Guides
Straight answers on setting up in the UAE
The questions people actually ask before they move — answered plainly. Where it gets specific to you, that's what a conversation is for.
Browse by topic
Moving from the UK to Dubai
The full picture: timing, costs, and what to sort before you go.
Explore →UK & UAE Tax
Non-residency, the Statutory Residence Test, split-year, the treaty and UAE corporate tax.
Explore →Company Formation
Freezone, mainland, offshore, trade licences and self-sponsorship.
Explore →Visas & Residency
Golden, investor, freelance and employment routes, plus the Emirates ID.
Explore →Banking in Dubai
Opening an account as a Brit — and which bank actually suits you.
Explore →Relocating Your Family
Schools, areas, housing, shipping and healthcare.
Explore →Wealth & Pensions
UK pensions, QROPS/QNUPS and selling a UK business.
Explore →AML & Compliance
Health checks, KYC and economic substance for UAE businesses.
Explore →All guides
- UK & UAE Tax
Do I still pay UK tax after moving to Dubai?
Moving to Dubai doesn't switch off your UK tax bill on its own. What matters is when you stop being UK-resident — decided by the Statutory Residence Test, not your flight date.
- UK & UAE Tax
The Statutory Residence Test, explained for a Dubai move
The SRT is how HMRC decides whether you're still UK tax resident. Here's how its three parts work — and why the 'ties' test is the one that catches Dubai movers out.
- Banking in Dubai
How does a Brit open a Dubai bank account?
Opening a UAE bank account as a UK national is straightforward once you have residency — but the KYC is thorough. Here's what you need and why applications get knocked back.
- Wealth & Pensions
What happens to my UK pension if I move to Dubai?
Your UK pension doesn't have to move when you do. Here's how it's treated, whether you can draw it from Dubai, and why transferring (QROPS/QNUPS) is a regulated-advice decision, not a default.
- Relocating Your Family
Best areas in Dubai for UK families
Where UK families actually settle in Dubai — the villa communities, the apartment options, and why the right area usually comes down to schools and commute rather than the area itself.
- Visas & Residency
How do I qualify for the Dubai Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa gives long-term UAE residence with no employer sponsor. Here are the routes UK movers actually use — property, investment and specialised talent — and what it gets you.
- Company Formation
Freezone vs mainland vs offshore: which UAE company do I need?
The three UAE company types in plain English — what each is for, and which fits a UK founder moving over. Most service businesses want a freezone; here's why, and the exceptions.
- Moving from the UK to Dubai
Moving from the UK to Dubai: the complete guide
The whole move, in plain order: residence visa, breaking UK tax residency, banking, housing and schools, and shipping. Here's how the pieces fit and the sequence that works.