Dubai Comapny Formation wih Bank Account

aafra9
Aug 18
4 min read

Are you a UK entrepreneur looking to expand your business in the Middle East? Dubai offers one of the most tax-efficient and globally accessible jurisdictions for international businesses. What makes it even more attractive is the ability to register your company and complete your Dubai company formation with bank account ,all without needing to relocate from the UK.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up a business in Dubai and how to open a UAE business bank account remotely, plus answer the most common questions UK entrepreneurs ask.

Dubai Comapny Formation wih Bank Account : Why is it Dubai? The Benefits for UK Businesses

Dubai is considered a business haven for global entrepreneurs. Here’s why:

0% corporate and personal income tax

100% foreign ownership in Free Zones

No restrictions on capital repatriation

Strategic global location (between East & West)

World-class infrastructure and banking and more (reach out to PKPI for consultancy)

These benefits make Dubai a magnet for UK-based digital entrepreneurs, consultants, e-commerce stores, agencies, and international traders.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Dubai Company Formation with Bank Account

To Register a Dubai Comapny Formation wih Bank Account

1. Choose the Right Jurisdiction

You can register in one of the following:

Free Zone (ideal for 100% ownership and no local partner)

Mainland (if you need to do business in the UAE market)

Offshore (for holding companies and international operations)

Most UK entrepreneurs prefer Free Zones like DMCC, IFZA, or Meydan due to flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

2. Select Business Activity and Name

Choose from thousands of pre-approved activities (e.g., consultancy, trading, media). Your company name must be unique and follow UAE naming rules.

3. Submit Documentation

You’ll typically need:

Passport copy

Recent utility bill or address proof

CV or business plan (some Free Zones may request this)

Application form (we can help prepare this)

No physical presence is needed during this step—everything can be submitted remotely.

4. Obtain Trade License

Once approved, you’ll receive your:

Trade License

Certificate of Incorporation

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Share Certificate

Processing time: 3–7 business days (depending on Free Zone)

How to Open a UAE Bank Account in the UK?

Opening a business bank account in Dubai for your newly formed company is often the next step.

What you’ll need:

Company documents (license, MoA, etc.)

Passport copy of shareholders

Utility bill (as proof of address)

Business plan and contracts (optional but helps in approval)

Most banks in the UAE now allow remote onboarding or require one short visit. At PKPI, we can help facilitate this via our banking partners.

Popular Banks:

Emirates NBD

ADCB

RAKBANK

Mashreq

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I register with a Dubai company while living in the UK?

Yes, absolutely, you can register your company entirely online without needing to travel. Many Free Zones offer digital portals for submission, document signing, and even courier services for sending your license documents internationally. This is especially beneficial for UK entrepreneurs who want to expand globally without relocating. PKPI can help you manage the entire formation process remotely from choosing the right Free Zone to license approval.

2. Do I need a UAE residency visa to open a bank account?

Not always, but it’s recommended. While a UAE residency visa is not mandatory for all business bank accounts, many banks prefer or require it as part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) and compliance process. Some Free Zones offer license packages without the need for a visa, and in such cases, a non-resident bank account may be possible with limited services.

However, if you opt for a package that includes an investor visa, it improves your chances of faster bank approval and more banking features. PKPI works with banking partners to help your secure accounts with or without visas.

3. How long does it take to open a UAE bank account?

Typically, 1 to 3 weeks.

The timeframe depends on several factors:

The bank’s internal compliance processes

Your business activity and risk level

Documentation completeness

Whether or not you are a UAE resident

For low-risk activities like consultancy or marketing, the process is usually quicker. PKPI Chartered Accountants Streamlines this by pre-screening your documents and aligning with banks that specialize in working with international entrepreneurs.

4. Can I run the business in the UK and still benefit from tax savings?

Yes, if set up correctly. A Dubai company registered in Free Zone can operate internationally, meaning you can run it from the UK and still benefit from 0% corporate tax in the UAE.

That said, it’s important to structure your business properly to avoid “permanent establishment” issues in the UK or any double taxation. PKPI offers expert guidance to ensure that:

Your Dubai entity is legitimately managed from the UAE

You maintain proper documentation for tax residency

Your UK and Dubai operations are legally compliant

This way, you get the best of both worlds: UK market access and UAE tax efficiency.

5. How much does Dubai company formation cost?

Costs vary by Free Zone, business activity, and visa requirements.

Generally, a basic setup without a visa can cost £2,000–£2,500, which includes:

Trade license

Company registration

Documentation support

If you opt for a package with a UAE visa, expect to pay around £3,000–£4,000, which covers:

License & registration

Visa issuance

Emirates ID & medical

Bank account support

PKPI Chartered Accountants offers tailored packages depending on your business size and goals—and ensures you’re getting the best deal in the UK market.

Setting up a Dubai company with a UAE bank account is a smart, tax-efficient way for UK entrepreneurs to expand internationally, tap into global markets, and protect their profits. You can do it 100% remotely, and with the right partner, the process is smooth and stress-free.

Ready to launch your Dubai company in the UK?

Let PKPI Chartered Accountants handle the setup, documentation, and banking for you—at the lowest price on the UK market.