Moving from London to Dubai
A plan for UK founders and families relocating from London, from leaving the UK tax net to settling in Dubai.
Timeline
- Three to six months before: UK tax advice on the statutory residence test, split-year treatment and your UK company. See For UK citizens.
- Two to three months before: choose the UAE structure, attest documents in the UK, apply to schools.
- Moving month: licence, investor visa, Emirates ID, personal bank account, home rental.
- First three months: family visas, corporate bank account, driving licence exchange, health insurance.
What surprises Londoners
- Rent is often paid in a few cheques a year
- Schools fill early; apply before you arrive
- Summer heat changes daily routines from June to September
- There is no personal income tax, but VAT and service fees exist
Our relocation package
One adviser, one fixed fee, everything above handled. See Relocation package.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.