UAE company formation for UK, Irish and Australian business owners

Setting up in the UAE? You’ll want it done once, and done properly.

We help established UK, Irish and Australian business owners move and grow a real business in the UAE — the structure, the banking, the residency, and the yearly filing and renewals that follow.

★★★★★ Rated 5.0 from 37 Google reviews · UK, Irish & Australian business owners

What we do
UAE company formation and business setup, done in the right order

We handle the structure, the banking, the residency, and the renewals and filing each year afterwards — with the same advisor from the first call onwards.

A short, no-cost conversation firstWe start from what the business does and where it’s heading, not from a licence.
Built around what your business actually doesNot the cheapest licence to issue.
Banking-firstThe bank account is where most new businesses stall, so we plan everything around getting it open.
One advisor, year after yearThe same person, from the first call onwards.
How we work
01
Understand the problemA proper conversation before any agreement: what the business does, where the clients are, where the money came from, what the licence needs to cover, and whether a bank will actually open an account for it.
02
Choose the structureThe right free zone or mainland route, who owns it, who can sign for it, and a real office or staff where it’s needed — designed for what the banks will actually accept, not just what’s cheapest to issue.
03
Register the businessLicence, establishment card, entry permit, residency visa, Emirates ID and corporate-tax registration — coordinated so the owner makes one trip, not two.
04
Bank account openAccount opening, the checks the bank runs, and the things that come up once you’re running — your first tax filing, renewals, adding staff or visas. We don’t disappear once the licence is issued.
Who we work with

We’re a boutique firm, deliberately small. We work with established UK, Irish and Australian business owners moving or expanding a real, working business into the UAE — to reach larger markets and operate internationally from a base that works. The lower tax is a benefit of doing it properly, not the reason to do it.

Not every business works here. If your revenue depends on being in your home market, or your activity is hard to bank, we’ll tell you early. You deal with the same person from the first call onwards.

What our clients say

Suzanne Lesko
1 month ago
We had an excellent experience throughout our relocation and business setup process in Dubai. From company formation and residency visas to Emirates IDs, banking support, and medical coordination, everything was handled professionally, efficiently, and with great communication throughout. Relocating countries and setting up a business can be stressful, especially when navigating a completely new system, but the process felt smooth and well managed from start to finish. We especially appreciated the responsiveness, practical guidance, and willingness to assist with the many smaller details that come up during a relocation. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable support with business setup and relocation services in the UAE.
Response from the owner:Hi Suzanne! Thank you so much for the great review. It's very much appreciated. The team have really enjoyed working with you both. We're looking forward to working with you in the future too. Best wishes Start Business Services
Working with Gareth and the team was a great experience. They were always responsive, efficient, and quick to handle every step of the process. Even during a very challenging international period with complicated travel and administrative conditions, they remained highly professional and managed everything smoothly. Their communication was clear, they adapted quickly to changing situations, and they made the whole company setup process much easier than expected. I truly appreciated their support, reliability, and professionalism throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend Gareth and his team to anyone looking to establish a company in Dubai or the UAE.
Response from the owner:Hi Clement! Thank you so much for the great review. The whole team really appreciates it. We wish you great fortune with your new company and will always be on hand to help whenever you need. Start Business Services
Matthew Williams
4 months ago
Working with Gareth and the team was the best experience that I could have asked for. I really value simplicity and efficiency and the team delivered both! I had a short timeline to get everything done and the team ensured it was done on time and they did it perfectly! I could not recommend them enough and I don't know how I could have moved over without their support!
Response from the owner:Hi Matthew! Thank you so much for your great review. You have been a pleasure to work with. I hope your new life in Dubai goes much better than you could wish for. Thanks again from all of us. Start Business Advisory
Krishan Kataria
4 months ago
Gareth and the company were recommended to me by a friend, and I can confidently say the recommendation was absolutely spot on. From our very first conversation, Gareth inspired total confidence. Setting up a company and navigating the visa process in the UAE can feel overwhelming, but he and his team (particularly Emma) handled everything with clarity, efficiency and professionalism. What really stood out was the responsiveness and attention to detail at every stage. No question was too small, no step was left unclear - the entire process was structured, transparent and genuinely smooth from start to finish. It’s rare to find advisors who combine strong technical expertise with such a personal, client-focused approach. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gareth and his team to anyone looking for a seamless company setup and visa experience in Dubai. A huge thank you again for the outstanding support.
Response from the owner:Hi Krish! Thank you for the great review, Emma is really pleased to hear you are happy. It was a pleasure to meet you and we look forward in helping you in the future too. Best wishes Gareth
Ali
5 months ago
Relocated family from the UK to UAE. The team were very efficient and super helpful, always more than happy to answer my questions! Credit to Gareth and also Maryam and Emma. Would definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Hi Ali! Thanks for.the great review. It was a pleasure meeting you and your family. I hope you all have an amazing life in Dubai. Best wishes Start Business Services
Silver Star
5 months ago
Response from the owner:Hello, Thank you so much for you 5 stars!
Tony Scheepers
5 months ago
This company and the People i dealt with namely Gareth , Mariam have been absolutely amazing , they provide the most professional service and are always there 24/7 to help with any queries. This is a company that gets the job done . They are super efficient and really do a great job. I would recommend them above any other company . I would rate them 10 out of 10 . Brilliant, brilliant company. .
Response from the owner:Hey Tony! Thanks for the amazing review, it is really appreciated. It was a pleasure to meet you and great to get to help you with your new business here too. Best wishes Start Business Advisory
Sharon Galantino
8 months ago
Gareth and his company were recommended to me by a friend. His stella service and advice from start to finish of setting up my company and visa application were outstanding. He and his team were nothing but efficient, kind and professional and made the whole process smooth and efficient. A huge thank you.
Response from the owner:Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for the kind review, it was a pleasure meeting you and I am sure you will love living in Dubai too. Best wishes Start Business Advisory
Stevie Teare
8 months ago
Working with Start Business Advisory was one of the best decisions I made when deciding to move to Dubai. The whole process from start to finish was excellent. From receiving two VISA's, to setting up the business and getting a bank account set up. The team made this experience seamless, they walked me through everything I had to do, and it really took the pressure off me as I didn't know where to start. A big shoutout to; Emma for picking me up and dropping me off when doing my health check and biometrics, even when she had a dodgy knee; to Miriam for helping me with setting up the business account, then to Huda for answering my stupid initial questions. Then Gareth for allowing me to use his service. For anyone I know who's looking to set up in Dubai, I will 100% recommend them this service and would recommend this to anyone reading.
Response from the owner:Hi Stevie! Thank you for the great review, we're all very happy that we got to work with you on this important project. It is a pleasure to get to work with good people. Best wishes Start Business Advisory
I was first introduced to Gareth through my dear friend, and honestly, I can’t thank them enough for making that connection. From the very first moment, everything just felt surprisingly easy and straightforward, which is such a rare thing when you’re dealing with something new or important. Gareth immediately came across as not only knowledgeable but also approachable, and that combination gave me instant confidence that I was in the right hands. What really stood out to me was how smoothly everything was handled. Every step that I thought might be complicated or stressful turned out to be simple, because Gareth explained things so clearly and always had a solution ready before I even had time to worry. There was no sense of pressure, only genuine support, and that made the whole process feel almost effortless.
Response from the owner:Hi Rimantas! Thank you so much for the review, it is very kind. One of the biggest benefits we have, is getting to choose who we work with, and we get to work with great guys like you in the process. I hope your move to Dubai goes even better than you hope, and good luck with the apartment hunt too! We're looking forward to helping you every step going forwards. Best wishes, Start Business Advisory.
Julian Titanium
1 year ago
10/10 Experience — Seamless, Professional, and Outstanding from Start to Finish Working with Gareth and his team has been nothing short of exceptional. From our very first call, it was clear I was dealing with a team that not only knew their craft inside out but genuinely cared about my goals. Gareth listened closely, asked the right questions, and gave direct, clear solutions to every concern I had about setting up my company and securing my visa in the UAE. What really sets them apart is how comprehensive the support was — far beyond just admin and documentation. From travel logistics to getting between buildings, setting up my phone, and even helping me get familiar with the local area, Gareth and his team handled everything with calm efficiency and professionalism. In a space where many claim to deliver, Gareth actually does — and at an elite level. If you're considering a move to Dubai and want a team you can trust to make the process smooth, simple, and successful, this is the easiest recommendation I can make. Choose Gareth and his team. You won’t be disappointed.
Response from the owner:Hi Julian! It's always good to work with good people, and an absolute pleasure to help you with setting up your business and helping the move. You're going to do very well in Dubai! Start Business Advisory
Andy D
1 year ago
I worked with Gareth and the team in Jan 2025. They made the entire thing seamless and easy. I turned up where they needed me. They handled everything else. Would highly recommend
Response from the owner:Hi Andy! Thank you for the great review, it was a pleasure to meet you and really looking forward to seeing you grow even more. Start Business Advisory
Juan Galán
1 year ago
The best and most personalized service! I'm so glad I was recommended Start Business Advisory! Gareth and the whole team have been super helpful and friendly. It was pretty much all done for me which is exactly what I needed and the whole process was smooth and seamless. I couldn't recommend it more!!
Response from the owner:Hi Juan! Thanks for the great review, we all appreciate it. It is such a pleasure to get to work with happy, positive minded business people such as you. We are all looking forward to seeing you grow ai.creatoracademy too 🙂 See you soon! Start Business Advisory
Katie Godfrey
1 year ago
I have loved working with everyone for Start Business Dubai. They have helped me from start to finish and made it so much easier than I thought it was going to be. Thank you so much
Response from the owner:Hi Katie! Thank you for the kind review, it is always a pleasure to work with good people. Start Business Advisory
DEEPAK BHANDARI
1 year ago
Gareth and his team (Emma and Ola) helped me set up my business in IFZA. Throughout the process, they have been incredibly supportive right from answering questions (and I had lots and lots of questions), being responsive, providing complete clarity about every step of the process and making sure that everything worked with pin-point precision. In a service business all of these things are crucial particularly when dealing with people across borders. Gareth is highly knowledgeable about local issues, laws and regulations and this is absolutely critical in ensuring that you start out on a right footing. I would highly recommend speaking with Gareth if anyone is considering a move to Dubai.
Response from the owner:Hi Deepak, Thank you for the great review, it is really appreciated. We're really happy that we get to work with such good people, it's really a p[leasure. We're looking forward to helping where we can in the future too. The team are thrilled with the positive feedback. Best wishes Start Business Advisory
Peter Komolafe
1 year ago
Gareth was recommended to me back in August 2024, and we started the business registration process in November. Overall the process using Gareth and the team was seamless. I sign a few forms, provides some documentation and that was it. Completely stress free. They even pick you up and drop you off to take your medical exam and apply for your Emirate ID when you're in country. Emma was great with this. The bank account opening process was simple, Gareth helped me with some the questions at the application stage I would have got wrong. The entire service was worth the money and more importantly caused me no stress whatsoever. Ola and Huda we also amazing with updates and general communication.
Response from the owner:Hi Peter! It's a pleasure to have helped you with your nee company here, and equally great toneork with such interesting people. We're looking forward seeing how you take Dubai by storm. Start Business Advisory
Nama Zarroug
1 year ago
Gareth. Emma, Huda and the team at Start Business were and continue to be instrumental in the founding and advancing our business in the UAE. Their no nonsense straight talking and transparent approach is refreshing. Highly recommend them.
Response from the owner:Hi Nama, Thank you so much for the great review. It's very much appreciated and the team are thrilled woth this too. We're looking forward to working with you in the future too. Best wishes! Start Business Advisory
Alan Underwood
1 year ago
I've been working with the Start team for over 6 months and can't recommend them highly enough. They've helped across all areas of creating a series of companies in Dubai that would have been impossible without them. They even stepped in to unwind the errors in my UAE companies strucutres that I had tried to create without their guidance. Straight talking, genuinely knowledgable and do what they say they will.
Response from the owner:Hi Alan, Thank you for the great review. It is much appreciated and we have all loved working with you and for you. Thanks again!
Scott Mackay
1 year ago
Excellent experience setting up a new business in Dubai last year. Gareth and the local team were very supportive throughout the process. Gareth advised on the best type of business to set up and the preferred location. The local team then helped me with business licenses, personal visas for myself and family as well as help with setting up local bank accounts. I would thoroughly recommend.
Response from the owner:Hi Scott! It's great to be able to work with awesome people! Thanks for your kind words, the team will be thrilled!
Craig McDonald
2 years ago
Star rating only going to 5 isn't enough. My wife and I decided to close our business in Australia and relocate to Dubai to reopen it. This all happened on very short notice, and I can honestly say we couldn't have managed everything without Gareth and his team. Their communication and attention to detail were exceptional. They supported us every step of the way, and their customer care follow-up after we settled in has been outstanding. We've since started a second business, again with the help of Gareth and his team. I can't recommend them enough. Reach out and let them handle it – you won't be disappointed.
Response from the owner:Hi Craig! Thank you so much for the review, it is much appreciated. It has been a pleasure to work with you and Kitty on your new company, we're looking forward to seeing you grow business here. Have an awesome day.
Adil Poljakovic
2 years ago
Mr. Gareth assisted our company with legal matters related to changing trade license names and partners and registering a new license in an emirate. He and his team handled the process professionally and thoroughly. His detailed and knowledgeable approach reassured us about his understanding of local laws. We appreciate his work and encourage him to continue with the same dedication.
Response from the owner:Thank you Adil, always a pleasure to work with you.
Kathleen Apice
2 years ago
Trusting Gareth and his team was one of the best decisions for my business. As a business owner based in Europe, I was very lost, I didn’t know who to trust and I needed help with opening my business in Dubai. Gareth and his team gave me exactly the type of help I needed. Professional and fast, they supported me every step of the way. From the first meeting with Gareth, where he walked me through the entire process, to answering all my questions, to following my trip to Dubai, them picking me up from my place to bringing me for the biometrics test, they really take care of everything meticulously. Thank you Gareth, Karine & Emma, you made it so easy for me! Do I recommend them? ABSOLUTELY YES!
Response from the owner:Thank you Kathleen, it's always a pleasure to work with good people. It was great to meet you.
Very professional and helpful in every way. Highly recommended for anyone for visa related services.
Response from the owner:Hey Chatu! Thank you so much for your review. It's always been a pleasure to work with you. Best wishes. Start Business Services 😍
Jacob Williams
2 years ago
Start Business Advisory were extremely helpful through the entire process from start to finish. Cannot recommend more highly!
Response from the owner:Hi Jacob! Thank you so much for the great review, it's really appreciated. Have a wonderful New Year.
Paul Nestor
2 years ago
Excellent support in helping to remotely set up my UAE residency, company set-up, bank account etc. Gareth and team provide close personal support explaining the options and the stages of what could be a daunting process. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Paul. Thank you for your kind words. Its been a pleasure to help you with your new company.
Why clients work with us

Most of our clients deal with Gareth directly. The person you speak to at the start remains involved throughout — from planning the structure, through the banking, and into the practical questions that follow. We deliberately stay small so advice doesn’t get handed between departments.

Why owners make the move

The owners we work with don’t move for a headline tax rate. They move to reach larger markets and customers, to operate internationally from a jurisdiction that works, and to put a genuine, well-run presence on the ground. Done in the right order, the tax position is a benefit that follows — not the reason to start.

Why the UAE →

Frequently asked questions
Can I move my existing UK, Irish or Australian business to the UAE?
Usually, yes — and there’s more than one way to do it. You can set up a new UAE company, or extend your existing company into the UAE as a branch so it stays one business. Which is right depends on whether you want the UAE arm inside your existing group or standing on its own. We work it out from the business, not the licence. Read our branch office guide →
Will a UAE company actually get a bank account?
This is the real test, and it’s where most new businesses stall. Get these three things right — a clear activity, someone resident in the UAE who can sign for the account, and proof of where the money came from — and you’ve dealt with the usual reasons banks say no. We design the structure for what the bank will accept before we build it. If the company is part of a larger group, banks will usually want to see who ultimately owns it — all the way up the chain — before approving the account. How to open a UAE business bank account →
Mainland or free zone — which do I need?
It comes down to where you trade. Selling into the UAE market points to a mainland company; serving clients abroad or across a free zone points to a free zone company. We don’t push one over the other — we set out both and you decide. Compare UAE company structures →
Do I still need to visit the UAE?
Once, in most cases. We coordinate the trip so residency, Emirates ID and the bank are handled in a single trip rather than two.
What does it cost, and how long does it take?
Both depend on the free zone or mainland route, the activity, the number of visas, and whether you need an office — so any single price you’re quoted is misleading, and the cheapest licence is rarely the cheapest outcome once banking and renewal are counted. We set the exact figure in the first conversation, before any work starts.
Do I have to give up my company at home?
No. Many owners keep their home-country company and either extend it to the UAE as a branch or set up a separate UAE company alongside it. See the options →

Partners and networks

From our writing

Thinking about moving your business to the UAE?

A short, no-cost conversation: you tell us what the business does and where it’s heading, and we tell you the structure that fits — and why.

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