Smart, compliant tax strategy from expert tax consultants in Dubai
Don’t leave your tax position to chance. Our tax consultants in Dubai provide expert navigation through UAE corporate tax, residency planning and cross-border structuring so you keep more of what you build.
Join high-growth startups and SMEs
Why tax expertise matters more than ever
The UAE tax landscape has fundamentally changed.
The difference between a compliant business and an optimised one isn’t just about filing on time. It’s about having tax consultants who understand how the rules interact with your specific situation before you make decisions that are expensive to unwind.
Our tax services:
Corporate tax
We guide you through your corporate tax obligations with the Federal Tax Authority, while helping free zone clients meet any additional authority-specific obligations. Corporate tax is 0% on profits up to AED 375,000, then 9% above that threshold, we ensure you’re structured to make the most of available reliefs.
Tax residency planning
Expert advice on establishing and maintaining UAE tax residency, including the implications of the UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT) for founders who have relocated. We help ensure your move to Dubai delivers the tax position you’re planning for not an unexpected liability down the line.
Tax Residency Certificates
A UAE Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) is an official document issued by the Federal Tax Authority, confirming your status as a UAE tax resident. It’s commonly required to access the benefits of the UAE’s double taxation treaties.
We manage the full TRC application process on your behalf, advising on eligibility and liaising with the FTA.
International tax structuring
We’re specialist tax consultants focused on the UK-UAE Double Taxation Treaty and broader cross-border structuring. We protect your dividends, income and assets from being taxed twice whether you’re a UAE resident with UK ties or a business operating across both markets.
VAT
Businesses that exceed the UAE VAT registration threshold for taxable supplies and imports must register for VAT. Our tax accountants ensure you’re compliant and on time, every time.
Full-service accounting in Dubai
Our accounting services include bookkeeping and management accounts, annual financial statements, payroll and WPS compliance and more.
Everything is delivered by the same team meaning your tax consultants and your accountants are always working from the same picture of your business.
What makes us different:
Chartered accountants & tax specialists in Dubai
Our Dubai team is on the ground, in your time zone, with deep knowledge of local tax and accounting practice. We bring rigorous financial standards and a level of proactive advisory that growing businesses rarely find locally, delivered by people who are genuinely embedded in the Dubai market.
UK-UAE specialists
For founders with UK connections such as businesses, assets, pensions or property our dual expertise is the difference between a tax strategy that works and one that creates problems you don’t see coming.
Proactive & strategic
We don’t wait for year end to surface issues. Our tax consultants work closely enough with your business throughout the year to identify opportunities and flag risks before they become costly.
We scale with you
From your first UAE entity through to a full Outsourced Finance Function, our tax consultancy services flex to where you are. Early-stage clarity, growth-stage optimisation, and everything in between.
Don't take our word for it...
Frequently Asked Questions
How does corporate tax work in the UAE?
The UAE introduced corporate tax in 2023. The rate is 0% on taxable profits up to AED 375,000, and 9% above that threshold. Free zone businesses may qualify for 0% on qualifying income, subject to meeting specific conditions. All businesses are required to register with the Federal Tax Authority and file an annual corporate tax return.
What are the VAT requirements in Dubai, and does my business need to register for VAT?
Dubai follows the UAE’s VAT laws, which impose a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods and services. Your business must register for VAT if its annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000; voluntary registration is allowed if turnover is above AED 187,500. VAT returns must be filed quarterly (or monthly for larger businesses) through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal. Businesses can claim input VAT on purchases if properly documented. Non-registration or late filings may result in penalties, so staying compliant is essential.
What accounting records am I required to keep in the UAE?
UAE businesses are required to maintain accurate financial records and, where applicable, prepare financial statements in line with relevant UAE requirements including IFRS-based reporting where required by your regulator or authority. Good bookkeeping is more important than ever since the introduction of corporate tax. Our accountancy firm handles your bookkeeping and reporting as an extension of your team.
Should I set up in a free zone or on the mainland? What are the differences in terms of ownership, tax benefits, and restrictions?
What is Small Business Relief and do I qualify?
Small Business Relief is a UAE provision that allows eligible businesses to treat their taxable income as zero for corporate tax purposes, subject to meeting specific revenue and other qualifying criteria. Whether you qualify depends on your business structure, revenue, and activities. Our tax consultants will assess your eligibility as part of an initial tax strategy session.
Will my income from Dubai be taxed in the UK?
Your Dubai income may be taxed in the UK if you are classified as a UK tax resident under the UK Statutory Residence Test. Non-residents of the UK are typically not liable for UK tax on foreign income. However, your personal tax situation depends on factors like the duration of your stay in the UK and your ties to it. Speak to our team about clarifying your tax status.
Are there any double taxation treaties between the UAE and the UK that apply to me?
Yes, the UAE and the UK have a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) that prevents individuals and businesses from being taxed twice on the same income. Under this treaty, income such as dividends, interest, royalties, and employment income earned in the UAE is generally exempt from UK tax for non-residents. For UK residents, the DTA allows you to claim relief on UAE tax paid, ensuring no double taxation. The treaty’s application depends on your residency status and the type of income so it’s best to speak with our team to clarify your situation.
Are there any restrictions on transferring funds between the UAE and other countries?
The UAE has no foreign exchange controls, and funds can generally be transferred freely in and out of the country. Your bank may have its own documentation requirements around the purpose of transfers. For larger or more complex cross-border transfers, we can advise on the appropriate approach.
What does a tax consultant in Dubai actually do?
A tax consultant advises on how UAE and international tax rules apply to your business and personal situation going well beyond compliance to help you structure your affairs efficiently. For businesses in Dubai, this means corporate tax planning, VAT advisory, residency planning, and cross-border structuring, particularly for founders with UK or other international ties.
What is a Qualifying Free Zone Person?
A Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) is a free zone entity that meets specific conditions set by the UAE authorities, allowing it to benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. The conditions are detailed and must be actively maintained. We advise free zone businesses on whether they qualify and what’s required to preserve that status.
What is the Statutory Residence Test and why does it matter?
The UK SRT is the framework HMRC uses to determine whether you are UK tax resident. If you move to Dubai but don’t break UK tax residency correctly, you may remain liable to UK tax on worldwide income. Our team advises on the SRT as part of our residency tax planning service ensuring your relocation to Dubai achieves the tax outcome you’re planning for.
Are there any restrictions on transferring funds to and from the UK?
There are no significant restrictions on transferring funds between the UAE and the UK, as both countries support free capital flow. If transferring business profits, you’ll need to ensure compliance with UK tax reporting obligations under the double taxation treaty. We can help with that.
What are the steps for registering a business in Dubai, and how long does it take?
- Determine Your Business Activity: Choose the type of business activity and licensing category (commercial, professional, or industrial).
- Choose a Location: Decide between a free zone or mainland setup based on your business model and needs.
- Reserve a Trade Name: Submit 2–3 preferred names to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority for approval.
- Obtain Initial Approval: Apply to the DED or free zone authority for preliminary approval to proceed with the registration process.
- Complete Registration & Licensing: Submit documents, secure a Memorandum of Association (MOA), pay fees, and obtain your trade license.
The process can take 1–4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your business and its structure but we can start this for you right away.
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