Dubai company formation and UAE legal advisory for Hungarian businesses that want to get it right from the start
I provide legal and business advisory services to Hungarian and other European companies, as well as private individuals, looking to establish a business or invest in real estate in the UAE, particularly in the following areas:
- comprehensive legal and business advisory related to real estate acquisitions
- visa and residency structures
- bank account opening advisory
- company formation in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
- business partner search and local relationship coordination
- legal advisory related to commercial agreements
Company formation, investment and business operations in the United Arab Emirates, with the full picture in mind, guided by a Hungarian lawyer with 16 years of experience and ties to the UAE.
An increasing number of Hungarian businesses and investors are looking towards Dubai. Understandably so: the United Arab Emirates offers a rapidly developing international business environment, favourable tax conditions and excellent infrastructure. However, company formation, visas, bank accounts and property purchases in the UAE involve legal and practical considerations that are rarely discussed in promotional materials.
As a lawyer and UAE business adviser, I help you understand these issues before making a decision. I hold a UAE real estate broker licence and have been connected to the UAE for 16 years, including six years living in Dubai. This allows me to assess your decisions from legal, commercial and local perspectives. I also work with a UAE law firm and trusted local professionals, so you can handle matters that are decided in Dubai from Budapest, in Hungarian.
Does this sound familiar?
A company formation package promises a fixed price and a two-week turnaround. The licence is issued and the visa application is underway, but then the bank sends a letter requesting additional documents or rejecting the account opening application. The company exists on paper, but cannot operate in practice. Only then does it become clear that the chosen free zone or business activity does not match what you actually do.
Most of these situations can be avoided if someone reviews the complete picture with you before you commit.
How I can help you in the UAE
Dubai company formation and restructuring
Who is this for? Hungarian businesses planning to establish a company in the UAE, as well as those that already have a company but find that their current structure is not working as intended.
What we cover: Free zone or mainland, which emirate and free zone to choose, which trade licence and permitted business activities match your actual operations, and how an existing company can be restructured.
What do we focus on: Ensuring that the company has a viable path to opening a bank account, assessing ongoing and renewal costs, considering Hungarian tax implications, and establishing a structure that remains practical and effective over the coming years.
Corporate bank account opening
Opening a bank account is often the most critical step in establishing a company in the UAE. Banks conduct thorough due diligence and may request a business plan, a list of business partners and evidence of the source of funds. I help you prepare for this process and structure the company from the outset to give the bank account application the best possible chance of success.
Visa and residency structures
When is this relevant: If you are establishing a company, purchasing property or planning to spend an extended period in the UAE, potentially with your family.
What may it involve? Company ownership, employment or property investment. Each route has different eligibility requirements and legal consequences.
What do we focus on: Eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the fact that a residence permit does not, by itself, change your tax residency.
Business partners and commercial agreements
I help you identify suitable local business partners and prepare commercial agreements that clearly define your rights and obligations. Potential commercial disputes are best considered at the contract drafting stage, before problems arise.
Buying property in Dubai
If you are considering investing in real estate alongside or instead of company formation, we review the contract, developer and payment plan before you sign.
Inheritance and wills
If you already own shares in a UAE company or hold property in the Emirates, it is worth arranging what should happen to those assets if you pass away.
Who is this advisory service for?
- Hungarian entrepreneurs who want to establish a company in Dubai.
- Hungarian companies looking for business opportunities or partners in the UAE.
- Entrepreneurs who already have a UAE company but are experiencing problems with its operations, bank account or tax arrangements.
- Private individuals planning to purchase property in the UAE or transfer part of their assets to the Emirates.
- Anyone facing an unusual legal or business question relating to the UAE and looking for advice tailored to their circumstances rather than a generic answer.
About me
In 2010, I moved to Dubai with my two young children, and we lived there for six years. During that time, I headed the Dubai office of the Hungarian National Trading House. I later joined The Dubai Connect as a partner, helping Hungarian businesses enter the UAE market. Today, I continue this work as a lawyer and UAE business adviser, with the professional responsibility of a Hungarian attorney.
How we work together
1. 1. Get in touch
Contact me by phone, email or through the form at the bottom of the page. I typically respond within 5–10 hours.
2. Consultation
We discuss your situation, objectives and possible solutions.
3. Engagement agreement
If you decide to proceed, I prepare the engagement agreement, which you can sign in person or remotely using online identification.
4. Case summary
I document the facts of your case, the relevant information and the key steps involved. This becomes part of the engagement agreement, ensuring that we both have a clear understanding of the scope of work.
5. Analysis and recommendations
I review the documents and applicable regulations, identify your options, assess the risks and alternatives, and establish a recommended course of action.
6. Implementation
If required, I continue to support you through company formation, bank account opening and subsequent steps, working alongside my UAE-based partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to establish a company in Dubai?
Company registration itself can be quick, but the overall timeline often depends on opening a corporate bank account. Bank due diligence can take several weeks and, in some cases, months. It is therefore advisable to plan on the basis that the company will become fully operational once the bank account is open.
Should I establish a free zone or mainland company?
This depends on your business activities, the location of your customers and your plans. There is no universal answer. During the consultation, we assess which structure is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
If I establish a company in Dubai, will my Hungarian tax obligations cease?
Not automatically. Company formation, residence permits and tax residency are three separate matters. Your individual circumstances should be assessed when designing the structure.
Do I need to travel to the UAE?
Most of the process can be handled remotely from Budapest. Whether personal attendance is required for a particular step, such as obtaining a visa or opening a bank account, depends on the specific structure. We discuss these requirements in advance.
How much does the advisory service cost?
The consultation fee is HUF 55,000 + VAT. Company formation and any further work are quoted individually once the scope of the assignment is clear. The agreed fee is recorded in the engagement agreement in advance.
This service is right for you if...
- You want a structure that fits your actual business activities and remains viable over the coming years.
- You want to understand your commitments before investing your time and money.
- You value receiving advice in Hungarian from a lawyer who is professionally accountable under Hungarian law.
- You would rather consult an independent professional before making a decision than spend time and money correcting a poor decision later.
This service is not right for you if...
- You are looking exclusively for the cheapest option, regardless of whether it will work in practice.
- You have already made your decision and are only looking for legal confirmation, without being open to alternative perspectives.
Before you commit your time and money
During the initial consultation, I do not promise a ready-made solution for every situation. Instead, we examine the options available to you, identify the risks involved and determine which questions need to be answered before you commit your time and money. This allows you to take your next step with a clear understanding of what you are getting into.
English