What documents does a British national need to start a accounting & bookkeeping business in the UAE?

You will need a valid United Kingdom passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United Kingdom, attested documents via Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and a business plan for your accounting & bookkeeping venture.

How long does it take for a British citizen to set up a accounting & bookkeeping company in DMC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Accounting & Bookkeeping licence in DMC?

The typical processing time for a accounting & bookkeeping licence at DMC is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Ministry of Economy approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my DMC Accounting & Bookkeeping licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from DMC, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What are the tax implications for an Accounting & Bookkeeping business in Dubai Media City?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in DMC may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Can I get a residence visa with my Accounting & Bookkeeping licence from DMC?

Yes, your accounting & bookkeeping licence from DMC entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 5 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 5,000.

What business activities can I include on my DMC licence?

Your DMC licence can include accounting & bookkeeping as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Accounting & Bookkeeping in Dubai Media City for British nationals

Free ZoneProfessionalRegulated Activity

Accounting & Bookkeeping in DMC

Starting From

AED 15,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

5 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Accounting & Bookkeeping

As a British national looking to establish an Accounting & Bookkeeping business in Dubai Media City, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. United Kingdom has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of British professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Accounting & Bookkeeping business will benefit from middle east media hub and home to international media houses. The DMC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 15,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your accounting & bookkeeping setup in DMC. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why DMC for Accounting & Bookkeeping?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Media City continues to attract accounting & bookkeeping entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers middle east media hub, which is particularly valuable for accounting & bookkeeping operations. Additionally, home to international media houses ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 12,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 5 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Full media production ecosystem further enhances the appeal of DMC for accounting & bookkeeping professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your accounting & bookkeeping business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DMC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For British nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large British business community.

Middle East media hub

Home to international media houses

Full media production ecosystem

100% foreign ownership

Creative industry networking

Visa Requirements for British Nationals

British nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your accounting & bookkeeping licence is issued by DMC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for British Business Owners

British nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. UK-regulated banking history is viewed favourably by UAE banks. For your accounting & bookkeeping business in DMC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving British business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United Kingdom-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for British Nationals

British nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for accounting & bookkeeping), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DMC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid United Kingdom passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Ministry of Economy

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Detailed business plan or activity description

8Signed application form from DMC authority

Regulatory Note: Accounting & Bookkeeping is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Ministry of Economy is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	15,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,000
Flexi Desk	12,000
Shared Office	20,000
Private Office	45,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 32,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your accounting & bookkeeping business plan and the best DMC licence options for British nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United Kingdom through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the accounting & bookkeeping licence application to DMC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DMC trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. British nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. British nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your accounting & bookkeeping business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DMC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including British nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Accounting & Bookkeeping in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750