In a significant shift toward global financial alignment, the European Commission has officially removed both Gibraltar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from its list of high‑risk third‑country jurisdictions regarding anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) controls. This update brings the EU closer in sync with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which had already...

For years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been recognised for providing a tax-free environment that attracts businesses and entrepreneurs from around the world. That changed with the introduction of a federal corporate tax, and many are now wondering, does the UAE still offer the same advantages? The answer depends on how your business is structured, where it operates, and what type of activity it...

Euronews explores which countries in Europe are relatively easier to set up a new business in, given the current economic environment. The escalating trade tensions between the EU and the US, as well as the EU and China have led to rising business, economic and financial volatility in the last several months.  Sticky-high inflation and relatively high interest rates have also contributed to the...

Saudi Arabia’s bustling economy, valued at $1.7 trillion in 2022, offers aspiring entrepreneurs and investors a multitude of opportunities for starting a new business or expanding an existing venture. Through careful research and planning, you can establish a business in Saudi Arabia and tap into the vast potential this huge market offers. For those keen to leverage the kingdom’s vibrant...

If you've been considering expansion in the Middle East, Qatar may have given you the best reason to act now. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), one of the country's leading platforms for foreign business registration, has just slashed its application fee by 90%.   This move is not just about cost-saving. It signals Qatar's growing ambition to compete regionally and globally as a business-friendly...

Starting in February 2025, a landmark change to Saudi Arabia's investment framework will take effect. The updated Investment Law allows companies to cover two distinct business activities under one registration. This tweak may seem minor, but in practice, it provides significant flexibility and efficiency for investors. Let's delve into what this means, why it matters, and how to maximise its...

Dubai remains one of the world’s most attractive hubs for entrepreneurs and investors. With 100% foreign ownership, strong infrastructure, and favourable tax benefits, it’s no surprise that thousands of new businesses are launched here every year.  Whether you’re a first-time founder or an established business looking to expand into the UAE, our guide breaks down everything you need to know,...

Doha – Qatar: Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre in the region, has implemented a substantial reduction in the application fee for licensing an entity on its platform, dropping it from USD 5,000 to USD 500. The new fee structure applies to all applicants seeking a license to conduct non-regulated activities in the QFC, except for the activities of Single...

Expanding into Europe? It may be time to look beyond the usual options. From Ireland to the Netherlands, you already know the usual countries that are business friendly. But smart founders are turning to emerging markets that mix growth momentum with unique competitive advantages. Estonia Estonia leads for a reason. Its e-residency scheme lets non-residents set up and run companies entirely online....

From 2 January 2025, several key amendments to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) company law have come into force. Companies already established in the region should be aware of these changes, as some have practical implications for their operations. Here are the main updates and their impacts on BVI companies.Setting up a BVI International Business Company (IBC) is a popular choice for global...