Want to live in the UAE? Here’s how to make it happen.

The UAE has quickly become one of the world’s most desirable places to live — offering a unique mix of safety, stability, and tax-free living. Whether you’re looking for a better lifestyle, global business access, or a secure environment for your family, the UAE checks all the boxes.

But how do you actually make the move?

One of the easiest ways is to start your own business in the UAE and use it to apply for a residency visa — even if you’re a freelancer or remote worker.

Why thousands are relocating to the UAE:

  • ✅ Consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world
  • ✅ 0% income tax on personal earnings
  • ✅ Residency visa through business ownership
  • ✅ Sponsor your spouse and children
  • ✅ No office needed — work from anywhere
  • ✅ Access to top-tier healthcare, education, and infrastructure

Whether you’re from North or South America, Europe, Asia, or Africa, starting a business in the UAE gives you a clear path to live legally, earn freely, and feel secure in a forward-thinking global hub.

We make it easy.

At The Start Edge, we handle everything for you — from selecting your business activity to completing visa formalities and helping you open a UAE bank account. No red tape. No stress.

Live safely. Earn freely. Thrive globally.
Message The Start Edge today to begin your UAE journey.

Why setting up a freezone business in the UAE makes perfect sense.

The UAE has long been a hotspot for entrepreneurs, and one of the reasons is its attractive freezone model. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding your international operations, setting up in a UAE freezone offers major perks. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key benefits:

• Full ownership
Freezones allow foreign investors to have 100% ownership of their businesses—no need for a local sponsor or partner.

• Tax advantages
Enjoy zero personal income tax and corporate tax exemptions (up to a certain threshold), depending on your business type and location.

• Fast and easy setup
Freezones offer streamlined registration processes, sometimes completing business setup in just a few days. Many also provide one-stop-shop services for visas, licensing, and office space.

• Strategic location
With access to world-class ports, airports, and logistics infrastructure, your business can easily reach markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

• Business-friendly regulations
Freezones typically have their own governing bodies, which means flexible labour laws, simplified import/export rules, and fewer bureaucratic delays.

• Access to talent and networks
Freezones are often designed around specific industries (like media, tech, or manufacturing), allowing businesses to benefit from a like-minded community, shared resources, and networking opportunities.

Whether you’re scaling up or just getting started, a UAE freezone can provide the freedom, flexibility, and support you need to grow your business on your own terms.

Investor Visa vs Employee Visa

If you want to live or move to the UAE and you are making use of a business license to establish residency, then as a stakeholder/owner you will require an investor-type visa. The good news is that you don’t need to buy property or have a ‘large’ bank account to qualify. If you own a business in the UAE, you are an investor…

If you employ people within your business, that is when the employee visa will apply. Keep in mind that an employee visa also grants residency. Take a look at the table below which clearly lays out some key differences.

FeatureInvestor VisaEmployee Visa
Visa TypeOwner/Partner of the Free Zone CompanyEmployed by a Free Zone Company
EligibilityMust be listed as shareholder or managerMust be employed by the company
Cost (Visa Fee Only)
*as at May 2025 and is subject to changes		AED 2,200 (2-year validity)AED 3,700 (2-year validity)
Medical + Emirates ID✅ Same for both✅ Same for both
Sponsorship Rights✅ Can sponsor family✅ Can sponsor family
Business Ownership✅ Required❌ Not required
Control Over Visa✅ Full control (self-managed)
❌ Controlled by the employer (the company)
* No Job = No Residency
Job Flexibility✅ Can work independently under own license❌ Bound to one employer/company
Banking & Residency Benefits✅ Preferred for opening business & personal bank accountsMay face more scrutiny, have to prove monthly salary
Renewal Process✅ EASY & Straightforward as long as the company is active and renewed✅ Same, but dependent on employment terms
Flexibility to Add Partners✅ Yes❌ Not applicable

✅ Summary of Key Differences

Cost:

  • Investor Visa is cheaper AED 2,200 vs. AED 3,700 (*Prices as at May 2025, and subject to change without notice – This is a direct government cost)
  • Both require the same government admin fees (E-Channel, Medical, ID) For more details, please complete our Contact US form

Control:

  • Investor Visa gives full control over your own visa, business, and renewal
  • Employee Visa ties you to your employer — you can’t freelance or change jobs freely.
  • Investor Visa is easier to apply for, and open bank accounts, wheras employee visa’s are subject to more scrutiny.

Best For:

Employee Visa: Best for staff members working in a company you own or manage

Investor Visa: Ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and anyone who wants to run their own business. Your Spouse can also be a stakeholder in the company and also qualifies for an investor visa.

Why more entrepreneurs from the Americas are choosing UAE Free Zone licenses

From São Paulo to San Diego, entrepreneurs across the Americas are increasingly looking beyond their borders for better opportunities. Rising taxes, economic uncertainty, and regulatory hurdles have pushed many to explore safer, more flexible options for business and lifestyle. One destination stands out: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — and more specifically, its Free Zones.

What is a Free Zone license?

A Free Zone license allows you to legally establish and operate a company in the UAE, with full foreign ownership and access to residency visas. Free Zone, are one of the most affordable and streamlined options — ideal for freelancers, consultants, tech startups, and remote workers.

Why it works for entrepreneurs in the Americas

  • 100% foreign ownership: No need for a local sponsor — your business is yours.
  • 0% income tax: The UAE offers total personal income tax exemption.
  • No office needed: Set up remotely and operate virtually from anywhere.
  • Easy UAE residency: Gain access to a 2-year residency visa and sponsor your family.
  • Affordable setup: Packages start from just AED 5,750 (approx. $1,500 USD).

A smart move for global growth

Whether you’re based in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, or the U.S., a UAE Free Zone license offers you a legal structure, tax efficiency, and international credibility — without the complexity of traditional offshore setups.

At The Start Edge, we help entrepreneurs from across the Americas launch UAE businesses quickly and confidently. From license applications to visa approvals and bank setup, we handle the entire process — so you can focus on growth.

At The Start Edge, we make it simple:
Fast company setup, visa support, and expert advice to help you start a new chapter.

Move smarter. Keep more. Live better.
Contact us today to learn more about your options.

Leaving high taxes behind: Why more UK residents are choosing to live and work in the UAE

The United Kingdom has long been admired for its strong economy, excellent education, and rich culture. But for many entrepreneurs, professionals, and remote workers, one growing concern overshadows these advantages: high taxes.

Income tax rates of up to 45%, national insurance contributions, and ongoing changes to tax thresholds have led many UK residents to look for better opportunities abroad. Increasingly, they are finding a compelling alternative in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — a destination that offers both a dynamic lifestyle and major financial advantages.

The UK tax burden: A rising concern

In the UK, individuals earning over £50,270 face a 40% income tax rate, and those earning over £125,140 pay 45%.
In addition to income tax, workers also contribute to national insurance, council taxes, VAT (currently at 20%), and various surcharges.

For business owners, the corporate tax rate rose to 25% for larger companies as of April 2023, making it harder to preserve profits. With inflation and living costs also on the rise, many feel squeezed from all sides.

The UAE advantage: Tax-friendly living

In contrast, the UAE offers a remarkably attractive financial environment:

  • 0% personal income tax: You keep 100% of your salary or business profits.
  • No capital gains tax: Investments can grow without government deductions.
  • No inheritance tax: Wealth can be passed on without heavy taxation.
  • No council tax: Housing costs are simpler and often lower than in the UK.
  • Competitive corporate tax: Only large businesses (earning over AED 375,000) are subject to a 9% corporate tax, still much lower than in the UK.

In short: you keep more of what you earn.

Living and working in the UAE: More than just taxes

While tax savings are a big draw, the UAE offers a lot more than financial benefits:

  • High quality of life: World-class healthcare, education, shopping, and leisure.
  • Safety and stability: The UAE is consistently ranked among the safest countries globally.
  • Global business hub: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are key centers connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • Residency through business setup: You can easily obtain a UAE residency visa by setting up a company — even if you are a freelancer or remote worker.

Setting up is easier than you think

Through free zones like Sharjah Media City (Shams), setting up your own business is simple, affordable, and fast.
Packages are affordable and we pride ourselves on transparency, full disclosure and no hidden costs and you can apply for a UAE residency visa alongside your license.

You don’t need a physical office, and you can choose from a wide range of business activities. You can even sponsor your spouse and children, securing their residency too.

Take the next step

If you’re feeling burdened by high taxes in the UK and are looking for a fresh start, the UAE offers an exciting path forward: financial freedom, world-class lifestyle, and global opportunity.

At The Start Edge, we help UK professionals and entrepreneurs make the move quickly and easily with Free Zone licenses and visa support.

Keep more of what you earn. Live better. Work smarter.
Contact us today to find out how.

High taxes in Germany? Why more professionals are moving to the UAE

Germany is known for its strong economy, excellent infrastructure, and high standard of living. However, it also has one of the highest personal and business tax burdens in Europe — a reality that is pushing many entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals to explore new opportunities abroad.

More and more, their choice is clear: the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The German tax burden: A heavy load

If you live and work in Germany, you know how significant the tax burden can be:

  • Income tax rates reach up to 45% for high earners.
  • A solidarity surcharge (5.5% of income tax) still applies to many.
  • Trade tax and church tax (up to 9%) add even more layers.
  • Social contributions (for pensions, healthcare, unemployment) take up to 20% of your salary.
  • Corporate tax rates sit around 30% when including trade tax.

While Germany offers excellent public services, the combination of high taxes and rising living costs leaves many professionals feeling financially restricted.

The UAE: A low-tax, high-opportunity destination

In comparison, the UAE offers major advantages:

  • 0% income tax: No tax on salaries or freelance income.
  • No solidarity surcharge: Keep 100% of your earnings.
  • No trade tax: Simplified business environment.
  • No social security contributions: No mandatory deductions from your salary.
  • Low corporate tax: Only companies earning over AED 375,000 pay 9% corporate tax.

Simply put, in the UAE, you control your income — and your financial future.

More than just tax savings: Why live in the UAE?

The UAE is not just a tax haven — it’s a vibrant, dynamic country offering:

  • A high standard of living: Modern healthcare, international schools, and luxury lifestyle options.
  • Safety: Among the top-ranked safest countries globally.
  • Business opportunities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are major hubs for tech, finance, and innovation.
  • International community: Residents from over 200 nationalities.
  • Residency visa options: Set up your own company and secure a long-term UAE residency visa.

Easy Free Zone business setup with The Start Edge

Through The Start Edge, setting up a company is affordable, fast, and requires no physical office.

  • Company formation packages are affordable and we pride ourselves on NO HIDDEN Costs .
  • Apply for your UAE residency visa alongside your license.
  • Sponsor your family easily.
  • Manage your business remotely or in person — full flexibility.

Ready to live, work, and thrive in the UAE?

If you’re feeling the pressure of high taxes and limited flexibility in Germany, it might be time to rethink your future. The UAE offers freedom, opportunity, and security — all in a thriving international environment.

At The Start Edge, we make it simple:
Fast company setup, visa support, and expert advice to help you start a new chapter.

Move smarter. Keep more. Live better.
Contact us today to learn more about your options.

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