Move from Spain to Dubai

Why ambitious Spaniards are choosing Dubai now

Spanish entrepreneurs, freelancers, and executives are increasingly eyeing Dubai to protect earnings, scale companies, and enjoy a global lifestyle without the heavy tax drag. In the last year alone, new Spanish registrations in Dubai rose from 404 to 722, reflecting a sharp shift toward tax efficiency and opportunity. Dubai’s reputation as a stable, international hub continues to strengthen, with world-class infrastructure, easy global access, and a business ecosystem designed for growth.

The opportunity, explained simply

Dubai offers what many professionals in Spain are seeking: a clear path to wealth preservation, straightforward company formation, and access to capital. There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax. This policy framework, paired with efficient licensing and fast visa processes, helps founders move quickly. The United Arab Emirates is projected to lead global millionaire inflows, attracting around 9,800 in 2025, and Dubai’s high-net-worth population has more than doubled in a decade. The Dubai International Financial Centre now hosts around 120 family offices managing about 1.2 trillion dollars, showing deepening financial sophistication.

Real estate is another magnet. Dubai led worldwide in ultra-prime sales in 2024 with more than 435 properties over 10 million dollars, and early 2025 volumes climbed a further 26 percent, drawing significant European capital. Population momentum adds confidence too. Dubai’s 3.7 million residents at the end of 2023 are on track to reach roughly 4 million by 2026, with foreigners making up about 80 percent of the United Arab Emirates. This scale supports services, schools, and a thriving business network.

Still, it is crucial to plan with eyes open. Rising demand has pushed up housing costs and intensified competition for top roles. Salaries can feel tight against premium locations, and the pace is fast. With the right structure, however, the benefits often outweigh the pressures.

Dubai rewards clarity, speed, and compliance. Get those right, and growth follows.

Tax efficiency, strong capital flows, and a global talent pool make Dubai a strategic upgrade for many Spanish professionals.

How ARK moves you with confidence

ARK is a Dubai-based partner dedicated to relocating both your business and your life smoothly. We guide you from licence selection and company structure to visas, banking, and compliant operations. Our team translates local requirements into clear steps, handles filings and timelines, and keeps you on track post-setup with renewals and reporting. Whether you are a solo consultant exploring flexible free zone options or a family business planning a DIFC presence, we focus on speed, accuracy, and long-term stability so you can start fast and scale safely.

Your action plan

1. Define your goals: lifestyle, timeline, business activity, and budget.
2. Choose a structure: free zone, mainland, or DIFC based on clients and control.
3. Select the right licence and trade name with availability checks.
4. Prepare documents: passports, corporate papers, and proof of address.
5. Apply for establishment card, Emirates ID, and residency visas.
6. Open a bank account and set up payment gateways.
7. Arrange housing, schooling, and health insurance early.
8. Launch operations, register for corporate tax if applicable, and diarise renewals.

Practical insights before you land

Expect an energetic, opportunity-rich environment with a serious work ethic. The market moves quickly, so having contracts, payment terms, and onboarding workflows ready from day one helps. Housing is competitive in prime areas; viewing early, considering annual upfront rent, and being flexible on neighborhoods can secure better value. Schools, clinics, and public services are high quality and diverse, with many options for Spanish and other European families. Weekends run Saturday to Sunday, business hours are efficient, and English is widely used. With smart planning, most newcomers settle in within a few weeks and start benefiting from Dubai’s scale, connectivity, and tax clarity.