Moving to Dubai from Russia

Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for Russian entrepreneurs, IT specialists and families. Russia and the UAE have a tax treaty, and the UAE offers a stable base with no personal income tax. The essentials are a clear change of tax residence and a well-documented UAE setup that banks are comfortable with.

At a glance

• Tax treaty: Russia and the UAE have a double tax agreement.
• Russian tax residence: you are a Russian tax resident if you spend at least 183 days in Russia within 12 consecutive months.
• After you leave: as a non-resident, you are taxed in Russia only on Russian-source income, at the rates for non-residents.
• Controlled foreign companies: Russian tax residents who own foreign companies have reporting obligations and can be taxed on their profits. Once you are non-resident, these rules generally stop applying to you.
• UAE residence: a residence visa, Emirates ID and a UAE tax residency certificate support your new status.

Setting up in the UAE

Most clients choose a free zone company for consulting, IT and trading, or a mainland company if they will trade across the UAE. Visas for the founder and family usually follow the company licence. The Golden Visa can be an option for property investors and entrepreneurs who qualify.

Banking

UAE banks apply thorough due diligence to all new clients. Accounts open faster when you arrive with a complete file: proof of address, source of funds and wealth, a clear description of the business, contracts or invoices, and the company's substance in the UAE. We prepare this pack with you before approaching banks.

Compliance

Every client goes through full know-your-customer checks, and all our work is carried out in line with UAE law and the international sanctions rules that apply in the UAE.

Read this guide in Russian

How Imperial Group helps

• A review of your residence position before you move, so you know when your home-country tax exposure actually ends
• The right UAE structure for your business: free zone, mainland or a holding company, with real substance
• Company setup, visas, Emirates ID and bank account opening support
• UAE tax residency certificate, corporate tax and VAT registrations from day one
• Ongoing accounting, tax filings and a single point of contact for everything in the UAE

Sources

• UAE double tax agreement network overview
• Federal Tax Service of Russia

This page gives general information as at the date shown and is not advice for your specific situation. Rules in other countries are summarised for orientation; your home-country position should be confirmed before you act.