For UK founders, contractors and families moving to the UAE
Your UAE company, residence visa and UK tax exit, planned as one move
Alan Underwood moved himself and his businesses from the UK to the UAE, and now sets up licences, visas and bank accounts for people doing the same. We plan your departure year with UK tax specialists. Book a free 30-minute call and you'll leave with the order to do things in.
Alan replies within one working day. Agents for RAKEZ, IFZA, Meydan and RAK ICC. Already left the UK? Check where you stand on UK tax in two minutes.
You'll speak to Alan Underwood, founder of Dubai Transition Consultants.
People we have helped
All case studies →- The founders of a UK technology businessA multi-shareholder holding company with visas for the founding teamThey went ahead within two weeks of receiving the proposal. The operating company was licensed about five weeks later, over a holiday period, and the visa applications began straight after.Proposal to go-ahead: under two weeks. Go-ahead to licence: about five weeks.
- A UK founder planning the move with business partnersA founder’s free zone company, set up from the UKThe incorporation documents arrived less than four weeks after payment, and the mortgage introduction went ahead.Payment to incorporation documents: under four weeks.
- Two business partners already spending time in the UAETwo co-founders, a 50-50 company and a visa eachBoth partners signed the company’s memorandum of association within a week of paying.Payment to signed memorandum: one week.
The UK side
- Income tax up to 45%
- Residency decided by the Statutory Residence Test
- A departure year that has to be planned, not hoped for
The UAE side
- 0% personal income tax
- 100% foreign ownership in a freezone
- A trade licence in about a week
We plan the UK side with UK tax specialists and set up the UAE side on the ground.
Set up in the UAE, and as much of the move as you need, from the UK
Company, tax, visas, banking and family, whether you're setting up from the UK, moving for good or running a base from anywhere.
UK & UAE Tax
Break UK tax residency cleanly and stay efficient on both sides.
See how we plan your tax exit →Company Formation
Your UAE company set up properly and fast: freezone, mainland or offshore, matched to what you do.
See how we set up your company →Visas & Residency
Golden, investor, employment and freelance routes, and your family.
See how we handle your visa →Banking
Open UAE accounts as a Brit, without the runaround.
See how we open your account →Golden Visa
Ten-year residence for qualifying property owners, investors and professionals, with your family.
See how we help →Family Relocation
Schools, areas, housing and a soft landing for your family.
See how we help your family settle →Why UK movers choose Dubai
Low tax, quick setup, and a clean break from the UK tax system if you plan your departure.
- 0% personal income tax, versus up to 45% in the UK.
- Break UK tax residency cleanly with the right departure-year planning.
- 100% foreign ownership and quick, well-trodden setup routes.
- Residency for you and your family, with long-term Golden Visa options.
- Lifestyle, safety, British-curriculum schools, healthcare and year-round sun.
Free tool: Are you still UK tax resident?
Answer five quick questions for an indicative read on your UK tax residency under the Statutory Residence Test, the rule that decides whether your UK tax stops when you move.
Try the tax checker →How it works
From the first call to keys, licence and bank account.
A call with Alan
Thirty minutes on your situation, timeline and goals. If you don't need us, he'll say so.
UK tax exit
We plan your departure year with UK tax specialists so you break UK residency cleanly.
Company and visas
We set up the UAE company that fits your work, then residence visas for you and your family.
Banking
We prepare your application and introduce you to a bank that suits your profile.
Settling in
We help your family with schools, a home and healthcare.
Guides
Plain answers to the questions UK movers actually ask.
- Visas & Residency
Dubai remote work visa for UK employees, and what it means for UK tax
The Dubai remote work visa lets you live in Dubai on a UK payroll, but it won't end UK tax residency. The Statutory Residence Test decides that.
- Wealth & Pensions
Inheritance tax after you leave the UK: the long-term resident rules
Since April 2025 UK inheritance tax follows long-term UK residence. How the 10-in-20 test works, how long the tail lasts and what stays taxable.
- UK & UAE Tax
Moving back to the UK from Dubai: the tax traps
Coming home from Dubai has UK tax traps: the five-year rule, early residence, split-year gaps and a UAE company that turns UK resident.
- UK & UAE Tax
Leaving the UK for tax: Dubai vs Portugal vs Cyprus vs Malta
Dubai, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta compared for people leaving the UK for tax: what each taxes, who each suits, and the UK exit rules. As at October 2026.
DTC in action
At the free zones, summits and events where the region's business community gathers.
