Moving to United Arab Emirates: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in United Arab Emirates: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 10 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In United Arab Emirates the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 9% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in United Arab Emirates from arrival once you take up residence (Primary residence + centre of financial/personal interests in UAE (no day count); else 90 days + visa + home or UAE job/business). The typical route is Golden Visa (property AED 2m): Property ≥AED 2m (mortgage allowed with some banks), or AED 2m fund/company deposit; medical + Emirates ID; clean record There are 10 open residence programmes in United Arab Emirates — see the list below.
Living there
Dubai has a hot desert climate with winter highs around 24.5 °C and summer highs around 41.3 °C. The economy grew +4.8% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 5% for 2026. Its passport opens about 168 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Hit hardest by Iranian missiles/drones Mar–Apr & Jul 2026; no ground fighting; fragile truce.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 0% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 9% |
| टैक्स रेज़िडेंसी | आगमन से — Primary residence + centre of financial/personal interests in UAE (no day count); else 90 days + visa + home or UAE job/business |
| आपका रास्ता | Golden Visa (property AED 2m) — Property ≥AED 2m (mortgage allowed with some banks), or AED 2m fund/company deposit; medical + Emirates ID; clean record |
| पासपोर्ट | 168 देशों में वीज़ा-मुक्त या ऑन अराइवल |
| Economic growth | +4.8% (2025), forecast 5% (2026) |
| जलवायु प्रकार | hot desert · 24.5° / 41.3° (Dubai) |
| युद्ध और संघर्ष | war — Hit hardest by Iranian missiles/drones Mar–Apr & Jul 2026; no ground fighting; fragile truce |
| सभी प्राकृतिक आपदाएँ | 7/10 |
| बैंकिंग मज़बूती | 8/10 · AA |
| संपत्ति संरक्षण | 7/10 |
| सर्दियों में गर्म घर | 7.5/10 |
Residence programmes in United Arab Emirates
- Golden Visa – Real Estate Investor — निवेश CHF 436'000 · open · 2026-10
- Golden Visa – Investor in Public Investments (fund deposit / company capital) — निवेश CHF 436'000 · open · 2026-10
- Golden Visa – Entrepreneur — entrepreneur · open · 2026-10
- Golden Visa – Specialised Professionals and Talents — आय / वर्ष CHF 78'480 · open · 2026-10
- Green Visa – Freelancer / Self-Employed and Investor / Partner — आय / वर्ष CHF 78'480 · open · 2026-10
- Retirement Residence Visa (55+) — निवेश CHF 218'000 · open · 2026-10
- Remote Work Visa (Dubai Virtual Working Programme) — आय / वर्ष CHF 33'600 · open · 2026-10
- Investor / Partner Residence Visa (mainland or free-zone company) — entrepreneur · open · 2026-10
- Employment Residence Visa — employment · open · 2026-10
- Family Residence Visa (sponsored dependants) — आय / वर्ष CHF 10'464 · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in United Arab Emirates to become tax resident?
आगमन से. Primary residence + centre of financial/personal interests in UAE (no day count); else 90 days + visa + home or UAE job/business Cabinet Decision 85/2022; 90-day route is the practical default; old country tie-breaker still decisive
How much tax will I pay in United Arab Emirates?
In United Arab Emirates the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 9% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does United Arab Emirates offer?
Golden Visa – Real Estate Investor (CHF 436'000); Golden Visa – Investor in Public Investments (fund deposit / company capital) (CHF 436'000); Golden Visa – Entrepreneur; Golden Visa – Specialised Professionals and Talents; Green Visa – Freelancer / Self-Employed and Investor / Partner
What is the usual way to move to United Arab Emirates?
Golden Visa (property AED 2m). Property ≥AED 2m (mortgage allowed with some banks), or AED 2m fund/company deposit; medical + Emirates ID; clean record
Compare with nearby countries
Bahrain · Kuwait · Oman · Qatar · Saudi Arabia
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.