Expanding a UK recruitment firm into the UAE
A large UK recruitment group, focused on fintech and tech, with an existing board, shareholders and investors.
Speak to us about your situationThe situation
The group had a substantial UK operation and wanted to expand into the UAE. With a board and investors behind it, how the UAE arm was owned and reported mattered as much as getting it open — it had to be something the board could see clearly and stand behind.
Why they came to us
After a series of online meetings with their management team, Simon and his colleagues chose us because we gave accurate information, replied quickly, and set out clear pricing — which let the board cost the expansion before committing.
What we recommended
A branch of the UK company, run in DMCC, rather than a separate new UAE company. A branch sits directly beneath the UK parent, which gave the board and investors a clean line of ownership; DMCC fit because the activity matched and its reputation reassured an institutional client. The hard part wasn't the licence — it was obtaining and attesting the UK corporate documents a branch needs, which we managed through to completion. We arranged office space, Simon's visa as manager and his wife's, and later employee visas as they hired.
The outcome
The branch was established, the office secured, the visas completed, and hiring began. We handle their ongoing compliance.
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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