Accounting partners for Dubai's most ambitious founders
Expert accounting, tax compliance and financial advisory for high-growth startups and SMEs in Dubai. Chartered Accountants on the ground. Advisory that goes beyond the numbers.
Join high-growth startups and SMEs
Everything your Dubai-based business needs:
Company formation support
Mainland or free zone our chartered accountants in Dubai will advise on the right structure for your business, then guide you through the entire formation process. Setup timelines vary by authority and activity, and can often be completed in a matter of weeks.
Corporate tax
We help you to manage 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. As a corporate tax consultant in Dubai, we ensure you’re structured to make the most of available reliefs.
Tax Residency Certificate support
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.
Financial & tax advisory
From financial forecasting to structuring decisions and growth planning, our accounting consultancy in Dubai provides the guidance ambitious founders need. Not just at year end, but throughout the year.
Accounting & bookkeeping
Our accounting team in Dubai works as an extension of your business, ensuring every transaction is accurately recorded. We handle reporting in line with applicable UAE requirements, including IFRS-based financial statements where required, giving you clean, board-ready financials and real insight into performance.
VAT
Businesses that exceed the UAE VAT registration threshold for taxable supplies and imports must register for VAT. As an experienced accounting firm in Dubai, we handle returns and ongoing compliance accurately and on time, every time.
Payroll & WPS
We manage payroll compliance and wage processing in line with applicable UAE requirements, including WPS where relevant ensuring your team is paid correctly and your business stays compliant.
Annual Accounts
Your annual accounts are a legal requirement and a critical snapshot of your business’s financial health. Our chartered accountants in Dubai prepare fully compliant annual financial statements in line with applicable UAE requirements, ensuring your accounts are accurate, board-ready, and filed on time.
Management Accounts
Management accounts give you the real-time financial insight you need to make confident business decisions. Our Dubai accounting team prepares detailed, tailored management accounts on a monthly or quarterly basis so you always know exactly where your business stands.
Built for founders who need more than a bookkeeper
Running a business in Dubai means navigating corporate tax, VAT, IFRS reporting and free zone compliance all while trying to grow.
Most accounting firms hand you a checklist. We work as an extension of your team, handling the complexity so you can focus on building.
Experts on the ground and in the UK
We’re one of the few accounting firms with Chartered Accountants based in both Dubai and London, making us a trusted UK accountant in Dubai.
For founders with UK connections such as pensions, property or a UK entity running alongside your Dubai business we provide seamless cross-border support that most accounting companies in Dubai simply can’t offer. We cover:
- UK personal tax for Dubai-based non-residents, including personal allowance entitlements and pension planning
- UK property obligations rental income, capital gains and inheritance tax for non-residents with UK assets
- Dual-jurisdiction compliance for businesses operating across both the UK and UAE markets simultaneously
- UK-to-Dubai structuring incorporation, entity structuring and advisory for businesses making the move
What makes us different:
Chartered Accountants 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.
More than compliance
We work closely enough with your business to give advice that matters. Structuring decisions, growth planning, cross-border situations. We’re the Dubai accounting firm founders actually want to call.
One team across both markets
Our UK and Dubai teams work together seamlessly. For founders with obligations in both jurisdictions, that means less providers to manage and more time back to focus on your business.
We scale with you
From early-stage setup through to a full Outsourced Finance Function, our accounting services in Dubai flex to where you are. No over-engineering at the start, no scrambling to keep up as you grow.
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 if I also have an office in the UK?
If you have offices in both Dubai and the UK, your business will be subject to tax regulations in each country. Income earned in Dubai may still be exempt from UK taxation due to the double taxation treaty between the UAE and the UK, but this depends on how profits are allocated and whether the Dubai office is considered a permanent establishment. You must keep clear financial records to distinguish income and expenses for each jurisdiction which our accounting team can support with.
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.
How do I obtain a residency visa for myself and my family?
To obtain a residency visa in Dubai, you must first establish eligibility through sponsorship, such as owning a business, being employed, or investing in property. For business owners, the process involves registering a company and obtaining an investor visa. Once you have your visa, you can sponsor your family members. The entire process, from application to visa issuance, typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Are there any residency requirements tied to owning a business?
Yes, owning a business in Dubai often qualifies you for a residency visa under the “Investor Visa” or “Partner Visa” category. This visa allows you to reside in the UAE and typically lasts for 2–3 years, depending on the issuing authority. Residency is not automatic and requires formal application through relevant authorities.
How can I open a business bank account in Dubai, and what documents are required?
To open a business bank account in Dubai, you must first establish your company and obtain a valid trade license. Approach a local or international bank operating in Dubai and submit required documents, which typically include:
- Trade License (issued by the Department of Economic Development or Free Zone Authority).
- Shareholders’ Passports (copies for all partners).
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association (AOA).
- Proof of Business Activity, such as contracts or invoices.
- Residency Visa of the account signatory.
- Emirates ID of the account signatory.
Banks may also require a minimum balance and perform due diligence on your business activities. The process usually takes 1–3 weeks depending on the bank and complexity of your application.
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 happens to my business if I decide to move back to the UK?
If you move back to the UK, your business in Dubai can continue to operate as long as you meet local regulatory requirements, such as renewing your trade license and maintaining a UAE-based manager or representative if needed. You can appoint someone to oversee daily operations or hire a management company to handle compliance and operations in your absence. Any profits repatriated to the UK must comply with UK tax regulations, including reporting under the double taxation treaty. If you choose to close your business, you must follow the formal liquidation process in Dubai, but we can help guide you through this process effectively.
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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expert accounting support in Dubai
- Free Consultation
- Chartered Accountants
- Built for SMEs