Zero income tax

Destination guide

UAE Expatriation Guide

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, has become a major destination for expats worldwide. Zero income tax, ultra-modern infrastructure, safety and strategic position between Europe, Africa…

imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0
9.9 M
Inhabitants
Abu Dhabi
Capital
AED ﺩ.ﺇ
Currency
Arabic · English
Languages

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview

The UAE is a federation of 7 emirates with unique characteristics.

  • Capital: Abu Dhabi (~1.5 million)
  • Main city: Dubai (~3.5 million)
  • Total population: 10 million (88% expats)
  • Language: Arabic official, English widely spoken
  • Currency: Dirham (AED), 1 EUR ≈ 4 AED
  • Climate: Desert, very hot in summer (45°C+), mild in winter

Main emirates for expats

  • Dubai: Business hub, tourism, lifestyle
  • Abu Dhabi: Capital, oil, museums
  • Sharjah: Cheaper, more conservative
  • Ras Al Khaimah: Emerging, attractive free zone

Healthcare

The UAE has world-class medical infrastructure.

Mandatory Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents:

  • Dubai: Employer must provide insurance
  • Abu Dhabi: Via Thiqa/Daman system
  • Cost: 3,000-15,000 AED/year

Top Hospitals

  • Dubai: Cleveland Clinic, Mediclinic, American Hospital
  • Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, NMC

Taxation

Attractive non-dom status

The UAE offers a very advantageous tax environment.

Income Tax

0% personal income tax.

  • Salaries and professional income
  • Capital gains
  • Dividends
  • Inheritance

Corporate Tax

New since June 2023:

  • 0% up to 375,000 AED (~95,000 EUR)
  • 9% above
  • Free zones: special regimes, often 0%

VAT

5% on most goods and services (since 2018)

Education

The UAE offers a wide choice of international schools.

French Schools

  • Lycee Francais International de Dubai (AFLEC)
  • Lycee Louis Massignon (Abu Dhabi)
  • Lycee Georges Pompidou (Dubai)

Other International Schools

  • GEMS Schools: Major network
  • British School: Multiple campuses
  • American School of Dubai

Annual Costs

CurriculumCost/year
French school (nursery)25,000-40,000 AED
French school (secondary)40,000-60,000 AED
British/American premium60,000-100,000 AED

Visa and Residence

The UAE has simplified visa procedures in recent years.

Work Visa

  • Sponsored by employer
  • Valid 2-3 years, renewable

Golden Visa (5-10 years)

  • Investors: 2 million AED in real estate
  • Entrepreneurs: Approved project
  • Talents: Scientists, doctors, engineers
  • No sponsor needed, family included

Freelance/Remote Work Visa

  • 1 year renewable
  • Via free zones (Dubai Media City, etc.)

Cost of Living

Dubai is expensive, but purchasing power is high due to salaries and no tax.

Monthly Budget (single person)

ItemDubaiAbu Dhabi
Studio/1BR Rent5,000-8,000 AED4,000-7,000 AED
Utilities (AC!)500-1,000 AED400-800 AED
Groceries1,500-2,500 AED1,500-2,500 AED
Transport500-1,500 AED500-1,500 AED
Total9,000-16,000 AED7,400-14,300 AED
In EUR2,250-4,000 EUR1,850-3,575 EUR

Explore cities in United Arab Emirates

1 detailed guides
Dubai Expatriation Guide

Dubai is the most dynamic and cosmopolitan city in the UAE. With its iconic skyscrapers, massive mal

Read guide

Prepare your move to United Arab Emirates

Join the waitlist and we'll email you the moment RelocDesk opens for United Arab Emirates.