Tax Advisor Berlin for Dubai & Offshore: Your RMS Tax Mentor

Thinking about Dubai business? Planning offshore investments? Then you know the challenge.

Most tax advisors in Berlin just stare at you in disbelief. International? Dubai? That’s complicated!

This is exactly the problem.

As your tax mentor in Berlin, I see entrepreneurs every day running from one consultation to the next in frustration. You’re not looking for any tax advisor in Berlin. You need someone who understands the world of international tax law.

Someone who knows Dubai first-hand, not just by hearsay.

I’m Richard Meyer-Stern – RMS for short – and Berlin has been my base for international tax consulting for years. From here, I support business owners who think globally but have their roots in Berlin.

Why is Berlin the perfect headquarters for international tax planning? I’ll explain.

Why Berlin is the perfect hub for international tax consulting

Berlin is not just the capital of Germany. It’s your gateway to the world.

Three decisive factors come together here:

• International connections: Over 170 embassies and consulates are based here
• Financial center Germany: Direct access to German authorities and institutions
• EU hub: The ideal launch point for European tax structures

But that’s not all.

Berlin has evolved into Germany’s startup capital in recent years. Countless new internationally-oriented businesses are launched here every year.

The bottom line: There’s deep expertise in cross-border business.

The Berlin bonus: International mindset

What sets Berlin apart from Munich or Hamburg? The mindset.

Berlin’s entrepreneurs automatically think internationally. The city was divided for decades—now it connects East and West, Europe and the world.

This openness is reflected in the quality of consulting here.

Where a traditional tax advisor in Düsseldorf may get jittery about Dubai structures, I see the opportunities. I know the pitfalls. And, crucially: I know how to keep everything legally watertight.

Berlin’s location advantages for international tax planning

Moreover, international consulting firms often have their German headquarters in Berlin. PwC, KPMG, Deloitte—all with strong international teams.

This creates an ecosystem you can leverage for your advantage.

Doing business with Dubai from Berlin: Your tax opportunities

Now let’s get practical.

Dubai entices with a 9% corporate tax. Berlin, on the other hand, can hit you with up to 30% trade tax. The difference is tempting.

But caution!

Not everyone can simply pack up and move to Dubai. And not everyone should. As your Berlin tax mentor, I’ll lay out your realistic options.

Option 1: Dubai entity with Berlin-based management

This can work—under certain conditions.

Your Dubai LLC can remain tax-resident in Dubai even if you live in Berlin. Precondition: Your economic activity actually takes place in Dubai.

In practice, that means:

• At least 90 days of physical presence in Dubai per year
• Business decisions are made onsite
• Main clients and partners outside Germany
• Company bank account and accounting in Dubai

Sound doable? It is—but only if you get the structure right.

Option 2: Berlin holding company with Dubai subsidiary

Here’s where it gets really interesting.

You set up a German GmbH as a holding company in Berlin. It owns 100% of your Dubai entity. Business operations are run via Dubai.

The tax advantage: Dividends from Dubai to Berlin are 95% tax-free (“Schachtel privilege” under § 8b KStG).

Meaning: You only need to tax 5% of your Dubai profits in Germany.

Let’s run the numbers:

Instead of paying 30%, your effective rate is just 13.6%. That’s a massive difference.

Berlin reality check: What you need to know

Now for the part other tax advisors sweep under the rug.

The Berlin-Mitte tax office (responsible for most GmbHs) is well-versed in these structures. These officials are internationally experienced. They scrutinize everything.

This means everything has to be watertight:

1. Substance in Dubai: Real office, real staff, real business activity
2. Documentation: All business decisions must be formally documented in Dubai
3. Transfer pricing: Prices between Berlin and Dubai must be at arm’s length
4. Double taxation treaty: Germany–UAE agreement must be applied correctly

Sound complicated? It is. But it’s doable.

Success story from Berlin-Charlottenburg

One of my clients—let’s call him Thomas—runs a thriving e-learning business out of Charlottenburg.

Previously: Berlin GmbH, 30% tax on €800,000 annual profit = €240,000 tax bill.

Today: Berlin holding + Dubai operating entity, combined tax burden 13.6% = €108,800 tax.

Result: €131,200 saved—every year.

That finances a great life in Berlin—and regular business trips to Dubai.

Professional structuring of offshore investments in Berlin

Dubai is only one piece of the puzzle.

Offshore investments open up even more opportunities. As a tax advisor in Berlin with international expertise, I’ll structure complete investment vehicles for you.

Let’s not beat around the bush:

Offshore doesn’t mean “tax-free.” It means “tax-optimized.” And—entirely legal.

Popular offshore structures for Berlin entrepreneurs

Here are the top three requests I see on my Berlin desk:

Cyprus holdings for EU investments

Cyprus is an EU member—that simplifies a lot.

Your Cyprus holding can receive dividends from other EU countries tax-free (EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive). Distributions to Berlin are 95% tax-free.

This is particularly attractive for:

• Real estate investments in southern Europe
• Equity in European startups
• Licensing within the EU

Singapore structures for Asian business

Singapore is Asia’s top financial hub.

Tax advantages: 17% corporate income tax, but only on Singapore-sourced income. Offshore profits can remain tax-free.

Perfect for:

• E-commerce with Asian markets
• Software development for Asian clients
• Trading and financial services

BVI/Cayman structures for complex holdings

The classics for substantial assets.

British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Cayman Islands offer maximum flexibility in structuring your holdings.

Caution: These are complex structures—they only work with real economic substance.

The Berlin connection: Why local expertise is essential

This is where Berlin comes back into the picture.

The Berlin tax office scrutinizes offshore structures closely. Their experience with international corporations makes them shrewd.

This is why you need a Berlin-based tax advisor who understands both sides:

1. International tax optimization
2. The realities of German tax audits

I know both sides. That’s your advantage.

In practice: Real estate investment via Malta

Let me give you a real-life example.

My client Elena from Berlin-Kreuzberg wanted to invest in holiday property in Spain. Buying directly through her Berlin GmbH? Not tax efficient.

My solution:

• Malta holding (EU member, 35% corporate tax)
• 6/7 refund on distributions = effective 5% tax in Malta
• Distribution to Berlin 95% tax-free
• Spanish rental income channeled through the Malta company

Result: Instead of 30%, Elena pays an effective 7% tax on her property income.

With €150,000 annual profit, she saves €34,500 in tax—every year.

The top tax advisors for international matters in Berlin

Let’s be honest.

I’m not the only tax advisor in Berlin familiar with international structures. This city has several highly competent firms.

But the differences are considerable.

What you should look for when choosing

Not every Berlin tax advisor is suited for international mandates. Here’s my checklist:

Berlin tax firms at a glance (honest assessment)

I won’t badmouth colleagues; here’s my diplomatic view:

Large corporate law firms (Mitte/Charlottenburg)

Advantages:

• International resources
• Specialized teams
• Strong worldwide networks

Disadvantages:

• High hourly rates (€400–€800)
• Impersonal service
• Focus on large corporations

Mid-sized tax consultancies (various districts)

Advantages:

• Personalized attention
• Moderate rates (€200–€400/hr)
• Flexibility

Disadvantages:

• Often only basic knowledge of international matters
• Limited resources
• Mainly focused on German tax law

Specialized international boutiques

This is where I put myself.

Advantages:

• True international expertise
• Direct contact with the expert
• Practical solutions
• Entrepreneurial perspective

Disadvantages:

• Limited capacity
• Usually higher prices than mid-sized firms
• Not suitable for all topics

Where to find international tax experts in Berlin

Interesting fact: Most skilled international tax advisors are concentrated in certain Berlin neighborhoods:

• Charlottenburg: Traditional financial hub, many established firms
• Mitte: Close to ministries and authorities, often large firms
• Prenzlauer Berg: Many boutique consultancies with international focus
• Friedrichshain: Startup-oriented advisors, often with innovative approaches

My tip: Choose expertise, not postal code.

Berlin tax consulting vs. other German cities: a comparison

Why Berlin? Why not Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt?

A fair question. Here’s my honest answer.

Berlin vs. Munich: The difference is the mindset

Munich has excellent tax advisors, especially for traditional industries.

But: Munich is conservative. Bavaria first, Germany second, international… well.

Berlin thinks globally. You’ll notice it in how consultations go.

Example: For a Dubai structure, the Munich colleague first asks about the risks. I’ll start by asking about the opportunities.

Both have their merits, but for international tax optimization I prefer the Berlin way.

Berlin vs. Frankfurt: Financial powerhouse vs. startup hub

Frankfurt is Germany’s financial center. Loads of banks, and tax advisors with strong M&A backgrounds.

Perfect for IPOs and large transactions. Less ideal for creative tax planning.

Berlin has the edge in diversity. All sectors, all nationalities, all business models converge here.

This broadens everyone’s horizon—including mine.

Berlin vs. Hamburg: Tradition vs. innovation

Hamburg benefits from a long-standing international trade tradition. Many tax advisors are well-versed in import/export matters.

Berlin brings a digital perspective. E-commerce, SaaS, digital nomads—these are our daily topics.

For offshore structures and digital business models, Berlin has the advantage.

Cost comparison: Tax consulting in major German cities

Berlin offers the best value for money for international tax advice.

How to reach me in Berlin

Enough theory. Want to talk in person?

My Berlin office is conveniently located. Whether you’re coming from Charlottenburg, Kreuzberg, or Prenzlauer Berg—you can reach me with ease.

Location and accessibility

By public transport:

• S-Bahn: S5, S7, S75 to Friedrichstraße (5 min walk)
• U-Bahn: U6 to Friedrichstraße (3 min walk)
• Bus: 147, 245 to Georgenstraße/Am Kupfergraben

By car:

• A100 exit Prenzlauer Allee
• Parking garage at Friedrichstadtpalast (200m away)
• Parking spots on Friedrichstraße (limited)

Coming from other cities:

• ICE to Berlin Central Station (10 min via S-Bahn)
• BER Airport (45 min by Airport Express)
• A2/A10 direct to city center

Appointments: Flexible options for Berlin entrepreneurs

As a Berliner, you know—time is money.

That’s why I offer a range of consulting formats:

1. In-person meeting at the office (2–4 hours, in-depth analysis)
2. Video conference (for initial talks or follow-ups)
3. Walking meeting (yes, really—through Tiergarten Park)
4. Evening appointments (for busy entrepreneurs)

Most Berlin clients prefer the direct approach: an initial video call, followed by an in-person appointment for the details.

It works perfectly.

Frequently asked questions about international tax consulting in Berlin

How do I find the right tax advisor for Dubai business in Berlin?
Look for demonstrable experience with UAE structures. Ask for references and concrete case studies. A good Berlin tax advisor should handle at least 5–10 Dubai mandates actively.

What does international tax consulting in Berlin typically cost?
For Dubai structures, expect €250–€400 per hour. A full structure advisory typically runs €5,000–€15,000 depending on the complexity of your case.

As a Berlin-based entrepreneur, can I legally save taxes with Dubai?
Yes, but only with real economic substance in Dubai. You must spend at least 90 days a year there and be able to prove genuine business activity.

What documents do I need for an initial consultation about international tax planning in Berlin?
Bring your latest tax return, profit and loss statement (last 12 months), and a description of your business model. That’s enough for an initial assessment.

How long does it take to set up a Dubai structure from Berlin?
With optimal preparation: 3–6 months. Company formation in Dubai takes 2–4 weeks; the German holding structure another 4–8 weeks. The rest is documentation and setup.

Does the Berlin tax office scrutinize international structures more closely?
Berlin-Mitte and Berlin-Charlottenburg are well-versed in international structures. They examine details, but fairly. With proper documentation, you’ll have no issues.

Which alternatives to Dubai exist for Berlin entrepreneurs?
Cyprus (EU advantages), Malta (refund system), Singapore (Asia hub), or the Netherlands (holding privileges). The best solution always depends on your business model.

Can I convert my existing Berlin GmbH into an international structure?
Usually a holding structure is the smarter move: turn your GmbH into the holding, and set up a new operating company abroad. This avoids emigration taxes and is tax efficient.

How often do I personally need to be in Dubai for a Dubai structure?
At least 90 days per year to be considered tax resident. Better to aim for 120–150 days for clear-cut status. Days don’t have to be consecutive.

What happens if I’m audited on an international structure in Berlin?
The tax office mainly checks that there is real economic substance abroad. With proper documentation, genuine activities and an experienced Berlin tax advisor, you’re in good shape.

Is international tax planning worthwhile for smaller profits?
It usually makes sense from annual profits of about €200,000 upwards. Below that, costs often outweigh savings. But—it can still be worthwhile depending on your business model.

What role does Berlin play as an EU location for international structures?
Berlin offers optimal access to the EU single market. Many international structures use Germany as their EU base, optimizing their global tax burden from here.

Any other questions? As your tax mentor in Berlin, I’m available for a personal conversation.

One thing’s clear: International tax planning is complex. But with the right advice in Berlin, you can unlock completely new opportunities.

Yours, RMS