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Much of the appeal of moving to Dubai is due to the city’s independent regulation, supportive infrastructure and tax-friendly regime within its multiple free-zones. What’s more, October 2022 saw the approval of new visas specifically designed to facilitate the immigration process.
Beyond being desirable to individuals and companies, an increasing number of families are making the city home.
The education system in Dubai has one of the highest concentrations of international schools (90%). These schools offer education based on global standards, including curricula from the U.K., U.S., India, Canada, France and Germany, among others. Since 2001, public schools are also open to expat (non-Emirati) boys and girls for a fee.
For many individuals, moving to another country and purchasing a home is one of their main priorities and — depending on the type of visa being applied for — a requirement. When thinking about acquiring property in Dubai, it is important to be aware of the legal process and the tax consequences.
Since 2002, Dubai has opened its residential market to foreigners. It is important at the outset to understand that the property should be located in designated leasehold (near the city centre) or freehold areas (spread out across the Emirate). There are limited units available to foreigners. However, this number has increased significantly, and there is now a vast range of apartments, villas and townhouses.
The process of buying is relatively straightforward. A valid passport will be required and there is no need for a resident visa. The process on average takes 30 days to complete once the sale agreement has been signed.
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Dubai is highly supportive of business. In 2002, the United Arab Emirates granted each Emirate the ability to organise special economic zones (financial free zones) and empower them with their own legal and regulatory framework. In the same year, the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) was established as a financial hub for companies operating in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets, and started operations in 2004.
Dubai has a dual legal system of Civil and Shariah/Islamic law. However, the DIFC is governed by common law and operates in English, i.e. laws and regulations are written in English and authorities default to English law in the event of ambiguity. The DIFC is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), an independent regulator exclusive to the free zone, with its own judicial system independent from the U.A.E. and the Emirate of Dubai.
The DIFC's independent jurisdiction extends to a range of areas including corporate, commercial, civil (wills and probate registry for non-Muslims), employment, trusts and securities law. Other laws of the U.A.E. or the Emirate of Dubai such as criminal law and immigration regulations continue to apply within the DIFC (according to Shariah Law).
As from February 1, 2023, non-Muslim residents have the option to follow the laws of their home country. This will apply to all family matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody.
Since October 2022, the visa options for Dubai have grown substantially. The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talent to live, work and/or study in the U.A.E. Golden visas are issued for five or ten years.
Eligible persons include real estate investors, entrepreneurs, highly-skilled professionals, individuals with exceptional talent, scientists and researchers, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.
Another option is the Remote Work Visa, previously called the Virtual Working visa, which is designed to allow individuals to work remotely from the U.A.E. A retirement visa is also available.
Most recently, in July 2025, the issuing of new Freelance Visas in Dubai has been temporarily suspended. This suspension does not affect existing freelance permit holders, who can continue to renew their permits as usual. Freelance licenses and visas remain available in other Emirates in the U.A.E. and updates on the resumption of applications in Dubai are awaited.
In 2023, the U.A.E. introduced a corporate tax rate of 9% for financial years starting on June 2023 and subsequent years, applicable across all Emirates. This will apply to all business and commercial activities, subject to certain exceptions.
Companies established in Dubai free zones, so far as they comply with all regulatory requirements and do not conduct business in mainland U.A.E., will continue to benefit from the corporate tax incentives (nil taxation).
In addition to the U.A.E. corporate tax rate mentioned above, Dubai — among other emirates Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah and Sharjah —have enacted tax decrees imposing corporate tax to companies carrying on a trade or business in the U.A.E.
There is no tax on income, capital gains, gifts, wealth or inheritance for individuals.
However, the most significant tax for private individuals is property transfer tax on any local real estate transaction. Real Estate landlords and tenants are generally subject to tax based on annual rent value.
As from March 2023, new criteria to be considered a U.A.E. tax resident has been introduced to obtain a Tax Residency/Domicile Certificate (“TRC”). The TRC allows individuals to benefit from the provisions of the Double Tax Treaties (DTA) to which the U.A.E. is a signatory and also to attest to their place of residence from a Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and Common Reporting Standard (CRS) perspective.
It should be noted that the U.A.E. has recently introduced a corporate tax which may affect you.
You are advised to take independent tax and legal advice well in advance of your move so that you can spot planning opportunities in time. Review the steps you need to take to exit the country you are leaving.
Prepare an exit and arrival checklists, which most likely will include taxation and immigration status, holding of local assets such as real estate or participations in local entities that might be restricted to nationals or residents. Having your existing structures reviewed by your tax and legal advisors before you move can prevent unexpected tax/legal consequences. Include in your list any structure in which you have a role as trustee, protector, investment advisor, director, etc.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in preference among expatriates and businesses towards relocating to Abu Dhabi instead of the traditionally favoured Dubai.
This trend is driven by several factors, including Abu Dhabi's strategic focus on diversifying its economy beyond oil, leading to the development of robust sectors such as finance, tourism, and technology.
The city offers a more relaxed and family-friendly environment compared to the bustling pace of Dubai, with a strong emphasis on cultural and recreational activities. Its investment in infrastructure, education and healthcare has made it an attractive destination for those seeking a high quality of life.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi's real estate market is perceived as more stable and affordable than Dubai, providing better value for money in terms of housing options. The city has also been successful in attracting international events and conferences, enhancing its global appeal.
This growing appetite to move to Abu Dhabi reflects a broader trend of individuals and companies seeking environments that offer both professional growth and personal well-being.
Moving to a new country can be both an exciting and a challenging experience. At J.P. Morgan, we have partnered with countless families on this journey, and we are here to help you navigate the move. Our focus throughout is to ensure that you are equipped with the insight and information you need to understand the key opportunities and challenges, and to make decisions with confidence.
To find out more, please contact your J.P. Morgan team.
We can help you navigate a complex financial landscape. Reach out today to learn how.
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