UK To DUBAI: 4 Shocking Truths You Must Know...
- Luke Stephen
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
In this blog post we cut straight to the chase on why we are seeing an unprecedented surge of 'smart' individuals setting up a company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on average every 45 minutes!
Yes, You Read That Right!
The below key facts Will Not contain information relating to social media 'fluff', palm trees, luscious blue sea water or golden beaches. You already know from a lifestyle perspective what Dubai has to offer.
This is why you are reading this blog!
You just want to know how it all clicks together from a lifestyle and financial perspective with No BS . The below stats & facts enable you to make an informed, educated decision on whether Dubai is truly worth the hype.

1. Relocation or can I dip my toes in the water?
Let's address the elephant in the room...
Forming a compliant company in Dubai allows you to have 100% control of your company, residency, a business and personal bank account. You are not required to relocate permanently within any timeframe, lease a physical office, hire staff, achieve any minimal turnover, purchase property or deposit £1000's in your bank account to form a company and residency.
To ensure your residency remains intact, you must enter the UAE at least once every 183 days (6 months) with no minimum stay period. Really, you don't want to be in Dubai? Hop on a flight, grab a coffee from the airport and turn back around!
Being a resident attached to your own company structure, gives you the added layer of security of your employment not being terminated as you are in control alongside being able to reap the benefits and integrate within the legal, financial and business framework of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
2. OK, I hear you - How does it benefit me financially?
Dubai's business landscape provides a unique blend of opportunities and advantages for entrepreneurs. The city's strategic location serves as a gateway between East and West, offering unparalleled access to global markets.
One of the primary benefits is the ease of doing business. Dubai ranks consistently high in global ease of doing business indices, thanks to its streamlined processes, growth opportunities and business-friendly regulations.
Let's get into the 'nitty gritty' shall we?
Company Benefits
9% Corporate Tax on profits over AED 375,000
5% VAT and mandatory Registration of VAT upon a AED 375,000 Annual Turnover
0% VAT on International services rendered
0% Tax if profit per year stays below AED 375,000
0% Tax for annual revenue less than 3m AED via the 'small business relief' scheme
0% Employers National Insurance contributions
0% Capital Gains Tax
0% repatriation Tax
Personal Benefits
0% income tax
0% National Insurance Contributions
3. So tell me the process?
Your company structure in the UAE is a complete separate entity. Minimal documentation is required and we conduct all formal documentation submissions electronically. We will never ask you for account details, personal or business bank statements relating to your current country of residence.
We setup your company structure within three weeks, whilst you are 'out of country', ensuring all documentation is fully compliant as per Government and licencing authority requirements.
Upon company formation, you are then required to be 'in country' to complete the residency stage of the process.
You will physically attend a standard medical (15 minutes) and biometrics submission (15 minutes) in Dubai. These process is a mere formality.
Important Note: You will be deemed medically unfit and your visa will not be approved if you have any serious, non curable communicable / transmissible conditions such as HIV, active tuberculosis or leprosy.
Upon residency completion (within 5 working days once in country), we hand deliver your Emirates ID (residency card), resulting in you being authorised to open a personal bank account directly with Government regulated banks on the same day, with no minimum deposit requirement. The business bank account opening timeline can vary from 7 working days up to 3 weeks, although you do not require to be in country to complete your business banking setup. For business banking setup, no minimum deposits are required. Your personal and business banking setup includes internet banking and smartphone app access.
Word of Caution: Many business formation companies charge you a 'hefty fee' for offering the service of setting up your bank accounts. We show you how to get it done For Free!
"Shhh" Don't tell them we told you.
Important Note: Additional shareholders of the company are not required to conduct the residency process unless they wish to be residents if they are to stay in Dubai for a period of more than 30 days or require a personal bank account.
As a Growth Consultancy, being on the ground in Dubai, we have you covered on all of the above via our personal concierge service, 'holding your hand' through every stage of the process. We handle all the logistical 'running around', leaving you to enjoy what Dubai has to offer in the meantime!
4. I'm IN - Do I have what it takes to be a Success?
What you see on Social Media regarding Dubai and the UAE as a whole is merely scratching the surface. Social media sells you a 'dream' life. We're giving you a reality check.
Should you be seeking to use your company setup from a active operational perspective, there is no minimum yearly turnover to achieve in order for the company to remain active. There is no comparison to the UAE when it comes to growth based opportunities. With growth momentum at an aggressive average of 3.3% year on year and GDP reaching AED 339.4 billion as of February 2025, it's no illusion why Entrepreneurs setup in the UAE, knowing there are many doors open for business.
You must have that 'survival of the fittest' mindset. Dubai is truly unbeatable when it comes to hosting the largest business events, training seminars, conferences and networking opportunities.
You will attend many social and business events with countless networking opportunities. You must be smart and shrewd with your time to ensure you are vigilant in identifying the right opportunities relating to your personal and business growth.
Should you be seeking to setup a company and residency from a wealth management and / or investment vehicle perspective alongside enjoying the fruits of your hard earned labour, shocking truth No.2 (seen above) contains the relevant tax benefits which are surely a no brainer!
Everything is 'on the menu' in Dubai, including a variety of lifestyle choices to suit various budgets. You can buy a meal for approximately £7 to feed the family or a dessert 12 minutes away that could cost up to £70!
The bottom line is, you can 'live smart' or 'live lavish'!
Why Are You Being So Truthful?
At Ventureprise Acquisitions, company formations contributes to approximately 30% of services rendered. Majority of company formation businesses out there work towards KPI's and sales targets due to company formations being their sole service, which can lead to a 'do whatever it takes' approach to get the deal done.
We don't just leave you hanging at the door..
Our seasoned team consists of UK and USA expats, resulting in being able to culturally align with your expectations and advise with precision. Your journey with us truly begins once you are part of the UAE infrastructure. We see our clients as potential Clients for life, adopting the 'long game' approach.
Our clients understand and appreciate our value, enabling you to navigate through the noise via educating our clients, placing them in the best possible position to make a decision independently and thrive in a 'new hunting ground'.
For more information, see our Dubai Company Setup & Residency section Here
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