Australia to UAE, – Setup Hero

For Australians planning a serious move to Dubai, the process is really two projects running at once: exiting the Australian tax system correctly and entering the UAE system properly. Most people only plan for one side — usually the exciting part, the Dubai company. The Australian side is where costly mistakes happen.

What you need to know first

Australian Tax Residency Leaving Australia doesn't automatically end your tax residency — it depends on your specific facts and circumstances.

Exit Tax & CGT Becoming a non-resident can trigger capital gains tax consequences on assets you hold, so timing matters.

Dubai Company & Residency A UAE company, residence visa, and Emirates ID form the foundation of your Dubai entry — the structure should suit your business.

One Coordinated Strategy The Australian exit and the Dubai entry should be sequenced together, not handled by two disconnected advisers.

Featured Masterclass

How Australians Can Get Dubai Tax Residency: Legally Escape 47% Income Tax

Why plan Australia and Dubai together?

Dubai company formation is only half the story. Your Australian tax residency, companies, trusts, property, investments, and future income can all materially affect how the move should be structured — and in what order.

Too many Australians establish the UAE company, obtain the visa, and open the bank account first — then ask whether their Australian tax position actually changed. Getting the sequence right, before major decisions are implemented, is what protects the move.

Meet your cross-border team

Most advisers only understand one side of your move. Bradley handles the jurisdiction you're leaving; Shiraz handles the jurisdiction you're entering — working as one coordinated team rather than two disconnected advisers.

Australia Exit

Bradley Murphy — Australian Tax Lawyer

Registered Tax Agent · Former Deloitte Director · KPMG · Qantas

Australian tax residency analysis
Potential exit tax and CGT considerations
Australian companies and trusts
Property, shares and investment considerations
Ongoing Australian compliance obligations

Dubai Entry

Shiraz Waheed — Founder, SetupHero

ACMA · CGMA · MCSI · Former Deloitte Middle East

Dubai / UAE company structuring
Residence visa and Emirates ID
Corporate and personal banking support
UAE Corporate Tax framework
Practical relocation execution

Tax Residency

Australia Tax Residency Test Explained

Australia exit vs. Dubai entry: what's covered

Focus Area	Australia Side (Bradley)	Dubai Side (Shiraz)
Residency status	Determines whether you remain an Australian tax resident	Establishes UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
Tax exposure	Exit tax and CGT considerations on departure	UAE Corporate Tax framework and registration
Structures	Australian companies and trusts left behind	UAE company structuring, ownership and activity
Assets	Property, shares and investment considerations	Corporate and personal banking setup
Ongoing obligations	Continuing Australian compliance requirements	Practical relocation execution and renewals

The mistake to avoid: don't start with the Dubai company

Too many Australians establish the UAE company, obtain the visa, and open the bank account first — then ask whether their Australian tax position actually changed. The order matters.

The question to ask first: "Am I actually a non-resident of Australia for tax purposes?" This should be considered before major structures and transactions are implemented — not afterwards.

Don't get Australian exit advice from a Dubai formation agent Australia-specific tax and legal analysis belongs with the appropriately qualified Australian adviser.

Don't get Dubai structuring advice from someone who's never operated there UAE establishment, residency and banking should be designed by people who understand the local system.

Exit Planning

The Australian Exit Tax: Moving From Australia to Dubai Step by Step

The Australia → Dubai blueprint: five phases, one coordinated move

Designed to get the sequence right before the major decisions are made.

Understand Australia

Residency, entities, trusts, property, investments, family and income sources.

Design the Exit

Identify the Australian tax and structuring issues that should be addressed before departure.

Design Dubai

Choose the UAE company, ownership, activity, residency and operating structure.

Execute the Move

Company formation, immigration, Emirates ID, banking and practical establishment.

Stay Compliant

Understand the ongoing obligations that remain in Australia and arise in the UAE.

Client Story

Why This Australian Entrepreneur Moved His Business to Dubai

Who this is for

Built for Australians making a serious international move.

Business Owners Australian founders considering relocating themselves or part of their operations.

Online Entrepreneurs Consultants, agency owners, creators, SaaS founders and globally mobile businesses.

High-Income Professionals Professionals whose careers or income allow them to relocate internationally.

Investors Australians with shares, property, companies or other investments to consider.

Families Families planning a genuine long-term move who want both jurisdictions considered together.

Frequently asked questions

When do I stop being an Australian tax resident?

There's no single date — it depends on your specific facts, including where your home, family, and assets are located. This is exactly why an Australian tax residency analysis should happen before you make the move, not after.

Will I owe Australian exit tax or CGT before I leave?

Potentially, depending on the assets you hold and how they're structured. Exit tax and capital gains tax considerations should be reviewed with a qualified Australian tax adviser before major structures or transactions are implemented.

Can I keep my Australian company or trust after moving to Dubai?

Often yes, but ongoing Australian compliance obligations usually continue. How the entity is managed after you leave can also affect its tax residency, so this needs to be planned alongside the UAE structure.

What UAE company structure suits Australian expats?

It depends on your business activity, customers, and residency goals. A Free Zone company suits most international consulting and online businesses, while a Mainland company suits direct UAE trading — this should be designed around your specific operating model.

Do I need to visit Dubai in person to complete my move?

Most UAE company incorporation can be done remotely, but you will need to travel to Dubai to complete your medical test and biometrics for your Emirates ID and residence visa.

Does moving to Dubai automatically end my Australian tax obligations?

No. Setting up a UAE company and obtaining a visa does not, by itself, change your Australian tax residency. This is the most common mistake — the Australian tax position needs to be assessed on its own, before those steps are taken.

Bradley Murphy

Australian Tax Lawyer and Registered Tax Agent with a background as a former Deloitte Director, and prior roles at KPMG and Qantas. Bradley helps Australians understand their tax residency position, exit tax and CGT exposure, and ongoing compliance obligations before they relocate internationally.

Shiraz Waheed, MCSI, ACMA, CGMA

Founder & CEO of SetupHero, Shiraz is an experienced finance and business advisory professional with a strong background in corporate structuring, accounting, and international business setup. He helps entrepreneurs and companies establish and grow their businesses across 25+ countries, providing practical guidance on company formation, compliance, banking, and ongoing corporate services.

Planning the move in the next 3–12 months?

Build your Australia → Dubai plan before you make irreversible decisions

Map where you are today, what needs to happen in Australia, how your Dubai structure should look, and the order in which each step should happen.

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Australia to Dubai: The Complete Cross-Border Exit & Entry Guide