Why Thousands of UK Entrepreneurs Are Moving to Dubai in 2025
Dubai is fast becoming the global capital for ambitious entrepreneurs — and UK-based business owners are leading the charge. From zero taxes to lightning-fast government services, the emirate is drawing thousands of founders who are looking to scale, save, and succeed on a global stage.
One of the most viral examples came from UK entrepreneur Simmy Dhillon, who shared a post that quickly made waves on LinkedIn and social media. After spending just a week in Dubai, he broke down exactly why so many UK business owners are now calling the UAE home.
Why UK Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Dubai in 2025
According to Dhillon and other expats:
1. Dubai Free Zones = 100% Ownership + 0% Tax
Dubai offers over 45 free zones, where foreign entrepreneurs can:
- Own 100% of their company
- Pay 0% corporate and personal income tax
- Repatriate 100% of their profits
- Register a company in as little as 48 hours
It’s no wonder that Dubai ranked in the top 5 easiest places to do business in the world (World Bank).
2. Banking Made Easy
UK entrepreneurs report opening:
- Multi-currency accounts in record time
- Minimal paperwork and digital-first onboarding
- Access to banks that support startups and SMEs
This ease contrasts with UK high street banks that often take weeks or months to onboard international clients.
3. Entrepreneur Visas in Days, Not Months
Setting up a company in Dubai automatically qualifies you for a residency visa, which:
- Costs around £3,000 (AED 13,500)
- Takes 3–5 working days to process
- Grants access to UAE residency benefits, family sponsorship, and global mobility
Compare that to the UK where business migration often involves 6–12 month delays.
4. App-Based Government Services
Dubai’s “smart government” initiative has made all public services digital:
- Licensing
- Visas
- Emirates ID
- Healthcare registration
Everything is app-based, fast, and guided by a “yes, and here’s how” attitude that contrasts with red tape in the UK.
A Look at the Numbers
| Factor | United Kingdom | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Tax | 25% | 0% (Free Zones*) |
| Visa Processing | 6–12 weeks | 3–5 days |
| Bank Setup Time | 4–8 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Business Setup Cost | £5,000+ | Starting from £2,000 |
| Ownership Rules | Often limited | 100% foreign ownership |
*Free zone tax rate subject to qualifying criteria.
👥 Who's Making the Move?
Thousands of UK business owners across industries:
- E-commerce entrepreneurs scaling on Shopify and Amazon
- Consultants and coaches tapping into the global market
- Crypto & Web3 startups taking advantage of DMCC Crypto Centre
- Property investors diversifying via Dubai’s zero-tax holding companies
How to Start Your Business in Dubai (as a UK Resident)
- Choose your structure: Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore
- Select your trade activity: From consulting to trading to media
- Register the company: Submit documents online (passport, address proof, business name)
- Get your license: Within 2–5 business days
- Apply for a visa: With your trade license, get your UAE residency
- Open your bank account: With Affinitas support
Affinitas DMCC: Your Trusted Dubai Business Setup Partner
At Affinitas DMCC, we help UK entrepreneurs:
- Register 100% foreign-owned Free Zone companies
- File for corporate tax and VAT compliance
- Secure visas for entrepreneurs and dependents
- Open bank accounts without the paperwork nightmare
Whether you're moving your business or just expanding, we make your UAE setup seamless, legal, and fast.
📞 Book Your Free Consultation
Ready to move your UK business to Dubai?
- ✅ Get a UAE license in under 5 days
- ✅ Pay 0% corporate tax
- ✅ Enjoy investor residency and global banking
👉 Book a free consultation now
Or WhatsApp our consultants directly: +971 4 576 2903