Corporate & Commercial
UAE companies and restructurings for relocated businesses, subject to compliance screening.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Russia
Supporting clients from Russia with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for entrepreneurs, technology teams and families from Russia who have relocated to the UAE or hold assets here. Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Clients from Russia typically ask us about setting up or restructuring UAE companies, relocating IT businesses and staff, opening and maintaining banking relationships, property and compliance. Every matter connected with Russia is screened for sanctions and compliance before we agree to act. We can arrange translation of Russian documents where needed.
Russia and the UAE
Since 2022, many Russian-speaking entrepreneurs, IT companies and families have moved to the UAE, making it one of the most visible international communities in Dubai. Relocating a business raises practical questions about which UAE entity holds contracts and intellectual property, how staff are employed, and how bank accounts are opened and maintained. Banks in the UAE apply enhanced due diligence to clients with Russian connections, and international sanctions regimes may affect particular parties, sectors and transactions. Documenting the source of funds and ownership clearly from the start is essential.
A note on cross-border compliance
Matters connected with Russia may involve international sanctions, export-control or banking-compliance requirements. We review these before agreeing any engagement and may be unable to assist with some matters.
Matters connected with Russia may involve international sanctions, export-control or banking-compliance requirements. We review these before agreeing any engagement and may be unable to assist with some matters.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Russia
All practice areasRegulatory & Compliance
Anti-money laundering, know-your-customer and sanctions-related compliance documentation.
Regulatory & Compliance lawyers in the UAETechnology & Data
IP ownership, contractor and platform agreements for relocated IT businesses.
Technology & Data lawyers in the UAEReal Estate & Construction
Property purchases and leases, with source-of-funds documentation.
Real Estate & Construction lawyers in the UAETypical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Russia
Relocating an IT company to a Dubai free zone
A software team moves from Moscow to Dubai. We advise on the free zone entity, transferring or licensing the code and brand, employment of relocated staff and customer contracts, and on the documentation banks will ask for.
A bank asks for more information
A UAE bank requests additional information about a Russian-owned company’s ownership and funds. We help organise corporate and source-of-funds documents so the request can be answered fully and accurately.
A property purchase with funds from abroad
A family plans to buy an apartment in Dubai. We review the purchase agreement and the documentation that developers, banks and authorities may require for funds transferred from abroad.
These examples describe the kinds of questions clients raise. They are not case studies, and every matter depends on its own facts.
Working together
Working with Rahman & Company from Russia
- 01
Initial discussion
Tell us who you are, who else is involved and what you want to achieve. A short call or video meeting is usually enough to understand the matter and agree whether we can help.
- 02
Identifying the UAE legal issues
We identify which questions are governed by UAE law, which emirate, free zone or court is relevant, and where advice under the law of Russia may also be needed.
- 03
Document review and strategy
Once the scope and fees are agreed, we review the contracts, licences, title documents or correspondence and set out the options and the likely next steps.
- 04
Remote consultation where appropriate
Most discussions can take place by video call and email. Where a UAE step requires a signature, registration or attendance, we explain whether a power of attorney can be used and how it should be prepared.
- 05
Ongoing support and coordination
We keep you informed in writing, deal with UAE counterparties and authorities on your behalf where instructed, and coordinate with your advisers in Russia.
Moscow is one hour behind the UAE. Clients may be able to engage the firm remotely where this is legally and practically appropriate. Every engagement is subject to conflict, identity and compliance checks, and no particular outcome can be promised.
Where to find us
Our UAE offices
All officesHead office
Dubai
115, Al Moosa Building 5Al Ghubaiba
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in Russia unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
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View profileProfiles describe each lawyer’s background as published on this website. Languages are listed as stated in their profiles.
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do sanctions affect whether you can act for me?
They can. Before agreeing any engagement we carry out checks on the parties and the transaction, and some matters may fall outside what we can accept.
Can you work in Russian?
We work in English and Arabic and can arrange translation of Russian documents where needed.
Why do UAE banks ask for so much documentation?
UAE banks apply anti-money laundering and enhanced due diligence rules, which require clear evidence of ownership, business activity and source of funds.
Can you advise on Russian law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Russian law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in that jurisdiction may be necessary.
Do I need to travel to the UAE to obtain legal advice?
Not usually. Most advice can be given by video call and email. Some UAE steps, such as certain registrations or court appearances, may require a properly prepared power of attorney or attendance, and we explain this at the outset. Moscow is one hour behind the UAE.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Russia or connected with it and need advice concerning a business, investment, property, dispute or other legal matter in the UAE, our team can help you understand the relevant legal considerations and next steps. Please do not send confidential documents until an engagement has been agreed.