Four ways to bring your business to the UAE
| Route | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| New UAE company | Set up a fresh free zone or mainland entity and run your business from the UAE | Most founders relocating for good |
| Branch of your foreign company | Register your existing company as a branch — same legal entity, UAE presence | Keeping the home company, extending to the UAE |
| Representative office | Non-trading office for marketing/liaison only | Testing the market before committing |
| Redomiciliation | Transfer an existing (often offshore) company into a UAE free zone, keeping its history | Offshore/holding companies moving their seat |
Why founders are relocating to Dubai in 2026
Global and regional instability has made the UAE a safe, stable base for capital and entrepreneurs — it was the world's top destination for relocating millionaires. Combined with 100% ownership, no personal income tax, fast digital setup and the 10-year Golden Visa, it's the leading "Plan B" and headquarters-relocation hub. Founders relocate from the UK, EU, India, Pakistan, Russia and beyond.
Steps to relocate
- Pick a route (new company, branch, or redomiciliation) and jurisdiction.
- Get tax advice in your home country before you move value or residency.
- Set up the UAE entity and get your trade licence.
- Apply for residence visas; apply for the Golden Visa if eligible.
- Open a corporate (and personal) bank account and shift operations.
Relocating to Dubai — FAQs
Can I move my existing company to Dubai?
In most cases you either set up a new UAE entity, register your existing company as a branch (same legal entity), or — for some offshore/holding companies — redomicile (transfer the company's seat) into a UAE free zone. A pure "pick up and move" of a foreign LLC is usually done as a new company or a branch.
How much does it cost to relocate a business to the UAE?
A new free zone company starts from about AED 12,500 (less in budget zones), plus visas and office. A branch or redomiciliation has its own fees. Add a residence visa (~AED 3,800–5,500) per person. Use the calculator for your all-in estimate.
Do I get residency when I move my company to Dubai?
Yes. A company gives you a residence visa, and investors/entrepreneurs/specialists can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa — a major reason founders are relocating for stability and 0% personal income tax.
Why are so many founders moving to Dubai in 2026?
Regional and global instability has pushed capital and entrepreneurs toward the UAE as a safe, stable base — the UAE was the world's top destination for relocating millionaires. Add 100% ownership, no personal income tax and fast setup, and it's a leading relocation hub.
Can I keep my home-country company too?
Yes. Many founders keep the home entity and add a UAE company or branch for the region, or hold the home company under a UAE holding structure. Get tax advice in both countries first.
Related
Official sources
Last updated: September 2026 · Maintained by the My Business Setup editorial team