Moving to the UAE?
Helping you make the move with confidence.
Relocating to the UAE involves far more than visas and tax. Having experienced advisers alongside you — people who have actually made this move themselves — turns a daunting process into a clear, calm plan. That’s what we’re here for.
Before you leave the UK
Getting the groundwork right before you go can save you a great deal of tax, stress and paperwork later. Here’s what we help you think through.
Statutory Residence Test
Whether the UK still treats you as tax resident shapes everything else. We check your position properly — you can also get an indication using our Statutory Residence Test guide.
Split Year Treatment
Where you move part-way through a tax year, you may be taxed as UK resident for only part of it. We check whether you meet the specific HMRC cases.
Temporary Non-Residence
Leave for too short a period and certain income and gains can be pulled back into UK tax on your return. We help you avoid nasty surprises.
Capital Gains Tax planning
Timing a disposal around your departure can make a real difference. We plan the order and timing of any sales with you.
Rental properties
Keeping a UK property? We set you up correctly under the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme and keep your reporting clean.
Inheritance Tax
Your UK residence history can keep your worldwide estate in scope for UK IHT for years. We check where you stand.
Timing your move
The date you leave can change which tax year rules apply. We help you pick a departure window that works in your favour.
Common mistakes
From miscounting UK days to forgetting overseas reporting duties, we flag the errors that catch people out — before they happen.
Setting up your UAE business
Choosing the right structure from day one saves money and hassle later. We explain the options in plain English and help you pick what fits.
Mainland companies
Licensed by the emirate’s economic department, with the widest scope to trade across the UAE and win government work.
Free Zone companies
Set up within a designated zone, often quicker to establish with their own rules, and popular for international and service businesses.
The differences
They differ on where you can trade, office requirements, visa allocations and cost. We map these against what you actually plan to do.
Advantages & disadvantages
Each route has trade-offs on reach, cost and flexibility. We set them out honestly so you can decide with your eyes open.
Who each suits
Trading locally and bidding for UAE contracts often points to mainland; a lean international consultancy may suit a Free Zone.
Typical setup process
Name reservation, initial approvals, licence issue, visa and Emirates ID, then bank account. We guide you through each step.
Ongoing compliance
Licence renewals, bookkeeping, Corporate Tax and VAT duties all continue after setup. We keep you on the right side of them.
UAE Company Quote Tool
Tell us what you need and we'll prepare a tailored quotation — no pricing shown here, just a quick enquiry. Choose your options below, then tap the button to open a pre-filled WhatsApp message. Add your business activity and any details in the chat and send it to us.
When WhatsApp opens, complete the short template with your business activity and any extra details, then hit send. We'll review your requirements and prepare a tailored quotation for you — no obligation.
UAE Corporate Tax
Corporate Tax is now a fact of life for most UAE businesses. Here’s what you need to know.
What it is
A federal tax on business profits, introduced across the UAE. Most companies now fall within its scope.
Who must register
Businesses and certain individuals carrying on activities in the UAE generally need to register — even where the tax due may be nil.
Registration deadlines
Deadlines depend on your licence and circumstances, and missing them carries penalties. We track yours and register you in good time.
Filing requirements
Annual returns must be filed with the authority within set periods after your financial year end. We prepare and submit them.
Accounting requirements
You must keep proper accounting records that support your return. We put the right bookkeeping in place from the start.
Payment deadlines
Any tax due has its own payment window. We calculate what’s owed and make sure you’re never caught out late.
Penalties
Late registration, filing or payment all attract penalties. Good planning keeps you well clear of them.
How we help
From registration to filing and planning, we handle the whole Corporate Tax cycle so you can focus on running the business.
UAE VAT
If your business turns over enough, VAT registration and reporting become part of everyday life. We make it straightforward.
Mandatory registration
Once taxable supplies pass the registration threshold, you must register for VAT. We monitor your turnover so the timing is right.
Voluntary registration
Below the threshold you may still choose to register, which can suit some business models. We advise whether it’s worthwhile for you.
Registration thresholds
There are separate mandatory and voluntary thresholds. We track where you sit against both.
Filing periods
VAT returns are filed for set periods through the year. We prepare and submit them on time, every time.
Record keeping
You must keep compliant records and tax invoices. We set up systems that keep everything audit-ready.
Penalties
Late registration, filing or errors carry penalties. Clean processes keep you clear of them.
Ongoing compliance
VAT is a continuous obligation, not a one-off. We keep your returns and records in good order year-round.
How we help
Registration, returns, records and advice — we manage your VAT so it never becomes a worry.
Why choose The British Boffins?
We haven’t just read about relocating to the UAE — we’ve done it ourselves. That means we understand both the technical side, from Corporate Tax to Free Zone licences, and the real-world practicalities of settling in, setting up and building a business here.
We combine proper UK and UAE tax expertise with the lived experience of making the same move you’re considering. You get advisers who speak plainly, plan ahead and stay alongside you before, during and after the move.
Clients aren’t just choosing accountants. They’re choosing advisers who understand the journey.
Let’s chat about your move