Expanding a UK property-tech business into the UAE
A UK property-technology business — real-time, AI-driven property valuations.
Speak to us about your situationThe situation
Suzanne and her husband wanted to expand into the UAE. Their UK market had gone stagnant, while the UAE is full of the people who buy what they do — developers, property-management firms and fund managers. Because they sat across property and technology, they assumed DIFC was where they'd need to be.
Why they came to us
They needed help working out the right activity and structure, and wanted straight answers before committing. We had several calls with both of them while they were still in the UK.
What we recommended
Not DIFC. When we looked at what the business actually did, it was a software company selling to the property sector, not a regulated financial business — and DIFC is built, and priced, for regulated finance. At Start Business Services we will talk a client out of a prestigious free zone even though it costs us on the day, because a Dubai software business paying regulated-finance overheads it will never use only finds out how expensive that was two or three renewals in. We recommended IFZA, a Dubai free zone, and set the company up there.
The outcome
The company was established in IFZA, the residency visas, Emirates IDs and banking completed, and it is now how they sell their software into the UAE and the wider region.
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.
— Suzanne
Thinking about a move like this?
Tell us what the business does and where it is heading, and we will tell you whether we are the right firm.
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