🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Tax-free hub for business and investment
Visa Options
- Golden Visa (10 years) — AED 2M+ investment or specialized talent
- Green Visa (5 years) — Freelancers, investors, skilled workers
- Remote Work Visa (1 year) — $5,000/mo income proof
- Investor Visa (3 years) — Company formation in free zone
Tax Overview
- Personal Income Tax: 0%
- Corporate Tax: 9% (above AED 375k)
- VAT: 5%
- Free Zone Tax: 0% (qualifying activities)
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single expat): $3,000 – $4,000/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Dubai Marina area): $2,200 – $3,200/mo
- 1BR Apartment (JLT / Discovery Gardens): $1,400 – $2,200/mo
- Groceries: $400 – $650/mo
- Utilities: $150 – $220/mo
- Dining out: $15 – $45/meal
- Metro: $70 – $100/mo pass
Relocation Checklist
- Choose free zone or mainland setup
- Register your company or find employer sponsor
- Get medical fitness test
- Apply for Emirates ID
- Open UAE bank account
- Get health insurance
- Find accommodation
- Register vehicle (if applicable)