In recent years, more and more Romanian entrepreneurs are considering the possibility of moving their company to Dubai, attracted by economic stability, low taxation and freedom to operate internationally. The UAE has become one of the safest and most efficient jurisdictions for company relocation, providing an advantageous tax and legal framework compared to Europe.
This article explains in detail what the Dubai business relocation process entails, how the redomiciliation of a company is carried out, what are the legal steps and what benefits entrepreneurs who choose to transfer their business to the Emirates get.
For a complete picture of the local tax system, you can also read guide on corporate tax in dubai, where we explain in detail the 0% and 9% thresholds applicable to relocated companies.
What does it mean to move a business to Dubai
“Dubai company relocation” or “redomiciliation” means the legal transfer of a company from a country (e.g. Romania, Cyprus or the United Kingdom) to the United Arab Emirates without the dissolution of the entity. Basically, the firm changes its tax jurisdiction, but retains the same legal identity, assets, shareholders and contracts.
The main advantage is that the company continues to operate under the tax regime in Dubai, where most companies receive 0% tax on profits and dividends, while maintaining the international recognition of the firm.
Moving company Dubai - Why more and more companies choose this service
There are three main reasons why European entrepreneurs opt for business relocation to Dubai.
The first reasonIt is fiscal stability. The Emirates offers a corporate tax rate of only 9% applicable above the threshold of AED 375,000 (about 90,000 euros). However, most firms remain in the 0% zone, which ensures predictable financial planning.
Second reasonIt is the international reputation. Dubai registered firms are globally recognized, which facilitates access to partnerships, international bank accounts and contracts with companies around the world.
Third reasonis access to tax residency. With the company's move to Dubai, the owner can obtain the residence visa and the tax residency certificate in the UAE, thus avoiding double taxation in Romania.
The difference between redomiciling and opening a new business
Moving a business to Dubai is different from setting up a new company. In the case of redomiciliation, the legal entity retains its accounting history, registration code and existing business relationships. The Dubai firm relocation process is ideal for companies that already have activity, contracts or ongoing assets.
By contrast, opening a new firm involves registering from scratch, obtaining a new commercial license and creating a new financial history. The redomiciliation provides continuity and allows the firm to operate without interruption, immediately benefiting from tax advantages in the UAE.
Stages of the process of resettlement in Dubai
The process of moving the Dubai firm is carried out in several clear stages, which can be completed in 3—5 weeks, depending on the complexity of the dossier.
1. Analysis of the existing company — checking the legal status, shareholding structure and tax obligations.
2. Obtaining a Good Standing Certificate — a document issued by the authorities of the home country confirming that the company is active and debt-free.
3. Preparation of resettlement documents — translation and legalization of documents at the UAE embassy or international notary.
4. Registration in the Free Zone — choosing a suitable area, such as IFZA, DMCC, Meydan or RAKEZ, and submitting the official transfer request.
5. Deleting the company from the original register — after approval of the move, the company is deleted from the country of origin.
6. Issuance of the new business license in the Emirates — the company receives the UAE license and can operate immediately under local law.
Moving Company Dubai — Tax Benefits
After completing the process of redomiciling the firm, the company falls under the tax regime of the United Arab Emirates.
The main advantages are as follows:
• 0% corporate tax up to AED 375,000 annually;
• 9% corporate tax only above this threshold;
• 0% tax on dividends and capital gains;
• 0% VAT on international exports and services;
• Total absence of taxes on personal income of shareholders.
In addition, companies registered in the Emirates can use the double taxation avoidance treaties signed by the UAE with more than 100 countries, including Romania.
Practical examples of moving company Dubai
A good example is that of an IT company from Romania, which relocates its activity in IFZA Free Zone. The company continues to bill customers from the European Union, but becomes a tax resident in the Emirates and benefits from 0% corporate tax.
Another case is an e-commerce company relocated from Cyprus to Dubai CommerCity. It continues international sales without being subject to local taxation, benefiting from 0% VAT on exports.
Also, more and more entrepreneurs are consolidating their international businesses through a holding company registered in Meydan Free Zone, where they can manage several companies under the same favorable tax framework.
What needs to be checked before relocation
Before initiating the process of moving the Dubai firm, it is essential to look at some key aspects.
It must be verified whether the business of the firm is eligible for a free zone, whether existing bank accounts can be kept and what are the accounting and audit requirements of the new jurisdiction.
It is also recommended to obtain a tax residence certificate in order to avoid double taxation and to prove the actual change of tax place. A local consultant can help you choose the right free zone — IFZAfor services, DMCCfor trade, RAKEZ for production or Meydan for mixed activities.
Why Dubai is the best destination for redomiciliation
Moving a company to Dubai is, for many European entrepreneurs, a strategic decision. Compared to other popular jurisdictions, such as Cyprus or Malta, the Emirates offers a stable economic framework, modern infrastructure, access to global markets and low taxation.
The tax regime of 0 — 9%, the lack of personal income tax and international treaties to avoid double taxation make Dubai one of the most advantageous destinations for relocation. In addition, the process of obtaining a residence visa for shareholders is quick and simple, consolidating the status of a tax resident.
The Dubai business relocation process represents a real opportunity for entrepreneurs who want financial stability, tax freedom and international recognition. Remodission provides legal and tax continuity, eliminates double taxation, and ensures asset protection in a safe and respected jurisdiction.
If you want to find out step by step how to move the company to Dubai and what is the right tax structure for your business, contact the Business Arena Dubai team.
We provide complete consultancy for international firm relocation and business relocation in UAE, so that you benefit from the tax, legal and residency benefits of Dubai in 2025.
