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% |
| 稅務居所 | 自抵達起 — Primary residence + centre of financial/personal interests in UAE (no day count); else 90 days + visa + home or UAE job/business |
| 您的路徑 | Golden Visa (property AED 2m) — Property ≥AED 2m (mortgage allowed with some banks), or AED 2m fund/company deposit; medical + Emirates ID; clean record |
| 護照 | 可免籤或落地籤前往 168 個國家 |
| Economic growth | +4.8% (2025), forecast 5% (2026) |
| 氣候型別 | hot desert · 24.5° / 41.3° (Dubai) |
| 戰爭與衝突 | war — Hit hardest by Iranian missiles/drones Mar–Apr & Jul 2026; no ground fighting; fragile truce |
| 所有自然災害 | 7/10 |
| 銀行穩健度 | 8/10 · AA |
| 財產保護 | 7/10 |
| 冬季住宅溫暖度 | 7.5/10 |
Residence programmes in United Arab Emirates
- Golden Visa – Real Estate Investor — 投資 CHF 436'000 · open · 2026-10
- Golden Visa – Investor in Public Investments (fund deposit / company capital) — 投資 CHF 436'000 · open · 2026-10
- Golden Visa – Entrepreneur — entrepreneur · open · 2026-10
- Golden Visa – Specialised Professionals and Talents — 收入 / 年 CHF 78'480 · open · 2026-10
- Green Visa – Freelancer / Self-Employed and Investor / Partner — 收入 / 年 CHF 78'480 · open · 2026-10
- Retirement Residence Visa (55+) — 投資 CHF 218'000 · open · 2026-10
- Remote Work Visa (Dubai Virtual Working Programme) — 收入 / 年 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) — 收入 / 年 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?
自抵達起. 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
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