Moving to Dubai? Key steps to residency, business setup & wealth

As global mobility rises, Dubai, U.A.E., remains a top destination for professionals, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals seeking a strategic base for their business and personal wealth. With no income tax, a pro-investment government, and a well-connected global hub, the appeal is clear.

But relocating to the UAE involves more than just booking a flight. It requires careful planning across legal, operational and financial dimensions. In this article, we break down the key considerations for a successful move to the UAE, drawn from insights shared during our recent expert-led webinar hosted by GSB and EER Middle East.

  1. Understanding UAE Residency Options

  2. Setting Up a Business in the UAE

  3. How Relocation Affects Your Wealth and Tax Position

  4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Moving to the UAE

  5. What to Do Next

Dubai

1. Understanding UAE Residency Options 

Securing the right residency visa is the foundation of your move. Whether you are retiring, relocating for work, or launching a business, the UAE offers several visa routes:

  • Golden Visa: A long-term residency option (5 or 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. It allows you to live in the UAE without needing a local sponsor.
  • Retirement Visa: For individuals over 55, based on minimum savings or income thresholds.
  • Employment and Dependent Visas: Common for professionals relocating with families, either via employers or their own business entities.

The key is to choose a visa aligned with your long-term lifestyle, financial goals, and family situation. EER Middle East shared practical insight on how to select the right route for your circumstances.

2. Setting Up a Business in the UAE

Dubai is known for its streamlined business environment, but your success depends on choosing the right structure and jurisdiction.

Important questions to consider:

  • Free Zone, Mainland or Offshore:
    Free Zones offer 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup, and sector-specific benefits, but may limit where you can trade. Mainland entities allow full UAE market access but may require additional compliance. Offshore setups are typically used for holding or international structures rather than local operations.
  • Do you need a physical presence?
    Some Free Zones require you to lease office space, even if minimal, while others allow virtual setups. Your choice will depend on your business model, visa needs, and cost expectations.
  • Are you prepared for compliance requirements?
    All UAE entities must adhere to growing international standards, including Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) registration, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), and annual license renewals. These are manageable, but must be planned for from day one.

Choosing the wrong structure can lead to unnecessary costs, restricted operations, or reduced flexibility in future expansion. The team at EER Middle East outlined how to approach the process efficiently and in line with your long-term goals.

3. How Relocation Affects Your Wealth and Tax Position

Relocating to the UAE can offer significant financial advantages, including tax-free income and greater global flexibility. However, these benefits only materialise with the right financial and tax planning. GSB’s advisers recommend reviewing the following areas early in your move:

  • Tax residency
    You typically become tax resident in the UAE after spending 183 days in-country, provided you can demonstrate a permanent place of residence. However, your UK tax status is determined by the Statutory Residence Test (SRT), which considers ties such as property, family, and time spent in the UK. Without proper planning, you may remain UK tax resident or face dual reporting obligations.
  • Pensions and Inheritance Tax
    Many UK pension schemes are not optimised for those living overseas. It may be worth reviewing options such as QROPS or International SIPPs, which can provide more control, currency flexibility, and tax efficiency. In addition, if you retain UK domicile, your worldwide estate remains subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) at 40 percent. Reviewing your domicile status and exploring planning opportunities can significantly reduce future tax liabilities.
  • Wealth structuring
    Your investment and savings structures should reflect your new country of residence. Platforms and wrappers designed for UK taxpayers may no longer be appropriate or cost-effective.

“You should seek formal tax advice to ensure your portfolios are re-platformed into a tax-neutral jurisdiction, your investments are restructured to minimise underlying country taxation now that you benefit from a tax-free status, and your overall asset base is re-planned to address both UK inheritance tax exposure and the new rules that apply as a UAE or wider Middle Eastern resident. All of the above will ensure you are no longer paying undue tax on your wealth.” – Yazmin Boden

Too many expatriates retain their pre-move financial setup, which can result in missed opportunities, hidden inefficiencies, or compliance risks. A professional review ensures your finances are aligned with your goals and optimised for your new life in the Emirates.

4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Moving to the UAE

Relocation is an exciting milestone, but it also presents a number of risks if not carefully managed. During the webinar, we explored some of the most common mistakes made by new arrivals:

  • Choosing the wrong visa type
    Selecting a visa that does not match your long-term goals can lead to limited flexibility, renewal complications, or missed eligibility for residency benefits.
  • Setting up in the wrong jurisdiction
    Many individuals and businesses rush into a Free Zone or Mainland setup without fully understanding how it aligns with their operational needs or long-term plans. This can result in higher costs, licensing challenges, or restricted trading rights.
  • Overlooking financial restructuring
    Relocation often requires a full review of your global assets, tax exposure, and estate planning. Maintaining your old structures can result in unnecessary tax liabilities or compliance issues.
  • Neglecting family planning considerations
    Forgetting to account for dependent visas, school enrolment, health insurance, or local guardianship arrangements can cause stress after arrival. Updating your Will and personal legal documents is equally important.

A successful move to the UAE requires more than paperwork. It requires joined-up thinking across legal, financial, and personal planning. Getting the fundamentals right early will save time, money, and future headaches.

5. What to Do Next

Relocating to Dubai is a major life and business decision. The legal, tax and regulatory landscape continues to evolve, and early guidance from trusted professionals can make all the difference.

If you are planning your move or have recently arrived in the UAE, speak to our team at GSB to review your financial position or connect with the experts at EER Middle East for visa and company setup advice.

Start your UAE journey with clarity and confidence.

Watch our latest webinar here.

Get in touch

Contact GSB today if you would like to discuss any of these matters with our in-house team.

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Disclaimer

This article is based on insights shared during a joint webinar hosted by GSB Capital Ltd and EER Middle East. It is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or immigration advice. Individual circumstances vary, and readers should seek personalised advice before making any decisions.

There is no commercial partnership, formal referral arrangement, or shared client activity between GSB Capital Ltd and EER Middle East. Each organisation contributes independently within their own area of expertise and remains solely responsible for the services they provide.

GSB Capital Ltd is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), licence no. F006321, and does not provide immigration or corporate relocation services. EER Middle East is not regulated by the DFSA and does not offer financial advice.

All investments carry risk. The value of investments may go down as well as up, and you may not get back the amount you invested. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change.

This content is directed only at persons outside the United Kingdom and must not be acted upon by persons in the UK.