Tell us about yourself and your background
My name is Michele Ammirati, and I am the Managing Partner of WellTax, an international Accounting and Tax Advisory firm based in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. I’ve spent over a decade working with large corporations, SMEs, private clients, and family offices on cross-border tax planning, structuring, and business setup. My background is in international tax and compliance, with a strong focus on helping clients navigate complex tax and regulatory environments in multiple jurisdictions. I’ve always believed that the best advisory work comes from blending technical expertise with practical, real-world business understanding.
What does WellTax do?
WellTax is a boutique consultancy firm specializing in international tax advisory, business structuring, and accounting services. Our core mission is to support entrepreneurs, investors, and companies as they expand internationally, particularly between Europe and the Middle East. We offer a full suite of services, from company incorporation and accounting to strategic tax planning and residency advisory. Whether a client is relocating to the UAE or setting up a holding company to optimize their global operations, our team acts as a single point of contact across jurisdictions.
How are you unique in the market?
What sets us apart is the ability to combine deep regulatory knowledge with a personal, high-touch approach. We’re not a mass-market service provider/tax and accounting firm.
Our clients value the fact that they work directly with senior professionals, often multilingual, who understand their goals and can advise them holistically. Because of our presence in both the UK and UAE, we often support international clients with dual jurisdiction needs, bridging cultural, operational, and tax gaps.
We also serve a wide range of clients, including chambers of commerce, HNWIs, startups, SMEs and large corporations.
What services do you provide?
- Cross-border tax planning and international compliance.
- Accounting and VAT services.
- Payroll and treasury solutions.
- Transfer pricing and Connected Person’s Remuneration Analyses,
- Ongoing advisory and outsourced CFO services.
- Business setup in the UAE and UK (Freezone, Mainland, Holding structures).
- Support to private clients and family offices.
- Personal tax and relocation planning.
- Strategic structuring for digital entrepreneurs and freelancers.
What is your most popular service right now?
At the moment, our most in-demand services include international and cross-border tax advisory services, UAE business setup, relocation support, and the subsequent accounting and compliance assistance.
Since Corporate Tax has been recently introduced, we are also supporting many clients with the preparation and filing of their first Corporate Tax Return (we have written an interesting article on this topic: Tax Return in UAE: Key Requirements, Deadlines, and Best Practices.
Given the current surge in relocations to the UAE (particularly Dubai) driven by both the region’s appeal and growing concerns in Europe and the UK, we’ve seen a sharp increase in demand from European companies, digital nomads, and private clients. They are seeking not only better regulatory and tax environments but also a more stable lifestyle framework. Our role is to ensure their structure is compliant, future-proof, and strategically optimized from day one.
What are your core values?
- Trust: We operate as long-term partners, not transactional providers.
- Precision: In tax matters, accuracy is non-negotiable.
- Confidentiality: Our clients trust us with sensitive matters; we uphold the highest standards of privacy.
- Adaptability: Every client is different. We tailor solutions, not templates.
- Excellence: We strive to offer not only compliant, but strategic and forward-looking advice.
What has been your biggest success as a company?
One of our biggest successes at WellTax has been building a strong, trusted reputation across both the UAE and the UK for delivering clear, practical tax and business advisory services. We’ve guided countless clients through complex international structures, compliance challenges, and growth opportunities – but what truly sets us apart is the work culture we’ve created.
We’re proud of the collaborative and supportive environment within our team, where everyone is encouraged to grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This positive atmosphere reflects in the way we work with clients: approachable, precise, and genuinely invested in their success.
What is the biggest frustration facing business owners looking to relocate to the UAE, and how does WellTax help?
The biggest frustration clients face is finding the right balance when choosing a consultant. Dubai offers both some of the most expensive and the cheapest solutions you can imagine. Many clients are unfamiliar with the local landscape and often end up choosing the cheapest option, or the firm with the biggest advertising budget – simply because it appears more trustworthy.
A significant number of our clients come to us after having had a bad experience with another firm. Often, they underestimate the risks involved in this region. For example, many are unaware of tax registration requirements or unsure whether they need to register for VAT.
With the introduction of VAT and Corporate Tax, accounting and compliance have become serious matters, where even a small mistake can lead to major consequences. As we always say: you know how much a good consultant will cost you, but you never know how much a cheap one will.
What should business owners consider before starting the business setup process in the UAE?
Before launching a company in the UAE, clients should consider:
- Their personal residency and tax status.
- The effective substance of the business in the UAE.
- Whether they need a Freezone or Mainland setup (business to be conducted in or out of the UAE?).
- Any cross-border tax reporting obligations (e.g., CRS, OECD rules).
- Local banking requirements.
- Whether they need employees or visas.
- Long-term scalability and exit strategy.
We always advise starting with a 360-degree assessment, not just buying a license.
How can business owners ensure their relocation to the UAE is a success?
Success starts with preparation. Entrepreneurs should:
- Have a clear idea of their business model.
- Prepare a comprehensive business plan.
- Understand visa and residency implications.
- Ensure banking and compliance are in place early.
- Choose advisors who can assist post-setup (not just at the start).
- Consider family and schooling aspects, not just business.
We act as a “personal CFO” and strategic partner, making sure nothing is overlooked, from license to lifestyle.
What are the top 5 mistakes UAE Companies are currently making?
- Ignoring Corporate Tax: Many businesses still believe they are exempt—until they receive fines. Companies must assess their liability and file correctly.
- Improper Structuring: Choosing the wrong license (or Freezone) without thinking long-term can be costly and restrictive.
- Non-compliance with VAT: Delayed filings or incorrect registration are common and result in penalties.
- Over-relying on offshore entities: Without substance or strategy, offshore structures now bring more risk than benefits.
- Neglecting proper accounting: Treating accounting as an afterthought leads to chaos when audits or tax filings are due.
At WellTax, we educate our clients to think strategically, not just operationally.
What is next for WellTax?
We aim to strengthen our impact in the field of international tax advisory and accounting services. This is where we see a clear gap in the market and a valuable opportunity to grow—and where we believe our expertise can make the most difference. While corporate services (CSP) remain at the core of what we do, the evolving tax landscape in the UAE and the increasing international interest in the region are pushing us to expand.
Our team of FTA registered Tax Agents is rapidly increasing, broadening our advisory offering to meet the needs of individuals and businesses looking to establish themselves in the UAE.
How can we find out more about WellTax?
Visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn. We also regularly participate in events with business chambers and professional events across the UAE and the UK. For direct inquiries, they can email us at info@well-tax.com.
