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Dubai Residence & Visa: Get Started Now
Your Options for a Dubai Residence Visa at a Glance
More and more entrepreneurs, investors and digital nomads are deciding to relocate their residence to Dubai. No wonder: Dubai offers not only tax advantages but also a modern infrastructure, very high personal security and an environment with a high quality of life. Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world and therefore attracts people of all ages and life situations – from young families and wealthy investors to location-independent entrepreneurs.
But what reliable paths lead to a residence visa in Dubai – and which option best suits your personal living and financial situation?
Below, we present the three legally recognized and proven ways for your emigration to Dubai. Each option is legally secure, long-term and offers individual advantages – we show you what matters and how we can optimally support you with our experience.
Table of Contents
- Comparison: Three Paths to a Dubai Residence Visa
- Emigrating to Dubai – Services & Benefits Overview
- Taxes in Dubai – How to Legally Use All Benefits
- Corporate Tax in Dubai – 9% – with Exceptions
- When Are You Considered a Tax Resident in Dubai?
- Do I Really Have to Live in Dubai Permanently?
- No Withholding Tax – Full Payout of Capital Gains
- Our Advice – Free, Individual and in Your Language
In plain language: If, for example, your company monetizes a patented product or proprietary software (e.g., through license fees), these revenues can be exempt from corporate tax in Dubai – provided they fall under the IP-Box regime.
Comparison: Three Paths to a Residence Visa in Dubai
Emigrating to Dubai – Overview of Services & Benefits
| Freezone Company with Residence Visa | Your Benefits | Our Services |
| 10-year residence visa | Selection of suitable developers and properties | |
| No business activity in the UAE required | Selection of suitable developers and properties | |
| No minimum stay required | Support with visa application incl. family visa | |
| Property purchase in Dubai as an investment | Structuring advice for tax-optimized ownership & asset protection | |
| Dubai visa also possible for off-plan projects | Handling all government procedures & Emirates ID | |
| Spouse & children included | Personal support + assistance with viewing, bank, DLD etc. |
| Mainland Company with Residence Visa | Your Benefits | Our Services |
| 10-year residence visa | Selection of suitable developers and properties | |
| No business activity in the UAE required | Selection of suitable developers and properties | |
| No minimum stay required | Support with visa application incl. family visa | |
| Property purchase in Dubai as an investment | Structuring advice for tax-optimized ownership & asset protection | |
| Dubai visa also possible for off-plan projects | Handling all government procedures & Emirates ID | |
| Spouse & children included | Personal support + assistance with viewing, bank, DLD etc. |
| Golden Visa through Property Purchase | Your Benefits | Our Services |
| 10-year residence visa | Selection of suitable developers and properties | |
| No business activity in the UAE required | Selection of suitable developers and properties | |
| No minimum stay required | Support with visa application incl. family visa | |
| Property purchase in Dubai as an investment | Structuring advice for tax-optimized ownership & asset protection | |
| Dubai visa also possible for off-plan projects | Handling all government procedures & Emirates ID | |
| Spouse & children included | Personal support + assistance with viewing, bank, DLD etc. |
Taxes in Dubai – How to Legally Make the Most of All Benefits
Dubai levies no income tax for individuals. This is enshrined in law. If you are considered a tax resident in Dubai, all income from the following sources remains completely tax-free:
Tax-free in Dubai include, among others:
- Salaries and wages from employment
- Dividends from business shares
- Interest on bank deposits and bonds
- Capital gains from the sale of shares, real estate, or businesses
- Rental income from property ownership
- Profits from cryptocurrencies or digital business models
This comprehensive tax freedom makes Dubai particularly attractive for entrepreneurs, investors, self-employed professionals and digital business models – especially since there is also no wealth tax, no inheritance tax and no withholding tax.
Corporate Tax in Dubai – 9% – with Exceptions
Since 2023, Dubai (or the UAE) levies a corporate tax of 9% on business profits. However, this only applies under certain conditions:
- Exemption threshold: Only profits exceeding AED 375,000 per year are taxable
- Small business relief: Until the end of 2026, no tax if annual revenue is under AED 3 million.
- Freezone companies with “qualifying activities” can apply to remain tax-exempt
This means the actual tax burden for many companies in Dubai remains at 0%, especially for international operations.
When Am I Considered a Tax Resident in Dubai?
To benefit from the tax advantages in Dubai, you must be considered a tax resident in the United Arab Emirates. The legal basis for this is the UAE Corporate Tax Law in conjunction with Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022.
Dubai distinguishes between two main models:
The 183-Day Rule (Standard Model)
You are automatically considered a tax resident in Dubai if you stay in the United Arab Emirates for at least 183 days within a continuous 12-month period. In this case, no further checks are required – the status as “Resident for Tax Purposes” is secured.
The 90-Day Rule (With Conditions)
A stay of just 90 days in the UAE within a 12-month period can be sufficient for tax residency, if further conditions are met.
You must:
- hold a valid residence visa, and
- either carry out a professional activity in the UAE or have a permanent home there.
Do I Really Have to Live in Dubai Permanently?
Not necessarily permanently, but credibly. What matters is the real and economic connection to Dubai. Simply having a residence visa is not enough. You must:
- be present in the UAE regularly (e.g., 90–120 days per year),
- prove a permanent residence (e.g., rental contract or property ownership),
- not establish tax residency in another country.
Temporary rental of the property is allowed as long as the substance and availability of your residence in Dubai are maintained. It is important that no other country can credibly claim your tax residency.
We are happy to advise you individually on how to structure your tax residency in Dubai legally – tailored to your family and business situation.
No Withholding Tax – Full Payout of Capital Gains
Dubai imposes no withholding tax on:
- Dividends
- Royalties
- Interest
Capital gains from Dubai are therefore not subject to automatic withholding tax. Combined with a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA), you often benefit from additional tax relief in your home country. Dubai maintains over 130 DTAs, including with almost all EU countries and Switzerland.
Our Advice – Free, Individual and in Your Language
Our clients choose Dubai not only because of the tax advantages – but because they know they have an experienced partner at their side. Whether you want to relocate your residence to Dubai, set up a company, invest, or simply want clarity: We advise you free of charge, independently and personally.
Our services for you at a glance:
- We check whether Dubai is truly the best solution for you.
- If not, we offer alternatives in more than ten countries worldwide – including Ireland and Cyprus (with Non-Dom Program).
- We accompany you legally compliant and in your language – with over 20 years of experience in international company formation and relocation.
- You can reach us by phone, email, live chat or directly online.
- Alternatively, we are happy to welcome you in person at our service center in Larnaca (Cyprus) – if you prefer a consultation in Europe.
No matter whether you are just starting to think about Dubai or already have concrete plans: With us, you make informed decisions – free of charge, structured and individual.
Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today – we look forward to hearing from you!
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