UAE

Monthly cost of living

Visa processing time (days)

Rent index (2020 = 100)

Tax on average salary (€68,000)

Savings by experience level

Income Tax Brackets (Single Filer)

0% personal income tax

Source: Federal Tax Authority (UAE) · 2026

Tax Notes

• Zero personal income tax.
• 5% VAT on goods and services.
• 9% corporate tax introduced in 2023 (on profits above AED 375,000).
• No social security for expats (nationals pay 5% employee + 12.5% employer).
• No capital gains tax, no withholding tax.

• Dubai and Abu Dhabi dominate finance, tech, real estate, and tourism.
• Free zones offer simplified business setup.
• Salary packages often include housing and flight allowances.

Mandatory employer-provided insurance

English widely used in business

• Ejari registration required for all Dubai rentals.
• Landlords often require post-dated cheques.
• DEWA deposit required for utilities.

• Freehold areas available for foreign buyers.
• Off-plan purchases common but carry risk.
• Service charges can be significant.

• Fake job offers requiring upfront visa fees.
• Unlicensed recruitment agencies.
• Accommodation scams in popular areas.

• Verify employer through MOHRE portal.
• Use official university channels for admissions.
• Check agent licensing with relevant authority.

Utilities to set up

• 1DEWA (electricity and water) connection
• 2Internet (du or Etisalat)
• 3Air conditioning (often separate from DEWA)
• 4Ejari rental registration

First 30 days

• 1Complete Emirates ID registration
• 2Open UAE bank account
• 3Get UAE driving license
• 4Set up mobile phone plan
• 5Register for health insurance