Can a British Citizen do business in Dubai?

Yes, British citizens can do business in Dubai and have been doing so successfully for decades. Thousands of British citizens are employed by companies working in the UAE and many have set up their own companies, retired here, or  invested in businesses in the emirate. The application for getting a residence visa and starting your company here is relatively straightforward and the government is very welcoming to expats from around for world starting companies in the emirate.

If you are interested in setting up a business in the UAE, here are all the steps to launching your company.

1. Select A Business Activity

The first thing British expats need to do to start a company in Dubai is to choose the suitable business activity for their business idea. There are thousands of license types you can apply for, so there is almost no limit to what you can do.

2. Choose A Trade Name And Location

British entrepreneurs in Dubai must select a trade name that complies with certain rules. For example, your business name must describe what your company does, while avoiding any language that could be considered offensive or blasphemous.

You’ll also need to select a business location. Many British expat entrepreneurs choose to launch from Meydan Free Zone because it offers a 0% tax rate and 100% foreign ownership. Our location in central Dubai, close to the central business district and airport, means you won’t have to travel far for client meetings.

3. Complete Your Application And Pay Fees, And Open A Business Bank Account

Next up, you’ll need to complete your application form and provide a range of documents and paperwork. While the UAE uses English extensively, some of the paperwork may be in Arabic, so working with our multilingual consultants at Meydan Free Zone is helpful.

Once your license has been approved, the final step is opening a business bank account, so you can make and receive customer payments.

Entry Requirements for a British Citizen in Dubai

The entry requirements for British citizens in Dubai are straightforward. You do not need a visa to travel to Dubai, but you must collect your 30-day visa on arrival in the emirate. If you plan to set up a business in Dubai, it usually is best to apply for a residence visa, an investor visa or, if you plan to work as a remote company in the country, a remote work visa.

**********

Meydan Free Zone, located in central Dubai, is the perfect place to launch a business in Dubai. Our free zone is based close to the central business district, airport, roads and leisure facilities. It provides 24/7 access, high quality internet connections and all the technical support you need to run your company. Our experienced consultants can support you with all aspects of business setup in Dubai, which means you can focus on starting your marketing agency – and leave the admin to us.

Get in touch today!