Freedom Score

Emigrating from Australia to United Arab Emirates: tax and cost of living

How does United Arab Emirates score against Australia? The Freedom Score weighs six dimensions, built on primary government sources.

Net per month€5,400
Per year vs. Australia+€14,956

0% income tax · Premium banking · Golden visa

Tax

100/100

Residency

87/100

Cost of living

43/100

Living environment

80/100

Mobility

93/100

Ownership

85/100

Compared by dimension

On an average Australia income of €64,800 gross per year, you keep €64,800 net in United Arab Emirates: a difference of €14,956 per year compared with Australia.

  • Tax: on this income United Arab Emirates lands at an effective rate of about 0%, against 23% in Australia.
  • Passport and mobility: from United Arab Emirates you travel visa-free to 180 countries.
  • Residency: on our accessibility scale United Arab Emirates scores 87 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
  • Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give United Arab Emirates a living-environment score of 80 out of 100.

The tax regime in United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

The UAE levies no personal income tax on individuals. A corporate tax of 9% applies to profits exceeding AED 375,000 (approx. €93,000) since June 2023. VAT is 5%. There is no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax for individuals. Crypto is treated as exempt from personal income tax, though business crypto activity may fall under corporate tax.

Residency and visas in United Arab Emirates

The UAE offers multiple residency options: the Golden Visa (2–10 years, renewable), the Green Visa for freelancers and skilled workers, and the standard employer-tied residence permit. The Golden Visa does not require an employer and grants the holder and family long-term residency. Naturalisation is extremely rare and reserved for exceptional cases.

  • UAE Golden Visa · €500,000 · 10 years to permanent residency
  • UAE Green Visa · €16,300/year · 5 years to permanent residency
  • UAE Freelance / Self-Employment Visa · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Standard Employment Residence Permit · 2 years to permanent residency
  • Retirement Visa · €54,500/year · €272,000 · 5 years to permanent residency
Read the full guide to United Arab EmiratesTax, residency routes, property rules and quality of life, with sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between Australia and United Arab Emirates?
On an average Australia income it differs by roughly €14,956 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.
Is this tax advice?
No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.
What sources is this based on?
The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.
Order report · €6,99

Figures from primary government sources. Information, not advice.

Sources