Corporate Structuring
The legal and operational structure of a corporate group is a critical determinant of its efficiency, resilience, and growth potential. A well-designed organisation enhances tax efficiency, separates risk across business units, streamlines decision-making, and strengthen its appeal to potential investors or acquirers. Conversely, a poorly designed structure can lead to tax inefficiencies, compliance issues, and operational friction that hinders progress. Zetland Fiduciary Group designs and implements practical corporate structures for operating companies, holding groups, and investment vehicles. Our advisory process is thorough, addressing the key drivers of your business. We assess the interaction of tax, regulatory, and commercial considerations to develop structures that are not only theoretically sound but also feasible to manage on a daily basis. We place strong emphasis on corporate substance requirements, ensuring each structure is resilient and compliant.
Our clients include entrepreneurs, family offices, and international groups seeking clear, well-documented justification for the placement of legal entities, ownership of intellectual property, and intercompany financing and service arrangements. We prepare all required documentation, board materials, and statutory registers to meet rigorous due diligence and audit standards. We also offer ongoing administrative support to ensure smooth post-implementation operations. Our goal is to establish a coherent, compliant, and commercially sound structure that supports long-term growth.

Corporate Structuring in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's unique position as a gateway to Mainland China and its simple, territorial tax system make it a highly strategic location for regional holding companies and trading operations. Our corporate structuring service in Hong Kong is designed to help international businesses leverage these advantages effectively. We specialise in designing holding company structures that can serve as a tax-efficient platform for consolidating profits from Asian subsidiaries and for the central management of regional intellectual property. A key focus of our advisory work is on establishing genuine economic substance in Hong Kong. In an era of increased international tax scrutiny, it is essential that holding companies have a demonstrable physical presence and conduct real management and control functions in the jurisdiction. We provide practical guidance on how to achieve this, including advising on the appointment of qualified local directors, the establishment of a physical office, and the implementation of a clear governance framework with regular, well-documented board meetings. We also provide expert advice on the implementation of compliant intercompany agreements, such as service agreements, loan agreements, and trademark licences, ensuring they are supported by appropriate transfer pricing documentation to withstand the scrutiny of tax authorities. Our service is end-to-end; once the optimal structure has been designed, our team manages the full implementation, including the incorporation of all necessary Hong Kong entities, support with bank account opening, and the provision of ongoing company secretarial and accounting services to ensure the structure remains in good standing.
Corporate Structuring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE’s corporate landscape has evolved significantly, with 2025 marking a new era of transparency, tax accountability and international alignment. At Zetland Fiduciary Group, we help clients navigate this shift with tailored corporate structuring solutions across mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions.
Mainland companies now allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, offering unrestricted access to the UAE market and government contracts. Free zones remain attractive for international operations, with 0% corporate tax still available to Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs), provided they meet strict substance, income and reporting criteria.
The introduction of a 9% federal corporate tax and a 15% Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT) for large multinationals has redefined structuring priorities. Businesses must now consider economic substance, transfer pricing and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) compliance as core elements of their governance strategy.
Zetland advises on optimal structuring to balance tax efficiency, operational flexibility and regulatory compliance. Whether forming a new entity or restructuring an existing one, we ensure your UAE presence is robust, compliant and future-ready.