

Over the past few years, Dubai has become a top choice for UK entrepreneurs who want to enjoy zero income tax, global reach, fast setup, and a business-friendly environment. The best part? You don’t even have to leave the UK to get started.

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At COFTT, we work with clients across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and beyond - helping them launch in Dubai from the comfort of their home. Everything from trade license to residency can be handled remotely (until the final step), and we take care of it all for you.

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You Get a 2-Year UAE Residency with Your Company

Once your company is registered in Dubai, you’re eligible for a 2-year UAE residency visa.

Here’s how it works:

After your license is issued, you’ll receive an entry permit. Then, you’ll need to fly to Dubai to complete a medical test, biometrics, and apply for your Emirates ID.

Once your Emirates ID is issued, you’ll be a legal resident - and your business is ready to operate

Simple, clear, and powerful. And yes - COFTT will guide you through every single step.

Why More UK Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Dubai

Let’s be honest - doing business in the UK comes with high taxes, complex systems, and limited room to scale.

Dubai offers a fresh start with:

1. 0% personal income tax
2. 100% foreign ownership (in Free Zones)
3. Easy access to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa
4. Fast business setup
5. Residency + trade license in one go

Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or scaling up your business. Dubai gives you options and freedom that many places don’t.

Can I Start the Business Without Flying to Dubai?

Yes, you can start everything from the UK.

Company registration, license approval, activity selection, trade name reservation, and initial paperwork can all be done remotely.
You’ll only need to travel to Dubai after your license is issued, to complete your visa and Emirates ID process.

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COFTT will handle everything up to that point - so when you arrive, it’s smooth, quick, and stress-free.

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How the Business Setup Works (Quick Overview)

We won’t go into every step here, because we’ve already written a detailed article explaining each part of the process - from choosing the right jurisdiction, legal structure, and business activity, to getting your license, visa, and more.

Read the full guide here: How to Open a Company in Dubai – Step-by-Step

But in short: we help you register your business, guide you on Free Zone vs Mainland, prepare your documents, handle approvals, and set everything up - so you can focus on your business, not the paperwork.

What Documents Do You Need from the UK?

You don’t need much to get started:

1. Passport copy
2. Passport-size photo
3. Three trade name options
4. Basic business activity description
5. For branch setup: UK company documents

That’s it. We’ll take care of the rest.

What Does It Cost to Start?

Here’s a rough idea:

1. Free Zone company: starts from AED 5,800 (~£1,250)
2. Mainland company: starts from AED 10,000 (~£2,150)
3. Virtual office: approx. AED 6,000/year (~£1,250))
4. AED 2,000 fee if trade name is in English (~£400)

One question we get all the time: How much does it cost to open a business in Dubai from the UK?

The honest answer? It depends.

Your setup cost is based on:

1. Your business activity (consulting, trading, manufacturing, etc.)
2. Whether you're registering in Mainland or Free Zone
3. The number of visas you’ll need (just for you, or for partners and staff?)
4. If you need a virtual office or a physical space

For example, a solo consultant working remotely will pay a lot less than a trading company applying for 5 visas and a warehouse.

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At COFTT, we don’t just give you a quote - we give you clarity. You’ll get a full, no-surprise breakdown of what’s needed, what it costs, and what to expect before we start.

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Do You Need a UAE Bank Account?

Once your Emirates ID is issued, yes - you can (and should) open a corporate bank account.

COFTT helps you choose the right bank, prepare documents, and schedule your onboarding. Some banks may require you to visit in person—but we handle the entire preparation process for you.

Let’s Make Dubai Your Next Move

If you’re based in the UK and thinking of setting up your business abroad, Dubai gives you the tools, freedom, and financial benefits to go bigger, faster.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. At COFTT, we’ve helped dozens of UK entrepreneurs launch in Dubai the right way - with full support, no delays, and everything handled for you.

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Want to take your business global? Let’s start with Dubai. Reach out to COFTT today and we’ll help you get set up - stress-free.