How to relocate an Australian business to Dubai?

Thriving business landscape of Australia is long nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. But when it comes to global expansion, the UAE stands out as a natural course of action. So, investors can transfer an Australian business to Dubai to tap into the potential there.

The UAE offers Australian entrepreneurs an ideal gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With its strategic location, Dubai is popular globally for its world-class infrastructure and investor-friendly regulations. Therefore, relocating an Australian business to Dubai opens broad access to diverse markets across the MENA region and universally.

Also, Dubai offers matchless opportunities for tax efficiency and international connectivity. In recent years, Dubai is emerging as a global hub for trade, technology, and finance. This makes Dubai a preferable business destination for companies seeking sustainable growth.

Dubai’s flexible setup options, 100% foreign ownership rights, and seamless visa policies make the transition smoother for foreign entities. In case, you’re looking to expand your operations or completely shift your business base overseas. Then, moving an Australian business to Dubai promises scalability, stability, and strategic advantage in a globally competitive market.

Key takeaways of Australian corporate relocation to Dubai

These are the notable insights of the Australian business relocation to Dubai, UAE.

• The signed Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is projected to boost Australian exports by around $678 million each year.
• Official sources note over 300 Australian companies are UAE-based (many use Dubai as their regional base).
• By the end of June 2025 Dubai Chamber reported ~1,594 Australian member companies after 250 new Australian companies joined in H1 2025. (Useful to gauge Australian commercial presence in Dubai specifically.) 
• In 2025, Abu Dhabi’s ADQ finalized the acquisition of a 49% stake in Australia’s infrastructure firm Plenary, valued at about A$1 billion.
• Under CEPA, Australian goods exports to the UAE are estimated to increase by AU$678 million annually once fully implemented.
• The CEPA will remove tariffs on more than 99% of Australian exports to the UAE once fully implemented.
• In 2024, total two-way trade between Australia and the UAE reached US$8.14 billion (A$12.3 billion), with non-oil trade exceeding US$4.2 billion and rising by 33.4% year-on-year to US$3.03 billion in the first half of 2025.

Process to register an Australian business in Dubai

This is the step-by-step procedure to register license for a relocating Australian business in Dubai.

• Choose business location
• Secure business license
• Obtain visa and Emirates ID
• Understand tax residency implications
• Comply with Australian legal requirements
• Manage asset and team transition
• Set up business banking account

Now, we briefly look upon these steps of the license registration while moving an Australian business to Dubai, UAE.

Choose business location

Start your Australian business relocation to Dubai by deciding whether to establish your company in the mainland or one of Dubai’s free zones. Each option offers unique advantages, mainland setups provide access to the UAE market, while free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits. Select a business license that aligns perfectly with your company’s planned activities to ensure smooth registration.

Secure business license

Once, you’ve selected your setup type, apply for your trade license through Dubai’s online business registration portals. The process is efficient, most entrepreneurs receive approval in under a week. This license is your company’s legal foundation, officially allowing you to operate and conduct business in Dubai.

Obtain visa and Emirates ID

After your trade license is issued, complete the next vital step, getting your UAE residence visa. Undergo a standard medical test and apply for your Emirates ID to legally live and work in the UAE. These documents are essential for banking, leasing, and daily operations when you move an Australian company to Dubai.

Understand tax residency implications

When you transfer an Australian firm to Dubai, it’s crucial to review your tax residency status. Relocating may shift your classification to a non-resident for Australian tax purposes, reducing or eliminating your Australian tax obligations. Seek professional advice to optimize your cross-border tax planning.

Comply with Australian legal requirements

During your Australian corporate relocation to Dubai, review your original company’s structure to ensure full compliance with Australian corporate law. Certain entities require a resident director or registered office in Australia. Maintaining compliance will protect your home-country assets and reputation while operating abroad.

Manage asset and team transition

Plan carefully when transferring assets, intellectual property (IP), and staff from your Australian office to Dubai. Ensure employment contracts, IP rights, and financial assets are transitioned legally and efficiently. This seamless transfer minimizes operational disruptions and keeps your business performance consistent across both regions.

Set up business banking account

To manage your finances effectively, open a corporate bank account with a reputable UAE bank. A local account will make it easier to handle transactions, pay suppliers, and receive client payments securely. This step also builds your financial credibility and helps integrate your firm into Dubai’s business ecosystem.

Best business sectors for Australian investors in Dubai

These are some leading business verticals for Australian entrepreneurs in Dubai.

• Building and furnishing services: If you’re planning to start your business in Dubai, the building materials and furniture sector is a great place to begin. Companies like Lorient Middle East Building Materials Trading LLC and Global Furniture Solutions (Dubai) LLC have already proven how strong this market can be. With Dubai’s rapid urban growth, there’s always demand for quality construction supplies and modern furniture designs, making it an ideal field for new entrepreneurs.
• Corporate services sector: Dubai’s service industry offers vast opportunities for professionals looking to establish their presence. Whether it’s energy, transportation, media, or healthcare, Australian-led companies have shown that expertise and innovation can thrive here. By offering specialized consultancy or technical services, you can tap into Dubai’s ever-expanding market that values professionalism and global standards.
• Food and dining operations: Dubai’s café and restaurant scene includes several places with strong Australian roots in concept, food style or ownership. For those passionate about hospitality, Dubai’s food and beverage sector is full of potential. The success of Australian-inspired cafés like Tom & Serg proves that creative dining experiences can win big in this multicultural city. From trendy coffee shops to unique restaurant concepts, starting an F&B business here allows you to blend Australian creativity with Dubai’s diverse dining culture.
• Renewable energy and sustainability: For Australian entrepreneurs, Dubai’s renewable energy sector offers powerful opportunities for growth and impact. With the UAE aiming to produce 50% of its energy from clean sources by 2050, demand for solar, wind, and energy-efficient solutions is rapidly increasing. Australians experienced in sustainable technology can easily align with Dubai’s Green Economy Vision, contributing to eco-friendly innovation and long-term environmental progress.

KWS ME assists in Australian business relocation to Dubai

Relocating an Australian business to Dubai becomes a seamless experience with KWS Middle East by your side. Whether, you are moving to a free zone or setting up on the mainland. Our experts handle every detail, from company registration and legal documentation to visa processing and office setup.

As one of the UAE’s leading business setup consultants, KWS ME makes the transition simple, strategic, and fully compliant with UAE laws. With years of experience helping international companies enter the UAE market, we understand the unique needs of Australian businesses. Our advisors guide you through choosing the right business structure.

They help you in securing trade licenses, and meeting all regulatory requirements to ensure a smooth relocation journey. Whether, you’re a startup or an established company, KWS Middle East is your trusted partner for a compliant relocation to Dubai. We make your move simple, cost-efficient, and strategically aligned with your business goals.

To learn more about how we can support your business relocation, get in touch with our expert team. For connecting with KWS Middle East, call us at +97180059763, email us at info@kwsme.com, or WhatsApp us at +971509664705 now. We are right here to guide you every step of the entrepreneurial way.

Conclusion

Relocating an Australian business to Dubai is more than just an expansion, it’s a strategic move toward global growth. Dubai offers a unique blend of stability, innovation, and global accessibility that allows businesses to thrive in a competitive international market. Its streamlined processes, investor protection laws, and diverse economy create a strong foundation for sustainable success.

From free zone advantages to full foreign ownership on the mainland, Dubai empowers entrepreneurs to move with freedom and flexibility. The city’s forward-thinking business ecosystem not only supports operational efficiency but also encourages innovation and scalability, making it a preferred destination for Australian businesses looking to grow beyond borders.

FAQs about Australian corporate relocation to Dubai

These are the answers to the questions regarding the Australian business relocation to Dubai, UAE.