Skip to content
HPT Group
The Dubai skyline

Middle East · Jurisdiction

United Arab Emirates

We advise on company formation, structuring and related work in United Arab Emirates, and coordinate local formation agents, banks and counsel where the matter requires them.

ApplyApply to book a consultation

Our work in United Arab Emirates

What clients most often ask us for here

Other HPT services are available in United Arab Emirates where the matter calls for them.

  • Real estate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi residential and commercial)
  • Golden Visa (10-year renewable residency)
  • Company formation (DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, IFZA, RAK)
  • VARA / DIFC / ADGM crypto and fintech licensing
  • Family Office (DIFC / ADGM Foundation)
  • Tax residency certificate

Key facts

Headline corporate tax
0 to 9%
Typical formation
2 to 4+ weeks
Formation, first year
From £8,600, government fees included
Annual renewal
From £5,400, government fees included
Classification
Hybrid
Region
Middle East

Headline tax rates and formation times are indicative and change. We confirm the current position in writing for each matter.

Talk to us

Sheung Wan and Mayfair

Hong Kong and London. Meetings by appointment only

ApplyApply to book a consultation

We aim to reply within 48 hours.

Advisers in discussion at a meeting table

Common questions

United Arab Emirates: questions we are often asked

Is United Arab Emirates suitable for my structure?
That depends on where you and the other owners are resident, where the business operates, where it will bank and how counterparties will view United Arab Emirates. We review those points before recommending any jurisdiction.
Can a United Arab Emirates entity open a bank account?
Often, but it depends on the activity, the owners and the bank. We consider banking before anything is formed and will tell you if we think an account is unlikely.
What substance is required?
Substance rules differ by jurisdiction and by activity. We set out what applies to your structure, and what it costs to meet, in the written recommendation.
What will it cost?
We agree our fee in writing before work begins. Formation and annual renewal fees include the standard government fees and the registered agent. Other third-party costs, such as local counsel, are set out separately in the same document.

Compare

Other Middle East jurisdictions

Other Middle East jurisdictions
JurisdictionClassificationHeadline corporate taxTypical formation time
Saudi ArabiaOnshore20%4 to 8+ weeks
IsraelOnshore23%3 to 6+ weeks
QatarHybrid10%4 to 8+ weeks
BahrainHybrid0%3 to 5+ weeks
Middle East overview

Insights

Further reading

All insights
1 singapore city skyline dusk panorama 2011.

Comparison

UAE vs Singapore in 2026: Company, Residency and Wealth Compared

Al Qasba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Corporate

UAE Free Zone Company Formation: A Practical Guide

Corporate towers seen from below in a financial district

Corporate

UAE Mainland Company Setup: A Practical Guide

We do not give legal or tax advice in jurisdictions where we are not qualified to do so; where needed, we coordinate local counsel and tax advisers.

Fees agreed in writing before work begins. Where a bank or provider pays us for an introduction, we tell you before the introduction is made.

See also what we will not do and prohibited and restricted matters.

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, at night

Next step

Considering United Arab Emirates?

Tell us about the structure you have in mind. A senior adviser will review it and reply with the questions we would need answered.

ApplyApply to book a consultation