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The UK Founder’s Guide to Visa + SRT Exit
Relocating from the UK to Dubai isn’t just about booking flights — it’s about timing, compliance, and control.
Done right, you can achieve a clean UK exit and secure 0% UAE tax. Done wrong, you could face high UK exposure and HMRC scrutiny.
Step-by-Step Founder’s Timeline
1. Pre-Move Audit
Plan your Statutory Residence Test (SRT) and review UK control.
2. UAE Visa Secured
Investor or Golden Visa issued.
3. Control Shifted to UAE
Bank accounts, contracts, and IP migrated.
4. SRT Compliance Achieved
Days & operations align with your UAE base.
5. 0% Tax Confirmed
Exit complete, compliance locked in.
Do You Really Need a UAE Visa?
Short answer: Yes — but the visa alone isn’t enough. Without it, HMRC will likely still treat you as UK-based for tax purposes.
Key Risks Without a Visa:
- High UK tax exposure
- SRT failure
- HMRC audit risk
Visa Alone Doesn’t Equal Exit:
If you haven’t shifted operational & legal control, HMRC may still treat the UK as your “home base.”
Pass SRT + Shift Control = 0% UAE Tax
Why Timing Matters
Your tax exit clock starts the month your UAE visa is issued.
Delay it, and you risk inquiries or losing a clean exit year.
Popular Visa Options for Founders
| Visa Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Year Investor Visa | Solo founders, lean ops | Linked to Freezone or mainland license |
| Golden Visa (10-Year) | HNWIs, families, property investors | Independent of company; ideal for long-term control |
| Remote Worker Visa | Rarely relevant | Doesn’t solve ownership/control issues |
Most Dubai Shift clients at £500K–£5M+ go for:
- Golden Visa → If permanence & family relocation matter.
- Investor Visa → If speed & business setup are priorities.
Your Next Step
Book your Pre-Move Audit to lock in your timeline, secure your visa, and pass SRT without costly mistakes.
Explore More – Do I Need a UAE Visa to Run My UK Ltd from Dubai?
This article is part of the Dubai Shift series on tax-free business migration for UK founders and entrepreneurs, covering UAE visa planning, Statutory Residence Test (SRT) compliance, and long-term 0% tax strategies. Explore more at: https://dubaishift.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Without a UAE visa, HMRC may still consider the UK your tax “home base,” which can result in high UK tax exposure and failed SRT compliance.
No. You must also shift operational and legal control of your business to the UAE and meet Statutory Residence Test (SRT) requirements.
Ideally, before your SRT shift. The month you receive your visa is when your tax exit clock starts, making timing critical.
Applying after your SRT shift can expose you to UK tax inquiries and complicate your exit.
Most founders choose between the 2-Year Investor Visa (fast and linked to a Freezone or mainland license) and the Golden Visa (10 years, ideal for HNWIs, families, and long-term control).
Tag:
Statutory Residence Test (SRT) compliance UK to Dubai business relocation UAE Golden Visa for entrepreneurs 2-Year Investor Visa UAE UAE tax exit strategy HMRC residency rules tax-free business migration Dubai business setup for UK Ltd owners UAE visa timing for tax exit The UK Founder’s Guide to Visa + SRT Exit Dubai Shift
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