British Expertise.
UAE Experience.

Accountancy, tax and business advice for people and companies with interests in the UK, the UAE or both. One joined-up team, clear answers and experienced advisers who understand how both markets work.

Trusted by growing companies

  • Aramas International Lawyers
  • The Mortgage Boutique
  • MARSS
  • we are thrive
  • storyhaus
  • Ignite AI Solutions
  • Chelsea Jade Creative

Our services

From setting up in the UAE to managing established interests across both jurisdictions, we bring the accounting, tax and practical detail together.

Company setup

Set up your UAE company with the right structure from the start. We manage the incorporation process, explain the cost and keep the tax and ongoing obligations in view.

Accountancy and compliance

Accounts, bookkeeping and filings across the UK and UAE, completed properly and explained clearly, so you know what has been done and what comes next.

Tax and advisory

Practical advice that looks forward. We help you understand the options, implications and opportunities before you make decisions.

UK and UAE support

Moving out, moving back or running businesses in both places. Our support is comprehensive and considers the broader picture so important details are never missed.

Sterling & Hunter at a glance

  • UK + UAE

    Expertise across both markets

  • 3 founders

    Complementary accountancy and tax experience

  • On the ground

    With a presence in both jurisdictions

  • One combined team

    Across your wider position

Sterling & Hunter team

Built to bridge the gap between the UK and the UAE

Sterling & Hunter brings together three founders with complementary experience across accountancy, tax, business and the UK and UAE markets.

Kate, Matt and Mitchell (the founders) met early in their careers whilst practicing in the UK. After building extensive collective experience, they came together to create a firm that could join up their expertise across both jurisdictions.

We get to know your business and the people behind it, so that we understand the broader commercial picture. This helps us look beyond the next accountancy deadline, explain what matters and give comprehensive advice.

Meet the team

What clients say

“Kate has been fantastic in being able to support me over the last five months and help me relocate and expand my business into UAE. Her tireless effort, connections, and ability to keep you on track isn't comparable to anything I've seen before out here. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to relocate or expand their business into UAE.”

Chris Duffy

Ignite AI Solutions

“Sterling & Hunter have been fantastic to work with. They’re knowledgeable, responsive and professional.”

Samara Iqbal

Aramas International Lawyers

“I used Sterling & Hunter to help me obtain my UAE Tax Residency Certificate and then submit the necessary paperwork to HMRC to obtain an NT tax code, allowing me to receive my UK pension tax-free. They were professional, friendly and extremely helpful throughout. They met with me in person, talked me through everything step by step and made the whole process straightforward. They have also continued to keep in touch and support me throughout.”

Paul Bull

“We had a few chats and initial advice and then felt comfortable with the suggested way forward. Once services were finalised the turnaround was just a couple of days and my advice was in a clear executive summary and a detailed report. Very happy with how things went and still talking through key issues- all in one fee. I thoroughly recommend Kate and her team as the UK tax rules for expats are a minefield and a simple mistake could be very costly.”

Stephen Taylor

“Outstanding service! Kate is incredibly friendly meaning my wife and I were at ease from the start of our meeting. This helped us immensely and made it much easier for us to discuss our thoughts and potential plans for the future. It was very apparent that Kate has an outstanding knowledge of UK tax issues and particularly around housing matters, which was our main area of interest. The advice offered was clear and concise, and Kate was quick to answer any queries we had which was brilliant as it meant we didn't have to await follow-up clarifications. My wife and I know what we need to do for the next 4 to 5 years and will doubtless reach out to Kate again should anything change in the intervening period. Thanks Kate!”

Jason Gray

“Kate is the advisor that every UK expat needs! Her knowledge and advice about the implications of offshore tax residency and the tax obligations when repatriating money have been invaluable. She is professional and very clear in her explanations - no need for me to wade through the treacle of taxation vocabulary! The more I understand, the more I can comply with the rules, the less I am exposed to an unexpected tax demand. Perfect.”

Tim Carmichael

“They advised us on our rental property income and how to be more tax-efficient arrangement. They took the time to explain options, made sure the advice was right for our circumstances, and then guided us through the practical steps to implement it properly. The result was a more favourable tax position and comfort knowing everything had been done correctly. We felt supported throughout. Would highly recommend Sterling & Hunter for clear, and practical tax advice.”

Dr Amalka Woodall

“I recently got in touch with Kate regarding a potential move to Abu Dhabi. She made me feel instantly at ease, answered all of my questions, and provided advice that was clear, practical, and tailored to my specific situation. I came away feeling reassured and confident about the next steps, and I would happily recommend her services.”

Elenor Hicks

“We got in touch with Katherine after she was recommend on an Abu Dhabi ladies social network group. Katherine set up a meeting and was happy to answer all of my questions regarding my tax liabilities when returning to the UK. Katherine's in depth knowledge of the tax regulations and her clear explanations have put my mind to rest and I highly recommend her to anyone who is navigating the complexities of the UK tax system.”

Barry Madden

“They provided clear and reassuring advice on Non-Resident Capital Gains Tax and the filing of the 60-day return following the sale of a UK property. They explained the rules in plain English, highlighted the key deadlines, and made sure everything was submitted accurately and on time. The process felt straightforward and stress-free, and I had complete confidence that my UK tax obligations were being handled properly. I would highly recommend for anyone needing expert, practical advice on UK property tax matters, particularly for non-residents.”

Emma Dale

“Brilliant service from Kate, speedy and just what we needed! Thankyou for everything.”

Jonathan Jones

“Incredibly helpful and understanding when preparing an accountant’s letter for our UK visa application. She is highly knowledgeable about UAE, tax law and took the time to understand our specific circumstances. Professional, responsive, and very accommodating with our tight deadline. I would highly recommend.”

Nick Rowe

“I had an excellent experience with my tax advisor Katherine. She was professional knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything clearly, making the entire process straightforward and stress free. She was responsive to my questions, paid close attention to detail,and ensured that everything was completed accurately and on time. I truly appreciated her expertise and commitment to providing outstanding service. I would highly recommend Katherine and her company to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy tax advisor.”

Susan Sobh

“The Mortgage Boutique has had the pleasure of working with Sterling & Hunter both directly as a business and through referring a number of our clients to them. Our own experience has always been extremely positive — professional, personable, responsive and genuinely helpful. Just as importantly, the feedback we have received from our clients has been exemplary, with consistently high praise for the service and support they provide. We’re very happy to work with Sterling & Hunter and would have no hesitation in recommending their services.”

Amanda Llewyn

The Mortgage Boutique

“Sterling & Hunter have been fantastic in supporting our UK accounting requirements and providing invaluable UAE cross-border tax advice. They make complex topics easy to understand and are always friendly, approachable and professional. Having a team that understands both the UK and UAE gives us complete peace of mind.”

Stuart Walshe

Marss Solutions

Statutory Residence Test

Two quick questions to place you in the test, then carry straight on to the full checker and its indication for your tax year.

About you

The test looks at one UK tax year at a time (6 April to the following 5 April) and it cares about your recent history, because the thresholds are stricter for people who have recently been UK resident.

2) Were you UK tax resident in any of the three tax years before this one?

If you are not sure, the safe assumption for someone who has recently lived or worked in the UK is "yes". This one answer decides which set of thresholds applies to you, so it matters.

Frequently asked
questions

Still have questions? Contact us.

  • Tell us where you are based, what interests you retain in the UK and what you are trying to achieve. We will look at the whole picture and involve the right adviser.

Ready for a clearer view?

Tell us what is happening and what you need help with. We will make sure your enquiry reaches the right adviser in the UK or the UAE.