British citizens can enter the UAE without applying for a visa first. This page covers the steps that are specific to UK passport holders.
Many British nationals look at a UAE company for a new business, to run an existing one from Dubai, or to move their home base. The entry rules are simple. The paperwork and the UK tax position need more care.
This page explains the UK visa-on-arrival rule, how UK documents are attested, and where UK tax rules can still reach a UAE company. For costs, try our cost calculator.
Holders of a full British citizen passport get a free visitor visa on arrival. You do not need to apply before you travel. You can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, either in one stay or split across several.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you arrive. Other types of British passport are not covered by the official guidance we checked, so tell us which one you hold.
If you need longer, extensions go through GDRFA in Dubai. Overstay fines build up daily. For a longer-term route, ask about an investor visa linked to your company.
Ownership rules depend mainly on your business activity and licence type. In most cases a British owner can hold 100% of the company. We have not found any extra approval that applies to British nationals because of their passport, but we confirm this with the licensing authority for your activity before you pay for anything.
Your main choice is where to register:
We have not yet verified whether the UK places any limits or reporting duties on sending money abroad to start a company. Do not rely on a general rule from the internet. Message us and we will confirm the current position with a UK adviser before you transfer anything.
On the UAE side, banks usually ask where your funds came from. Keep recent bank statements, salary or sale records, and company accounts ready. Sending the money in a clear, traceable way makes the bank account step much smoother.
Any UK reporting that does apply usually comes through your UK tax return, covered below.
UK documents, such as degree certificates or marriage certificates, usually pass through several steps. First a UK notary or solicitor may need to certify copies. Then the FCDO Legalisation Office adds an apostille. The standard paper service costs GBP 45 per document and can take up to 25 working days. The e-Apostille costs GBP 35 and can take up to 2 working days, but it is not available for birth, death or marriage certificates.
The UAE is not listed as a member of the Apostille Convention on the official HCCH table we checked, so a UK apostille alone is unlikely to be enough. The UAE Embassy in London and then the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs usually attest the document as well. These steps change, so ask us before you order anything.
UAE banks apply the same checks to everyone. They usually ask for your passport, Emirates ID or visa, trade licence, company documents and an explanation of your business. They also ask about your source of funds. We have found no extra requirement specific to British applicants.
A clear business plan and tidy paperwork help most. We prepare the file and introduce you to banks suited to your activity. See our bank account opening service. Approval times vary by bank, so we tell you what to expect once we know your activity.
The UAE has no personal income tax on salaries. Corporate tax is 0% on taxable profit up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that, and the standard VAT rate is 5%. Every company must register for corporate tax, even if it owes nothing. See our pages on corporate tax and VAT.
The UK taxes by residence, not citizenship. UK residents are generally taxed on worldwide income and gains. Tests include days spent in the UK (183 or more days is one of the tests that points to UK residence), your home and your work. Split-year treatment may apply when you move. The UK and UAE have a double tax treaty, in force since 25 December 2016.
A UAE company managed from the UK can be treated as UK resident. UK rules on controlled foreign companies also exist. Please confirm your own position with a tax adviser in the UK.
British founders come to the UAE with many kinds of plans. Common choices for a first company include consultancy, trading, e-commerce, marketing, technology and property-related services.
What matters most is your own plan: what you sell, who your customers are and where you will work from. We match the activity to a licence. Some activities need an extra approval from a government body, so we check the exact licence wording before you pay anything.
Read our guide to business in Dubai made easy for the basics, then contact us for a plan that fits you.
Last checked: November 2026 by the Optimum Corporate Solutions team. Rules change often, so we confirm the current position before you apply.
Message us and we will confirm the steps, documents and UK tax points for your case.