Rise Accounting PR & Media
Featured PR Coverage:
Accounting Excellence Awards 2026
Rise Accounting is shortlisted for International Firm of the Year
Rise Accounting has been shortlisted for International Firm of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2026, organised by AccountingWEB in association with Intuit QuickBooks.
International Accounting Awards 2026
Rise Accounting is shortlisted for Accountancy Firm of the Year
The International Accounting Awards has shortlisted Rise Accounting as a finalist for Accountancy Firm of the Year 2026, recognising the firm’s growth, talent, technology, and client delivery alongside eight other leading practices from across the global profession.
Quoted in The Independent
Subhashree Sadasivan Quoted in The Independent on Director Pay Strategy
Subhashree Sadasivan, Director of Accounting at Rise Accounting, was quoted in The Independent advising SME directors on how to structure salary and dividends in 2026.
Industry Publication
Arslan Malik of Rise Accounting Published in Lexis Middle East
Lexis Middle East, a LexisNexis legal and regulatory journal covering the Middle East and North Africa, published an analysis by Rise Accounting’s Arslan Malik examining the VAT framework — and the significant gaps within it — facing businesses entering the UAE’s newly established commercial gaming sector.
Featured Case Studies:
Investor-ready financials for travel platform, TourHero
Learn how we brought clarity and compliance to a complex multi-entity setup…
Accurate, compliant, scalable accounting for fast-growth LendTech, Mast
Mast was looking for a skilled, trustworthy accounting partner to free up the Founder’s valuable time…
Outsourced finance function for HealthTech, Fertifa
Fertifa was searching for an accountant that understands the needs of a scaling business…
Latest educational content published by
Rise Accounting:
Is Dubai tax free? What UK business owners still pay and file
is dubai tax free Dubai is not fully tax free for businesses. The UAE has no personal income tax, but
What is a good SaaS gross margin? Benchmarks UK founders should know
what is a good saas gross margin Founders putting together a board pack or an investor update usually reach the
R&D tax reliefs for tech companies: What can you actually claim?
r&d tax reliefs When a tech company spends months getting a system to do something the available tools could not,
About Rise Accounting
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.
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 accountancy firm founders actually want to call.
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 accountancy firm founders actually want to call.
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 accountancy firm founders actually want to call.
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. Rise Accounting Dubai manages the full compliance process on your behalf.
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.