1. Form and register
UK Ltd incorporated in 24–48 hours, London registered office, Corporation Tax registration, year end aligned to your group. Company formation
United Arab Emirates
Setting up a UK company from the UAE
From Dubai and Abu Dhabi we see two patterns: trading groups opening a UK arm for European customers, and family offices wanting a London company for property, investment or a UK-facing brand. Both want discretion and speed.
What changes for UAE businesses
Five things we handle differently for you
01
Ownership: who holds the shares
A UK Ltd can be owned by a UAE mainland company, a free-zone company (DMCC, ADGM, DIFC and others) or individuals directly. The choice affects UAE corporate tax and how much paperwork banks want. Free-zone parents need their constitutional documents attested — the UAE is not in the Apostille convention, so this runs through the UK embassy route — and we manage that.
02
Tax: UAE corporate tax and the UK treaty
UK corporation tax applies to the UK company at 25% (19% on small profits). The UK charges no withholding tax on dividends to a UAE parent, and the UAE–UK double tax agreement covers the rest. On the UAE side, a UK subsidiary’s dividends are generally exempt under the participation exemption if conditions are met — your UAE adviser confirms this; we give them the UK numbers they need.
03
Banking and source of funds
UK banks look hard at source of funds from the Gulf. A clear ownership chart, attested parent documents and a plain description of the business go a long way. Revolut Business onboards UAE-resident directors online where eligible; traditional banks are supported where you qualify. Approval cannot be guaranteed.
04
People
Staff moving from the UAE to the UK join UK payroll and National Insurance from day one — there is no social security agreement. Sponsoring visas is separate work we can point you to.
05
Hours that work
7am–7pm UK time is 10:00 to 22:00 in Dubai. Your afternoon is our whole day.
The route
What we do, in order
2. Bank and VAT
Revolut Business account set-up, VAT and EORI where needed, intercompany agreement in writing. Bank account · VAT
3. Run and report
Monthly Xero bookkeeping, payroll, quarterly VAT, annual accounts and CT600, every deadline tracked. Packages from £750 a month
Common questions from United Arab Emirates
Your FAQs answered
Can a UAE free-zone company own a UK Ltd?
Yes. It is a common structure. Expect to provide attested copies of the free-zone licence, memorandum and a register of shareholders, plus identity documents for the ultimate owners.
Does the UK company need a UK-resident director?
No. Some traditional banks prefer one, and having UK-based decision-making helps show the company is managed in the UK. It is a consideration, not a requirement.
How long does it take?
Incorporation: 24–48 hours once identity checks are done. Document attestation for a corporate parent: two to four weeks in parallel. Revolut Business: typically days.
Is a UK company useful for holding UK property?
Sometimes, but the tax analysis (ATED, non-resident capital gains, SDLT surcharges) is specific and we would want to talk it through before you incorporate for that purpose.
Fixed quote
Get a fixed quote for your UAE group’s UK company
Tell us where the parent company is and what the UK operation has to do. You’ll get a written fixed fee — set-up and the first year’s running costs — within one UK working day.
No obligationAnswered by an accountantFee agreed before work starts
Peter Allen — Director, City SolutionAnswers these personally. More than a decade running UK books for founders who aren’t in the UK.
General information about UK company law and tax for businesses based in United Arab Emirates; not advice for your circumstances. Home-country tax and regulatory points are outlined so you can brief your local advisers — they, not we, confirm them. Bank account opening is subject to eligibility; approval cannot be guaranteed.