Why British Entrepreneurs and Families Are Relocating to the UAE

Are you a UK citizen considering a move abroad for better financial freedom, a sunnier lifestyle, and a more secure future for your family? Then the UAE may be your best answer.

With zero income tax, investor-friendly policies, high living standards, and one of the world’s safest environments, it’s no surprise that more and more British citizens—especially high earners, entrepreneurs, and families—are making the move.

This blog explores in detail why the United Arab Emirates is becoming the top relocation choice for UK citizens, outlining everything from taxes and business benefits to lifestyle, safety, real estate, and residency options.

In recent years, a growing number of UK nationals have started calling the UAE home, not just for work or investment purposes, but to relocate with their families fully.

Why?

Because the UAE offers:

• Far better tax conditions
• Greater personal and financial freedom
• A modern and secure lifestyle
• World-class education and healthcare
• High real estate returns
• A pro-business, English-speaking environment

Let’s break it all down.

While the UK continues to tighten its tax grip on high earners and entrepreneurs, the UAE has positioned itself as a modern, open, and tax-friendly haven for professionals, investors, and digital nomads. The difference in tax burdens is so significant that it’s transforming not just financial outcomes—but entire lifestyles.

For many British families, this is no longer just about finding better business opportunities. It’s about securing more freedom, more savings, and a better quality of life.

Real Impact Example:
A UK resident earning £150,000 could pay ~£42,000 in tax.
A UAE resident earning the same pays £0 in income tax.

The UAE has signed over 100+ double-taxation agreements, including with the United Kingdom. This means British entrepreneurs and investors operating internationally can avoid being taxed twice on the same income—a crucial advantage for global businesses and mobile professionals.

With these benefits, the UAE offers more than just tax savings. It provides a strategic foundation for global growth, a stable legal framework, and an opportunity to protect and grow your wealth across borders.

UAE’s business-friendly environment allows companies to keep more of their profits and grow faster.

• Corporate tax in the UAE is a flat 9% on profits over AED 375,000 (around £80,000).
• In the UK, companies pay 25% on profits over £250,000 (with a sliding scale in between).

Additionally, the UAE offers:

• 40+ Free Zones with 100% foreign ownership, extended tax holidays, and no customs duties.
• No dividend tax, no payroll tax
• Fast-track licensing and compliance procedures

Result: Businesses in the UAE operate leaner, scale faster, and maximize reinvestment potential.

Imagine waking up to 300+ days of sunshine a year. Your kids attend international schools with British, IB or American curricula. You work from a villa with sea views or a penthouse in Dubai Marina. On weekends, you explore desert landscapes, luxury malls, and world-class dining.

Here is what British families enjoy in the UAE:

• Modern infrastructure: 5G internet, clean public transport, luxury malls, modern highways
• Healthcare: world-class hospitals with Western standards
• Education: British, American, and IB international schools
• Lifestyle: golf courses, yacht clubs, cultural festivals, desert safaris, and more
• Safety: UAE ranks as one of the top 2 safest countries globally (Numbeo 2025)

Expats often say that the UAE offers “abundant activities for all ages” and a cleaner, more secure environment for raising children.

For British investors, buying property in the UK often comes with a heavy financial burden: high stamp duties, capital gains taxes, and income tax on rental revenue. Meanwhile, the UAE real estate market offers significantly better returns, full ownership rights for foreigners, and virtually no tax, making it one of the most attractive property markets globally.

Here’s how they compare side by side:

Example:
An investor earning £50,000 in UK rental income might lose up to £20,000 to taxes.
In the UAE, that income remains 100% tax-free, and yields are often double.

In 2023 alone, Dubai recorded over 116,000 real estate transactions, totalling AED 430 billion—a 33% surge in value year-over-year. This growth reflects global investor confidence and consistently high demand, especially in premium locations.

Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio or secure a second home abroad, UAE property investment offers a far more profitable and tax-efficient opportunity than the UK market today.

One of the most compelling advantages of buying property in the UAE is the ability to obtain a 5- or 10-year Golden Visa, provided your investment meets the minimum eligibility threshold. This allows you and your family to enjoy:

• Long-term UAE residency
• Full freedom to live, rent, or resell your property
• Access to local services, banking, healthcare, and more

Unlike short-term or renewal-based visas, the Golden Visa offers stability and peace of mind, ideal for investors planning a long-term presence in the Emirates.

When it comes to raising a family or protecting your wealth, security is non-negotiable.

• Violent crime rate: UAE = ~0.8 per 100k people, while UK = ~1.1 per 100k
• Street crime: nearly zero pickpocketing or drug-related incidents in major cities
• Community life: gated compounds, 24/7 CCTV, and ID-secured access
• Policing: Dubai has 1 police officer per 250 residents, with immediate response times

Unlike many UK cities experiencing rising crime, the UAE offers a stress-free environment, where kids play safely outdoors and expats feel secure even late at night.

The UAE was ranked #1 globally in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024–2025, surpassing the UK in:

• Business opportunities
• Regulatory environment
• Startup support
• Financial incentives

Here’s what makes the UAE unbeatable for business:

• Fast licensing and easy company registration
• English-language legal systems in financial free zones (DIFC, ADGM)
• World-class financial hubs attracting banks, asset managers, and VC firms
• Talent pool of 200+ nationalities for easy hiring
• Government grants and accelerator programs (e.g., Dubai Future Foundation)

Whether you’re in finance, logistics, e-commerce, or tech, UAE gives you the tools and support to scale fast.

At My Business Consulting DMCC, we make your transition seamless and successful. Our British clients trust us to:

• Set up their UAE company (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore)
• Secure Golden Visas and long-term residency for them and their families
• Open UAE corporate and personal bank accounts
• Navigate property investments with high returns and visa benefits
• Provide expert advice on tax planning, relocation, and family support

Book your free consultation today—and let us help you turn your UAE vision into reality.
Your future in the Emirates starts now.