Doing business in Dubai
Dubai attracts entrepreneurs with its environment and tax regime, but success depends on the right setup and real substance. We guide you through company formation and the tax implications towards Slovakia — in cooperation with local advisers and without promises of a specific tax outcome.
JUDr. Ondrej SteinigerPartner · Attorneyondrej.steiniger@steinigers.com
JUDr. Viktória KertészováAttorneyviktoria.kerteszova@steinigers.comCompany formation in the UAE
In the Emirates, choosing the right form and zone for what and whom you sell is decisive. We help choose and set up so the structure makes sense.
Mainland or free zone
We advise on the choice between a mainland company and a company in one of the free zones by activity, target market and licence. Formation and licensing themselves follow local rules in cooperation with vetted advisers in the UAE.
Structure and ownership
We set up the ownership structure and its link to the Slovak or international group. The corporate side is handled alongside Corporate law and commerce.
Tax, substance and DTT
A favourable Dubai regime applies only with real substance and the right relationship to your home residence. We assess the risks soberly, not through promises.
Local tax and real substance
We take account of the local corporate tax in the UAE and the requirements for real economic presence (substance). An empty shell without activity and management in the UAE is a risk, not an advantage.
Relationship to Slovak residence
We assess how the structure plays out against Slovak tax residence under § 2 of Act No. 595/2003 Coll., the double tax treaty and CFC rules. Changing residence is covered under Worldwide tax residence. We do not guarantee a specific tax outcome.
Operations and contracts
After formation comes day-to-day operation — accounts, contracts, people. We make sure it is compliant at home and in the UAE.
Banking and contracts
We help prepare for account opening, commercial contracts and relationships with customers and suppliers, coordinated with local advisers.
Compliance and reporting
We set up ongoing compliance and reporting obligations towards both Slovakia and the UAE so the structure stays sustainable.
We follow legislation for you.

The branch of a foreign company and the Hungarian fióktelep: standing, liability, registration and taxation
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Filip Glasa · CEO, FinStat
Dozens of cases in which our clients protected their brands thanks to the prompt and professional help of the Steiniger team."
Michal Pastier · GoBigname
We found someone with whom we handle things comprehensively and reliably — from commercial and copyright law to taxes."
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