What Is the UK Register of Overseas Entities?
1 November 2026
If a company incorporated outside the United Kingdom owns UK property, it may need to register with Companies House under the Register of Overseas Entities, known as the ROE. Registration requires information about the entity and the people who ultimately own or control it. The obligation continues after registration: every registered entity must file an annual update statement, even when nothing has changed. For international property owners, especially those using several companies or a trust, understanding the ownership structure is often the most important first step.[...]
Hong Kong Company Incorporation For UK Businesses
31 October 2026
Hong Kong company incorporation gives UK businesses a practical way to establish a presence in Asia without relocating their owners or directors. British entrepreneurs can register a company remotely, retain full ownership and use it for international trading, investment or regional operations. The registration itself is relatively straightforward. The bigger considerations are banking, taxation and the ongoing responsibilities of running a Hong Kong company, particularly when its owners remain based in the UK.[...]
BVI Business Company vs UAE Free Zone Company
30 October 2026
Choosing between a BVI Business Company vs UAE Free Zone Company is one of the most common decisions international entrepreneurs face. Both offer full foreign ownership and a business friendly framework, yet they serve very different purposes. The British Virgin Islands remains a trusted home for holding and investment vehicles, while UAE free zones give you a real operating base with offices, residence visas and access to a fast growing regional market. This guide compares the two side by side so you can match the structure to how your business actually works.[...]
BVI Economic Substance For UAE Holding Structures
29 October 2026
Many international groups combine a BVI holding company with operating companies in the UAE. The structure is popular because it keeps ownership flexible while the business runs from a recognised onshore base. Yet BVI economic substance for UAE holding structures is often misunderstood. Some owners assume a holding company needs no substance at all, while others overbuild costly local presence they do not need. This guide explains which BVI rules apply, how the pure equity holding test works, when UAE tax residence changes the picture, and what you must report each year.[...]
Which Documents Do You Need To Maintain For A BVI Company?
27 October 2026
A UAE bank, free zone authority or business partner may ask for documents relating to your BVI company. The request could concern its incorporation, directors, shareholders, beneficial owners or current standing. Some of this information is filed with the BVI Registrar, but filing does not automatically make it public. The document you need, and the form in which it must be supplied, depend on who is asking and why. This guide explains the main BVI information requirements and how SFM can help you respond to document requests from the UAE.[...]
Why UAE Businesses Use BVI Companies
26 October 2026
BVI company incorporation remains a popular structuring choice for UAE businesses that trade internationally, hold assets across borders or plan to bring in foreign investors. This guide explains how a BVI company fits alongside a UAE operation, how corporate tax affects the structure and what is involved in setting one up.[...]
